Many of us begin the new year reading through Proverbs. Having 31 chapters, it corresponds nicely with the 31 days of January.
Proverbs are short sayings meant to convey wisdom.
Proverbs abound in our lives. We say things like, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," or "A stitch in time saves nine." The unique thing about the proverbs in the Book of Proverbs is that they, like everything else in the Bible, are the inspired Word of God. It's absolutely amazing when you think about it. We have the inspired, distilled wisdom of God in the form of wisdom sayings, or proverbs. And here's the amazing part: The wisdom of God has been written down in a book. That's part of what the following verses are getting at. The wisdom of God is readily available to all who want it.
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
on top of the wall she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech [1:20-21]
The wisdom of God is out in the open. It is public. The wisdom of God is not whispering some private revelation in the corner to a special class of people. No, the wisdom of God raises her voice in the city centre. And, in case you missed wisdom there, she also cries out from the top of the city wall and at the city gate.
So if wisdom is this available, why do so many people miss it so badly? It's a good question. I think it's because there is a prerequisite quality of character needed to perceive and implement wisdom into one's life. What do you think it is? I think it's humility.
Just a few verses earlier, we get the proverb of all proverbs—the foundation on which all other proverbs stand. It is the beginning of wisdom.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. [1:7]
Bringing this character trait of humility to a very practical outworking, the core requirement for becoming a wise person is teachability. We all know people who are not teachable. That's not the issue.
- The question is: Am I teachable?
- Even better: Can I become more teachable?
There's one more text I want us to see in Proverbs 1.
Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings. [1:23]
The pathway to teachability is repentance. It means to turn away from one thing and toward another. Turning away from what we think is wise and turning to God’s wisdom.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you are the wisdom of heaven on earth: pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. You are my wisdom, and I am your witness. I want to know you better today. Praying in your name, amen.
PROMPTS
- What verse(s) stands out to you from your reading of Proverbs 1 today?
- If the “fear of the LORD” is the beginning of wisdom, what do you imagine is the end of wisdom?
- Do you want to become a wise person? Have you asked God for the gift of wisdom?
- What does being teachable mean to you? Who in your life comes to mind as a teachable person?
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