E428 Navigating the Bible: Proverbs

These are the proverbs of Solomon, These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their David's son, king of Israel. Their David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and purpose is to teach people wisdom and purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the discipline, to help them understand the discipline, to help them understand the insights of the insights of the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people wise. Their purpose is to teach people wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives to live disciplined and successful lives to live disciplined and successful lives to help them do what is right, just, and to help them do what is right, just, and to help them do what is right, just, and fair. fair. fair. These proverbs will give These proverbs will give These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and insight to the simple, knowledge and insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise discernment to the young. Let the wise discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even listen to these proverbs and become even listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding wiser. Let those with understanding wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the receive guidance by exploring the receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, meaning in these proverbs and parables, meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. the words of the wise and their riddles. the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:es 1-6. The book of Proverbs is a 1-6. The book of Proverbs is a fascinating entry in the wisdom fascinating entry in the wisdom fascinating entry in the wisdom literature section of the Bible and literature section of the Bible and literature section of the Bible and really a perfect pair with the Psalms really a perfect pair with the Psalms really a perfect pair with the Psalms that come before that come before that come before it. King Solomon, who we've talked about it. King Solomon, who we've talked about it. King Solomon, who we've talked about in many of the episodes talking about in many of the episodes talking about in many of the episodes talking about Kings and Chronicles, was offered by God Kings and Chronicles, was offered by God Kings and Chronicles, was offered by God to have anything he wanted. Solomon to have anything he wanted. Solomon to have anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom which pleased God and asked for wisdom which pleased God and asked for wisdom which pleased God and he was granted supernatural he was granted supernatural he was granted supernatural wisdom. Proverbs is a part of that wisdom. Proverbs is a part of that wisdom. Proverbs is a part of that outpouring. Proverbs is unlike any other outpouring. Proverbs is unlike any other outpouring. Proverbs is unlike any other book in the Bible in that it is largely

book in the Bible in that it is largely book in the Bible in that it is largely made up of a collection of phrases or made up of a collection of phrases or made up of a collection of phrases or wise sayings, right? It's not wise sayings, right? It's not wise sayings, right? It's not narratively based like most books, and narratively based like most books, and narratively based like most books, and it's not even a it's not even a it's not even a larger collection of poems or songs like larger collection of poems or songs like larger collection of poems or songs like the Psalms the Psalms the Psalms is. So, how should we read is. So, how should we read is. So, how should we read Proverbs? And how can we best learn from Proverbs? And how can we best learn from Proverbs? And how can we best learn from the wisdom in this book? To help us the wisdom in this book? To help us the wisdom in this book? To help us navigate the book of Proverbs is Dr. navigate the book of Proverbs is Dr. navigate the book of Proverbs is Dr. Christopher Ansbury, associate professor Christopher Ansbury, associate professor Christopher Ansbury, associate professor of biblical and religious studies at of biblical and religious studies at of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. an author of a brand Grove City College. an author of a brand Grove City College. an author of a brand new commentary on new commentary on new commentary on Proverbs. My name is Jason Wheelen and Proverbs. My name is Jason Wheelen and Proverbs. My name is Jason Wheelen and this is Navigating the this is Navigating the this is Navigating the Bible. Proverbs. All right, Dr. Christopher Proverbs. All right, Dr. Christopher Ansbury, thanks for joining us today, Ansbury, thanks for joining us today, Ansbury, thanks for joining us today, helping us navigate through the book of helping us navigate through the book of helping us navigate through the book of Proverbs. We continue through the wisdom Proverbs. We continue through the wisdom Proverbs. We continue through the wisdom literature and uh I appreciate you being literature and uh I appreciate you being literature and uh I appreciate you being here to take us through Proverbs. Jason, here to take us through Proverbs. Jason, here to take us through Proverbs. Jason, thanks so much for having me. Yeah, of thanks so much for having me. Yeah, of thanks so much for having me. Yeah, of course. So, let's start with the basic course. So, let's start with the basic course. So, let's start with the basic details like we do for every one of details like we do for every one of details like we do for every one of these books. For uh Proverbs, do we know these books. For uh Proverbs, do we know these books. For uh Proverbs, do we know who wrote the book of Proverbs? And do who wrote the book of Proverbs? And do who wrote the book of Proverbs? And do we know when the book may have been we know when the book may have been we know when the book may have been written? And and if we know these written? And and if we know these written? And and if we know these answers um historically going through answers um historically going through answers um historically going through these books, we haven't known uh many of these books, we haven't known uh many of these books, we haven't known uh many of the authorships, but um uh if we know the authorships, but um uh if we know the authorships, but um uh if we know these, does it affect how we read the these, does it affect how we read the these, does it affect how we read the book of Proverbs? Yeah. Do we know who book of Proverbs? Yeah. Do we know who book of Proverbs? Yeah. Do we know who wrote the book and when? Yes and no.

wrote the book and when? Yes and no. wrote the book and when? Yes and no. Yeah, Proverbs is an anthology. It's a Yeah, Proverbs is an anthology. It's a Yeah, Proverbs is an anthology. It's a collection of collections and the collection of collections and the collection of collections and the collections within the book are collections within the book are collections within the book are associated with different types of associated with different types of associated with different types of individuals. So, Proverbs 1:1 opens with individuals. So, Proverbs 1:1 opens with individuals. So, Proverbs 1:1 opens with the Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, the Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, the Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel. Proverbs 10:1 mentions King of Israel. Proverbs 10:1 mentions King of Israel. Proverbs 10:1 mentions Solomon yet again. These are the Solomon yet again. These are the Solomon yet again. These are the proverbs of Solomon. Chapter proverbs of Solomon. Chapter proverbs of Solomon. Chapter 22:17 attributes those materials to the 22:17 attributes those materials to the 22:17 attributes those materials to the words of the wise. Chapter 24 23 words of the wise. Chapter 24 23 words of the wise. Chapter 24 23 attributes those materials also to the attributes those materials also to the attributes those materials also to the wise. In chapter 25:1 we have these are wise. In chapter 25:1 we have these are wise. In chapter 25:1 we have these are the proverbs of Solomon which the men of the proverbs of Solomon which the men of the proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah transcribed. And then in Hezekiah transcribed. And then in Hezekiah transcribed. And then in chapter 30 we have the words of agar and chapter 30 we have the words of agar and chapter 30 we have the words of agar and in chapter 31 the words of Lemule which in chapter 31 the words of Lemule which in chapter 31 the words of Lemule which his mother taught him. So a variety of his mother taught him. So a variety of his mother taught him. So a variety of collections each of which are attributed collections each of which are attributed collections each of which are attributed to different individuals. And when taken to different individuals. And when taken to different individuals. And when taken together, it seems to suggest that we together, it seems to suggest that we together, it seems to suggest that we have a growing fluid developing book have a growing fluid developing book have a growing fluid developing book across the canonical period associated across the canonical period associated across the canonical period associated with many different individuals. On one with many different individuals. On one with many different individuals. On one side, you have Solomon. So, let's just side, you have Solomon. So, let's just side, you have Solomon. So, let's just think in the 900s BC, um Hezekiah and think in the 900s BC, um Hezekiah and think in the 900s BC, um Hezekiah and his men, the 700s, and then Agar and his men, the 700s, and then Agar and his men, the 700s, and then Agar and Lemule, who seem to be foreigners.

Lemule, who seem to be foreigners. Lemule, who seem to be foreigners. They're non-Israelites. And the language They're non-Israelites. And the language They're non-Israelites. And the language of Proverbs 30 even 31 seems to suggest of Proverbs 30 even 31 seems to suggest of Proverbs 30 even 31 seems to suggest a much later sort of dating. So a a much later sort of dating. So a a much later sort of dating. So a growing fluid book and yet Proverbs 1 growing fluid book and yet Proverbs 1 growing fluid book and yet Proverbs 1 vers1 is the title to the entire book vers1 is the title to the entire book vers1 is the title to the entire book and it's associated with Solomon. So I and it's associated with Solomon. So I and it's associated with Solomon. So I think that might help us read the book think that might help us read the book think that might help us read the book as a whole where despite we despite the as a whole where despite we despite the as a whole where despite we despite the fact that we have all these different fact that we have all these different fact that we have all these different collections associated with a variety of collections associated with a variety of collections associated with a variety of different individuals, it seems that all different individuals, it seems that all different individuals, it seems that all of the materials in the book align with of the materials in the book align with of the materials in the book align with Solomonic wisdom. And I think that might Solomonic wisdom. And I think that might Solomonic wisdom. And I think that might help us as we approach a book where help us as we approach a book where help us as we approach a book where materials come from all different kinds materials come from all different kinds materials come from all different kinds of periods and all different kinds of of periods and all different kinds of of periods and all different kinds of people. Yeah. I think it's helpful to people. Yeah. I think it's helpful to people. Yeah. I think it's helpful to remember as the reader, you have h have remember as the reader, you have h have remember as the reader, you have h have King Solomon who who prayed for wisdom, King Solomon who who prayed for wisdom, King Solomon who who prayed for wisdom, right? He asked God for the gift of right? He asked God for the gift of right? He asked God for the gift of wisdom. And so I think many people wisdom. And so I think many people wisdom. And so I think many people attribute the book of Proverbs like, attribute the book of Proverbs like, attribute the book of Proverbs like, "Oh, it's it's it's it's the work of "Oh, it's it's it's it's the work of "Oh, it's it's it's it's the work of Solomon. That's great." But then you Solomon. That's great." But then you Solomon. That's great." But then you actually dig into it and you're like, actually dig into it and you're like, actually dig into it and you're like, "Okay, well, I actually see a lot of "Okay, well, I actually see a lot of "Okay, well, I actually see a lot of authorship being accredited in different authorship being accredited in different authorship being accredited in different places but to put it into this general places but to put it into this general places but to put it into this general council of the wisdom of Solomon that's council of the wisdom of Solomon that's council of the wisdom of Solomon that's kind kind kind of been collected into you know this of been collected into you know this of been collected into you know this tome of wise practices of wise sayings I tome of wise practices of wise sayings I tome of wise practices of wise sayings I think that's helpful to you know that think that's helpful to you know that think that's helpful to you know that it's okay to think of it as as a book of it's okay to think of it as as a book of it's okay to think of it as as a book of Solomon uh because it all comes from Solomon uh because it all comes from Solomon uh because it all comes from this era of wisdom that is being first

this era of wisdom that is being first this era of wisdom that is being first and foremost was brought down by and foremost was brought down by and foremost was brought down by Solomon. Is that kind of a right way to Solomon. Is that kind of a right way to Solomon. Is that kind of a right way to think about it? Yeah. Yeah. And it's all think about it? Yeah. Yeah. And it's all think about it? Yeah. Yeah. And it's all in that stream of his wisdom that of in that stream of his wisdom that of in that stream of his wisdom that of course is framed sort of theologically course is framed sort of theologically course is framed sort of theologically in relation to the Lord and through the in relation to the Lord and through the in relation to the Lord and through the fear of the Lord. So I think other fear of the Lord. So I think other fear of the Lord. So I think other materials associated with the wise or materials associated with the wise or materials associated with the wise or with agger or lemu. They're included with agger or lemu. They're included with agger or lemu. They're included because they align with that wisdom. And because they align with that wisdom. And because they align with that wisdom. And it's probably fair to assume that uh it's probably fair to assume that uh it's probably fair to assume that uh most of the ones that were attributed to most of the ones that were attributed to most of the ones that were attributed to Solomon were probably written in his Solomon were probably written in his Solomon were probably written in his good days before he became, you know, uh good days before he became, you know, uh good days before he became, you know, uh not the best king. Yeah, I think that's not the best king. Yeah, I think that's not the best king. Yeah, I think that's fair. And I think, you know, there's a fair. And I think, you know, there's a fair. And I think, you know, there's a lot of discussion out there as to lot of discussion out there as to lot of discussion out there as to whether or not, you know, Solomon wrote whether or not, you know, Solomon wrote whether or not, you know, Solomon wrote all of these that are attributed to him all of these that are attributed to him all of these that are attributed to him or he was responsible for collecting or he was responsible for collecting or he was responsible for collecting them. So even think of like our proverbs them. So even think of like our proverbs them. So even think of like our proverbs today. Birds of a feather flock today. Birds of a feather flock today. Birds of a feather flock together. Like who's the author of that together. Like who's the author of that together. Like who's the author of that proverb? And does it matter who the proverb? And does it matter who the proverb? And does it matter who the author is or by virtue of the fact that author is or by virtue of the fact that author is or by virtue of the fact that it teaches a traditional truth that we it teaches a traditional truth that we it teaches a traditional truth that we acknowledge its authority is based on acknowledge its authority is based on acknowledge its authority is based on its truth rather than you know whoever its truth rather than you know whoever its truth rather than you know whoever came up with it or too many cooks spoil came up with it or too many cooks spoil came up with it or too many cooks spoil the broth or you whatever it might be.

