Searching for Wisdom

Written by Cory Harasym, FAC Online Campus Pastor 

Proverb: a short, pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice.  

Many of us have heard sayings like these before: 

 "Actions speak louder than words." 

 "Better late than never." 

 "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." 

"God helps those who help themselves"… which, believe it or not, is NOT found in the Bible but from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac (a popular collection of sayings and advice). 

These are some short, pithy sayings, but what if we had some actual wisdom to pull from, to go to in our time of need? And guess what…? We do. We can find wisdom in the book of Proverbs.  

Growing up, I was constantly seeking wisdom for my life. I was always observing others' actions and watching the consequences of such actions, with the thought “Is this how I want my life to turn out?” The book of Proverbs was another avenue of gaining wisdom and direction for my life. I didn't just want to hear or read about wisdom; I was adamant about putting it into practice.  

As a teenager, when I started to see that the decisions people were making were having lifelong negative impacts, I was desperate for wisdom because I didn't want to fall into the same pit of destruction. I was desperately looking for wisdom so that I wouldn't fall into the same pit that I was witnessing others fall into. The pursuit of wisdom was important for me.  

As I read through the book of Proverbs as a young adult, it affirmed and gave me insight into how to live a life full of God's wisdom. In my search for knowledge and wisdom, Proverbs gave words to the inner turmoil within, the battle between good and evil, wisdom and folly, and I wasn't going to let evil take me down. Proverbs gave me practical advice on so many things. For instance, it warned me about adultery and how the lust of the flesh can seem enticing, but will ultimately lead to destruction - if only more people would listen to this advice! 

I knew that if left to my own decisions and selfish desire, I most likely was going to go down a difficult and broken path. I wanted to do anything and everything to avoid the pit of destruction - God help me! The book of Proverbs can't change our past, but it can give us a healthy dose of wisdom and direction moving forward. Think of the book of Proverbs as a metaphorical pathway to righteousness, and the wisdom within is a fence to keep us out of the pit of destruction. Please don’t climb over the fence. 

There is so much wisdom in Proverbs; after all, the book of Proverbs is a part of the wisdom literature category in the Bible, giving us practical advice on how to live a godly life. I hope that as we cover topics such as family, friends and neighbours, laziness and hard work, wealth and poverty, pride and humility as a church, that you will gain a heart of wisdom. 

As we work our way through the book of Proverbs, will you seek wisdom or embrace folly? The choice is yours. 

On a side note, here are some of my personal favourite Proverbs from the New Living Translation highlighted in my Bible. There are quite a few, but I encourage you to read through these slowly and see what the Holy Spirit has for you today: 

Proverbs 1:7 

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Proverbs 3:1–6 

"My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 4:14–15 

"Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving."

Proverbs 4:23–27 

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil."

Proverbs 7:25–27 

"Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward paths. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. It is a shortcut to the abode of death."

Proverbs 8:11 

For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. 

Proverbs 9:10–11 

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 

Proverbs 11:13 

"A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence."

Proverbs 12:15 

"Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice." 

Proverbs 15:1 

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." 

Proverbs 16:9 

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

Proverbs 18:15 

"Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge."

Proverbs 19:21 

"You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail."

Proverbs 21:2 

"People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart." 

Proverbs 22:1 

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. 

Proverbs 26:18–19 

"Just as damaging as a madman shooting flaming arrows of death, is someone who lies to a friend and then says, 'I was only joking.'” 

Proverbs 27:17 

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

Proverbs 29:11 

"Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back."

Proverbs 31:8–9 

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."

Recommended Reading 

Want to explore Proverbs more deeply? How to Read Proverbs by Tremper Longman III is a helpful resource. It offers practical guidance for understanding and living out its wisdom.