Sept. 4, 2011
Background Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12
Devotional Reading: Psalms 115:3-11

Wise sayings are not as popular today as they were when I was growing up. My generation was influenced by sayings such as “People who live in glass houses should not throw stones,” “A stitch in time saves nine” and “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.”

Some of us may recall some of Benjamin Franklin’s zingers: “He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas,” “Let him who scatters thorns not go barefoot” and “He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals.” These proverbs were well remembered for their wit, vivid figures of speech and brevity. Their wisdom was obvious.

The Old Testament Book of Proverbs is one of three books in the Bible that we call “wisdom literature.” The other two are Job and Ecclesiastes. There are also two books of wisdom, Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, in the Apocrypha.
The wisdom writings of the people of Israel blossomed shortly after the return of the exiles from Babylon and were influenced by similar writings of the peoples of the Middle East.

The first verse of this book says: “The proverbs of Solomon son of David the king of Israel” (1:1). Scholars believe that some, perhaps many of them, originated with King Solomon. Others were probably added by an editor or editors.

There is irony in that although King Solomon was adept at devising wise proverbs, he was not really a wise man, for he is reputed to have cruelly enslaved many Israelites to build his cities and monuments. So it is possible to write or quote wise proverbs and still not be wise.

A matter of ethics

The post-exilic Israel was greatly influenced by three groups: the priests, the prophets and the sages. The status of the sages was usually less than that of the priests and prophets, and their wisdom was directed more to the individual than the whole nation.

Unlike the Greek philosophers, it was focused not on how people thought, but on how they acted. Instead of philosophy, proverbs are concerned with the ethical life.

I think whenever we study any biblical book, we need to study it in the context of the rest of the Bible. That is especially true of the Book of Proverbs: It should be read and understood in the context of the four gospels.

For, by itself, Proverbs can mislead us. For example, chapter three of Proverbs, as well as much of the rest of the book, presents a series of appeals to ethical behavior followed by various rewards. So, the appeal is: “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments” (3:1).
That is sound teaching, but it is followed by a reward that may be questionable: “For length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you” (3:2). We have a similar appeals and rewards in 3:3,4, 5-8 and 9,10.

So, what’s the problem? It is this: If we take seriously those proverbial rewards, we may be disillusioned, for the gospels remind us that Jesus met all ethical demands and standards and yet ended his life on a cross. Sometimes doing the “right thing” ends up with us bearing a cross as he did, and as Paul did and most if not all of The Twelve.

Prosperity gospel

It has been observed that in some places Christianity flourishes because preachers are touting a “prosperity gospel,” an attractive linking of Christian discipleship with everything you’ve wanted or think you’ve deserved: “God wants you to be rich!” or “Jesus wants you and your business to succeed!”
But if we take the gospels seriously, we know that sometimes doing the right thing, instead of bringing us tangible success, can lead to isolation, despair and a cross of some sort.

Yet, it is also true that sometimes Christian ethics may make us more prosperous, or bring us favor and receptivity. Statistical surveys indicate people who attend church on the average of once per week are generally healthier than those who do not. (See: Harold G. Koenig, M.D. Medicine Religion and Health: Where Science and Spirituality Meet, Templeton Foundation Press, 2008).

But, whatever blessings we receive as followers of Jesus Christ, if we are truly wise, our reward will be to do God’s will, not to get ahead socially, politically, financially or healthfully. If we realize those blessings are grace, not guarantees, then we will be wise.
And if not – then, otherwise.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.