Knowledge is good, but there is a vast difference between “knowledge” (having the facts) and “wisdom” (applying those facts to life). We may amass knowledge, but without wisdom our knowledge is useless. We must learn how to live out what we know.
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, gives practical insights and guidelines for life. A proverb is a concise sentence that conveys moral truth. As you read Proverbs, understand that knowing God is the key to wisdom. Listen to the thoughts and lessons from the world’s wisest man, and apply these truths to your life. Don’t just read these Proverbs, act on them!
Some of the Proverbs in these chapters jump off the page to me with special meaning.
Proverbs 27:1 “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” My Grandma had a saying, “We’ll wait and see what the day brings.”
Proverbs 27:12 “A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” My dad’s interpretation of this to his children was, “Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”
Proverbs 27:15 “A nagging wife is as annoying as the constant dripping on a rainy day.” A good reminder for me as a wife!
Proverbs 28:2 “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.” One of my personal regular prayers, as we approach an election, is for wise and Godly leadership for our country.
Proverbs 28:19 “Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty.” That reminds me of another saying my parents taught us, “The early bird gets the worm.”
Proverbs 29:17 “Discipline our children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind.” This is practical reinforcement as parents!
Proverbs 29:25 “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the Lord means safety.” Why fear people who can do no eternal harm? By contrast, fear of God – respect, reverence, and trust – is liberating.
Lord, help me to know you and listen to your Word full of wisdom and help me to apply it to my everyday life and live it out. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.