Wisdom and Discipline

INTRO

We are in the book of Proverbs! The author of most of Proverbs is Solomon. MacArthur wrote, “Proverbs pulls together the most important 513 of the 3,000 proverbs pondered by Solomon” (1 Kings 4:32; Ecclesiastes 12:9).¹ There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. The word we are going to use to describe the Messiah from the book of Proverbs is Wisdom (Matthew 12:42). In 2 Chronicles 1:8–12, Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom. Jesus is greater than the wisdom Solomon had. When you hear the word Wisdom, this wisdom ultimately points to Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Constable points out that “chapters 1—9 do not contain ‘proverbs’ as such, but longer wisdom speeche.”² “Solomon originated or collected most of the proverbs (10:1—22:16 and chapters 25—29 definitely, and possibly chapters 1—9).”³ In chapter 30 are the words of Agur. Finally, in chapter 31 are the words of Lemuel.⁴

TEACHING

Proverbs 1:1: MacArthur wrote, “The word ‘proverbs’ means, ‘to be like’; thus, Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths. Proverbs are simple, moral statements that highlight and teach fundamental realities about life.”⁵ MacArthur goes on to point out that Solomon asked God for His wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:8–12) “and offered ‘pithy sayings’ designed to make people contemplate (1) the fear of God and (2) living by His wisdom.”⁶ This entire book takes truths and looks at how to apply them to life situations. These principals are not limited just to the book of Proverbs (Genesis 10:9; 1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; Jeremiah 31:29; Ezekiel 12:22).

Proverbs 1:2: According to MacArthur, “The book reflects a threefold setting as: (1) general wisdom literature; (2) insights from the royal court; and (3) instruction offered in the tender relationship of a father and mother with their children, all designed to produce meditation on God.”⁷ Now, this is a cool image when we study the Old Testament: “The priest gave the Law, the prophet gave a Word from the Lord, and the sage (wise man) gave his wise counsel” (Jeremiah 18:18; Ezekiel 7:26).⁸ This is the backdrop. “In Proverbs, Solomon the sage gives insight into the ‘knotty’ issues of life (1:6), which are not directly addressed in Law or the Prophets.”⁹ The two major themes throughout Proverbs are wisdom and folly. Every day we have a choice to figure out which path we are going to take.

Having said that, Solomon wrote the proverbs before he had turned away from God (1 Kings 11:1–11). Remember, Solomon eventually split the kingdom of Israel. At this point, Solomon still had to choose which path he would take. Even with all his wisdom he chose the wrong way. No one is perfect. We sometimes have an image of biblical heroes like David or Solomon having led a perfect life or being perfect people. They were not perfect. They fell because they chose a path of folly. You have to choose the path of wisdom every day. Solomon wrote Psalms 72 and 127, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. MacArthur wrote, “Solomon came to the throne with great promise, privilege, and opportunity. God granted his request for understanding (1 Kings 3:9–12; 1 Chronicles 1:10–12), and his wisdom exceeded all others (1 Kings 4:29–31). However, Solomon failed to live out the truth he knew and even taught his son Rehoboam.”¹⁰ As you go through this process of understanding wisdom, please understand this: it is an everyday battle. Just because you have wisdom doesn’t mean you should stop depending on the Lord.

Proverbs 1:3–6: The point of going through Proverbs is to learn what wisdom and discipline are. MacArthur explains, “To the Hebrew mind, wisdom was not knowledge alone, but the skill of godly living by wisdom and instruction (Deuteronomy 4:5–8).”¹¹ Wisdom is not about just being smart; it is about using what you know to live out God’s plan for your life. MacArthur defines

3 Andrew E. Steinmann, "Proverbs 1—9 as a Solomonic Composition," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 43:4 (December 2000):659-74 quoted in Thomas Constable, Dr   Constable’s Expository Bible Study Notes, Proverbs, pp. 1–2; available at https://planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/pdf/proverbs.pdf.

instruction as “the discipline of moral nature,” and understanding as “the mental discipline which matures a person for spiritual discernment.”¹²

The book of Proverbs should lead to wisdom, discipline, and understanding. There are a lot of examples of passing down wisdom and knowledge to the simple, the naive, and the innocent, much like a father or mother passes down wisdom and knowledge to their son or daughter. A wise man will listen and increase their learning, yet they will also seek out guidance. Wisdom says, “I need more to get through everyday life.” Christ is our wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7: We are to fear God with respect and awe, yet understand He can consume us at any given time (Hebrews 12:28–29). We see a dual image of love and judgment. There is a balance between the two.

CLOSING

MacArthur noted the progression in this passage: “(1) teaching about God; (2) learning about God; (3) fearing God; (4) knowing God; and (5) imitating God’s wisdom.”¹³ This is a great example to help you understand the book of Proverbs. Once you fear the Lord, you start to know and imitate Him. I never saw the book of Proverbs as a guidebook for parenting, and yet it helps develop everyday practical life skills we all need.