Proverbs for the Trekker

Dear Trekker,

“If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait fifteen minutes and it will change.” Now that is a genuine Colorado proverb!

Proverbs have been around for a long time. In the Western world, they started with King Solomon. Since they intend to convey truth, they become a part of the “faith” passed from generation to generation.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-11 says about Solomon, “Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He probed and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words and what he wrote was upright and true. The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails, given by our Shepherd.”

What a mouthful, what a wrap-up! Sounds as if the wise statements of the practical affairs of daily life should be read, remembered, digested, and lived by… particularly so, since no topic seemed to escape Solomon’s attention. Such imparted wisdom seems to transcend all cultures as it dances through the pages of history.

Years ago, trekker, I was challenged to spend time in the book of Psalms and Proverbs. Can’t recall who laid it out, but reading five psalms and one chapter of Proverbs each day, takes you through both every month. Just multiply the day of the month by five and you have five Psalms for that day’s reading, e.g. on February 17, I read Psalms 85-89, and Proverbs, Chapter 17. I have done this on and off for the last 40 years or so.

So Trekker, I want to “strike a blow” for the value of getting into the Proverbs. Not that reading alone will make a difference in how we live, but it is an essential first step. (Tiger Woods, in his recent confessional, said his wife was not interested in his words, but wanted to see changed behavior.)

Regular Bible reading and prayer for all of us is a good start for “walking the talk”. Solomon initially “nails it”, stating his purpose in writing is “for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight, for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair…” Proverbs 1:2-3. Proverbs 1:7 is widely quoted: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 4:5 adds this appeal: “Get wisdom, get understanding, do not forget my words or swerve from them.” I personally love the ‘tell it like it is” in Proverbs 8: 13,14: “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.”

Trekker, Proverbs is a siren call by Wisdom for wisdom. Proverbs 8 is one of my favorite chapters in Scripture. (Pull out your Bible and read it now. You’ll do yourself a big favor.) To fear or respect the transcendent, the God of creation, is too often a missing ingredient in life. It is at its zenith in our day. So important is Proverb 1:7 it is repeated in Chapter 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

I recall years ago one of our youth leaders explaining her return to God. It went something like this: “I thought I could “rewrite the book.” I believed what my professors said. I make the rules and simply need to live by them. Well, that was not true. I don’t make the rules. They are handed to me. I choose to accept them or not at my own peril. I must know them and follow them if I am to ever be happy and fulfilled in this life.” Well said!

Proverbs are the rules of life, the way life is, whether we like it or not. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity (11:3) is another favorite of mine. Proverbs 12:25 has been a personal, life long quest to convey to others: “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” One of the highest of human duties, dear friend, is for us to encourage each other along the trek of life. My life goal is to encourage others.

Yes, Proverbs are often quite enigmatic, but profound; lasting truth is cloaked within them. And honestly trekker, we know we each fall far short of living them out. Hence, a healthy respect and regular reading of Proverbs drives us to our knees, humbled by the majesty and awe of a merciful God. Amazingly, God transforms our stumbles, our wonderings, yes, the ordinary, far too often screw ups of life, into the means of His extravagant, undeserved, over-flowing Grace.

You see trekker, the theme of fear and respect of God, yes, wisdom, finds its fulfillment in the accepting and forgiving Christ, the Life giver. We can’t, alone, live out flawlessly the simple maxims and challenges of life. But by His grace and His Spirit, we can negotiate life’s trek. Fear/respect of the Lord’s holiness and justice leads us to Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Trekker, only in Him do we find the ultimate answer to our search for meaning and wisdom. In Him is our redemption. Trekker, be wise…read Proverbs and fall in love with Jesus!

Reading Proverbs and loving Jesus,

Jim Meredith