Wisdom is a Value System

Sorry for the delay. Vacation and shoddy internet here in TN. 

Wisdom is not knowing stuff. Lots of smart people are fools. And information alone does not guide a life. One needs to know how to interpret and apply that information in a strategic manner that benefits the greatest good. 

As I have been trolling through Proverbs chapter by chapter I fully appreciate that this method is both too quick and far too broad of a study. Each verse could be it’s own study with supported texts and stories from around the Bible. But I also think that many of the chapters lend themselves to a theme. In Proverbs 21, I believe that theme is about knowing what to value. 

First, in a world where leadership and important people are valued, the Proverbs show us what’s behind them. 

Proverbs 21:1-3 (ESV) The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

In the religious world, verse 3 really strikes at the heart of individualistic faith. For individualistic faith values sacrifices for the sake of looking the part or perhaps earning some long-term reward. But justice and righteousness are communal benefits. Helping fight for the oppressed is something God honors. 

Moving on…

Proverbs 21:5-6 (ESV) The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

The value? Long-term work and planning make your life rich. When you consider the narrative of historical salvation - God takes His time, and so should we. Overnight success misses the value of patience, character and personal development through trials that long-term work encompasses. I wonder if a lot of people want to get rich quick because they don’t want the development of the challenges of life in accumulating over time. 

Proverbs 21:9 (ESV) It is better to live in a corner of the housetop  than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. 
Proverbs 21:19 (ESV) It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. 

What’s the value here? Simple - aim for quiet living. It’s that important. Solomon knew a thing about wives as he had amassed over 700 of them for political peace (ironically). He may have had international peace but his house must have been a nightmare. 

Proverbs 21:23–24 (ESV) Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. 24  “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. 

The value? Guard your words. You will get yourself in a lot o trouble when you speak arrogantly. Those who are wise value the concept of listening first and speaking last. 





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