September 12, 2025

THE PURPOSE OF PROVERBIAL WISDOM

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

As Solomon opens his collection of proverbs, he lays out some basic truths to guide our study of God’s wisdom.

1. Discipline is Part of Wisdom

Solomon tells us that wisdom is not just knowledge—it’s knowledge applied through discipline. A clear way to picture this is: information fills the mind, but discipline shapes the life. 

Many people know the right thing but fail to live it out because discipline is missing. Solomon shows us that wisdom and discipline are inseparable. Wisdom tells us what to do, discipline ensures we do it. Without discipline, wisdom remains theory.

2. Everyone Benefits from Wisdom

Solomon addresses all levels of people—the simple, the young, the wise, and the understanding. Wisdom isn’t something you “arrive at” and then stop growing in. It’s a lifelong pursuit. Even the wise can become wiser. 

The call to “explore” the meaning of the proverbs reminds us that God’s Word rewards those who dig deeper, reflect, and apply. Wisdom is like treasure hidden just beneath the surface—you find it if you’re willing to dig.

3. True Wisdom Begins with Fearing God

This is the anchor point of all wisdom. To fear the Lord is not about terror, but reverence—recognizing God’s holiness, authority, and supremacy. 

Without that reverence, all human wisdom is shaky at best. To fear the Lord is to say: God, I trust Your Word above my own thoughts, feelings, or opinions. That is the foundation upon which all other wisdom is built.

Takeaway Questions

• Am I letting wisdom shape my daily decisions through discipline?

• Do I come to God’s Word as a treasure seeker, or as a casual reader?

• Am I truly revering God as the ultimate source of wisdom in my life?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to be a person of wisdom and discipline. Teach me to dig deeply into Your Word and to apply it daily. Keep my heart in reverence before You, so that I may walk in true wisdom all my life.

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