The Wind In Our Sails
Proverbs was once said to be the wind in the sails of a Christian’s walk. It was here that God would directly advise and instruct the believers on where, when, and how they were to act. How we were to see the world and even help shape it. This remarkable book, however, can be misunderstood, misused, and even downright weaponized against the very people it was designed to aid. With this in mind, we need to understand the foundation and pillars that make up the book. The foundation can be found in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One [is] understanding.” Here we see that the entire book is predicated on understanding both our place and God’s rightful place. Only from here are we able to move forward. At this point, we see that knowledge of the Holy One (Jesus Christ) is the beginning of understanding. His understanding is uniquely designed to withstand anything that life might bring upon us. Jesus says in Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
From here we can clearly see the foundation is laid and ready for the pillars of which Proverbs monumental structure is built on. Once we have the fear of the Lord and knowledge of the Holy One, we can see that our instruction does not stop. The four pillars are typically missed and is one reason why I decided to point them out today. Proverbs 1:2-3 “2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity.” Let us break this down into bites size pieces, “to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding” is to have what Proverbs 9:10 stated. But we see this is just the beginning, we now see four categories for the Christian. Wisdom, Justice, Judgment, and Equity. Don’t be confused with seeing wisdom revealed as one of the pillars. Chapter 9:10 was in fact revealing the beginning of wisdom, for us to better understand and grow in the word we need to see it in relation to the other pillars. Understanding this process is key in the maturing of a believer. Paul describes this maturity in Hebrews 5:12-14 “12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need [someone] to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes [only] of milk [is] unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, [that is,] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
In conclusion, in our life we need to be focussed on Christ and Christ alone. His Word is the wind in our sails as we traverse this world. For those who venture into Proverbs, do not be surprised to find yourself understanding what many in the world today are questioning. Much of what people are missing is blatantly revealed to the student of Christ, it is why Proverbs 2:6-12 states, “6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth [come] knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; [He is] a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity [and] every good path. 10 When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, 12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things.”
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL