Lessons from Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is so full of lessons that we could easily list a hundred of them here but I won’t! I will share seven lessons that will help you live and relate so much better!

And I invite you to find some lessons of your own and share them!

Here are seven powerful lessons!

One – Proverbs are not promises

Webster’s Third International Dictionary defines proverb as “an oft-repeated pithy and ingeniously turned maxim (a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct). Sometimes, we get hung up on a proverb and wonder why it isn’t true for us. We must remember that proverbs are not promises.

However, because of the wisdom contained in them, they are invaluable in living a life that is pleasing and good!

Two – Wisdom is of supreme value

Get wisdom; get insight;

do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,

and whatever you get, get insight.

Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;

she will honor you if you embrace her.

Proverbs 4:5, 7-8 (ESV)

Three – The foundation of knowledge is the fear of God

This is not a slavish, cringing fear but awe, respect and admiration. When we consider who God is, it is the reasonable attitude.

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

Four – It is essential for us to trust God

We often look to God as a last resort when all our ideas have failed but when we truly trust God, we look to him as our first guide and resource to help us through daily life.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Five – Adultery will absolutely destroy your life

There are too many proverbs to list here. You don’t have to get too far into the book to start to see this reflected. Intimacy outside of marriage leaves scars that time won’t erase. Faithfulness in marriage also relates directly to faithfulness in all our relationships and particularly in our relationship with God.

Six – The fool

Proverbs 26:4-5 relate what I call the conundrum of the fool. When we are confronted with foolish people, we need discernment as to how and if to answer that person. Listen to the words of the wise:

Answer not a fool according to his folly,

lest you be like him yourself.

Answer a fool according to his folly,

lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Proverbs 26:4-5 (ESV)

Seven – We need each other

Some of you, like me, need alone time. We love alone time. But we really do need each other. We make each other better. I have had some major contributions made to my life from my friends over the years. Some people are more intensely social than others but we do need each other.

Iron sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)

These seven lessons are a reminder for me each day to live a life that makes a difference.

Your Turn

What are your favorite lessons from Proverbs. Please share them in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

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