The Value of Wisdom
Many Christians aren’t quite sure what to do with the book of Proverbs. The straightforward, at times even obvious instructions seem out of place when compared with much of the rest of Scripture. We see the beginning of all things and the start of God’s purpose in Genesis. We read of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Exodus and see Christ foreshadowed in the Passover lamb. The Psalms plumb the depths of our emotional lives and teach us how to pray. The prophets show us that despite Israel’s failure, a new covenant is coming, and God’s salvation will extend to encompass all nations. We have the all-important account of Jesus’ life and ministry in the Gospels, and we mine Paul’s letters for profound theological truths.
And then there’s Proverbs. It seems so mundane, so normal, so this-worldly compared to God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus to eradicate sin, abolish death, and establish a kingdom without end. What is the value of statements like Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” when eternal life and destruction are on the line? Do we really need lessons about speaking gently when Jesus has died, been brought back to life, and now directs His church to make disciples of all nations
Yes, we do. Let me offer three reasons why the wisdom contained in Proverbs is so valuable for Christians.
First, we are naturally foolish, and without wisdom we will injure both ourselves and others. As one example, consider what Proverbs has to say on the power of speech. The fool is the one who speaks with words like a sharp sword (Prov 12:18), harming those around him. How many times have you spoken without thinking and wished you could take those words back? Wisdom protects us from hurting others by encouraging us to set up a guard post over our mouth (Prov. 13:3), but wisdom does more than this. The wise person not only refrains from harmful speech but has had their tongue transformed into a source of healing and life (Prov 10:11). A person with wisdom knows how to use words to bind up wounds, teach others, cheer hearts, and strengthen the weak. God wants us to be wise with our words, because a wise tongue is often a means of bringing God’s grace to others (Eph. 4:29).
Second, a good, “normal” life is valuable in God’s eyes, and wisdom helps us live just such a life. After a powerful exhortation to pursue sanctification as the very will of God in 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul closes his weighty commands with these words: “But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” That almost seems underwhelming, doesn’t it? Paul’s charge to the Thessalonians to live a godly life ends with a command to live a normal life. Stay out of trouble, mind your business, and do your work. But Paul says that this kind of life is a life worthy of the gospel and pleasing to God (1 Thess 4:1). We should not undervalue the ordinary lives most of us live, nor overlook God’s guidance for this ordinary life in Proverbs. Do you want to know how to work well? Do you need instruction in godly business practice? Would you like to know how to handle interpersonal conflict, practice good friendship, navigate problems with neighbors, choose a quality spouse, manage your finances, look after your household, raise your children, and respond well to a whole host of other everyday realities? Then spend some time poring over God’s wisdom in Proverbs.
Third, foolishness is more than simply making poor decisions, and wisdom is more than making good decisions (though that is part of it). Foolishness is rebellion against God, which means wisdom is submission to God. Jesus expresses this idea in His conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:24-29). The wise builder builds his life on obedience to Jesus, but the foolish builder refuses to put Jesus’ words into practice. It is the fool who rejects God’s purpose, God’s mission, God’s Messiah, God’s commands, God’s gospel. The wise receive all that God has said and done and seek to bring their lives in alignment with God’s will. Wisdom, therefore, is what obedience to God looks like in daily life. To be wise is not optional for the Christian, nor is it reserved only for the super-spiritual. God calls every Christian to be wise, because wisdom is obedience, and folly is disobedience. The book of Proverbs has been given to us so that we may grow in the obedience of wisdom. And that is valuable.
A simple way to begin growing in wisdom is to read one chapter of Proverbs a day. Choose one verse from the chapter and spend a few minutes memorizing it, meditating on it, and praying that its truth would take root in your life. Reflect on the verse throughout the day, and resolve to put its message into practice for that day. On the following day, read a new chapter, choose a new verse, and repeat the process. Growing in wisdom is a bit like tending a plant. Plants don’t need anything miraculous to grow, only sunlight, soil, and water. But most plants do need those three ingredients consistently. Over time, day after day, the plant receives its necessary resources and grows imperceptibly. If given enough time and enough consistent nutrition, the sapling will mature into a mighty tree, rooted in the earth, and bearing good fruit.
And we, my friends, are oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord (Is 61:3). So let us become what we are.
– Isaac Reff
Isaac Reff is a PhD student at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Abigail, and serves as a teacher in YC3 and as a deacon. He and Abigail have two children.
