Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs so his son could hear good teachings. But it’s not just for Solomon’s kids.
Like most wise sayings, the sayings in Proverbs are as applicable for 2018 as they were for 1000 BC. They apply to our children as much as they did for Solomon’s.
And this wisdom is not just for kids. It is for God’s children of all ages, including us.
As we dive into Proverbs 20-23 this week, pick out a few themes that resonate with you. Here are four themes I’ve chosen. They weave in and out of the whole book, but in particular these four chapters.
1. Follow good advice
We often tell our children, “Don’t just follow your peer’s advice; listen to those who are older and wiser!” So it should be with us, too.
“Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war.”
Proverbs 20:18 (CEV)
We also saw this in Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Are you making a decision? Forming plans? Weighing options? Don’t just use your own judgment. Follow Solomon’s advice and seek out many trusted advisers.
2. Avoid faulty shortcuts
A parent can usually tell when their child has taken a shortcut to finish a job: the dishes aren’t really clean, the bed isn’t completely made, the elbows are still dirty.
As adults, we’re also prone to taking shortcuts. And while some shortcuts are healthy and wholesome, others can lead us into shortened blessings as well.
We hear advice several times in Proverbs 21 to be diligent and patient, not lazy and hasty.
“If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.”
Proverbs 21:5 (CEV)
Even though it takes longer and might be harder, do the right thing the right way. It will be worth it in the long run.
3. Help the poor
Proud is the parent who sees their child share with a friend. We want our kids to be generous with what they have. But are we setting the example for them?
If there’s a message that God stresses over and over in both the Old Testament and the New, it is to love other people. Give to the poor. Take care of the needy.
Here is it in Proverbs 22.
“Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9 (MSG)
Solomon also reminds us in chapter 22 that the Lord is the maker of both the rich and poor person (v 2). He says that oppressing the poor to increase our own wealth leads to poverty (v 16) and that exploiting the poor will lead to our own plunder (v 23).
Who do we see that are poor (it doesn’t have to be financially) and how are we being generous with our blessings?
4. Know your limits
“Don’t bite off more than you can chew” is a modern-day proverb we may have heard as kids. And that we say to ourselves even as adults. We all have limits and those boundaries need to be respected.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 23:
“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!”
Proverbs 23:4 (MSG)
Our desire for more, more, more can lead to disaster, both monetarily, physically, and spiritually. Living within proper boundaries isn’t always easy. We’re naturally drawn to desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride in possessions (1 John 2:16).
But these things of the world will all pass away. Whoever does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).
By having the wisdom to use restraint with our desires, we can live a more abundant life both now and later.
Perhaps we didn’t really learn everything we need to know in kindergarten, but we probably learned more than enough to lead a godly life.
The key is to live it out with God’s help. The next time we are tempted to give advice to youngsters, let’s follow it first ourselves.
Which of these four lessons do you need the most this week (follow good advice; avoid shortcuts; help the poor; know boundaries)? Please share in the comments.
Our series so far:
- Printables for Studying Proverbs
- Proverbs 1-2 – Wisdom for Today
- Proverbs 3-5 – Who Is Wisdom?
- Proverbs 6-7 – Practical Warnings
- Proverbs 8-9 – Wisdom Is Calling You
- Proverbs 10-12 – Contrast Between Right and Wrong
- Proverbs 13-16 – Give Attention to the Word
- Proverbs 17-19 – Wisdom for Relationships
- Proverbs 20-23 – 4 Life Lessons for Kids of All Ages
I love the wisdom of this book. When diligent was my One Word several years ago, I focused on a few of those same verses in Proverbs. It helped! Also, that’s a good reminder that we can be generous outside of finances.
Diligent sounds like a great choice for one word. And I can see how Proverbs would have been very helpful that year. So much wisdom here about persevering in discipline. Thanks for sharing this, Kelly!
I love the wisdom in this post and in the book of Proverbs. Sharing on Pinterest!
Proverbs is just so full it’s hard to get a grasp on it. Bite-size portions are perfect for me. :) Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
So much wisdom! In Proverbs – and it your thoughts shared here. I’m really thinking much about #2 – and taking those shortcuts. Seems the older/wiser we become, it almost seems wise to take advantage of short cuts….make life simple. But not every shortcut is the best decision! Really enjoyed your post!
I have to reevaluate my shortcuts too. Some are great and make life more efficient, but others (like multitasking instead of really listening to someone) sell life short. So many practical things in Proverbs! Thanks for stopping in, Jennifer.
Great teaching, Lisa! Visiting from Soaring with Him. :)
Thanks, Tammy. Proverbs overflows with truths to examine and apply. It takes a whole lifetime to process them!
I like the verse that says God is the maker of both the rich and the poor. It reminds me of your post on the two Travises. Whether we are rich or poor, we should not turn up our noses at those who are at the other end of the spectrum.
That verse really stands out to me, too. Maybe because it’s one we can see in front of us everyday. Yes, the two Travises are a perfect example. Learning to love both the same is our charge. Thanks for the encouragement, Ruth.
So true, Lisa! We can be so direct with others about how they should act and then turn around and forget what we just said!
Yep. I wish it weren’t so. lol. It’s easier to talk it out than walk it out, but we need to do both. Thanks, Sarah!
Such a wonderful post for us all. Proverbs is so practical for all of us, bringing a word no matter where we are in life. I was glad to be reminded this morning to be sure to be following first myself!
Thanks, Joanne. I, too, love how practical Proverbs is. We can pick it up in any season of life and find things to apply!
#2! #2! Oh my goodness, in my own life and the adults around me “efficiency” and “getting it done” have become buzz words for shortcuts. Thank you for this wonderful exhortation!
#2 preaches to me as well, Bethany. I’m all about getting things done quickly so we can move on to the next thing, but often I can miss the whole point in my quest to be “efficient.”
Oh man, I’ve been learning the art of knowing my limits the last several years. Not an expert by any stretch, but so much better than I used to be. Good point that we need to model the behavior we wish to teach. Thanks for sharing, Lisa. ((hug))
I still struggle being realistic about what I can accomplish and what I can’t. It can be hard to respect our boundaries, but life goes smoother when we do. Good for you in making progress in that area, Brenda! Maybe I’m better than I used to be too. :)
It’s funny, I’ve never thought of Proverbs as a book for children per se. I guess that comes from not having kids myself. I’ve have just always viewed it as good advice for everyone! These four are good key areas to focus on for sure, Lisa!
Proverbs is definitely good advice for everyone, June! I’ve really benefited this month by reading a chapter in Proverbs every day. It would be a great practice to do every January.
Gulp… Proverbs 23:4…
Thanks for reminding me… I guess having the verse underlined sixty two times in my Bible isn’t enough…
Some things we need to hear over and again. I know the feeling, Floyd. :)
For me, knowing my limits is the greatest challenge, and I’m reminded of that almost every weekend. Whether it’s time, money, or energy, unrealistic expectations can cause frustrations. Thanks for the reminder, Lisa. Blessings!
Yes, yes, yes. All the same applies to me, too, Alice. You’d think by this age that I would have figured out how to reasonably plan my time, etc., but I still can be unrealistic. One day I’ll get it right? :) Until then, I thank God for his grace and patience with me!