the broth or you whatever it might be. the broth or you whatever it might be. Who are the author of who are the Who are the author of who are the Who are the author of who are the authors of these proverbs? We don't authors of these proverbs? We don't authors of these proverbs? We don't know. But that doesn't mean that they're know. But that doesn't mean that they're know. But that doesn't mean that they're not authoritative and truthful. Okay. So not authoritative and truthful. Okay. So not authoritative and truthful. Okay. So that's helpful. So, so this question I that's helpful. So, so this question I that's helpful. So, so this question I usually like asking I think for Proverbs usually like asking I think for Proverbs usually like asking I think for Proverbs you're going to have a pretty easy time you're going to have a pretty easy time you're going to have a pretty easy time with this one. How would you describe with this one. How would you describe with this one. How would you describe the book of Proverbs in one sentence? the book of Proverbs in one sentence? the book of Proverbs in one sentence? Yeah, I think in one sentence I'd latch Yeah, I think in one sentence I'd latch Yeah, I think in one sentence I'd latch on to the opening verses of the book on to the opening verses of the book on to the opening verses of the book which sort of orient you to the whole which sort of orient you to the whole which sort of orient you to the whole and say the book of Proverbs is about and say the book of Proverbs is about and say the book of Proverbs is about the formation or the transformation of the formation or the transformation of the formation or the transformation of our character in accord with wisdom and our character in accord with wisdom and our character in accord with wisdom and virtue. Helpful. So, so now we normally virtue. Helpful. So, so now we normally virtue. Helpful. So, so now we normally would go into a narrative flow, you would go into a narrative flow, you would go into a narrative flow, you know, for all of the historical books, know, for all of the historical books, know, for all of the historical books, forever, you know, for most of the books forever, you know, for most of the books forever, you know, for most of the books in in the wisdom literature, we have to in in the wisdom literature, we have to in in the wisdom literature, we have to approach this in a different way. So, approach this in a different way. So, approach this in a different way. So, instead, I kind of want to focus on how instead, I kind of want to focus on how instead, I kind of want to focus on how we best read the book of Proverbs. So, we best read the book of Proverbs. So, we best read the book of Proverbs. So, so what advice would you give to people? so what advice would you give to people? so what advice would you give to people? So, like if you were teaching a class on So, like if you were teaching a class on So, like if you were teaching a class on Proverbs, how would you advise your Proverbs, how would you advise your Proverbs, how would you advise your students to read the book? Yeah, great students to read the book? Yeah, great students to read the book? Yeah, great question. And I advise my students to question. And I advise my students to question. And I advise my students to read the book along three lines. Now read the book along three lines. Now read the book along three lines. Now whether or not they get this or not, whether or not they get this or not, whether or not they get this or not, that's another question alto together. I that's another question alto together. I that's another question alto together. I give them really three pieces of advice give them really three pieces of advice give them really three pieces of advice for reading the book of proverbs. The for reading the book of proverbs. The for reading the book of proverbs. The first piece of advice is to read the first piece of advice is to read the first piece of advice is to read the book of proverbs with an eye to its book of proverbs with an eye to its book of proverbs with an eye to its pedagogy. How it teaches how the pedagogy. How it teaches how the pedagogy. How it teaches how the different literary forms in the book are different literary forms in the book are different literary forms in the book are designed to form us in different ways. I designed to form us in different ways. I designed to form us in different ways. I teach students in college classrooms in

teach students in college classrooms in teach students in college classrooms in a much different way than I teach my a much different way than I teach my a much different way than I teach my six-year-old. So, we employ different six-year-old. So, we employ different six-year-old. So, we employ different forms of teaching depending on who we're forms of teaching depending on who we're forms of teaching depending on who we're talking to, but also for distinctive talking to, but also for distinctive talking to, but also for distinctive purposes. And Proverbs says the same purposes. And Proverbs says the same purposes. And Proverbs says the same thing. It's different literary forms are thing. It's different literary forms are thing. It's different literary forms are all designed to form us especially to all designed to form us especially to all designed to form us especially to cultivate wisdom and virtue, but to do cultivate wisdom and virtue, but to do cultivate wisdom and virtue, but to do that in different ways. And I think that in different ways. And I think that in different ways. And I think that's especially important in something that's especially important in something that's especially important in something like Proverbs chapters 1:9 where you like Proverbs chapters 1:9 where you like Proverbs chapters 1:9 where you have these extended instructions, but have these extended instructions, but have these extended instructions, but they're cast in different forms. They're they're cast in different forms. They're they're cast in different forms. They're designed to form us in different ways. designed to form us in different ways. designed to form us in different ways. And I think the best example of that is And I think the best example of that is And I think the best example of that is you have these three different you have these three different you have these three different instructions, all of which concern this instructions, all of which concern this instructions, all of which concern this stranger adulterous woman. And it's stranger adulterous woman. And it's stranger adulterous woman. And it's like, why are we talking about this on like, why are we talking about this on like, why are we talking about this on three different occasions? Well, not three different occasions? Well, not three different occasions? Well, not only because it's important, but I think only because it's important, but I think only because it's important, but I think we do well to account for the fact that we do well to account for the fact that we do well to account for the fact that it's being taught in very different it's being taught in very different it's being taught in very different ways. Yeah. So, in chapter 5, where the ways. Yeah. So, in chapter 5, where the ways. Yeah. So, in chapter 5, where the strange adulterous woman first comes strange adulterous woman first comes strange adulterous woman first comes into play there, the intention of that into play there, the intention of that into play there, the intention of that discourse is to orient our desire to the discourse is to orient our desire to the discourse is to orient our desire to the appropriate object of desire, your appropriate object of desire, your appropriate object of desire, your spouse, not this strange or adulterous spouse, not this strange or adulterous spouse, not this strange or adulterous woman. And so, Proverbs 5 includes all woman. And so, Proverbs 5 includes all woman. And so, Proverbs 5 includes all this language from the Song of Songs this language from the Song of Songs this language from the Song of Songs that's intended to direct our desire that's intended to direct our desire that's intended to direct our desire toward our spouse into the context of toward our spouse into the context of toward our spouse into the context of marriage rather than to the stranger marriage rather than to the stranger marriage rather than to the stranger adulterous woman. At the end of chapter adulterous woman. At the end of chapter adulterous woman. At the end of chapter 6, by contrast, it's the sort of I'm 6, by contrast, it's the sort of I'm 6, by contrast, it's the sort of I'm going to scare the life out of you going to scare the life out of you going to scare the life out of you approach. If you go after the stranger

approach. If you go after the stranger approach. If you go after the stranger adulterous woman, all of these horrific adulterous woman, all of these horrific adulterous woman, all of these horrific things are going to happen to you and things are going to happen to you and things are going to happen to you and her husband is not going to let you go. her husband is not going to let you go. her husband is not going to let you go. you are going to experience some serious you are going to experience some serious you are going to experience some serious pain. Proverbs 7 then reintroduces her pain. Proverbs 7 then reintroduces her pain. Proverbs 7 then reintroduces her and does something I think very and does something I think very and does something I think very counterintuitive to us which is to kind counterintuitive to us which is to kind counterintuitive to us which is to kind of lure us to feel the temptation that of lure us to feel the temptation that of lure us to feel the temptation that this woman will bring. It's the first this woman will bring. It's the first this woman will bring. It's the first time she's permitted to speak in all of time she's permitted to speak in all of time she's permitted to speak in all of Proverbs 1:9. And it's as if we're to Proverbs 1:9. And it's as if we're to Proverbs 1:9. And it's as if we're to ease drop on the conversation to hear ease drop on the conversation to hear ease drop on the conversation to hear what it might feel like to be tempted by what it might feel like to be tempted by what it might feel like to be tempted by her seductive discourse um so as to her seductive discourse um so as to her seductive discourse um so as to prevent this sort of fate that befalls prevent this sort of fate that befalls prevent this sort of fate that befalls this youth in chapter 7. So an this youth in chapter 7. So an this youth in chapter 7. So an attentiveness in the first instance to attentiveness in the first instance to attentiveness in the first instance to what kind of teaching how is this what kind of teaching how is this what kind of teaching how is this material being taught is sort of a key. material being taught is sort of a key. material being taught is sort of a key. It's pedagogy to reading the book. It's pedagogy to reading the book. It's pedagogy to reading the book. That's the first piece of advice. The That's the first piece of advice. The That's the first piece of advice. The second would be to read the middle of second would be to read the middle of second would be to read the middle of the book, chapters 10 to 29 along its the book, chapters 10 to 29 along its the book, chapters 10 to 29 along its developing curriculum. So I tend to developing curriculum. So I tend to developing curriculum. So I tend to think with William Brown and some others think with William Brown and some others think with William Brown and some others that the middle of the book is really that the middle of the book is really that the middle of the book is really set up in a manner comparable to our set up in a manner comparable to our set up in a manner comparable to our educational curricula. So just like we educational curricula. So just like we educational curricula. So just like we need to learn addition and subtraction need to learn addition and subtraction need to learn addition and subtraction before we learn algebra, there's a before we learn algebra, there's a before we learn algebra, there's a developing curriculum. So also Proverbs developing curriculum. So also Proverbs developing curriculum. So also Proverbs 10:29 is kind of set up in that way 10:29 is kind of set up in that way 10:29 is kind of set up in that way where chapters 10 to1 15 are pretty where chapters 10 to1 15 are pretty where chapters 10 to1 15 are pretty elementary. I mean there's nuance there, elementary. I mean there's nuance there, elementary. I mean there's nuance there, but all of the sayings tend to be but all of the sayings tend to be but all of the sayings tend to be antithetical. They're black and white.

