Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles. (Prov 1:1-6, NLT).

The first verses of chapter 1 are the inspiration for this series of blog posts. And while they refer to the Book of Proverbs, these verses also illustrate why we study the Scriptures in the first place:

• Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
  to help them understand the insights of the wise.

• Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
  to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

• These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
  knowledge and discernment to the young.

• Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser

• Let those with understanding receive guidance
  by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
  the words of the wise and their riddles

What does it mean to Shama the Proverbs?

Here’s the thing, in order to learn from the Proverbs, we must listen (verse 5). The Hebrew word used here for listen is SHAMA and it means to hear…it also means to obey or do. Y’all know that I’ve looked long and hard at hearing and doing what the Lord says through a very closely related word, SHEMA. What good is it to hear, without obeying?

I used to chafe against obedience…okay, I still do. I have a prodigal’s heart. But I have studied obedience with a microscope and here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Our obedience is a reflection of our love. Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” (John 14:23, NIV).
2. Obedience is not about perfection. It is about our faithfulness…we try, mess up, repent…then repeat.
3. The fruit of obedience is learning, or spiritual growth, that comes from God’s faithfulness. Over time, the Lord uses the humbling of our hearts to work a miracle because He is faithful to accomplish what He has promised to do in us.
4. As we draw near in humility, learning to walk according to His wisdom, we come to know God in a real, hands-on way. This is the basis of intimate relationship with Him. What a gift!

Wise or simple, young or old, we ‘d be crazy not to listen to the Lord’s teachings. We’d be crazy not to implement them on our lives. Think of all that we could miss, if we didn’t. In this simple introduction, we gain a profound understanding of God’s character.  He, who has all the wisdom in Heaven and on Earth, is generous and longs to share it with us.  He does this for our good, out of His steadfast love for us.

In Proverbs, and in all of God’s Word, there is a treasure trove of wisdom, constantly available to mankind…will you listen?  Will you obey? Will you grow in understanding by walking in the Word?  It’s harder said than done. But let’s do this, together.

Image Copyright: nature78 / 123RF Stock Photo AND joerf3 / 123RF Stock Photo