We begin Proverbs today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Because they are so simple, wise and make such sense, people who never read the Bible can still quote certain Proverbs to you! The first six verses of Proverbs 1 give us the purpose for this book:
1 THE PROVERBS (truths obscurely expressed, maxims, and parables) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, 3 Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity, 4 That prudence may be given to the simple, and knowledge, discretion, and discernment to the youth — 5 The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly] — [Prov 9:9.] 6 That people may understand a proverb and a figure of speech or an enigma with its interpretation, and the words of the wise and their dark sayings or riddles. AMP
The Hebrew word for "proverb" is "mashal", which means: a pithy maxim, a simile. "Pithy" means: precisely, thoughtful, forceful, brief, clever. "Maxim" means: a short pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. A "simile" is a figure of speech comparing one thing with another of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. These are the forms that most of the Proverbs take. They are easy to read, easy to understand and easy to remember. What will take us beyond this into a real working knowledge of the Word of God is meditation and obedience. Joshua 1:8:
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. AMP
Meditation involves reading the Word, hearing the Word, thinking about the Word, speaking the Word (to yourself and others) and then, when the understanding comes, looking for ways to put that Word into practice. Holy Spirit, Who is our personal Teacher, will make the Word that we give attention to come alive and make perfect sense! THEN we will be able to do what Joshua declares and SEE and DO the Word, resulting in wisdom and GOOD SUCCESS! I don't know anyone who doesn't want that! AMEN! Set yourself to NOT just memorize the Word of God, including the wonderful Proverbs, but, but to understanding and obeying. OUR success brings HIM glory! AMEN! Here is Hillsong United with "Say The Word":
Shalom in Him!