antithetical. They're black and white. antithetical. They're black and white. They're contrasts. They're kind of They're contrasts. They're kind of They're contrasts. They're kind of easing us in to thinking in binaries and easing us in to thinking in binaries and easing us in to thinking in binaries and these different kinds of categories. The these different kinds of categories. The these different kinds of categories. The world seems to be a pretty simple place. world seems to be a pretty simple place. world seems to be a pretty simple place. And then in Proverbs 16:22, we ease into And then in Proverbs 16:22, we ease into And then in Proverbs 16:22, we ease into intermediate wisdom. Now we don't have intermediate wisdom. Now we don't have intermediate wisdom. Now we don't have any more strict antithesis. The literary any more strict antithesis. The literary any more strict antithesis. The literary forms are different. New themes are forms are different. New themes are forms are different. New themes are introduced. Themes that we were introduced. Themes that we were introduced. Themes that we were encountered earlier are now nuanced and encountered earlier are now nuanced and encountered earlier are now nuanced and developed. developed. developed. Chapters 22 to 24 we have, you know, Chapters 22 to 24 we have, you know, Chapters 22 to 24 we have, you know, educational, vocational wisdom where educational, vocational wisdom where educational, vocational wisdom where we're being placed in all these we're being placed in all these we're being placed in all these different vocs of life so as to discern different vocs of life so as to discern different vocs of life so as to discern how we might live in a manner that is how we might live in a manner that is how we might live in a manner that is wise and virtuous. Chapters 25 to 29 is wise and virtuous. Chapters 25 to 29 is wise and virtuous. Chapters 25 to 29 is kind of advanced wisdom. Now topics are kind of advanced wisdom. Now topics are kind of advanced wisdom. Now topics are being nuanced in all kinds of ways. It's being nuanced in all kinds of ways. It's being nuanced in all kinds of ways. It's this developing curriculum. And as we this developing curriculum. And as we this developing curriculum. And as we develop across that curriculum, we're develop across that curriculum, we're develop across that curriculum, we're invited to see how themes are being invited to see how themes are being invited to see how themes are being qualified and nuanced and extended. How qualified and nuanced and extended. How qualified and nuanced and extended. How common topics tend to be, you know, common topics tend to be, you know, common topics tend to be, you know, treated in diverse ways. Life is messier treated in diverse ways. Life is messier treated in diverse ways. Life is messier than we thought it was. It's more gray than we thought it was. It's more gray than we thought it was. It's more gray than the black and white of Proverbs than the black and white of Proverbs than the black and white of Proverbs 10:15. We read it along that trajectory.

10:15. We read it along that trajectory. 10:15. We read it along that trajectory. And ideally, as we do, just as we would And ideally, as we do, just as we would And ideally, as we do, just as we would in a in an educational curriculum, our in a in an educational curriculum, our in a in an educational curriculum, our character is formed, character is formed, character is formed, honed, we grow in wisdom and virtue honed, we grow in wisdom and virtue honed, we grow in wisdom and virtue along the way. And then third, final along the way. And then third, final along the way. And then third, final piece of advice I give them is to read piece of advice I give them is to read piece of advice I give them is to read the final two chapters, chapters 30 and the final two chapters, chapters 30 and the final two chapters, chapters 30 and 31, sort of as the application of 31, sort of as the application of 31, sort of as the application of wisdom. So, we've completed this wisdom. So, we've completed this wisdom. So, we've completed this curriculum in chapters 10 to 29. We come curriculum in chapters 10 to 29. We come curriculum in chapters 10 to 29. We come to chapter 30 and Agger says, "In case to chapter 30 and Agger says, "In case to chapter 30 and Agger says, "In case you thought you've graduated in the life you thought you've graduated in the life you thought you've graduated in the life of wisdom, think again." And he dishes of wisdom, think again." And he dishes of wisdom, think again." And he dishes out this hefty piece of humble pie. And out this hefty piece of humble pie. And out this hefty piece of humble pie. And so it just checks our our limits as so it just checks our our limits as so it just checks our our limits as creatures. We will never arrive in the creatures. We will never arrive in the creatures. We will never arrive in the life of wisdom. And he seeks to life of wisdom. And he seeks to life of wisdom. And he seeks to cultivate humility within us. Yeah. cultivate humility within us. Yeah. cultivate humility within us. Yeah. Before we come to chapter 31, which Before we come to chapter 31, which Before we come to chapter 31, which provides us with an ethic of leadership provides us with an ethic of leadership provides us with an ethic of leadership as well as with a vision of the wise as well as with a vision of the wise as well as with a vision of the wise life incarnate in this woman who serves life incarnate in this woman who serves life incarnate in this woman who serves as a model for all people. as a model for all people. as a model for all people. So some points that help us along the So some points that help us along the So some points that help us along the way and I think orient us to how we way and I think orient us to how we way and I think orient us to how we might traverse the book as a whole. And might traverse the book as a whole. And might traverse the book as a whole. And then what makes it even better is then then what makes it even better is then then what makes it even better is then after Proverbs you get into Ecclesiastes after Proverbs you get into Ecclesiastes after Proverbs you get into Ecclesiastes and you had all this wisdom and then and you had all this wisdom and then and you had all this wisdom and then you're told that life is meaningless.

you're told that life is meaningless. you're told that life is meaningless. And so it's like Yeah. Right. Right. I And so it's like Yeah. Right. Right. I And so it's like Yeah. Right. Right. I just love that transition. So So those just love that transition. So So those just love that transition. So So those are three like great tools and resources are three like great tools and resources are three like great tools and resources to think through how to read this book. to think through how to read this book. to think through how to read this book. And I think what's helpful if you've And I think what's helpful if you've And I think what's helpful if you've never opened up the book of Proverbs, do never opened up the book of Proverbs, do never opened up the book of Proverbs, do if you're driving, don't do it now. But if you're driving, don't do it now. But if you're driving, don't do it now. But but but do so and and really just look but but do so and and really just look but but do so and and really just look at how it's structured because it's at how it's structured because it's at how it's structured because it's structured unlike any other book, I structured unlike any other book, I structured unlike any other book, I think, in the whole Bible because it's think, in the whole Bible because it's think, in the whole Bible because it's really, as you said at the beginning of really, as you said at the beginning of really, as you said at the beginning of our conversation, it's these snippets of our conversation, it's these snippets of our conversation, it's these snippets of wisdom. It's these phrases. It's it's wisdom. It's these phrases. It's it's wisdom. It's these phrases. It's it's these addages. And so it's a hard book these addages. And so it's a hard book these addages. And so it's a hard book to just read a chapter at a time and say to just read a chapter at a time and say to just read a chapter at a time and say like, "Oh, I got I got 5 10 minutes. I'm like, "Oh, I got I got 5 10 minutes. I'm like, "Oh, I got I got 5 10 minutes. I'm going to just go through Proverbs 12 going to just go through Proverbs 12 going to just go through Proverbs 12 right now." Because each phrase really right now." Because each phrase really right now." Because each phrase really requires you to sit with it and let it requires you to sit with it and let it requires you to sit with it and let it kind of, you know, stew a little bit and kind of, you know, stew a little bit and kind of, you know, stew a little bit and really get at, okay, what is the godly really get at, okay, what is the godly really get at, okay, what is the godly wisdom that is being offered in this wisdom that is being offered in this wisdom that is being offered in this single sentence or this single verse or single sentence or this single verse or single sentence or this single verse or whatever it is. So, it's not a book whatever it is. So, it's not a book whatever it is. So, it's not a book that's meant to be read quickly. It's that's meant to be read quickly. It's that's meant to be read quickly. It's not a book that's meant to be read in not a book that's meant to be read in not a book that's meant to be read in long chunks unless you're doing a long chunks unless you're doing a long chunks unless you're doing a project like you were sharing where project like you were sharing where project like you were sharing where where you're trying to see the certain where you're trying to see the certain where you're trying to see the certain curricula of this section or whatever.

curricula of this section or whatever. curricula of this section or whatever. But like I I I know some people who But like I I I know some people who But like I I I know some people who start every day by reading a psalm and a start every day by reading a psalm and a start every day by reading a psalm and a proverb. And there's something to that proverb. And there's something to that proverb. And there's something to that where you're just getting these little where you're just getting these little where you're just getting these little chunks of wisdom at a time and letting chunks of wisdom at a time and letting chunks of wisdom at a time and letting them ruminate throughout the day. Yeah. them ruminate throughout the day. Yeah. them ruminate throughout the day. Yeah. Yeah. And I wanted to go back to what Yeah. And I wanted to go back to what Yeah. And I wanted to go back to what you were saying too because it you were saying too because it you were saying too because it it because normally we talk about the it because normally we talk about the it because normally we talk about the different characters that we see in a different characters that we see in a different characters that we see in a book. Now, there's not necessarily book. Now, there's not necessarily book. Now, there's not necessarily people or characters in the book of people or characters in the book of people or characters in the book of Proverbs, but it's written in such a uh Proverbs, but it's written in such a uh Proverbs, but it's written in such a uh wise way to s to talk about a wisdom wise way to s to talk about a wisdom wise way to s to talk about a wisdom book as being a a book that's written book as being a a book that's written book as being a a book that's written wisely in that it does kind of give you wisely in that it does kind of give you wisely in that it does kind of give you characters where it gives you this idea characters where it gives you this idea characters where it gives you this idea of lady wisdom or it gives you the the of lady wisdom or it gives you the the of lady wisdom or it gives you the the fool or the mocker or you know these fool or the mocker or you know these fool or the mocker or you know these these people who you are being these people who you are being these people who you are being juxtaposed against if you were making juxtaposed against if you were making juxtaposed against if you were making the wise choice. the wise choice. the wise choice. And so it it is really cleverly written And so it it is really cleverly written And so it it is really cleverly written in that way where you can put yourself in that way where you can put yourself in that way where you can put yourself in a position of being the person like I in a position of being the person like I in a position of being the person like I can picture the wise person and I can can picture the wise person and I can can picture the wise person and I can picture the foolish person in my head picture the foolish person in my head picture the foolish person in my head and reading uh the choice that the wise and reading uh the choice that the wise and reading uh the choice that the wise makes as opposed to the foolish makes. I makes as opposed to the foolish makes. I makes as opposed to the foolish makes. I it's like you're reading a a bunch about it's like you're reading a a bunch about it's like you're reading a a bunch about a bunch of different people but you're a bunch of different people but you're a bunch of different people but you're not. And so I I think I I I I wanted to not. And so I I think I I I I wanted to not. And so I I think I I I I wanted to point that out too as in as something point that out too as in as something point that out too as in as something that makes this book very unique. Very that makes this book very unique. Very that makes this book very unique. Very much so. So let's talk about some of the much so. So let's talk about some of the much so. So let's talk about some of the major themes then that we get out of the

