Proverb of the Week: A Word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Prov. 25:11
Meditation: Advice gone wrong!
Has anyone ever given you advice that just didn’t work? You presented a situation to someone, they offered their mindful advice, and, when you turned around and tried it, it just didn’t work right. Has that ever happened to you? Or has advice taken from someone actually benefitted you? Have you listened to the sayings of the wise and been blessed because of it?
The book of Proverbs is, for all intent and purposes, one giant book of advice. And it doesn’t pretend otherwise. At the beginning of the book we are told these are “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel.”(Prov. 1:1) In the middle of the book the tone shifts and we are given proverbs from the Wise... literally it says before 22:17: “Sayings of the Wise”. We are given other proverbs later from a teacher named Ager. And King Lemuel offers a chapter of advice passed down from his mother in chapter 31.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of advice from kings and teachers and wise men of ancient Israel. But it’s only that as well. Advice. Advice and proverbs must be interpreted for each situation. Those that fit may be considered. Those that don’t...must be discarded or reinterpreted for our modern life. Reading and studying the book of Proverbs is an exercise in interpretation.
Needless to say interpretation has its own battles. The book of Proverbs has become a battlefield for ethics, especially in terms of child discipline. There are many who would argue for the effectiveness of spanking, for instance, and would site this proverb:
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.”
Others would disagree with them, of course, arguing that these passages do not speak to 21st Century parents but ancient parents instead. With all the work done in psychological discipline, reward and punishment, there are better ways to discipline a child than to beat them with a rod, whatever the rod looks like, they would argue.
Without getting into a debate over child discipline, this provides a perfect example of interpreted proverbial advice. While one side will claim faithfulness to the text in Proverbs, another will agree with the discipline but may disagree with the methods. Same proverb. Different interpretations. Who’s right? Both. Depending on their interpretation, they will both argue that they are right. And there is no way to prove biblically that one is right and the other is wrong. It's all up to interpretation.
There are other examples for sure. Proverbs chapter 26 offers challenging conflicting proverbs one verse away from each other.
Proverbs 26:4 reads: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly or you will be like him yourself.”
And the very next verse, Proverbs 26:5, says: “Answer a fool according to his folly or he will be wise in his own eyes.”
What should we do? The first? Or the second? Do we answer a fool or not answer a fool? If you were to direct your life based on both of these proverbs, you’d be confused to say the least. If you were coming to Proverbs looking for instruction, this offers no clear direction. What should we do? Answer them or not? It’s all up to interpretation!
And likewise for all of Proverbs. For the book is a book of advice from the wisest who have ever lived. But it’s just that...advice. Strong advice...sure! But advice nevertheless. And as advice goes, it is up for interpretation and alteration and dialogue. It should be discussed in the great assemblies and in your homes as you sit down. It should come up in conversations over what is the best life to live and how do we live a life pleasing to God. And it should be read along side Jesus own words. Jesus, who interprets Proverbs and the words of the wise over and over again, who calls us to live a new life. Who summons us to a brand new kingdom-life. And who has given us Himself as wisdom and strength and life.
The book of Proverbs can definitely help you on your journey to wisdom’s door...but don’t forget that Wisdom has come out and tented among us. And we have beheld His glory, the Glory of the Father’s Only Son, full of grace and truth! Amen!
Questions to Ponder...1) What Proverbs jump out at you as proverbs worthy of your following? What Proverbs do you interpret and avoid?
2) How do you determine what to take and follow and what to leave and discard from Scripture? What is your measure?
3) Read: Romans 12:17-21 & Proverbs 25:21-22. How has Paul interpreted Proverbs? Does he add anything to these words? Does he subtract anything?
A Prayer to Pray...
Almighty God, we give you thanks for your wise teachers whose wisdom we have written in the book of Proverbs. May their Proverbs live in our lives. May we seek wisdom above all else. And may the guiding light of your Holy Spirit lead us to where wisdom lay, hidden in your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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