Proverbs and Success – Proverbs in Practice

Former procrastinators, I was once acquainted with a gentleman who was rather young for the responsible position that he held.  Someone told me the man spent a great deal of time in Proverbs and had thus developed wisdom beyond his years.  Others noticed this trait and it resulted in his being given the job he had – thus fulfilling several Proverbs!

R. C. Sproul calls the book “practical guidelines for daily experience… from the mind of God.”  Chuck Swindoll says the book recognizes the variety of situations in which we find ourselves and equips us to deal with them.

The purpose of the book is stated right off in 1:2-6.  To know wisdom, understand insight, receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity, to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth, increase learning and guidance for the wise and understanding.

Who is to benefit from this? All of us – Young and old, simple or mature.

There are several authors of the biblical proverbs.  King Solomon is the  principal one.

Again, Proverbs is not a book of commands or promises. It’s a book of guidelines that equips us to deal wisely in many varied situations.

Joshua 1:8 comes to mind.  The Lord told Joshua to meditate on his words day and night so he’d be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”  Don’t we sense strength and courage when we know we are walking according to God’s Word?  Though Proverbs was compiled after Joshua’s time, Proverbs is included in the biblical canon.  It is to our benefit to heed its instruction.

God didn’t leave us to our own devices.  He provides instruction, correction, training, discipline (2 Timothy 3:16-17) so we can live remarkably successful lives to His glory.

Our study will focus only on verses applicable to our pursuit of diligence over procrastination.  But I hope our time will tickle your palate and make you hungry for a thorough examination of this book.  We, too, can be wise beyond our years, experience the blessings God has for us, and bring glory to Him by doing things His way.

What are you meditating on?