January 29, 2024

What Are the Words of the Wise?

Proverbs 22

Emilia Alza
Monday's Devo

January 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

January 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

January 29, 2024

Monday's Devo

January 29, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely—God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 22:17-18

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.

Proverbs 22

1  A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.
2  The rich and the poor meet together;
    the LORD is the Maker of them all.
3  The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4  The reward for humility and fear of the LORD
    is riches and honor and life. 1 22:4 Or The reward for humility is the fear of the LORD, riches and honor and life
5  Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
    whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6  Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7  The rich rules over the poor,
    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8  Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
    and the rod of his fury will fail.
9  Whoever has a bountiful 2 22:9 Hebrew good eye will be blessed,
    for he shares his bread with the poor.
10  Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
    and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11  He who loves purity of heart,
    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12  The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
    but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
13  The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
    I shall be killed in the streets!”
14  The mouth of forbidden 3 22:14 Hebrew strange women is a deep pit;
    he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
15  Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16  Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
    or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Words of the Wise

17  Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18  for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19  That your trust may be in the LORD,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20  Have I not written for you thirty sayings
    of counsel and knowledge,
21  to make you know what is right and true,
    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22  Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
    or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23  for the LORD will plead their cause
    and rob of life those who rob them.
24  Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
    nor go with a wrathful man,
25  lest you learn his ways
    and entangle yourself in a snare.
26  Be not one of those who give pledges,
    who put up security for debts.
27  If you have nothing with which to pay,
    why should your bed be taken from under you?
28  Do not move the ancient landmark
    that your fathers have set.
29  Do you see a man skillful in his work?
    He will stand before kings;
    he will not stand before obscure men.

Footnotes

[1] 22:4 Or The reward for humility is the fear of the LORD, riches and honor and life
[2] 22:9 Hebrew good
[3] 22:14 Hebrew strange
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #21: Landmarks

Fact: Landmarks

Landmarks (22:28) were boundary stones placed on each corner of a person’s property to show where it began and ended.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 21:20–22:1 Wisdom can enable a person to achieve prosperity, but one should always pursue a good name more than riches. Having a “good name” means being regarded as righteous and kind.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:6 Train up a child. This proverb, founded on the covenant with Abraham (see Gen. 18:19), encourages parents to guide their children in the way (the right moral orientation). It points out the kinds of conduct that please or displease the Lord.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:7–9 The rich . . . lender who rules the poor . . . borrower is seen in contrast to the bountiful person who shares with the poor. Between these two, v. 8 describes the powerful man who will come to ruin.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:10–11 The scoffer, who will be driven out, is contrasted with the person of pure heart and gracious speech, who will be welcomed by the king.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:14 The forbidden woman is a deep pit—something from which a man cannot escape by himself. She ruins him financially, and probably in other ways relating to health, strength, relationships, and above all the man’s relationship to God. She is thus a means God uses to punish the wicked.

Study Notes

Prov. 10:1–22:16 Proverbs of Solomon. Here begins what may be called the “proverbs proper.” They are short, individual sayings, in contrast to the longer wisdom poems of chs. 1–9. Often, however, individual proverbs are grouped together into small collections which give the reader a more complete understanding of a given topic.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:22 crush the afflicted at the gate. The gate was the place of legal transactions. One should not use the courts to take the property of the poor.

Study Notes

Prov. 22:28 The landmark was the boundary stone for a piece of property (Deut. 19:14). To move it was to steal a man’s land as well as his ancestral heritage.

Proverbs Fact #21: Landmarks

Fact: Landmarks

Landmarks (22:28) were boundary stones placed on each corner of a person’s property to show where it began and ended.

Listen to the Podcast

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Dive Deeper | Proverbs 22

There are many Bible verses that speak to wisdom, encouraging us to pursue it. Why is it important, and how does being wise reflect what God wants for our lives?

We'll be spending time dissecting Proverbs 22:17-18 and its application. "Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge" (Proverbs 22:17). The verse starts with a call to hear, exhortation, and instruction. Just about everything you've ever learned was learned from someone else. When it comes to spiritual wisdom, we have to take it further. Our hearts and minds are limited when it comes to spiritual things. This is why we all need instruction.

We read in 2 Timothy 3:7 that "[People are] always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." The refusal to listen to the instruction of the wise reveals ignorance (Proverbs 13:1). How can we learn from the wise? Humble yourself to admit you don't know everything. Stop talking so you can be taught by those wiser than you, and commit to their teachings. That's how we can start learning and living wisely. 

Proverbs 22:18 describes the continuation of the wisdom learning process, "for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips." As we continue to look at God's wisdom, we see His promise—that is, if we keep the words of the wise within us, life will be pleasant for us. The word pleasant in Hebrew means "sweet," "beautiful," "delightful," and "enjoyable." Now, this doesn't mean that we will never experience hardships, far from it. What this verse says is that wisdom will make even the worst of problems more pleasant because we will know and trust God's leadership and direction in the midst of them.

