Promoting Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is an amazing book of the Bible, and one of the best when it comes to practical and applicable knowledge. This is due largely in part to its author, King Solomon, who was the wisest man to live. For several months now, I have made it a point to read a chapter of Proverbs every morning. This isn't because it's easy to find where I'm supposed to be, but rather because of the straight-forward and pragmatic way that the book is written. I strongly encourage anyone who is not currently reading a chapter of Proverbs every day to do so. Despite the fact that I have been through the book many times, we are faced with new circumstances every day, and as we pray for God to show His will and give us discernment, He uses His word (so long as we are in it) to give us the wisdom that is relevant to our struggles. I'm not suggesting you replace your Bible reading with this, but rather add it to your reading. It doesn't take long to read a chapter, and the knowledge that you can get from it is well worth the time.

One thing to be careful of when approaching the book of Proverbs is treating everything that's said in it as a promise for your wealth and prosperity if you do what you read about. For example, this morning I read Proverbs 26:27 which says this;

"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him."

This is not saying that if I go dig a pit in my yard that I'm going to fall into it. Neither, in a more practical sense, does it say that if someone's setting a trap for someone else that they will be caught in the trap that they have made every time. Rather, as a general application, the verse is showing us how when people try to catch other people and do things that will harm others, their work is doing them no favors. There are natural consequences that come as a result of being cruel. For example, getting arrested, having a protective animal or relative catch you and dish out some judgement, or perhaps even just the remorse of knowing what you have done.l Also, as a practical application, someone who is doing something to harm someone else out of anger is not going to be thinking clearly, and will make foolish decisions while trying too hard (for clarification, any attempt to do someone harm is too hard) to cause harm.

To put everything simply, I encourage you to read through Proverbs, and keep in mind that proverbs is a practical guide for life, and that by following what it says and staying in tune with God, you will live a healthier (not necessarily physical health) and more prosperous (not necessarily with riches) life for the glory of God.

Until next time, I'm praying that everyone stays healthy, and that you take advantage of some of the extra time you might have to do something profitable!

Austin