It is absolutely essential that we recognize the appeal of wisdom. Once we know that wisdom is calling to us, we must learn to appreciate wisdom so that we have a reason to pay attention to wisdom’s appeals. Understanding this, we then need to work toward acquiring wisdom. But all of this is futile if, after we do all to acquire it, we do not apply wisdom.
The bulk of the book of Proverbs, and the majority of our study, focuses on the application of wisdom. When God reveals His wisdom, man is not to pursue it merely out of intellectual curiosity. God expects us to put what we learn into practice.
“Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays folly” (13:16).
A “prudent man” does not merely possess knowledge, though he certain does possess it. He will do more than just acquire knowledge. He will act with knowledge. The things that he learns will be put on display in his life, just as folly is on display in the life of the fool.
“Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding” (10:23).
The fool is said to enjoy practicing wickedness. It is like a sport to him. A contrast is made between the fool and the man of understanding. The fool enjoys “doing wickedness.” Though “doing” is not explicitly stated in regard to wisdom, the contrast implies it. Just as the fool enjoys “doing wickedness,” the man of understanding enjoys doing that which is wise.
“A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out” (20:5).
Water that is at the bottom of a deep well has the potential to do good, but only when one does what is necessary to draw it out is it actually helpful to him. In the same way, having plans and intentions to do good and act with wisdom only have the potential of doing good. One who has learned the truth has the capacity to act with wisdom. But he must draw it out of his heart (mind) so that it is manifested in his actions. Only then will wisdom actually benefit the one who possesses it.
“Like a dog returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly” (26:11).
One who will repeatedly go back to his sin and walk in foolishness is like the dog with its ignorant and disgusting behavior. There is no benefit for returning to one’s foolish ways. If one had sense, he would be repulsed by the thought of returning to his folly. But the fool, like the dog who returns to its vomit, keeps going back to his sin. The instructions given in the book of Proverbs are not just for us to learn what is expected of us. They are written so that we might forsake our sin and follow after righteousness.
So as we seek to apply wisdom, there are several topics which we will discuss as we move through our study:
- Character – some of the more general character traits we are to have, such as self-control, integrity, uprightness, and trustworthiness.
- Speech – how we can do good and keep from doing evil with our words.
- Work – proper work ethic, rewards of labor, and consequences of laziness.
- Stewardship – making good use of our money and possessions.
- Justice – being fair in our dealings and the importance of justice in a society.
- Suffering – the reality of suffering and how to deal with it.
- Alcohol – warnings against the consumption of alcohol.
- Plans for the Future – the uncertainty of life and our need to trust in God.
- Women – the value of a good wife, the burden of a contentious wife, and warnings against the adulteress.
- Family – responsibilities of parents to their children (including discipline), children to their parents, and grandparents to their grandchildren.
- Friendship – the value of good friends and warnings about evil companions.
- Neighbors – how we should treat others.
- Government – the duty of civil authorities and instructions to the citizens.
- God – His mighty works and wise revelations, as well as man’s accountability to Him.
We will not cover every topic or cite every verse in the book of Proverbs in our study. But we will examine the majority of both as we discuss the topics in the list above. So I invite you to follow along with the remainder of this study as we learn more about the application of wisdom.
