Mini-Moments of Faith: Instructions for Life

Reflections on Proverbs
(Written by Solomon, son of David around 1000 BC)
Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV

“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline, for understanding words of insight, for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair, for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

WISDOM

Obviously God wants us to use our heads! Wisdom is applied knowledge, to be used in our everyday life. The first step is the fear of the Lord, standing in an attitude of awe, humility, openness to new information. In our culture we associate “fear” with dread and terror, negative feelings to be avoided. God defines “fear” as holy and pious (devoted), positive feelings to be welcomed.

INTENTIONALITY

Secondly, wisdom acquisition and behavioral change assume the discipline of intentional exposure to knowledge. A blank computer screen may be a good start but is a miserable finish. Lack of input makes downloading an impossibility. This is why Solomon wrote Proverbs, to supply the content! But just buying a book on nutrition cannot sustain our physical body. We actually have to ingest the food. We would question the sincerity of a self-proclaimed “football fan” who never watched a game. The same is true of someone who claims to love God but never studies His Word or associates with His people.

We live in a “fast” disposable society. We want learning user- friendly, easily digestible. We want “magic” relationships”, ignoring the necessity of relationship-tending. We also assume an automatic relationship with God. Proverbs teaches us that knowing God and practicing His wisdom in all things require intentional and interactive discipline.

DISCIPLINE

The format of DISCIPLINE is the language for wisdom, discernment and prudence .
We have been raised on Cliff notes, Reader’s Digest and passive audio/video interaction. God recommends that we actually ingest and savor each of His wise words. Initially discipline may seem boring, unfamiliar, slow, but God promises rewards of understanding, right behavior, guidance and discernment…and, these are the Manufacturer’s instructions.