Proverbs with a Purpose (Proverbs 1:2-6)

The Book of Proverbs begins with a list of benefits and purposes. While the form of a Proverb may be a bit fuzzy, they serve a very distinct role in life. I think that it is safe to say that without the study of proverbs, we are impoverished today. We learn many facts, but we are never tantalized with the riddles and paradoxes that are presented in proverbs.

To Know Wisdom and Instruction
The first purpose of learning Proverbs is “to know wisdom” (v. 2). This word ‘know’ in this instance has the connotation of ‘to gain knowledge of’ or ‘to become wise in.’ This sort of knowing comes through experience. The purpose of proverbs is not just for one to come to know wisdom, but to put to practical use the wisdom that is acquired. The term ‘wisdom’ could be defined as a ‘valuable skill.’ That is, it is a skill that produces something of value. It is used of seamen (Ps 107:27), weavers (Exod 35:26), administrators (1 Kings 3:28), or craftsmen (Exod 31:6). It can also be used to refer to the skill of godly living, which is valuable because of the lasting benefit produced in one’s life.

Along with wisdom, one also comes to know instruction. Since instruction and wisdom are parallel, the idea is moral training. The Septuagint (LXX – the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) translated this term as “child-training.” This sort of instruction consists of wisdom that is attained through observation of the consequences of actions that others do. It can also refer to the discipline one receives from God.

In summary, the first purpose of Proverbs is that we learn wisdom that results in skillful living. It should be the goal of every believer to live in a way that pleases God. Proverbs gives us the tools to produce such skillful living within ourselves. Through studying the Proverbs we will come to know wisdom and instruction.

To Discern the Sayings of Understanding
The Hebrew word for discern is closely related to the preposition ‘between’ and the noun ‘space between.’ So the verb ‘to discern’ means distinctions between things or to evaluate them. ‘Sayings of understanding’ could be woodenly translated as ‘words of discernment.’ To discern words of discernment (or wise sayings, sayings of understanding) is the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood.

This is a much needed ability in our generation where truth is thought to be relative. There is so much information available today, and we are in dire need of the ability to discern between truth and falsehood. The church desperately needs to know how to discern truth from error, because there is so much falsity that passes for truth. Discernment is indeed the great need of the hour.

To Receive Instruction in Wise Behavior, Righteousness,  Justice, and Equity
The third purpose of Proverbs is for the student to receive something that is worth having. The word ‘receive’ is used in a parallel construction with ‘store up’ in 2:1. The disciple is to receive instruction in wise behavior. This wise behavior is better known as prudence. Abigail is described as a prudent woman. That is, she was a woman of good sense and understanding while her husband, Nabal was described as a fool.

The student who receives instruction in prudent behavior will manifest this prudence in their life. Proverbs says this will be seen in righteous conduct. It will also be evidenced by justice, the ability to make a good decision. Lastly prudence will be shown by equity. Equity has the idea of being upright. It refers to activity that is proper and moral. It could be paraphrased as “the straight and narrow.”

To Give Prudence to the Naïve, To the Youth Knowledge and Discretion
From the perspective of the instructor, proverbs are to give prudence and discretion to the naïve youth. The noun translated as ‘prudence’ here means ‘craftiness’ or ‘cleverness.’ The naïve are to be given a shrewd plan of action. The term can be used negatively (Gen 3:1; Josh 9:4), but here it is used to speak of a morally prudent lifestyle. Pictured here is the wide-eyed youth who is easily enticed and deceived. We need proverbs to instruct us to “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” because we are sent out “as sheep in the midst of wolves.” (Matt 10:16).

The Proverbs give a young person knowledge and discretion. The word translated ‘discretion’ means ‘a plan’ or ‘discretion’, and has in mind the ability to reach a goal in the best and most direct way. Together with knowledge, the youth benefits from the Proverbs by gaining the ability to plan his/her steps in a wise and skillful way in order to reach a favorable goal.

Instruction to the youth is a major focus in Proverbs (count the number of times he says ‘my son’). It is necessary to impart the knowledge and discretion that Proverbs provides to the next generation. As the world becomes more confusing and chaotic, these proverbs will provide an anchor for learning to live godly in an evil age. We must make the Proverbs a portion of our daily meditation so that we learn this wisdom in order to live skillfully in a dark world.

A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel
Like all of Scripture, the message is not just for one group. Solomon pauses to include those who are already wise and understanding. Literally, the text reads, “Let the wise hear and add instruction.” Where the simpleton and the youth were addressed before, those who are characterized by discernment are here addressed. Proverbs speaks to everyone. No one can say that they have nothing to learn from the Proverbs.

Even the wisest and the most discerning have more to add. The famous violinist, Jascha Heifetz, was known to say, “There is no top. There are always further heights to reach.” From a human perspective, that is true, for even if we lived as long as Methuselah, we could never learn all of the wisdom that there is. There is only One who possesses wisdom in its entirety. ‘Wise counsel’ comes from a word that originally meant ‘the direction of a ship by pulling ropes on the mast.’ In Job 37:12, God is described as guiding the clouds: “It changes direction, turning around by His guidance, That it may do whatever He commands it.” So it is with the wise and discerning. As they study the Proverbs, they acquire guidance for their life.

To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles
Here is the fifth and final purpose of the Proverbs. These are the benefits of the Proverbs from the perspective of the reader. The reader will gain the ability to discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable (the noun refers to a saying with a hidden meaning). The sayings of the wise and their obscure sayings (riddles) will become understandable.

Let us pace ourselves in our study of Proverbs and drink deeply of its wisdom! Let us glean all that we can. Make this book a part of your daily meditation. Do not read too quickly, but ponder over the words. Search out the meaning, and apply it prayerfully. Then you will see these five benefits in your life.