‘Wisdom Literature’ is, according to Wikipedia, “a genre of literature common in the ancient Near East which consist of statements by sages and the wise, that offer teachings about divinity and virtue.” By genre we mean writings similar in form, style and subject matter.
The book of Proverbs in the Bible is one of three books recognized as ‘Wisdom Literature,’ (the other two being Job and Ecclesiastes) and, of the three, it is the clearest model of this genre.
So, what is a proverb? According to my Old Testament professor in seminary, it is a simple saying that registers a conclusion based on observation of nature, animal behavior, or human conduct (i.e.; general revelation).
The key to this form of teaching is its brevity of expression, which aids in learning and memorizing what is being taught. Modern proverbs would include sayings such as, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” or “All that glitters is not gold”. As the title of this type of literature declares, the purpose of it is to provide wisdom, which is more than knowledge and intellect. It involves teaching us how to live skillfully in areas such as: how to interact with others, when to speak and not to speak, how to control our anger, the importance of a strong work ethic and why to avoid laziness.
The Proverbs found in the Bible should be read by all believers because these teachings, being part of Scripture, are given by inspiration of God and are therefore profitable for, among other things, “correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:16-17) One of their main purposes is to provide correction and all of us, at some point, need it. How we react to that correction many times will demonstrate whether we are wise or foolish. Fools despise wisdom and correction.
A word of warning is needed though when reading Proverbs. While everything written in the book of Proverbs is true, we are not to take everything as promises. For example, I’ve heard some claim Proverbs 22:6 as a promise from God that, because their wayward children were brought up in the church and raised to honor God, that they must eventually return to Him. That verse reads, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” While this is a general truth and many who were raised this way will return, it is not a guarantee. We do not want to take a proverb that presents a likely result as an unconditional promise of God. Salvation is of the Lord and unless a man is born again, no man shall be saved. (John 3:3, 5) Of course, if they were truly saved at a young age, the chances of this happening are very high. But, either way, the wisest thing parents can do is train up their children to know and follow God, provide them with a godly example to follow and pray that God will bring conviction in their lives to bring about their salvation.
But even though the Proverbs should not be taken out of context, they certainly do provide warnings that, if heeded, can keep us from danger and provide the best possibility for a long and productive life. I consider this as the main reason our nation was blessed for so long; because while many, maybe the majority of, people in America were not saved, the nation got its morals, ethics and wisdom from Scripture, and because God’s word is true, the general result was blessing. If we ever hope for blessings to return, we must return and rediscover the wisdom found within its pages.
For God’s glory and His alone,
Pastor Terry.