But wisdom should not be bottled up. Have them "ready on your lips" is a call to action to be ready to speak or give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have (see 1 Peter 3:15). 

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. When was the last time you humbled yourself and listened to wise advice? 

2. Is wisdom something you treasure in your heart? 

3. As you grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord, you will gain wisdom. What do you plan to do with it? With whom will you share it?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

A Local Scultor kown to the art community affecionately as as Lady Wisdom describes her work which she based on Proverbs 22 presented as if a scupture delicately made of marble (as if) on display at the Kimball Museum Title: "Harmony of Virtues" Description: A masterfully crafted sculpture captures the essence of Proverbs 22 by depicting three sisters, each personifying one of the main areas of the chapter. Sister of Noble Name: This sister stands tall and regal, symbolizing the importance of a good name over riches. She holds a scroll inscribed with righteous deeds and kind acts, emphasizing the value of moral integrity. Sister of Divine Equality: Positioned beside the first sister, she represents the rich and the poor meeting together under the watchful eyes of the Lord. Her outstretched hands demonstrate unity, reminding observers of the shared humanity under the Creator's benevolent gaze. Sister of Prudent Virtue: With a discerning expression, this sister embodies prudence, humility, and care for others. In one hand, she holds a hidden scroll, symbolizing the ability to foresee and avoid danger. The other hand extends towards a small, open treasure chest, symbolizing the rewards of humility and generosity. Composition: The three sisters are gracefully interconnected, forming a harmonious composition that reflects the interwoven themes of Proverbs 22. Inspiration: The artist drew inspiration from the wisdom and guidance present in Proverbs 22, seeking to visually embody the virtues and teachings encapsulated in the scripture.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Constable on this chapter 22:1 True value must be seen, however, not in what one has but in what he or she truly is. A good name is an asset whose currency is unaffected by the boom or bust of the material world."[618] 22:6 22:6 "Train" (Heb. hanak) means to dedicate (cf. Deut. 20:5; 1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chron. 7:5; Dan. 3:2). It has the idea of narrowing and, in this verse, implies channeling the child's conduct into the way of wisdom. That guidance might include dedicating him or her to God and preparing the child for future responsibilities and adulthood.[620] "... when one stands back to assess the book of Proverbs, there is no other office ascribed to parents than that of education of children."[621] ----------------------------------------------------------------- Proverbs 22 in two pieces- Proverbs 22:1-16 Reflecting on verse 6 - “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” When I first read this verse a few years ago it confused me. My kids had turned from the way they should go and were rebellious of my authority. Then the verse convicted me as I began to understand what had happened - I had tried to teach them about my authority rather than God’s authority. BOOM! WHIFF! What I learned in Prodigal is that I am to model obedience and faithfulness to God for my children to see and learn from. He has trained me up in the way I should go. I chose to depart from it. God gave my kids free will just as He gave it to me. They have chosen to depart from it just as I did. Dr C edifies me and quotes Waltke & Hubbard - - “This proverb clearly does not state a Scriptural promise. Rather, the revelation of Scripture elsewhere is that God allows people to make their own decisions. He does not force them to do what is right (cf. 2:11-15; 5:11-14; Ezek. 18:20). This includes children as they grow up. - “In sum, the proverb promises the educator that his original, and early, moral initiative has a permanent effect on a person for good. But that is not the whole truth about religious education." Two prayers for my prodigals that I have been taught- - “I pray that all obstacle to their faith be removed and that You put people in their life that increase their faith” - “I pray to see them as you see them and love them as you love them”. So, my calling with my adult children is clear - Change myself, model Christ to them, and pray without ceasing. The rest is up to them and the sovereignty of God
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Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 22:17-29 Reflecting on verses 20-21 - “Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?” For much of my 66 years I wondered what was “true”. Everywhere I turned I was told there is no truth. There is only what is true for this or that person. Even more damaging was the saying - “If it feels good, do it”. In 2009 a great friend pointed me to Proverbs. The reckoning for my rebellion was beginning and his timing was perfect. I read a chapter each day and God began to work on my heart. It didn’t take long for me to see the timeless wisdom that had been true since the beginning. In February of 2013 Amy and I came to re:gen & Prodigal and we began to learn how Proverbs and all of God’s word gave us His perfect truth and was directly applicable to every issue we faced. The direction and counsel we received helped redirect the course of our life and has given us an abundance we only dreamed of. Dr C quotes Toy - "Notwithstanding the difficulties of the text, the general thought of the paragraph is plain: the pupil is to devote himself to study, in order that his religious life may be firmly established, and that he may be able to give wise counsel to those who seek advice." My application today is to return to my memory app, Scripture Typer, and recommit myself to reviewing my memory verses each day.
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Hugh Stephenson

