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Many believe the book of Proverbs to be a well written book with quaint little sayings that can be placed into Chinese fortune cookies. That is on the surface. When the book of Proverbs is looked at in a deep way, the book becomes a powerful monologue on people, and who they choose to be; Proverbs is all about who we are becoming, or at least, the comparison of what we should be contrasted with the things that can ruin us. In society, American’s will always be known for what they possess: money, vehicles, homes, and yes, the sacred role of the family has become a material possession for some. However, what millions miss in life is the fact that the book of Proverbs is not about “cool sayings that rhyme.” No, it is a book that tries desperately to explain to those who will listen, that life, identity and humanity itself is not about possessions, but about who you chose to become, written by a man that literally had everything.
The author of Proverbs was King Solomon, David’s son, and he did in fact own or could buy anything he wanted. And what does he tell his “Son” in the book? He gives his Son a set of rules that defines who he will become if he lets “Wisdom” be the guide. What is Wisdom? Wisdom is the knowledge that penetrates the heart towards “trusting in the Lord with all ones heart.” Sadly, this is counter-imitative to what individuals feel they must do. No, we believe we have it all together, don’t need help and can find our own path because our heart will guide us. Solomon warns his “Son” that these individuals must be careful, as they are choosing a “path that will lead to death.” Solomon does not hold back, but instead warns us of all the lifestyles that we may encounter: the lazy, obese, powerful, wise, humble, poor, rich, kings, servants, bankrupt and emotionally strong. Every “genre” or cast member we encounter in life has been described in this powerful book. But again, it is not what these people are, but who they are becoming. For example, Proverbs goes into detail about marriage: “enjoying the wife of your youth” and “a wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” However, Proverbs also talks about the nagging or contentious wife that can ruin a home. Being a husband or wife is not the issue, nor is being married Solomon’s point. No, it is who you become when married that truly matters!!!! Ladies, do not become the nagging wife; don’t let others come to know you as the wife that “constantly drips.” Instead, be known for becoming an “Excellent wife,” which few find, but are known for throughout the region (Proverbs 31:10-31). How does this take place? It comes by daily choosing to turn who you are becoming over to the Lord, your Creator and Authority for life. Likewise, men, do not become known as a “player” or “eye winker,” as Solomon writes.
Men are to be known not for their ability to pick up women, as that is folly according to chapter 7 and the fool who sought an adulterous. Instead, men should be known for their “kindness” (Proverbs 19:22) and work ethic. Men also must be the disciplinarian in their homes, as they set the spiritual tone in the home. They must have a quiet strength that few question. What is also fascinating about the traits for men in women is the fact that the book is summarized by talking about a great wife in chapter 31. However, it is interesting to note that one of the final verses is “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Her value as an individual is not what chores she does or how she manages her finances, but is her “wisdom” which starts with a healthy fear and respect of God Almighty, which begins and ends this brilliant book (Proverbs 1:7, 31:30).
Sadly, many men and women in the Christian community are “put in a box” and stereotyped: husband/wife, 2 kids and Wednesday night church activities, missing the point. So, I will YELL it at you: You are more than that family. You are more than your spouse and their love for you. NO, you are an individual created by an Almighty, Holy God that loves you more than you will ever know. A Holy God that sent His son to die for your sins…and you must plead with God to impose that kind of Grace and Love into your soul on a daily basis if you are to become an “Excellent Woman” or a “man of wisdom.” That is who you should be and can be because Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
Many parents who have struggled with children that have left the faith or disregarded the principles they were taught throughout their life turn to Proverbs 22:6. However, this is a principle, not an equation that will be fulfilled successfully every time. I would also like to add this verse to my point: Teaching kids from a young age that they are more than the sports they like, the kids they hang out with, the grades they get in school and the recess games they like, will go extremely far in helping them understand that their value as a human being begins and ends with them knowing, “Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again.” That is where their value, as well as ours, should lie.
These can be difficult things to teach because to be “Pro-verbs” implies that we are active for the actions that we teach. Why not be active in teaching all the greatest verb was Christ dying for our sins!?!