major themes then that we get out of the major themes then that we get out of the book of Proverbs. Um what are some of book of Proverbs. Um what are some of book of Proverbs. Um what are some of these major themes that you've these major themes that you've these major themes that you've identified come come through in the identified come come through in the identified come come through in the book? Yeah, I think some of the major book? Yeah, I think some of the major book? Yeah, I think some of the major themes and how they shape our reading of themes and how they shape our reading of themes and how they shape our reading of the book really do revolve around um the book really do revolve around um the book really do revolve around um that summary statement that I provided. that summary statement that I provided. that summary statement that I provided. If the book of Proverbs, I mean, if it If the book of Proverbs, I mean, if it If the book of Proverbs, I mean, if it opens with kind of its syllabus in opens with kind of its syllabus in opens with kind of its syllabus in chapter 1:es 2 to7, like here are the chapter 1:es 2 to7, like here are the chapter 1:es 2 to7, like here are the learning outcomes, here's who this learning outcomes, here's who this learning outcomes, here's who this course is for, here's the prerequisite, course is for, here's the prerequisite, course is for, here's the prerequisite, which is the fear of the Lord. Then I which is the fear of the Lord. Then I which is the fear of the Lord. Then I think we do well to recognize that all think we do well to recognize that all think we do well to recognize that all of the materials within the book, its of the materials within the book, its of the materials within the book, its themes around these character types that themes around these character types that themes around these character types that you just mentioned, everyone's slotted you just mentioned, everyone's slotted you just mentioned, everyone's slotted into character types of righteous and into character types of righteous and into character types of righteous and wise or wicked and foolish. You have the wise or wicked and foolish. You have the wise or wicked and foolish. You have the simple, the the scoffer, the lazy, the simple, the the scoffer, the lazy, the simple, the the scoffer, the lazy, the diligent, among others. All of those diligent, among others. All of those diligent, among others. All of those character types are orienting us to the character types are orienting us to the character types are orienting us to the way in which they're designed to form way in which they're designed to form way in which they're designed to form our thinking and our character in all our thinking and our character in all our thinking and our character in all kinds of different ways. So in that kinds of different ways. So in that kinds of different ways. So in that respect, if the entire book, all of its respect, if the entire book, all of its respect, if the entire book, all of its materials are all oriented to the materials are all oriented to the materials are all oriented to the formation of our character and the formation of our character and the formation of our character and the cultivation of virtue, we do well with cultivation of virtue, we do well with cultivation of virtue, we do well with that push to recognize what we have in that push to recognize what we have in that push to recognize what we have in Proverbs are not promises.

Proverbs are not promises. Proverbs are not promises. Yeah. What we have in Proverbs are not Yeah. What we have in Proverbs are not Yeah. What we have in Proverbs are not propositions about the way the world is propositions about the way the world is propositions about the way the world is or the way the world ought to be. What or the way the world ought to be. What or the way the world ought to be. What we have in Proverbs aren't even we have in Proverbs aren't even we have in Proverbs aren't even primarily principles. primarily principles. primarily principles. What we have in Proverbs What we have in Proverbs What we have in Proverbs are lenses through which to see are lenses through which to see are lenses through which to see ourselves and see the world or they're ourselves and see the world or they're ourselves and see the world or they're they're little advertisements they're little advertisements they're little advertisements around like why should I be a wise or a around like why should I be a wise or a around like why should I be a wise or a righteous person these catchy adverts righteous person these catchy adverts righteous person these catchy adverts that are all designed to sort of train that are all designed to sort of train that are all designed to sort of train our desires our emotions and so as I our desires our emotions and so as I our desires our emotions and so as I think about themes all of which are think about themes all of which are think about themes all of which are intimately related to the different intimately related to the different intimately related to the different kinds of character types in the book. kinds of character types in the book. kinds of character types in the book. They're designed to shape our desires, They're designed to shape our desires, They're designed to shape our desires, direct our desires. I mean, Lady Wisdom, direct our desires. I mean, Lady Wisdom, direct our desires. I mean, Lady Wisdom, for example, in Proverbs 8, I mean, for example, in Proverbs 8, I mean, for example, in Proverbs 8, I mean, she's wooing us. Yeah. We should desire she's wooing us. Yeah. We should desire she's wooing us. Yeah. We should desire her and look for her and search for her her and look for her and search for her her and look for her and search for her and embrace her rather than desiring and embrace her rather than desiring and embrace her rather than desiring woman folly in chapter nine. We should woman folly in chapter nine. We should woman folly in chapter nine. We should desire to be like the righteous. We desire to be like the righteous. We desire to be like the righteous. We should desire to be like the wise. Those should desire to be like the wise. Those should desire to be like the wise. Those materials, they they sharpen our moral materials, they they sharpen our moral materials, they they sharpen our moral reasoning, how to think. I mean, even by reasoning, how to think. I mean, even by reasoning, how to think. I mean, even by providing sayings that slot people into providing sayings that slot people into providing sayings that slot people into the categories of righteous or wicked the categories of righteous or wicked the categories of righteous or wicked and wise and foolish, they're providing and wise and foolish, they're providing and wise and foolish, they're providing us with categories through which to us with categories through which to us with categories through which to think about other people, which to think think about other people, which to think think about other people, which to think about the world, how people act, what about the world, how people act, what about the world, how people act, what they do, what they desire. Well, they do, what they desire. Well, they do, what they desire. Well, Proverbs is providing us with categories Proverbs is providing us with categories Proverbs is providing us with categories through which to think through that.

through which to think through that. through which to think through that. providing us with ways of seeing the providing us with ways of seeing the providing us with ways of seeing the world, and they're providing us, I think world, and they're providing us, I think world, and they're providing us, I think along the lines that you were talking along the lines that you were talking along the lines that you were talking about earlier, Jason, with models about earlier, Jason, with models about earlier, Jason, with models to to to emulate, models to admire, so that if emulate, models to admire, so that if emulate, models to admire, so that if the wise and the righteous are wise and the wise and the righteous are wise and the wise and the righteous are wise and righteous because they reflect God's righteous because they reflect God's righteous because they reflect God's wisdom and righteousness, if that's why wisdom and righteousness, if that's why wisdom and righteousness, if that's why they're wise and righteous, then if we they're wise and righteous, then if we they're wise and righteous, then if we admire the wise and the righteous in the admire the wise and the righteous in the admire the wise and the righteous in the book of Proverbs, and if we emulate book of Proverbs, and if we emulate book of Proverbs, and if we emulate them, we are by implication emulating them, we are by implication emulating them, we are by implication emulating and admiring the character of God and and admiring the character of God and and admiring the character of God and specifically the character of Christ and specifically the character of Christ and specifically the character of Christ and then participate in that form of life. then participate in that form of life. then participate in that form of life. Yeah. I think it's it's really helpful Yeah. I think it's it's really helpful Yeah. I think it's it's really helpful to to be taking these snippets and just to to be taking these snippets and just to to be taking these snippets and just I think of them as as little pieces that I think of them as as little pieces that I think of them as as little pieces that are building up this moral framework are building up this moral framework are building up this moral framework that you live your life, you know, as as that you live your life, you know, as as that you live your life, you know, as as you are thinking through the Christian you are thinking through the Christian you are thinking through the Christian life, right? I I I opened up the book of life, right? I I I opened up the book of life, right? I I I opened up the book of Proverbs here and I opened it to Proverbs here and I opened it to Proverbs here and I opened it to Proverbs 12 where it says, "The Lord Proverbs 12 where it says, "The Lord Proverbs 12 where it says, "The Lord detests lying lips." So it's like, okay, detests lying lips." So it's like, okay, detests lying lips." So it's like, okay, that's a part of a moral framework that that's a part of a moral framework that that's a part of a moral framework that I am building. And and in Proverbs is I am building. And and in Proverbs is I am building. And and in Proverbs is completely full of that. Going on to completely full of that. Going on to completely full of that. Going on to Proverbs 13, the uh verse 10, pride Proverbs 13, the uh verse 10, pride Proverbs 13, the uh verse 10, pride leads to conflict. Okay. So I'm building leads to conflict. Okay. So I'm building leads to conflict. Okay. So I'm building a moral framework then. I I I've heard a moral framework then. I I I've heard a moral framework then. I I I've heard about truth and honesty versus lying. I about truth and honesty versus lying. I about truth and honesty versus lying. I I'm saying about pride. So it's all of I'm saying about pride. So it's all of I'm saying about pride. So it's all of these little snippets that it's almost these little snippets that it's almost these little snippets that it's almost these Lego pieces. I say that because I these Lego pieces. I say that because I these Lego pieces. I say that because I build Lego that that you're building up

build Lego that that you're building up build Lego that that you're building up this this moral framework and as you this this moral framework and as you this this moral framework and as you said um it also helps to see these as said um it also helps to see these as said um it also helps to see these as lenses in which you are seeing the world lenses in which you are seeing the world lenses in which you are seeing the world because it's not just for your own life. because it's not just for your own life. because it's not just for your own life. You're also seeing that in the world too You're also seeing that in the world too You're also seeing that in the world too is you are are m are able to make good is you are are m are able to make good is you are are m are able to make good bad judgments not being judgmental but bad judgments not being judgmental but bad judgments not being judgmental but good bad judgments around like okay that good bad judgments around like okay that good bad judgments around like okay that is a wrong choice that is a bad you know is a wrong choice that is a bad you know is a wrong choice that is a bad you know that is against God's wisdom in this that is against God's wisdom in this that is against God's wisdom in this area this area this area and so I think area this area this area and so I think area this area this area and so I think it helps to think of it as both as an it helps to think of it as both as an it helps to think of it as both as an inward and an outward thing that you are inward and an outward thing that you are inward and an outward thing that you are building up and all of these little building up and all of these little building up and all of these little things just building onto that onto that things just building onto that onto that things just building onto that onto that onto that um man proverbs is powerful onto that um man proverbs is powerful onto that um man proverbs is powerful Yeah. Yeah. So, so let's talk about what Yeah. Yeah. So, so let's talk about what Yeah. Yeah. So, so let's talk about what does Proverbs teach us about God? I just does Proverbs teach us about God? I just does Proverbs teach us about God? I just said one thing because the Lord detests said one thing because the Lord detests said one thing because the Lord detests lying lips, but what are some of the key lying lips, but what are some of the key lying lips, but what are some of the key thing? I mean, there's so many and I thing? I mean, there's so many and I thing? I mean, there's so many and I think you could write whole books about think you could write whole books about think you could write whole books about just what this book teaches about God, just what this book teaches about God, just what this book teaches about God, but what are some key things that you've but what are some key things that you've but what are some key things that you've pinpointed and what Proverbs teaches us pinpointed and what Proverbs teaches us pinpointed and what Proverbs teaches us about God? Yeah, I think some key things about God? Yeah, I think some key things about God? Yeah, I think some key things to note especially in Proverbs are um to note especially in Proverbs are um to note especially in Proverbs are um the way in which Proverbs associates the way in which Proverbs associates the way in which Proverbs associates God's work of creation with wisdom. So God's work of creation with wisdom. So God's work of creation with wisdom. So you know in chapter 3 um for example you know in chapter 3 um for example you know in chapter 3 um for example among other places chapter 3 um 19 to 20 among other places chapter 3 um 19 to 20 among other places chapter 3 um 19 to 20 we read there the Lord founded the earth we read there the Lord founded the earth we read there the Lord founded the earth by wisdom he established the heavens by by wisdom he established the heavens by by wisdom he established the heavens by understanding by knowledge the deeps understanding by knowledge the deeps understanding by knowledge the deeps burst open and the clouds stripped you.

