After considering the value of wisdom, the rewards of wisdom, and the deliverance from evil that wisdom provides, we will next consider the perils of wickedness to further reinforce what we have already learned: embracing and following the wisdom that comes from above is for our good.
The perils of wickedness can be divided into three categories: hardship in life, lack of hope for the future, and the inevitability of judgment.
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We have already considered passages discussing the appeal of wisdom, calling us to gain the instruction and insight necessary to acquire wisdom. But why should we answer this call? There are many invitations that may be offered that are disregarded by those who are invited. Why should we listen to the appeal of wisdom? It is because of the great value of wisdom, the rewards that come from following wisdom, and the perils that we face when we reject wisdom.
All of these are pointed out to us in the book of Proverbs. When God offers His wisdom which was with Him from the beginning (8:22), He does not expect us to accept it without explaining why we should accept it. So let us consider the reasons why we should appreciate wisdom so we will heed the appeal of wisdom.
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After considering the appeal of wisdom – both from a father and from wisdom itself – it is important to consider whether or not this same wisdom is good for us today. The wisdom we are considering in the book of Proverbs is not worldly wisdom but wisdom that comes from above. As Solomon explains in the following passage, godly wisdom will never become obsolete or irrelevant. For this reason, wisdom also appeals to us.
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The invitation to take hold of the wisdom that comes from above is universal. It is expressed in two ways in the book of Proverbs. First, we read of a father inviting his son to take heed to his words: “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings” (4:20). Second, we read of wisdom personified extending the invitation for all to come, learn, and become wise: “Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? […] ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, understand prudence; and, O fools, understand wisdom. Listen, for I will speak noble things…” (8:1, 4-6).
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Many books have been written in which the author claims to be imparting some wisdom to his readers. What makes the book of Proverbs different is the author and the source of his wisdom.
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The book of Proverbs is filled with practical wisdom that can be used in everyday life. It shows us the wisdom that comes from above and calls us to pursue that instead of the wisdom of the world.
The purpose of the book of Proverbs can be found in the opening verses:
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: to know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, a wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles” (1:1-6).
These verses mention five things this study is designed to do and will help us do:
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“A wise man’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man’s heart directs him toward the left” (Ecclesiastes 10:2).
People commonly use the terms “right” and “left” as labels for opposing political ideologies. This verse is sometimes used, jokingly, to say that those who are wise will support conservative candidates on the “right” and if one supports liberal candidates on the “left,” then he must be foolish. However, we understand that this verse is certainly not talking about politics. But the “right” and “left” labels are used for a reason. Notice how this verse is translated in the King James Version:
“A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.”
Throughout Scripture, the “right hand” is used in a positive way. Solomon was saying more than just that the hearts of the wise and foolish lead them in opposite directions. He was teaching that the pursuit of wisdom is better than following after foolishness.
Let us notice some of the ways in which the “right hand” symbolism is used in the Scriptures and how it applies to wisdom.
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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