I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Proverbs 1-4. When I write about the Book of Proverbs, I struggle to not make every entry a list of bullet points of things which the writer has said. Some days that will be the right way to go, but I want to limit my use of that approach.

    The purpose of the Book of Proverbs is to teach wisdom and understanding. The proverbs are designed to give insight, knowledge and discernment. Those with little wisdom and those with much wisdom can equally benefit from studying the proverbs. Despite that so few people gain wisdom, wisdom actively seeks out those who need it. Wisdom calls out to the simple-minded, offering them an escape from their troubles. I do not actually believe that Wisdom is a sentient being, but this metaphor for wisdom works so well to explain how easily wisdom can be gained. Greed leads people to ignore wisdom’s call. If, instead of succumbing to greed’s call, we seek wisdom and ask for understanding, we will find wisdom and receive understanding.

    Many people who seek wisdom fail to find it because they will not accept its foundation. The foundation of true wisdom is fear of the Lord. As we follow where fear of the Lord leads we gain wisdom. Then as we do what wisdom dictates we gain greater knowledge of God. That knowledge will teach us what is right, just, and fair. Wisdom teaches us not to demand that others treat us right, or justly, or fairly. Wisdom teaches us to treat others right, justly, and fairly. When we learn to act according to what wisdom teaches us we will be saved from evil people. However, our will not protect us, it is our fear of the Lord and dependence on His wisdom which protect us and save us. Following the path of God’s wisdom will lead us from fear of the Lord to trust in the Lord.