burst open and the clouds stripped you. burst open and the clouds stripped you. It is by the tool of wisdom that he It is by the tool of wisdom that he It is by the tool of wisdom that he formed and ordered and filled the world. formed and ordered and filled the world. formed and ordered and filled the world. I mean, Proverbs 8 even develops that in I mean, Proverbs 8 even develops that in I mean, Proverbs 8 even develops that in verses 22 to31 where it gives us a sneak verses 22 to31 where it gives us a sneak verses 22 to31 where it gives us a sneak peek behind Genesis 1:1. before God even peek behind Genesis 1:1. before God even peek behind Genesis 1:1. before God even creates, we have the generation of creates, we have the generation of creates, we have the generation of wisdom there and wisdom as this wisdom there and wisdom as this wisdom there and wisdom as this eyewitness um this jubilant eyewitness eyewitness um this jubilant eyewitness eyewitness um this jubilant eyewitness to the way in which God orders and fills to the way in which God orders and fills to the way in which God orders and fills the world delighting in the world. So the world delighting in the world. So the world delighting in the world. So God is intimately associated with God is intimately associated with God is intimately associated with creation specifically with respect to creation specifically with respect to creation specifically with respect to wisdom. So there's a sense in Proverbs wisdom. So there's a sense in Proverbs wisdom. So there's a sense in Proverbs where God creates the world by wisdom. where God creates the world by wisdom. where God creates the world by wisdom. The world is ordered therefore and by The world is ordered therefore and by The world is ordered therefore and by wisdom and in relationship with God wisdom and in relationship with God wisdom and in relationship with God through wisdom we can discern the order through wisdom we can discern the order through wisdom we can discern the order of the world and order our lives in of the world and order our lives in of the world and order our lives in accord with the order of the world. So accord with the order of the world. So accord with the order of the world. So Proverbs has much to say about God in Proverbs has much to say about God in Proverbs has much to say about God in relation to to creation by wisdom. It relation to to creation by wisdom. It relation to to creation by wisdom. It also you know offers us a vision of God also you know offers us a vision of God also you know offers us a vision of God um who gives wisdom in the first place.

um who gives wisdom in the first place. um who gives wisdom in the first place. I mean, wisdom is acquired through the I mean, wisdom is acquired through the I mean, wisdom is acquired through the fear of the Lord, which necessitates a fear of the Lord, which necessitates a fear of the Lord, which necessitates a relationship with God. And in Proverbs relationship with God. And in Proverbs relationship with God. And in Proverbs 2:6, we learn among other places, God is 2:6, we learn among other places, God is 2:6, we learn among other places, God is the one who gives wisdom. It's a gift the one who gives wisdom. It's a gift the one who gives wisdom. It's a gift from him. It comes from outside of us. from him. It comes from outside of us. from him. It comes from outside of us. And then to the point you made, God And then to the point you made, God And then to the point you made, God hates certain things. Yeah. Proverbs hates certain things. Yeah. Proverbs hates certain things. Yeah. Proverbs orients lying lips, pride, you know, orients lying lips, pride, you know, orients lying lips, pride, you know, unjust business practices among other unjust business practices among other unjust business practices among other things. You know, God is the God who things. You know, God is the God who things. You know, God is the God who sees everything. God is the God who sees everything. God is the God who sees everything. God is the God who blesses and satisfies the righteous. God blesses and satisfies the righteous. God blesses and satisfies the righteous. God is a God who is intimately involved in is a God who is intimately involved in is a God who is intimately involved in the mundane details of everyday life. the mundane details of everyday life. the mundane details of everyday life. So, you know, Proverbs 16:1, God is So, you know, Proverbs 16:1, God is So, you know, Proverbs 16:1, God is involved in effective communication. How involved in effective communication. How involved in effective communication. How do we even understand one another? Yeah. do we even understand one another? Yeah. do we even understand one another? Yeah. I mean, God, we can misunderstand one I mean, God, we can misunderstand one I mean, God, we can misunderstand one another in all kinds of different ways. another in all kinds of different ways. another in all kinds of different ways. But when we actually understand one But when we actually understand one But when we actually understand one another, it seems that God is involved another, it seems that God is involved another, it seems that God is involved in effective communication. I mean we in effective communication. I mean we in effective communication. I mean we according to Proverbs 16 verse one, we according to Proverbs 16 verse one, we according to Proverbs 16 verse one, we might re offer these reflections in our might re offer these reflections in our might re offer these reflections in our heart. They belong to us. But the answer heart. They belong to us. But the answer heart. They belong to us. But the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord.

of the tongue comes from the Lord. of the tongue comes from the Lord. Effective communication connecting our Effective communication connecting our Effective communication connecting our heart to our words to other people that heart to our words to other people that heart to our words to other people that comes from the Lord. Or in Proverbs comes from the Lord. Or in Proverbs comes from the Lord. Or in Proverbs 16:3, the mundane details of life, 16:3, the mundane details of life, 16:3, the mundane details of life, commit your works to the Lord and your commit your works to the Lord and your commit your works to the Lord and your plans will succeed. I mean, hold on. I plans will succeed. I mean, hold on. I plans will succeed. I mean, hold on. I thought it was the other way around. thought it was the other way around. thought it was the other way around. Shouldn't I commit my plans to the Lord Shouldn't I commit my plans to the Lord Shouldn't I commit my plans to the Lord and my works will succeed? No, it's and my works will succeed? No, it's and my works will succeed? No, it's striking. It's commit your work to the striking. It's commit your work to the striking. It's commit your work to the Lord and he will even ensure that what Lord and he will even ensure that what Lord and he will even ensure that what you intended all along will come about. you intended all along will come about. you intended all along will come about. It's God is involved and he sees It's God is involved and he sees It's God is involved and he sees everything. He creates everything by everything. He creates everything by everything. He creates everything by wisdom. He gives wisdom as a gift. And wisdom. He gives wisdom as a gift. And wisdom. He gives wisdom as a gift. And he's even involved in these seemingly he's even involved in these seemingly he's even involved in these seemingly simple details of our everyday lives. simple details of our everyday lives. simple details of our everyday lives. I each one of these things that you I each one of these things that you I each one of these things that you mentioned I feel like I could spend like mentioned I feel like I could spend like mentioned I feel like I could spend like whole episodes talking about because I whole episodes talking about because I whole episodes talking about because I love them so much. the the the the tying love them so much. the the the the tying love them so much. the the the the tying of wisdom and creation. I just to me of wisdom and creation. I just to me of wisdom and creation. I just to me that is so key and fundamental to that is so key and fundamental to that is so key and fundamental to everything that we think of about who we everything that we think of about who we everything that we think of about who we are, our identity, who God is, the are, our identity, who God is, the are, our identity, who God is, the creation, you know, like why we're here.

creation, you know, like why we're here. creation, you know, like why we're here. It was all done with with wisdom in It was all done with with wisdom in It was all done with with wisdom in mind. And that is that that's so mind. And that is that that's so mind. And that is that that's so important to just wrestle with and important to just wrestle with and important to just wrestle with and noodle on a bit. But is the second thing noodle on a bit. But is the second thing noodle on a bit. But is the second thing that you mentioned that I want to go that you mentioned that I want to go that you mentioned that I want to go back on and harp on a little bit because back on and harp on a little bit because back on and harp on a little bit because um I think um I think um I think what what Proverbs is what what Proverbs is what what Proverbs is doing is it is truly take God taking a a doing is it is truly take God taking a a doing is it is truly take God taking a a a scalpel to your pride. a scalpel to your pride. a scalpel to your pride. And that is a powerful thing because And that is a powerful thing because And that is a powerful thing because it's saying that wisdom is not from it's saying that wisdom is not from it's saying that wisdom is not from within. it that that that the wisdom is within. it that that that the wisdom is within. it that that that the wisdom is not something that you can manifest on not something that you can manifest on not something that you can manifest on your own. Yeah. But instead, wisdom is your own. Yeah. But instead, wisdom is your own. Yeah. But instead, wisdom is from God. Yeah. And to lead a truly wise from God. Yeah. And to lead a truly wise from God. Yeah. And to lead a truly wise life is from God. It is seeking God's life is from God. It is seeking God's life is from God. It is seeking God's wisdom. It is seeking God, his direction, what his moral God, his direction, what his moral framework is. That is what it means to framework is. That is what it means to framework is. That is what it means to live the wise life. So it it's this live the wise life. So it it's this live the wise life. So it it's this counter to to other beliefs that is like counter to to other beliefs that is like counter to to other beliefs that is like if you seek within I can find wisdom or if you seek within I can find wisdom or if you seek within I can find wisdom or like or it comes from it comes like or it comes from it comes like or it comes from it comes from intellectualism or whatever that from intellectualism or whatever that from intellectualism or whatever that is. Instead this is the opposite. It's is. Instead this is the opposite. It's is. Instead this is the opposite. It's saying nope it's with God and God alone saying nope it's with God and God alone saying nope it's with God and God alone and God chooses to impart his wi you and God chooses to impart his wi you and God chooses to impart his wi you know wisdom onto you if you seek him.

know wisdom onto you if you seek him. know wisdom onto you if you seek him. Yeah. Um and I think that's so beautiful Yeah. Um and I think that's so beautiful Yeah. Um and I think that's so beautiful and liberating. And liberating 100%. and liberating. And liberating 100%. and liberating. And liberating 100%. It's freeing. That is so true. Yeah. It's freeing. That is so true. Yeah. It's freeing. That is so true. Yeah. Okay. So, we've been talking about what Okay. So, we've been talking about what Okay. So, we've been talking about what Proverbs teaches us about God. Now, Proverbs teaches us about God. Now, Proverbs teaches us about God. Now, let's look at another uh question that let's look at another uh question that let's look at another uh question that I, you know, could write books about, I, you know, could write books about, I, you know, could write books about, too. What does Proverbs teach us about too. What does Proverbs teach us about too. What does Proverbs teach us about us, about about humans? That's a great us, about about humans? That's a great us, about about humans? That's a great question. I think that's the natural question. I think that's the natural question. I think that's the natural coralary, right? Uh what we know about coralary, right? Uh what we know about coralary, right? Uh what we know about God ought to inform the way in which we God ought to inform the way in which we God ought to inform the way in which we understand who we are, especially in understand who we are, especially in understand who we are, especially in relation to him. And to your point relation to him. And to your point relation to him. And to your point around Proverbs kind of taking a scalpel around Proverbs kind of taking a scalpel around Proverbs kind of taking a scalpel to our pride, I think what the book to our pride, I think what the book to our pride, I think what the book teaches us among other things is um we teaches us among other things is um we teaches us among other things is um we are finite limited creatures. are finite limited creatures. are finite limited creatures. It teaches us that we are ultimately It teaches us that we are ultimately It teaches us that we are ultimately dependent on God for wisdom. Yeah. And dependent on God for wisdom. Yeah. And dependent on God for wisdom. Yeah. And more than that, we are ultimately more than that, we are ultimately more than that, we are ultimately dependent on others for wisdom. He who dependent on others for wisdom. He who dependent on others for wisdom. He who walks with the wise will be wise. I mean walks with the wise will be wise. I mean walks with the wise will be wise. I mean chapters 1 to nine are all about the chapters 1 to nine are all about the chapters 1 to nine are all about the parents instructing their like handing parents instructing their like handing parents instructing their like handing down and granting giving bestowing down and granting giving bestowing down and granting giving bestowing wisdom for the taking. Wisdom as you wisdom for the taking. Wisdom as you wisdom for the taking. Wisdom as you mentioned does not come from within. It mentioned does not come from within. It mentioned does not come from within. It comes from outside and it comes in this comes from outside and it comes in this comes from outside and it comes in this instance from both God as well as instance from both God as well as instance from both God as well as through ordinary means of grace that God through ordinary means of grace that God through ordinary means of grace that God has given to us like other people. And has given to us like other people. And has given to us like other people. And ultimately at the end of the day with ultimately at the end of the day with ultimately at the end of the day with Proverbs's anthropology, who we Proverbs's anthropology, who we Proverbs's anthropology, who we are, whether we have wisdom is so

