Defining the Terms – Proverbs in Practice

In a forensic debate, former procrastinators, the starting team member defines the terms his or her team will be using.  That way, both teams are using words with the same meaning as they tackle the issue in question.  Though we’re not debating, we should know what the words meant to those who wrote them. That’s the meaning we will work with.

You and I are not the ones who get to decide the meanings.  Strong’s Concordance tells us what the Hebrew meant or how it was being used when Proverbs was written. I’m only giving a brief portion of what Strong’s explains. Please look into these yourself.  At least we’ll have a common understanding of what we should learn.

Proverbs 1:2-6 states the purpose of the book.  It uses several terms we’ll need to know throughout the year.  Others will come up as we go along.

Wisdom  –  intelligent, skillful, artful, wit [not funny]

Instruction – chastisement, reproof, warning, restraint, correction, discipline, rebuke

Understanding – knowledge. Comes from a root meaning to separate mentally (or distinguish), includes look well to.

Justice – root means to make right in a moral or forensic sense, cleanse, clear self

Judgment – a verdict pronounced judicially; also determination, discretion

Equity – evenness, straightness

Subtilty (KJV) – discretion  

Prudence (NKJV, ESV) – discretion 

Simple –  silly (seducible), foolish.  Root means open [to deception, flattery, persuasion]

Knowledge – cunning, awareness.  Root mea(ns to ascertain by seeing.

Discretion – a plan, usually evil sometimes good [This use would be good. The note in my KJV says “advisement” or we’d say “advisability.”](

Here are Merriam Webster definitions for a couple of words we don’t often use but are real compliments.  Prudence means sagacity [wisdom] or shrewdness in the management of affairs.  Discretion is showing discernment or good judgement

The American Heritage Dictionary says wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight.  We humans like to think we can acquire wisdom on our own.  However, to gain godly wisdom, we need the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Bill Fawcett thinks of it this way:  Wisdom is the ability to look at life from God’s point of view.  It’s the ability to use knowledge.  This is the simple summary of what we’ll be after this year.

Where do you get your point of view?