Why the book of Proverbs?

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

² To know wisdom and instruction,

to understand words of insight,

³ to receive instruction in wise dealing,

in righteousness, justice, and equity;

-Proverbs 1:1-3 ESV

The dictionary defines a proverb as, "a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage"

So here in Scripture, we have a large collection of such things. However, their authorship is no mystery- these have come from the king himself.

Solomon had the blessing of reigning in the beginning of "boom times" in Israel. His father David had been enormously successful upon the throne. Solomon would have his successes too, but also his failures. He had all the world had to offer (see Ecclesiastes), but was quite often lacking in godliness.

Still, the book of Proverbs, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, represents Solomon in all the wisdom he did have. From the beginning, we learn the purpose of him writing this book which I will deal with in part here.

Verse 2 gives us a tri-fold emphasis:

To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight...

A few things pop out here. First of all, this book's primary purpose is to teach the mind. Walking with God is not just something we might feel or experience; it is based on right knowledge. As we read this book, we must keep the Great Commandment in mind, which requires us to love the Lord our God... with all our mind. So from the beginning, we must acknowledge any churchgoer who goes for the experience and not for learning has already ventured away from God's will.

What differences might we make between wisdom, instruction, and words of insight?
Instruction focuses on being informed. Wisdom has to do with information rightly applied, and will remain a constant theme throughout this book. Words of insight reveal that these are words of great depth, and not flippant utterances of a careless, shallow voice. They are most worthy of great attention and reflection.

Verse 3 may not change the subject much, but it certainly adds to the emphasis going on here. It does, however, remind us our responsibility to receive such wisdom, as much wisdom falls on deaf ears and hard hearts. How many have read the words of this book, never to apply them? The Proverbs must be personally unwrapped, if you will, for the benefit to be conferred. The implication, in all of this, is that mankind does not understand much of these things by nature- they must be received through divine revelation.

Wise dealing (with other persons) shows us this will largely address our horizontal relationships with our fellow man- believer or otherwise. These words will guide us to righteousness (that is, right or good standing), justice (punishment or rebuke against evil, for the good of others), and equity.

Good to go?

Yesterday, while in Cape Coral to hear Dr. Tom Nettles speak about Baptists and Reformation, I had the privilege of meeting a brother named Bob.

Bob is a guy who is passionate about the gospel. In part, this is true because of his previous background- the health and wealth "gospel," and also the watered-down megachurch (I am not implying all megachurches are watered down). When you realize the falsehoods God has saved you out of, the truth is that much sweeter.

He was sharing a story of a man I believe he has done some business with, but who several months ago he and others had visited on a FAITH evangelism team. That day, this man said he wanted to trust Jesus and prayed to receive Christ.

Fast forward to the present, and Bob called this man and asked about his spiritual life. "Are you going to church?" "No." "Are you reading your Bible?" "No." "Well, why not?" Bob asked.

"I thought I was good to go," the man replied.

Up front, let me state the obvious- I am not God. But I fear for this man's soul. There is no evidence this man has passed from death to life. There is no evidence of love for God, or for God's people. There is also apparently no desire for worship or Christian fellowship or discipleship.

How many people out there think they are saved simply by saying the "magic words" and believing they were "good to go?"

Amazingly, the Bible never tells anyone to pray a prayer to receive Jesus. The command is more pentrating than that. Repent and believe!


Everyone who believes that ^Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
-1 John 5:1-2 ESV