I often wonder what I’m getting myself into, but I really do need something new to study. And so, I find myself here- in the Old Testament book of Proverbs.

God has gifted me with a tiny bit of a platform, and I think it means He wishes me to share what I learn. I am no expert, and sometimes just putting these words down and clicking that dumb “publish” button causes me near panic attacks. But, for now, this is what He is calling me to do. I will keep trying to be faithful, in hopes that my words will reach the person who needs to hear them. Maybe that person is only me. Maybe my words are for my mom- my biggest fan. Or maybe they are a legacy for my family. I do not know.

I will just do the next thing in front of me with faithfulness and for the glory of God. Or try to.

(this is the verse I pray over everything I write)
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Why Proverbs?

Not sure, but I could definitely use some wisdom. And apparently this book is filled with little sayings and lessons passed down from Israel’s wisest teachers.

The ancient world had books of wisdom. Sumer, Babylonia, Egypt- Israel’s neighboring kingdoms- all had similar works. Some of the sayings and lessons in these ancient texts are even shared. That’s interesting! The book of Proverbs is less about God and salvation, and more little practical life lessons, easy to memorize and applicable to all, even today. Or so they say. We will see!

Proverbs isn’t the only work of wisdom in the Old Testament. It is part of a bigger group sometimes referred to as wisdom literature- Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.

The book begins with this heading- The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel (Proverbs 1:1). Apparently, Solmon wrote most of these proverbs.

Who was King Solomon? He was David’s son and a beloved king remembered for his wisdom. Solomon reigned as king in Jerusalem for about fifty years sometime around 970 BC.

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.
Proverbs 1:1-6 New Living Translation

And so, let us listen and become wise. Or wiser. Hopefully.

Heidi xoxo