A Study in Proverbs: Maturity Learned

The book of Proverbs is about growing in faith. Soloman addresses his son with a pattern for growth from being a babe in faith to becoming mature. It is a narrative, not a chopped up mess of “wise” sayings. No verse can be applied out of its contex and order without missing its point and drawing false conclusions.

Proverbs Chapters 10 – The young boy is about the age of a grammar school student. He is told   about his relationship with his father (1), the value of money (2),  God’s righteous character (3), the importance of hard work (4), the need to practice God’s will (6), that you don’t need a good memory if you are honest (7), the importance of integrity (9), the importance of clean conversation (11),  and many other things, including the importance of love (12)

Proverbs Chapter 11 – The growing child is introduced to the principles of business (1). He is also given more intense instruction about pride (2), integrity (3), wealth (4), walking uprightly (5-6), the fate of the wicked as opposed to the righteous (7-8), the importance of clean conversation (9) and many other things, including learning to be kind to others (17)

Proverbs Chapter 13 – Here the young teenager is taught about following his father’s instruction (1 – against which young teens are apt to rebel), avoiding violence (3), being industrious (4), being truthful (5), growing in integrity, being responsible with money (11), following instructions (13), gaining knowledge (16), and running with the right crowd.

Proverbs Chapter 15 – Instructions and wisdom continue to be afforded the young man as Solomon reinforces the concepts of  being kind when he speaks (1-4),  the omnipresence of God (3), not spurning his father’s discipline (5), teaching others (6), the persuit of righteousness (8-11),  the importance of cheerfulness (15), understanding that fearing the Lord leads to knowledge and wisdom (16) and how love is better than hatred every time.

Notice the repitition of themes as the young man grows. Each time a subject is addressed, it is covered a little more thoroughly.

Proverbs Chapter 16 – Solomon goes over the same territory with his son, now a young man, this time spending a little more time on each subject and covering it more deeply. This young man is about to be ready for the MEAT of learning. He addresses love again (1, 6, & 9). He goes into more detail about wisdom coming from the Lord (16). Solomon addresses honesty and integrity (11), taking charge of one’s own conversation (21, 23, & 24). He speaks of the importance of self control. As a young man, he is going to have to exercise it more and more.

Proverbs Chapter 17 – Now Solomon begins to put the pressure on about peacefulness, wisdom, coveteousness, finances, arrogance, avoiding meaningless arguing (14, 19), being a good friend (17). He warns the young man not to be tempted with bribes (23),and once again, he tells the young man to control his mouth (28)

Proverbs Chapter 18 – The young man is schooled in the importance of selflessness and careful with his mouth (1-8), He teaches him about the strength of the Lord (10). He teaches him about humility, integrity, discernment, giving, tactfulness (19-21). He counsels him about making wise choices in a mate. He encourages him to be a friend to his friends.

Proverbs Chapters 20,22,25 & 26 – The lessons of self control are emphasized. Again Solomon speaks of honesty, riches, controlling the tongue, the character of God and His omniscience. He encourages faithfulness in love (6).  Our young man is almost grown (probably in his 20s or so).
Solomon begins to realy press all of the various issues. The young man is about to be on his own. He needs to learn the lessons of knowledge and wisdom through the fear of the Lord.

Again he instructs him about choosing his friends wisely (22:24-25). By the time we get to chapter 26, Solomon’s son has become a mature man. He is still in need of instruction, because we never reach a state of perfect maturity.

So, how are you doing in your growth with the Lord? Have you learned the lessons of Proverbs? Have you come to know the one who imparts maturity and wisdom, Christ, the Lord? As a church, are we helping people grow in the Lord?