are, whether we have wisdom is so are, whether we have wisdom is so contingent on the nature of our contingent on the nature of our contingent on the nature of our character. So character serves as the character. So character serves as the character. So character serves as the seedbed for wisdom to kind of germinate seedbed for wisdom to kind of germinate seedbed for wisdom to kind of germinate and grow and blossom that comes from God and grow and blossom that comes from God and grow and blossom that comes from God and comes from others. And in the and comes from others. And in the and comes from others. And in the absence of a particular form of absence of a particular form of absence of a particular form of character or a particular posture, character or a particular posture, character or a particular posture, Proverbs seems to indicate you can't Proverbs seems to indicate you can't Proverbs seems to indicate you can't learn. I mean the problem for example learn. I mean the problem for example learn. I mean the problem for example with the fool and the scoffer is not with the fool and the scoffer is not with the fool and the scoffer is not that they don't know they don't know that they don't know they don't know that they don't know they don't know propositional knowledge. I mean proverbs propositional knowledge. I mean proverbs propositional knowledge. I mean proverbs 26 is classic here where it acknowledges 26 is classic here where it acknowledges 26 is classic here where it acknowledges among other things that fools know among other things that fools know among other things that fools know proverbs. Legs legs dangle from the proverbs. Legs legs dangle from the proverbs. Legs legs dangle from the lame. Proverbs 26:7 and a proverb in the lame. Proverbs 26:7 and a proverb in the lame. Proverbs 26:7 and a proverb in the mouth of fools. So pro fools know mouth of fools. So pro fools know mouth of fools. So pro fools know proverbs. Um they're given honor by proverbs. Um they're given honor by proverbs. Um they're given honor by members in the community. It's not that members in the community. It's not that members in the community. It's not that they're not effective people who don't they're not effective people who don't they're not effective people who don't know anything. They just don't know know anything. They just don't know know anything. They just don't know themselves. And because they don't know themselves. And because they don't know themselves. And because they don't know themselves, because they're not themselves, because they're not themselves, because they're not listeners, because they're not receptive listeners, because they're not receptive listeners, because they're not receptive to either God's wisdom or the wisdom of to either God's wisdom or the wisdom of to either God's wisdom or the wisdom of others, they can't be wise. Yeah. They others, they can't be wise. Yeah. They others, they can't be wise. Yeah. They can't grow in wisdom. In fact, you know, can't grow in wisdom. In fact, you know, can't grow in wisdom. In fact, you know, Jason, one of the most fatal conditions Jason, one of the most fatal conditions Jason, one of the most fatal conditions in all of scripture is the description in all of scripture is the description in all of scripture is the description of a person who is wise in their own of a person who is wise in their own of a person who is wise in their own eyes. M you know there's more hope for a eyes. M you know there's more hope for a eyes. M you know there's more hope for a fool than a person who's wise in their fool than a person who's wise in their fool than a person who's wise in their own eyes. And that's because of what you own eyes. And that's because of what you own eyes. And that's because of what you spoke to earlier, pride. Yeah. They spoke to earlier, pride. Yeah. They spoke to earlier, pride. Yeah. They don't listen. They don't think they need don't listen. They don't think they need don't listen. They don't think they need anyone. They don't need to depend on anyone. They don't need to depend on anyone. They don't need to depend on anyone. They think that they're anyone. They think that they're anyone. They think that they're self-subsistent beings. That is God.

self-subsistent beings. That is God. self-subsistent beings. That is God. Yeah. Therefore, they can't learn. So, Yeah. Therefore, they can't learn. So, Yeah. Therefore, they can't learn. So, Proverbs in its vision of teaching, Proverbs in its vision of teaching, Proverbs in its vision of teaching, especially teaching wisdom and virtue, especially teaching wisdom and virtue, especially teaching wisdom and virtue, it focuses on character, but it it focuses on character, but it it focuses on character, but it acknowledges we are finite limited acknowledges we are finite limited acknowledges we are finite limited creatures who are so dependent on God creatures who are so dependent on God creatures who are so dependent on God and so dependent on others in order to and so dependent on others in order to and so dependent on others in order to grow in wisdom and virtue. No, that's so grow in wisdom and virtue. No, that's so grow in wisdom and virtue. No, that's so important because we talked a little bit important because we talked a little bit important because we talked a little bit earlier about this idea of how how earlier about this idea of how how earlier about this idea of how how Proverbs helps us to uh make a moral Proverbs helps us to uh make a moral Proverbs helps us to uh make a moral framework both inward and outward. framework both inward and outward. framework both inward and outward. The inward is vital because you can't The inward is vital because you can't The inward is vital because you can't just do the outward because then you end just do the outward because then you end just do the outward because then you end up with like what Jesus was saying is up with like what Jesus was saying is up with like what Jesus was saying is stick in the other's eye with the log in stick in the other's eye with the log in stick in the other's eye with the log in your own, you know, like like and so your own, you know, like like and so your own, you know, like like and so what you do not want to do is just use what you do not want to do is just use what you do not want to do is just use Proverbs as a way to uh be judgmental or Proverbs as a way to uh be judgmental or Proverbs as a way to uh be judgmental or attack other people. attack other people. attack other people. What Proverbs needs to do is be that What Proverbs needs to do is be that What Proverbs needs to do is be that mirror that is looking back at us mirror that is looking back at us mirror that is looking back at us saying, "Okay, how, you know, how is saying, "Okay, how, you know, how is saying, "Okay, how, you know, how is this playing out in my own life?" And this playing out in my own life?" And this playing out in my own life?" And only then can it then overflow and only then can it then overflow and only then can it then overflow and extend into how you're extend into how you're extend into how you're viewing the world around you, others viewing the world around you, others viewing the world around you, others around you. But that wisdom from other around you. But that wisdom from other around you. But that wisdom from other people is so important, too. Like that people is so important, too. Like that people is so important, too. Like that it's this is not meant to be none of the it's this is not meant to be none of the it's this is not meant to be none of the Bible is meant to be done in isolation.

Bible is meant to be done in isolation. Bible is meant to be done in isolation. It's meant to be done in community with It's meant to be done in community with It's meant to be done in community with others. So just imagine being in your others. So just imagine being in your others. So just imagine being in your small group or having your group of small group or having your group of small group or having your group of friends and talking about some of these friends and talking about some of these friends and talking about some of these proverbs and just talking about what it proverbs and just talking about what it proverbs and just talking about what it means in your life, how you've struggled means in your life, how you've struggled means in your life, how you've struggled with this in the past, how you can be with this in the past, how you can be with this in the past, how you can be there for each other, how you can allow there for each other, how you can allow there for each other, how you can allow for accountability in one another to for accountability in one another to for accountability in one another to say, "Hey, just so you know, uh, you say, "Hey, just so you know, uh, you say, "Hey, just so you know, uh, you know, those were some lying lips I heard know, those were some lying lips I heard know, those were some lying lips I heard and we know what happens with with line, and we know what happens with with line, and we know what happens with with line, you know, just that kind of thing." And you know, just that kind of thing." And you know, just that kind of thing." And so it is a so it is a so it is a communitybased thing that that's what communitybased thing that that's what communitybased thing that that's what the Christian faith is. And so thinking the Christian faith is. And so thinking the Christian faith is. And so thinking about proverbs not just as I'm reading about proverbs not just as I'm reading about proverbs not just as I'm reading it for myself in isolation or I'm it for myself in isolation or I'm it for myself in isolation or I'm pulling out my daily proverb card for pulling out my daily proverb card for pulling out my daily proverb card for me, but instead it's how can I engage me, but instead it's how can I engage me, but instead it's how can I engage with this with my Christian community, with this with my Christian community, with this with my Christian community, with my brothers and sisters. I think with my brothers and sisters. I think with my brothers and sisters. I think that's going to help like change the way that's going to help like change the way that's going to help like change the way that you read the book. For sure. Um, so that you read the book. For sure. Um, so that you read the book. For sure. Um, so normally what we do is we highlight a normally what we do is we highlight a normally what we do is we highlight a couple people in a book. Uh, not going couple people in a book. Uh, not going couple people in a book. Uh, not going to do that with this one. Instead, I was to do that with this one. Instead, I was to do that with this one. Instead, I was wondering if you could highlight any wondering if you could highlight any wondering if you could highlight any particular proverbs maybe that go particular proverbs maybe that go particular proverbs maybe that go unnoticed or that maybe don't get the unnoticed or that maybe don't get the unnoticed or that maybe don't get the credit that they deserve. Yeah. I think credit that they deserve. Yeah. I think credit that they deserve. Yeah. I think because the overall impression in our because the overall impression in our because the overall impression in our reading of Proverbs is that it's pretty reading of Proverbs is that it's pretty reading of Proverbs is that it's pretty simplistic simplistic simplistic or it's pretty idealistic. Like really or it's pretty idealistic. Like really or it's pretty idealistic. Like really the wise and the righteous like the wise and the righteous like the wise and the righteous like everything's just grand. like is this everything's just grand. like is this everything's just grand. like is this really a realistic depiction of life?

really a realistic depiction of life? really a realistic depiction of life? Again, I think there if we're Again, I think there if we're Again, I think there if we're recognizing, well, these are not recognizing, well, these are not recognizing, well, these are not propositions. This is not telling me the propositions. This is not telling me the propositions. This is not telling me the way the world is or ought to be. These way the world is or ought to be. These way the world is or ought to be. These are kind of like advertisements that are are kind of like advertisements that are are kind of like advertisements that are trying to attract me to sort of admire trying to attract me to sort of admire trying to attract me to sort of admire and to imitate this kind of form of and to imitate this kind of form of and to imitate this kind of form of life. Yeah. Go this way, not that way. life. Yeah. Go this way, not that way. life. Yeah. Go this way, not that way. Go this way. I think, you know, to sort Go this way. I think, you know, to sort Go this way. I think, you know, to sort of to the degree that I can sort of of to the degree that I can sort of of to the degree that I can sort of impress on listeners the realism that impress on listeners the realism that impress on listeners the realism that you do find in the book, I think sayings you do find in the book, I think sayings you do find in the book, I think sayings like Proverbs like Proverbs like Proverbs 25:26, a muddied spring and a polluted 25:26, a muddied spring and a polluted 25:26, a muddied spring and a polluted fountain, a righteous person tottering fountain, a righteous person tottering fountain, a righteous person tottering before the wicked. So, you have before the wicked. So, you have before the wicked. So, you have elsewhere in the book, the righteous elsewhere in the book, the righteous elsewhere in the book, the righteous will never totter. Yeah. But then all of will never totter. Yeah. But then all of will never totter. Yeah. But then all of a sudden we read Proverbs 25:26 and a sudden we read Proverbs 25:26 and a sudden we read Proverbs 25:26 and recognize, "Oh, I guess righteous people recognize, "Oh, I guess righteous people recognize, "Oh, I guess righteous people fall and they fail and they mess up." fall and they fail and they mess up." fall and they fail and they mess up." Yeah, that's pretty realistic. Or Yeah, that's pretty realistic. Or Yeah, that's pretty realistic. Or Proverbs Proverbs Proverbs 28:12, "When the righteous rejoice, 28:12, "When the righteous rejoice, 28:12, "When the righteous rejoice, great glory. But when the wicked arise, great glory. But when the wicked arise, great glory. But when the wicked arise, people hide." Oh, so I guess the people hide." Oh, so I guess the people hide." Oh, so I guess the righteous aren't always the ones that righteous aren't always the ones that righteous aren't always the ones that are ruling. That wicked people do rule, are ruling. That wicked people do rule, are ruling. That wicked people do rule, and it's demoralizing and dehabilitating and it's demoralizing and dehabilitating and it's demoralizing and dehabilitating to the people. or Proverbs 13:23, an to the people. or Proverbs 13:23, an to the people. or Proverbs 13:23, an abundance of food, the fow ground of the abundance of food, the fow ground of the abundance of food, the fow ground of the poor. But the reality is this, it's poor. But the reality is this, it's poor. But the reality is this, it's swept away without justice. Oh, so I swept away without justice. Oh, so I swept away without justice. Oh, so I guess there are poor people out there guess there are poor people out there guess there are poor people out there who are not poor because they're lazy or who are not poor because they're lazy or who are not poor because they're lazy or they're wicked or they're foolish, but they're wicked or they're foolish, but they're wicked or they're foolish, but rather they're poor because they've been rather they're poor because they've been rather they're poor because they've been oppressed that, you know, there's been oppressed that, you know, there's been oppressed that, you know, there's been an injustice that's been committed

