Wisdom in the Proverbs

Recently I finished reading through the book of Proverbs, and I mean, we all know that the overarching theme of the book is wisdom. However, there were two themes that really jumped out at me and seemed to just keep on repeating themselves. Especially within the latter half of the book.

Anger.

Hatred.

Source: Aaron Burden, unsplash.com

Although I don't think that I'm someone whose main personality traits include anger and hatred, I found a lot of the verses in Proverbs to still be interesting and beneficial, and definitely humbling. The verses would compare and contrast themselves, reminding me that no good can come from being angry and hateful but what good can come from being peaceful and wise.

An example of this is in Proverbs 13:10,

"By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom."

Oh, and there's that overarching theme of wisdom in there as well.

I know I just said that I don't find myself struggling with being a hateful or angry person, but with that said, there are obviously numerous instances in life where I find that my first response is to act rashly, saying or doing whatever comes to my mind right away. It's only by the grace of God that I'm ever able to hold my tongue, and I found that the first half of Proverbs 14:17 reminds me not to act impulsively,

"A person of quick temper acts foolishly..."

One of my biggest regrets would definitely be the times when I've foolishly chosen to act out in anger. I've said something rashly because someone hurt me and I stupidly wanted to hurt them back in the moment. But I always look back on those moments and feel so icky.

Proverbs is definitely humbling.

Later on in chapter 14, I was again reminded to be slow to anger,

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who has a hasty temper exalts folly." (Proverbs 14:29)

And the following chapter starts with a verse that I've heard numerous times over the years and really like,

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Another verse that really humbled me was in chapter 19. Even in time when I've chosen to be slow to anger or respond to someone with a soft answer in the moment, I can still end up holding onto that anger within me. And somehow I find myself feeling as though that's better, because the other people involved don't know that I'm angry, so maaaybe they think that I've taken the high road (???).
But Proverbs 19:11 humbled me, once again.

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, but it is one's glory to overlook an offence."

Yikes. I may be slow to anger, but I don't often overlook offences...

There are so many more verses in Proverbs that say similar things to the ones that I've already shared; I could go on and on and on. But overall, I've gotta say that one of my absolute fav fav fav verses from all of Proverbs is found in chapter 16 verse 9.

"The heart of a person plans their way, but the LORD establishes their steps."

That verse just rings so true to my life in every single stage of it. I can look back at times where I thought I knew where I was going and what I'd be doing, but God directed me elsewhere. And in the same way, I can look towards my future and think I know what I'll be doing, but I know that the LORD may have other plans.

Proverbs 16:9 is a verse that I'll be keeping in mind throughout this upcoming week, as I head up to Manitoulin Island tomorrow, with a team from my church, to lead a weeklong VBS for Native children on a reserve there. And you can bet your bottom dollar that's what my next post will be about. I'm so excited!!