In this chapter I see a number of contrasts. I know that God will use those to teach me truths. -Good name v great riches -Rich v poor -Prudent v simple -Borrow v lender. ——————————————— Thinking a lot about these contrasts between sluggard-simple-fool-scoffer-wicked as contrasted with prudent-knowledgable-wise-righteous. I am ever more aware about how critical “identity” is. I see how powerful it as so many modern cultural groups use this as a tool for manipulation. But can I have “multiple identities”? The always and amazing John Mark Comer has a series of podcasts on this very subject. In terms of Proverbs, can I be a scoffer in one part of my life and be wise in another? It seems to me the answer is maybe, but probably not. I think it’s mostly true that my desire is either for my heart to be rightly oriented or not. Even more interesting, JMC notes that my identity is NOT defined by my past or my present. But by my future. Paul spend the first three chapters in Ephesians on identity. Then the next three on commands/imperatives. Ephesians 4-6 reads like a related version of Proverbs. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-mark-comer-teachings/id1592847144
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Emilia, thank you for your devotional. I love that you narrowed in on Proverbs 22:18 and that we are to apply the wisdom we read by keeping it in our heart and on ready on our lips. Q3 - who do I plan to share wisdom with? Proverbs 22:4 and Proverbs 22:13 are clear that as a parent I am to share wisdom with my kids. Foremost I want to share that they are so loved by God, and out of Gods love and my love I can train them in Gods way and use discipline to drive out the way of folly, our choosing our way instead of Gods way. Gods word must be in my heart if it is ever going to come out of my mouth to train my children.
GJ

greg jones

Bible nerd alert. Proverbs 22:16 is the end of Solomon’s first proverbs in the book of Proverbs. 22:17 begins a few chapters of the words of the wise which are probably borrowed from a earlier Egyptian wisdom book attributed to Amenemope.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Emilia. Man, I love the timeless wisdom of Proverbs! Today, verse 28 jumped off the page at me: "Do not move an ancient boundary stone that was put in place by your ancestors." All throughout the OT we see the importance of the land that God gave to His people, and continuing to honor the land assignments throughout the generations. But in these last 50 years or so, I have come to see a bigger application to this principle that goes way beyond literal ancient boundary stones. The assault on the idea of our creation as image-bearers made to reflect God through the glory of the gender He chooses for every person is an attempt to move the thousands-year-old boundaries of sexual ethics. When people deny the authority of scripture's prohibition against same-sex sexual behavior, asserting a new way of understanding "you must not lie with a man as one lies with a woman" by explaining it away, that's moving the ancient boundary stone. When people dismiss the very nature of humanity's divine creation as male and female in Genesis 1:27, that's also moving the ancient boundary stone. That's a baaaaaaaad idea, and every day we seem to encounter new ways of why that is. People get hurt. God's wisdom is so much better.
MA

Maryann Adams

Emilia, thank you for this thoughtful devotional about wisdom! It's interesting that one of the three appeals to Eve in the garden was the gaining of wisdom (Genesis 3:6). A caution, it seems for us all: not place greater importance on the gaining of wisdom over our love for God and our loyal obedience to Him. An example of obedience from my life this morning as I "inclined my ear to hear from Him"...I read a chapter in a book, "When Faith is Forbidden", a Voice of the Martyrs '21 resource. The focus was a pastor in South Asia who, at age 43, was shot through a window and killed. He had been imprisoned five times over 18 years. The first four times were related to his underworld organized crime. During his fifth imprisonment, a fellow prisoner who had come to faith through a prison ministry started praying for him daily. After three years, the pastor repented and committed his life to Jesus. He was released from prison a year later and began his passionate pursuit as a missionary for Christ through a house church. His ministry was fueled by two hours every morning and two hours every evening in prayer/worship/Bible reading. Ironically, he once told that friend who had prayed for him daily for the three years, "Don't waste your time praying for me." The author of the book noted, "He walked with Jesus for less than four years, yet the fruit of that walk spread around the world." What wisdom is tucked away in this story of faith! A line from "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" rings in my ears: "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!"
AL

Amy Lowther

1. My friends and I were talking about our schedules for this week. We discussed how important it is to see the whole picture of situations and life when getting things done and using good values. 2. Yes. Clear, objective, correctly justified wisdom is a treasure. 3. I plan to use the Lord’s wisdom in being a good worker for my employer and for customers, in caring for others, and in being a good person overall. Emilia - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your point, “As we continue to look at God's wisdom, we see His promise—that is, if we keep the words of the wise within us, life will be pleasant for us”. God will be there for each of us as we learn, as we improve, and as we work through things, loving and supporting each of us unconditionally.