an injustice that's been committed an injustice that's been committed against them. Life is not that simple. against them. Life is not that simple. against them. Life is not that simple. Yeah. And there are many proverbs. Yeah. And there are many proverbs. Yeah. And there are many proverbs. They're not the moral majority, but They're not the moral majority, but They're not the moral majority, but there are many proverbs that kind of there are many proverbs that kind of there are many proverbs that kind of sensitize us to the realism that we do sensitize us to the realism that we do sensitize us to the realism that we do find in the book. I I had to laugh when find in the book. I I had to laugh when find in the book. I I had to laugh when you mentioned that Proverbs 281 because you mentioned that Proverbs 281 because you mentioned that Proverbs 281 because that's a proverb that's attributed to that's a proverb that's attributed to that's a proverb that's attributed to Solomon if I'm my if my reading is Solomon if I'm my if my reading is Solomon if I'm my if my reading is correct and he's talking about wicked uh correct and he's talking about wicked uh correct and he's talking about wicked uh rulers and well, we know what's going to rulers and well, we know what's going to rulers and well, we know what's going to happen at the end of Solomon and for the happen at the end of Solomon and for the happen at the end of Solomon and for the kings thereafter. kings thereafter. kings thereafter. Um and maybe it's quite striking on on Um and maybe it's quite striking on on Um and maybe it's quite striking on on that account that all mention of the that account that all mention of the that account that all mention of the king in the book of proverbs up through king in the book of proverbs up through king in the book of proverbs up through chapter 24 is completely positive. Oh, chapter 24 is completely positive. Oh, chapter 24 is completely positive. Oh, that is And then when Hezekiah's men that is And then when Hezekiah's men that is And then when Hezekiah's men arranged Solomon's proverbs 27 25 to 29, arranged Solomon's proverbs 27 25 to 29, arranged Solomon's proverbs 27 25 to 29, you get all these sayings that now give you get all these sayings that now give you get all these sayings that now give us a vision of like politics as we know us a vision of like politics as we know us a vision of like politics as we know it. Like there are tyrannical rulers. it. Like there are tyrannical rulers. it. Like there are tyrannical rulers. They exploit people. They love, you They exploit people. They love, you They exploit people. They love, you know, political lobbyists. They bend the know, political lobbyists. They bend the know, political lobbyists. They bend the truth. And it's just like, hold on a truth. And it's just like, hold on a truth. And it's just like, hold on a second here. What just happened as I second here. What just happened as I second here. What just happened as I shifted into this collection? Well, shifted into this collection? Well, shifted into this collection? Well, maybe Hezekiah had his way there. Well, maybe Hezekiah had his way there. Well, maybe Hezekiah had his way there. Well, I think that I I think this transitions I think that I I think this transitions I think that I I think this transitions us well into what I ask about sticky us well into what I ask about sticky us well into what I ask about sticky parts of the of of the book if there are parts of the of of the book if there are parts of the of of the book if there are parts that are harder or more confusing parts that are harder or more confusing parts that are harder or more confusing because what stands out to me is a bit because what stands out to me is a bit because what stands out to me is a bit like what you were talking about with like what you were talking about with like what you were talking about with the realism versus kind of the idealism the realism versus kind of the idealism the realism versus kind of the idealism cuz I think it can be a a tricky part.

cuz I think it can be a a tricky part. cuz I think it can be a a tricky part. Um, and you can correct me if if I'm Um, and you can correct me if if I'm Um, and you can correct me if if I'm thinking of this wrong way for for thinking of this wrong way for for thinking of this wrong way for for people who may go into this, as you said people who may go into this, as you said people who may go into this, as you said earlier, these are not promises, but earlier, these are not promises, but earlier, these are not promises, but sometimes people read them as promises. sometimes people read them as promises. sometimes people read them as promises. And so it can you can get this And so it can you can get this And so it can you can get this idealistic view of, okay, if I'm just idealistic view of, okay, if I'm just idealistic view of, okay, if I'm just like this, I'm just like this. And then like this, I'm just like this. And then like this, I'm just like this. And then you try to do that in real life and bad you try to do that in real life and bad you try to do that in real life and bad things still happen or whatever and you things still happen or whatever and you things still happen or whatever and you go, wait, wait, what is going on here? go, wait, wait, what is going on here? go, wait, wait, what is going on here? So that's I think that's one of those So that's I think that's one of those So that's I think that's one of those sticky parts is remembering like you sticky parts is remembering like you sticky parts is remembering like you said these are more like advertisement said these are more like advertisement said these are more like advertisement like signposts to point you in the right like signposts to point you in the right like signposts to point you in the right way rather than saying that this is a way rather than saying that this is a way rather than saying that this is a promise do this and this will happen promise do this and this will happen promise do this and this will happen that's really not what a proverb is that's really not what a proverb is that's really not what a proverb is right it's not and I think along those right it's not and I think along those right it's not and I think along those lines Jason you do well to just lines Jason you do well to just lines Jason you do well to just recognize because these are not promises recognize because these are not promises recognize because these are not promises we do well to have appropriate we do well to have appropriate we do well to have appropriate expectations as as we read this verse so expectations as as we read this verse so expectations as as we read this verse so you know Proverbs 22:16 I've had so many you know Proverbs 22:16 I've had so many you know Proverbs 22:16 I've had so many mothers mothers mothers in church come to me and say, "Hey, I in church come to me and say, "Hey, I in church come to me and say, "Hey, I trained up Yeah. my child in the way trained up Yeah. my child in the way trained up Yeah. my child in the way that they should have gone, but in the that they should have gone, but in the that they should have gone, but in the end, no. According to Proverbs 22:16, end, no. According to Proverbs 22:16, end, no. According to Proverbs 22:16, they, you know, 226, they they did not they, you know, 226, they they did not they, you know, 226, they they did not um walk in the way of the Lord that um walk in the way of the Lord that um walk in the way of the Lord that they're straying from the Lord." Well, they're straying from the Lord." Well, they're straying from the Lord." Well, that is not a promise. And yes, it is a that is not a promise. And yes, it is a that is not a promise. And yes, it is a general principle, but I think there as general principle, but I think there as general principle, but I think there as a sticky point, we're seeing even some a sticky point, we're seeing even some a sticky point, we're seeing even some of the ambiguity in a saying like that.

of the ambiguity in a saying like that. of the ambiguity in a saying like that. train up a child in the way that he or train up a child in the way that he or train up a child in the way that he or she wants to go. It's I don't know. Or she wants to go. It's I don't know. Or she wants to go. It's I don't know. Or train up a child according to their train up a child according to their train up a child according to their aptitude, you know, their age and aptitude, you know, their age and aptitude, you know, their age and circumstances or train up a child in the circumstances or train up a child in the circumstances or train up a child in the ways of the Lord. I mean, they're all ways of the Lord. I mean, they're all ways of the Lord. I mean, they're all kind of options and to train our kind of options and to train our kind of options and to train our perception and to train our moral perception and to train our moral perception and to train our moral reasoning. That proverb is open to all reasoning. That proverb is open to all reasoning. That proverb is open to all of those different ways of reading it. of those different ways of reading it. of those different ways of reading it. And it's helping us to see it. Yeah. And it's helping us to see it. Yeah. And it's helping us to see it. Yeah. From different angles rather than just From different angles rather than just From different angles rather than just offer us a cold, hard and fast promise. offer us a cold, hard and fast promise. offer us a cold, hard and fast promise. So I I think it's an important uh thing So I I think it's an important uh thing So I I think it's an important uh thing to remember as you are reading through to remember as you are reading through to remember as you are reading through these proverbs to as you said so so well these proverbs to as you said so so well these proverbs to as you said so so well is go into it with proper expectations is go into it with proper expectations is go into it with proper expectations as you are reading wisdom literature as you are reading wisdom literature as you are reading wisdom literature these are wise thoughts or sayings that these are wise thoughts or sayings that these are wise thoughts or sayings that speak to godly principles. So that one speak to godly principles. So that one speak to godly principles. So that one that you were talking about of train up that you were talking about of train up that you were talking about of train up your child in the way they should go uh your child in the way they should go uh your child in the way they should go uh like yes love them as a godly parent like yes love them as a godly parent like yes love them as a godly parent would love their kids. You would love their kids. You would love their kids. You know love them as best as you can as you know love them as best as you can as you know love them as best as you can as you are loved by the father. Like that is a are loved by the father. Like that is a are loved by the father. Like that is a wise saying wise saying wise saying and yes that will you know more likely and yes that will you know more likely and yes that will you know more likely than if you did not uh love them well is than if you did not uh love them well is than if you did not uh love them well is going to point them towards the Lord but going to point them towards the Lord but going to point them towards the Lord but again free will comes in and that child again free will comes in and that child again free will comes in and that child may choose whatever happens in their you may choose whatever happens in their you may choose whatever happens in their you know like whatever course they decide to know like whatever course they decide to know like whatever course they decide to go down so it's not a promise it's not a go down so it's not a promise it's not a go down so it's not a promise it's not a guarantee because there are such things

