Please read the first three chapters of Proverbs and skim the rest of the book. Choose a proverb or two that you think is a particularly good example of Hebrew contributions to human wisdom. Explain why you chose this proverb/these proverbs.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
My favorite Proverb is chapter 8. The gifts of wisdom are described here in such an understandable way. It makes you want to seek wisdom – pray for it and strive to gain its gifts. Verses 17-21 are especially intriguing to me. “Those who love me I also love, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than pure gold, and my revenue than choice silver. On the way of duty I walk, along the paths of justice, Granting wealth to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”
In Chapter 3 verse 13 we have the words "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding". One of the themes that runs throughout the book is the search for wisdom. It is something to be valued and is worth more than wealth or power. Also in chapter 23 verse 30-35 appear interesting. The author writes about temptation. In this case alcohol is the agent that brings misery to a person. Yet this misery does not stop a person from returning again to their own vices. This story seems to point at the aspect of humanity in dealing with humanity's hard heart. The temptation for pleasure causes folly and it is hard for a person to refuse some temptations. In certain circumstances people find themselves returning to vices and temptations, despite the fact that they know they should not engage in destructive actions.
Most of Proverbs is just common sense. However, because we are human, we don't always use common sense. Chapter 20 verse 1 is a fine example of this. "Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise." From my military days I can tell you this is a fact. No one wakes up the next morning thinking, well , that was smart. Chapter 2:11 is also a good one. " Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you." This can really be applied to today's society. I really like the line " For scorners delight in their scorning." I scorn democrat's and take delight in it. So that line is very true. Would people be accepting of these proverbs, knowing that Solomon violated the first commandment,or would they scorn them?
I really find Ch 9:7-9 very interesting and particularly pertinent to today's people. It tells us not to rebuke a mocker because they will hate you. But a wise man will be wiser and welcome your rebukes.
In today's society it is obvious that people are welcome to just run their mouths off. But in many cases it is just not appropriate and is a waste of time. Because the mockers are not going to want to hear you and in the end will dislike you for it.
But it is worth it to have a lively discussion with a wise man. Because they are willing to listen and learn from your ideas and thoughts.
I really like chapter 2. My favorite verse in chapter 2 is verse 6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” I like this because it shows that God cares. He knows the things that we go through and understands. He will give us wisdom and common sense.
Another verse I like is 10.1 “The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” I think that this says a lot. It is very true that if a son is intelligent, his dad will be proud, but if he is not so smart his mother will be hurt the most. It is a very true statement and I think that this shows the Hebrews really knew what they were talking about.
- In my opinion, the best example of human wisdom in Proverbs is in chapter 3:5. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” It is simple proverb that has shown up numerous times in previous books. All these proverbs basically boil down to this one. The next proverb goes hand-in-hand with this one. (Chapter 22:6) “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs tells us to walk in the way of the Lord and to teach our children to do the same.
- Ancient Art….Is the second part of chapter 15:2 describing your lectures?…..just kidding. Happy Blogging!!
When I read the prompt, I jumped right to chapter 31 :)
Verses 25-31: She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her hcildren arise and call her blessed; he husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Giver her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
This is a great example of Hebrew wisdom--its their example of how a noble wife should act. From experience the Hebrew people could see that great wives are strong, dignified, lighthearted but not foolish, wise, faithful, a good mother, fearful of the Lord, and so overwhelmingly amazing that she receives constant praise from her husband. Its an example that all wives--religious, nonreligious, left, right, whatever--can follow. These are good characteristics that any woman should strive after and that the Hebrews, in their great wisdom, both compiled in their minds and then felt compelled to record.
Hahah and my mom liked to recite this one when I was younger, which I thought was just weird at the time--"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11). Weird or not, its very wise--only fools keep repreating their mistakes. The wise man, and anyone who listens to the Hebrew proverbs, will realize that its much more beneficial (and pleasant, at least from this dog analogy) to learn from mistakes the first time and cease repteating them.
Proverbs is full of information, which can easily be applied to life we live today.
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink" (Proverbs 25:21).
This is my favorite passage in Proverbs. This is a great way to express good sportsmanship. Anytime a person is on the field of competition they may always show compassion to their enemies.
I like how right at the beginning of this book it lays out what its purpose is. It tells us that it is to know the wisdom and instruction. This is helpful for me, and was probably helpful in the time it was written too. It lays it out there right away.
I liked Proverbs 2:1-2 which says, "My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding" If one is listening they will hear the word of God and be filled with it. This verse is not just saying to hear it and practice it, but to put it on ones heart and acctually live it out.
Proverbs 31:10 is my favorite verse. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. This verse gives us an prime example of how precious women are in the Native American society. A woman is held in the highest honor as she is the one who brings life into this world from the spiritual world. It is Wakan (Holy). I can relate more to this Proverb since my mother passed on back to the Spirit world. She was the most precious woman to me, a best friend, a trusted confidente, a loyality beyong measure, and a heart of gold. I read Chapter 31 to her while she was in a coma and a tear ran down her face when I finished, she let me know she heard every word. Awesome!
I particularily liked Proverb 2:10-11, "For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; predence will watch over you; and understanding will guard you." I chose this portion of Proverbs because it beautifully exemplifies that with wisdom, prudence, knowledge and understanding come close at hand. Without one, it is almost impossible to have another.
Another Proverb that I thought illistrated that same point was Proverb 3:13-14, "Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold." It again explains the important bond between wisdom and understanding and how we can not truely be happy or lead fulfilling lives without them. No matter how much money we have, it will never be enough to buy happiness. True happiness is found in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, and if we apply these aspects into our daily lives we will also succeed in making others happy as well.
Post a Comment