Oct 14 – The Proverbs!

“To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity.” (Proverbs 1:2–3)

Among all the wise men of the world, Solomon was renowned for his extraordinary wisdom. Yet, even at a young age, he was deeply conscious of the great responsibility of kingship entrusted to him and of his own inadequacy to fulfil it. Therefore, he asked God for wisdom so that he might rightly judge His people and discern between good and evil.

“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” (1 Kings 3:9)

The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request. God said to him that because he had not asked for long life, riches, or the life of his enemies, but had asked for wisdom to discern justice and judgment, He would grant him an exceptionally wise and understanding heart (1 Kings 3:10–12).

The Lord, who places great importance on righteousness, justice, and judgment, gave Solomon wisdom precisely for this purpose. In the same way, when you turn your heart toward living rightly and exercising justice in your own life, the Lord will give you wisdom. How important, then, are righteousness and justice!

Interestingly, Solomon did not call the book he wrote “Words of Wisdom.” It is called “Proverbs.” In it, we find instruction concerning righteousness, justice, judgment, and sound discretion (Proverbs 1:3).

Because the Lord had filled Solomon with wisdom and understanding concerning righteousness and justice, “He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five.” (1 Kings 4:32)

Later, the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied and compiled additional proverbs spoken by Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). Thus, through the generations, these words of God have continued to declare the Lord’s standards of righteousness and justice.

When a person builds his life according to the Word of God, he becomes not only righteous, but also wise and holy. Scripture says that such a person will understand the proverb and its meaning, the words of the wise, and their “riddles” or hidden sayings (Proverbs 1:6).

Children of God, make the Word of God the foundation of your life. Let His wisdom guide your decisions, His righteousness govern your conduct, and His justice shape the way you treat others. When righteousness becomes the pattern of your life, peace will follow.

Verse for further meditation: “The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)