Living the way God wants us to

From Chapter 10 onwards to Chapter 30, Solomon expounds on the principles of wisdom in the book of Proverbs. While, the first 9 chapters of Proverbs was a call to accept wisdom and avoid foolishness and wickedness, this second section goes more into detail about the specific virtues of wisdom or WHAT is wisdom.

It is interesting to note how Chapters 10-15 are written using the word "but" to contrast the ways of the wise and the foolish, while Chapters 16-22 focus more on using the word "and". In the latter case, the word "and" is used to emphasise the point made. (In Hebrew poetry, when each half of the same verse is joined with the word "and", the second half is usually of the same meaning and is used to emphasise the point made in the first half of the verse.) In Chapters 23 -30 the proverbs are grouped into topics covering various issues on practical living.

Having read Chapters 10-12, two things strike me.

1. The principle of sowing and reaping.
For every action, there is a consequence. 10:1 - "A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother." 10:17 - "He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Every verse that speaks about the virtues of wisdom and what it will bring you contrasts with another that speaks about wickedness and its punishment.

More than just rules and guides to living, underlying the verses is a strong emphasis on the character of a Godly man as one who pursues righteousness, discipline and humility and is always willing to give. 11:2 - "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." 11:24 - "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." 10:16 - "The wages of the righteous bring them life, but the income of the wicked brings them punishment."

2. A strong emphasis to living by Biblical values
This might sound like a rhetorical statement. But I believe that many of us often give in to the ways of values of the world even embracing them, especially when it seems that everyone is doing it. Solomon doesn't give any excuses for it. He states it as it is. Proverbs 11:7 - "When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes nothing." 11:28 - "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."

These are the ways of the Lord. They are a refuge for the righteous. The values and principles of the society we live in change like the wind. People will make a strong case for whatever they believe in whether right or wrong. In fact, right and wrong to a certain extent has become a relative term often decided by whoever has the biggest voice and greatest influence. We must not be deceived, the Lord's standards never change. His values are consistent throughout. We must hold on tightly and jealously to them.

Lord, teach me to live by your ways and be renewed in my mind so that I can have the wisdom to know your righteousness!