guarantee because there are such things guarantee because there are such things as free will there are such things as as free will there are such things as as free will there are such things as other actors that you cannot control. other actors that you cannot control. other actors that you cannot control. So, you have to enter it with proper So, you have to enter it with proper So, you have to enter it with proper expectations that it's not God saying, expectations that it's not God saying, expectations that it's not God saying, "Do this and I'm going to make it all "Do this and I'm going to make it all "Do this and I'm going to make it all work out for you." No, you're absolutely work out for you." No, you're absolutely work out for you." No, you're absolutely right. And I think there specifically right. And I think there specifically right. And I think there specifically with Proverbs 22:6, you're right to say, with Proverbs 22:6, you're right to say, with Proverbs 22:6, you're right to say, you know, yes, this is a wise and you know, yes, this is a wise and you know, yes, this is a wise and virtuous principle that you ought to virtuous principle that you ought to virtuous principle that you ought to train up a child in accord with the way train up a child in accord with the way train up a child in accord with the way of the Lord. And then the second half of of the Lord. And then the second half of of the Lord. And then the second half of the saying, even when he becomes old, he the saying, even when he becomes old, he the saying, even when he becomes old, he will not depart from it. That's not the will not depart from it. That's not the will not depart from it. That's not the promise. That's like the bait. That's promise. That's like the bait. That's promise. That's like the bait. That's like the motivation of you should do like the motivation of you should do like the motivation of you should do this because potentially this could be this because potentially this could be this because potentially this could be the outcome. Proverbs knows that we're the outcome. Proverbs knows that we're the outcome. Proverbs knows that we're desiring creatures. We we need a little desiring creatures. We we need a little desiring creatures. We we need a little sort of push as it were to do certain sort of push as it were to do certain sort of push as it were to do certain things. It's the motivation. It's not things. It's the motivation. It's not things. It's the motivation. It's not the it's not a promise. Are there any the it's not a promise. Are there any the it's not a promise. Are there any other proverbs that you've seen people other proverbs that you've seen people other proverbs that you've seen people kind of have problems with or or take kind of have problems with or or take kind of have problems with or or take issues to or that have been issues to or that have been issues to or that have been controversial? controversial? controversial? I just think there's a broader reality I just think there's a broader reality I just think there's a broader reality here, Jason, where you have all of these here, Jason, where you have all of these here, Jason, where you have all of these sayings that speak to the same subject, sayings that speak to the same subject, sayings that speak to the same subject, but do so from very different angles and but do so from very different angles and but do so from very different angles and in very different ways. So, the entire in very different ways. So, the entire in very different ways. So, the entire sort of discourse on wealth and poverty sort of discourse on wealth and poverty sort of discourse on wealth and poverty in the book of Proverbs is so in the book of Proverbs is so in the book of Proverbs is so complicated. I mean, we recognize that complicated. I mean, we recognize that complicated. I mean, we recognize that the wicked have wealth, but the the wicked have wealth, but the the wicked have wealth, but the righteous are promised to be blessed.

righteous are promised to be blessed. righteous are promised to be blessed. And it's kind of like, hold on a second And it's kind of like, hold on a second And it's kind of like, hold on a second here. What what's happening? Well, it's here. What what's happening? Well, it's here. What what's happening? Well, it's not so simple. And the same goes for not so simple. And the same goes for not so simple. And the same goes for friendship. You know, there are friendship. You know, there are friendship. You know, there are different kinds of friends and Proverbs different kinds of friends and Proverbs different kinds of friends and Proverbs recognizes that or it's it's discourse recognizes that or it's it's discourse recognizes that or it's it's discourse on your spouse. I mean, there's he who on your spouse. I mean, there's he who on your spouse. I mean, there's he who finds a wife finds a good thing and finds a wife finds a good thing and finds a wife finds a good thing and there's all these things around a there's all these things around a there's all these things around a contankerous wife and you live on the contankerous wife and you live on the contankerous wife and you live on the corner of your roof. So, it's like these corner of your roof. So, it's like these corner of your roof. So, it's like these are tensions. They're natural tensions are tensions. They're natural tensions are tensions. They're natural tensions that we find in the same sorts of that we find in the same sorts of that we find in the same sorts of realities that we encounter in everyday realities that we encounter in everyday realities that we encounter in everyday life. And so in an approach to proverbs, life. And so in an approach to proverbs, life. And so in an approach to proverbs, there needs to be a sensitivity to the there needs to be a sensitivity to the there needs to be a sensitivity to the book is going to give me various angles book is going to give me various angles book is going to give me various angles on all of these same kinds of subject, on all of these same kinds of subject, on all of these same kinds of subject, whether it's wealth or poverty or work whether it's wealth or poverty or work whether it's wealth or poverty or work or speech or friendship or your spouse. or speech or friendship or your spouse. or speech or friendship or your spouse. They're not all going to say the same They're not all going to say the same They're not all going to say the same thing. And we need to place them in thing. And we need to place them in thing. And we need to place them in conversation with one another to see the conversation with one another to see the conversation with one another to see the different facets of wisdom that they're different facets of wisdom that they're different facets of wisdom that they're offering us. H as we start to wrap up offering us. H as we start to wrap up offering us. H as we start to wrap up our look at Proverbs today, I always our look at Proverbs today, I always our look at Proverbs today, I always like to end by asking, you just wrote a like to end by asking, you just wrote a like to end by asking, you just wrote a commentary on the book of Proverbs. I'm commentary on the book of Proverbs. I'm commentary on the book of Proverbs. I'm going to put the link to it in the show going to put the link to it in the show going to put the link to it in the show notes. So, in all of your time that notes. So, in all of your time that notes. So, in all of your time that you've spent researching and studying you've spent researching and studying you've spent researching and studying Proverbs, what is something that you Proverbs, what is something that you Proverbs, what is something that you think everybody should know, but think everybody should know, but think everybody should know, but probably doesn't about this book?

probably doesn't about this book? probably doesn't about this book? I think something that everyone should I think something that everyone should I think something that everyone should know is that wisdom according to know is that wisdom according to know is that wisdom according to Proverbs is not simply an intellectual Proverbs is not simply an intellectual Proverbs is not simply an intellectual thing. Wisdom in Proverbs is holistic. thing. Wisdom in Proverbs is holistic. thing. Wisdom in Proverbs is holistic. It includes your intellect, but it also It includes your intellect, but it also It includes your intellect, but it also includes your emotions, your desires, includes your emotions, your desires, includes your emotions, your desires, your embodied form of life. All of that your embodied form of life. All of that your embodied form of life. All of that is wisdom. And I think a placeholder for is wisdom. And I think a placeholder for is wisdom. And I think a placeholder for recognizing that is the portrait of the recognizing that is the portrait of the recognizing that is the portrait of the valiant woman at the end of Proverbs in valiant woman at the end of Proverbs in valiant woman at the end of Proverbs in chapter 31. Um, she is the incarnation chapter 31. Um, she is the incarnation chapter 31. Um, she is the incarnation of wisdom and virtue across the book. of wisdom and virtue across the book. of wisdom and virtue across the book. She is, as it were, the walking She is, as it were, the walking She is, as it were, the walking advertisement at the end for a life of advertisement at the end for a life of advertisement at the end for a life of wisdom and virtue. And what's so wisdom and virtue. And what's so wisdom and virtue. And what's so striking about that portrait of of that striking about that portrait of of that striking about that portrait of of that woman is it is a portrait of power, but woman is it is a portrait of power, but woman is it is a portrait of power, but it's a portrait of power where wisdom is it's a portrait of power where wisdom is it's a portrait of power where wisdom is the exercise of power for the benefit of the exercise of power for the benefit of the exercise of power for the benefit of other people, for her household, for her other people, for her household, for her other people, for her household, for her community. And that woman is the model community. And that woman is the model community. And that woman is the model for all men and women. And what we have for all men and women. And what we have for all men and women. And what we have in Proverbs 31 isn't sort of um some in Proverbs 31 isn't sort of um some in Proverbs 31 isn't sort of um some snapshot of what every guy should look snapshot of what every guy should look snapshot of what every guy should look for in a woman. For women, it's not sort for in a woman. For women, it's not sort for in a woman. For women, it's not sort of that that woman's daily planner or of that that woman's daily planner or of that that woman's daily planner or her weekly planner. It is a eulogy. It her weekly planner. It is a eulogy. It her weekly planner. It is a eulogy. It it eulogizes her entire life. It's a it eulogizes her entire life. It's a it eulogizes her entire life. It's a long faithfulness of incarnate wisdom long faithfulness of incarnate wisdom long faithfulness of incarnate wisdom that provides a model for all and I that provides a model for all and I that provides a model for all and I think orients us to the reality. Wisdom think orients us to the reality. Wisdom think orients us to the reality. Wisdom does include the intellectual, but it's

does include the intellectual, but it's does include the intellectual, but it's so much more than that. It's holistic. so much more than that. It's holistic. so much more than that. It's holistic. It includes your desires. It includes It includes your desires. It includes It includes your desires. It includes your emotions. It includes in an entire your emotions. It includes in an entire your emotions. It includes in an entire embodied form of life. I love that. embodied form of life. I love that. embodied form of life. I love that. Well, Dr. Chris Ansbury, thank you so Well, Dr. Chris Ansbury, thank you so Well, Dr. Chris Ansbury, thank you so much for helping to navigate us through much for helping to navigate us through much for helping to navigate us through Proverbs. I really appreciate it. And Proverbs. I really appreciate it. And Proverbs. I really appreciate it. And I'd appreciate it even more if you would I'd appreciate it even more if you would I'd appreciate it even more if you would mind closing us out by praying for our mind closing us out by praying for our mind closing us out by praying for our listeners as they dive into Proverbs. listeners as they dive into Proverbs. listeners as they dive into Proverbs. Maybe they've never read it before. Maybe they've never read it before. Maybe they've never read it before. maybe they want to dive into it or maybe maybe they want to dive into it or maybe maybe they want to dive into it or maybe take up like a proverb a day like I take up like a proverb a day like I take up like a proverb a day like I talked about now after hearing this talked about now after hearing this talked about now after hearing this conversation. So, would you mind closing conversation. So, would you mind closing conversation. So, would you mind closing us in prayer? I'd love to. Thanks, us in prayer? I'd love to. Thanks, us in prayer? I'd love to. Thanks, Jason. Our father, through your son, by Jason. Our father, through your son, by Jason. Our father, through your son, by your spirit, we are so grateful that you your spirit, we are so grateful that you your spirit, we are so grateful that you are the fountain of all wisdom. And are the fountain of all wisdom. And are the fountain of all wisdom. And we're grateful that you tell us if we we're grateful that you tell us if we we're grateful that you tell us if we need wisdom, if we ask for wisdom, then need wisdom, if we ask for wisdom, then need wisdom, if we ask for wisdom, then you will give it to us. We pray that in you will give it to us. We pray that in you will give it to us. We pray that in your mercy you would grant us wisdom so your mercy you would grant us wisdom so your mercy you would grant us wisdom so that we might reflect the wisdom of your that we might reflect the wisdom of your that we might reflect the wisdom of your son, the Lord Jesus. We pray that you son, the Lord Jesus. We pray that you son, the Lord Jesus. We pray that you would help us as we read the book of would help us as we read the book of would help us as we read the book of Proverbs to grow in wisdom and in Proverbs to grow in wisdom and in Proverbs to grow in wisdom and in virtue. We pray that you would be virtue. We pray that you would be virtue. We pray that you would be pleased to even just use this pleased to even just use this pleased to even just use this conversation to enable us um to read conversation to enable us um to read conversation to enable us um to read your word in such a way that we would be your word in such a way that we would be your word in such a way that we would be formed and conformed more into the image formed and conformed more into the image formed and conformed more into the image of your son. In whose name we pray, of your son. In whose name we pray, of your son. In whose name we pray, amen.