So how are you going reading through this particular piece of Wisdom Literature known as Proverbs? Are you growing in faith and has your life changed in any way as a result of reading and applying what you have read? Have your attitudes changed in the way you now relate to God? Are the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 more meaningful to you now as you trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding? Are you now in all your ways acknowledging Him, and so have discovered that He has made your paths straight [as He has given you wisdom, discernment and guidance]?
And what about in your relationships with other human beings? What have you learnt and applied concerning love, justice, honesty, purity, family life, your marriage, your work life and much more? Are you now wiser as a result of what you have read and then acted upon? If so, then God’s purpose for Proverbs is being fulfilled in you.
And so, having considered this, we can move on in our quest for even greater wisdom and knowledge. The following in chapter 24 is an example of wisdom applied in the midst of daily life. The author writes:
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
The meaning could be “conceivably a literal dwelling because wisdom is used in the Old Testament to mean the skill of craftsmen and builders (e.g., Exodus 36:1) … But ‘house’ can also mean a family (as in ‘household’) or dynasty (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:11-12).” (# 53)
Whichever it is, the key point here is that it is accomplished by wisdom! And as a result, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures! This too as a result of wisdom! “In this case the treasures would be the wealth of human relationships as well as legitimately achieved prosperity.” (# 53)
Consider how often a lack of wisdom destroys relationships in the home instead of enriching them. Sadly, in our day, whether we are wealthy or poor, positive and fulfilling relationships in our homes are too often rare treasures!
Continuing on this theme of the immense value of wisdom, the author writes:
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
“The metaphor in verse 14 depends on the literal meaning of verse 13. Wisdom is sweet to your soul. Good food nourishes the body, and in the same way wisdom nourishes the inner life [giving life now and a] future hope.” (# 53)
And then this fascinating application of wisdom from the author’s own experience:
30 I went past the field of a sluggard,
past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
Maybe you remember similar words from Proverbs 6:6-11, when the object lesson there is the ant – Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
“In the present passage the same proverb is applied to the observation of the lazy man’s vineyard. This suggests something of the openness of application of proverbial sayings. Here the folly of the lazy farmer combines with the forces of natural disorder in a fallen world. Such poverty born of folly is as destructive as the social disorder caused by thieves.” (# 53)
God gives us positive “object lessons” (like the ant) to help us learn wisdom enabling us to live well. But he also gives us examples to avoid (like the sluggard) and so live differently.
When was the last time you were able to say, I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw?
Even better though than these examples in nature and human activities, is to learn from observing Jesus and hearing his words, who said:
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
If you haven’t read the Gospel of Matthew for some time, then might I suggest that you read it again and learn from Jesus, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
Worship and Wisdom - Psalms and Proverbs 