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| Proverbs is all about growth |
Here is the way the story of the young man’s growth (and ours, as Christians) progresses:
I. Chapters 1-9 of Proverbs illustrates the growth in Wisdom (Christ) and contrasts it with a growth built on folly (the ways of the world – the world system).
Newborn humans and new Christians (babes in Christ) begin by learning about the world around them. Those new in the Lord learn about the basic tenants of the faith. They move beyond the circle of the home. They begin acquiring knowledge, by the fear of the Lord. (Wisdom comes later – in chapter 9).
The young man learns about God and His character, hopefully by hearing what his parents teach him. He makes friends and enters the big, bad world. He is counseled to remember what his parents taught him. He learns that there are no secrets from the Lord. He learns about relationships and the value of hard work. Morality will be a part of his learning,
The growing young man (and the growing Christian) prepares himself to the next stage of his life. He begins to understand that not only does the fear of the Lord lead to knowledge, it leads to Wisdom (Christ). Some growing up (in Christ) learn wisely, others foolishly.
II. In chapters 10 – 24, we see the growth of the young man as he learns about the order of things.
(As Christians grow, they, too, become aware of the sound doctrines of the faith). He learns more and more about the Lord. Business, commitments, what’s more important than beauty, how to choose a wife, when to speak and when to keep quiet and how to face obstacles are all part of his training.
He learns that God is always present, that he needs to learn to think correctly and how not to rationalize his conduct. He learns integrity in thought and how to think straightly. He learns about friendship and the importance of choosing friends wisely. He learns to be a friend. He learns that there are eternal consequences to his choices.
As our young man grows up, he learns how to overcome life’s obstacles and how to exercise his faith. He learns about attitudes and motives for both right and wrong. Selflessness is among the lessons he must learn. He must also learn self-control.
III. In chapters 25-29, the young man learns to study God’s precepts and examples. He learns the importance of proper study. He learns that he will be in trouble if he answers a fool. The fool is in trouble if he doesn't answer the wiser young man. The fool will think he is smart.
The young man will learn, as he grows, that the wicked live in fear, regardless of what he might claim. At the very least, he fears death. The young man does not fear death, he fears God, the source of wisdom. He will discover the importance of not just asking God for things, but of listening to God. He will know that someday God’s Word will be written on his heart.
What a tragic mistake it is to study Proverbs as a bunch of chopped up wise sayings about this or that. How much more insight into Solomon’s wisdom and the wisdom of God is gained by seeing the book as a presentation of the progression of growth.
Take note that almost all of Proverbs’ subjects are repeated at least four times. Each time each subject is brought up, Proverbs presents it in more detail and understanding. This is how we are to grow. As we mature, we should learn more and more about Wisdom. We should learn more and more about controlling our tongues and why. We should learn more and more about the importance of diligence, integrity and life.
Wisdom will ultimately lead us to Christ and His saving grace. All else is folly.
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