Wisdom Literature Part 09

The Bible doesn’t tell us how much screen time is appropriate on a daily basis. It doesn’t tell us what rating of movie is appropriate or inappropriate. The Bible doesn’t tell us many things and yet it does weigh in on touchy topics.  

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all scripture is inspired by God to give us direction, correction and instruction in righteousness, so that we can be thoroughly equipped for every good work. So, while many contemporary issues are left untouched by the Word of God, many timeless issues are addressed. The principles given in Proverbs can apply even to topics today that might seem unaddressed.

The book of Proverbs gets into some topics that might seem surprising and yet are important and essential to living a godly life.  

Some of the issues that are addressed in Proverbs include:    

1. Human relationships  
   1. Do good to your neighbor when you can (Proverbs 2:27-30).
   2. Avoid conflict (Proverbs 17:14).
2. Money  
   1. Don't try to get rich quick (Proverbs 1:10-19). 
   2. Generosity will be rewarded by God (Proverbs 11:24).
3. Immoral women  
   1. Stay away from the seductress (Proverbs 1:16).
   2. Beware of an immoral woman (Proverbs 5:3-23).
   3. Adultery can kill you (Proverbs 6:20-35). 
   4. A harlot is deceptive (Proverbs 7:1-27).
   5. Foolish women don’t show remorse (Proverbs 9:13-18).
4. Honorable/gracious women  
   1. “A gracious woman retains honor,” (Proverbs 11:16).
   2. “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,” (Proverbs 12:4).
   3. A virtuous wife is very precious (Proverbs 31:10).
5. Possessions  
   1. Honor God through tithing (Proverbs 3:9).
   2. Realize that all comes from God.
6. Pride/arrogance and humility  
7. Alcohol/substance use and abuse  
8. Words—what we say has consequences, good and bad.
   1. Lying (Proverbs 12:22)
   2. Graceful words (Proverbs 16:24)
   3. Promises (Proverbs 20:25)
   4. Talking too much (Proverbs 10:19)
   5. Gossip (Proverbs 11:13)
   6. Soft answer/harsh words (Proverbs 15:1, 7, 23, 26, 28).
   7. Guard your mouth (Proverbs 13:3).
9. Diligence/ Time Management  
   1. Diligence vs. laziness/sluggard (Proverbs 6:6, "Go to the ant").
   2. Slack hand vs. gathering in season (Proverbs 10:4-5)
   3. “The soul of the diligent shall be made rich,” (Proverbs 13:4).
10. Good advice/wise counsel  
    1. A multitude of counselors will give good direction (Proverbs 11:14).
    2. Take correction from those who care about you (Proverbs 13:1). 
11.  Anger management  
    1. A soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
    2. Anger creates more anger (Proverbs 15:18).
    3. It's best to be slow to anger (Proverbs 16:32).
    4. It is better to overlook an issue than get angry (Proverbs 19:11).
12. Hard work & integrity (Proverbs 11:3)
13. Bad influences, wicked plans, evil people (Proverbs 24:1-2, 28:5)

If we are willing to take the coaching that is available in Proverbs, we can learn from the author’s experience rather than our own through the "school of hard knocks." The truths contained in the book are timeless and applicable to everyone, in every time, and they are certainly applicable to us in our lives today.  

There are 31 chapters in Proverbs and 30-31 days in a month. Each chapter of Proverbs takes a few minutes to read. If we read a chapter a day and consider the application of the words in our lives, we would be like a wise man/woman who has found something incredibly valuable and hangs on to it. What a blessing it will be!

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.