Wisdom Literature Part 07

We know Solomon’s answer. After he had been made king and his father David had passed away, he started to establish his kingdom. 1 Chronicles 1:7-12 records the conversation between God and Solomon where God asked him what He should give the new king. Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge so that he could serve the people and do the job that God had given him to do.   

Solomon understood how valuable knowledge and wisdom are, and he made sure to record his observations and lessons for us to learn from.   

We all start off our lives knowing nothing. At some point, we start to decide what we value and what we want to learn about. This is the moment that Solomon wants to impart the knowledge that God gave him to you, so that you can develop wisdom.   

If you read Proverbs 1 slowly and put yourself into the narrative, you will start to see some themes introduced. There are many attributes to develop and move toward. There are also many things that a wise young person should avoid.     

After reading this book, day by day, chapter by chapter, you can no longer say that “no one ever told you so.” Solomon lays out the benefits of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. He contrasts the discerning maturity of someone willing to listen and apply the words of wisdom he shares with the fool who ignores and dismisses the instruction.   

The authors use many psychological tools to help us understand. They use metaphors, analogies and anecdotal stories to help us connect with the content. Some of the language may sound abstract and not applicable, yet if we consider the meaning of the words in today’s language, we can figure out how to apply it to our lives and realize the timeless nature of the advice. There is an appeal to the potential of gain in the words of Proverbs, as well as an appeal to the loss aversion instinct that we all have by giving us foresight into what we have to lose by not reading, learning from and applying these words.   

In all of God’s Word, there is an acknowledgement that some will not listen or pay attention to the valuable words that God shares. It saddens God to know that this is true, as there will be many who do not respond to His invitation, and suffer the eternal consequences as a result.   

The latter part of Proverbs 1:20-33 speaks to this reality and shares the outcome of those who put themselves into this category:

"Wisdom cries out in the street and shouts in the marketplaces, or wherever people gather. She raises her voice and says to the people, how much longer will you enjoy being silly fools? Will you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge? 

Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think! You completely ignored me and refused to listen; you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. So, when you are struck by some terrible disaster, or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun. You will ask for my help, but I won’t listen; you will search, but you won’t find me. No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the Lord. You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. 

Now, you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes. Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools. But, if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster" (Paraphrased). 

What a blessing we have to hear these words now, before trouble comes. What type of person will you be? One who listens, or one who ignores? You decide!    

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.