Category: wisdom

Affirming Voices

2 Chronicles 10-12

You may be familiar with the book The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman, which gained some notoriety around the turn of the millennium. The premise is that each of us feels and expresses love primarily through one of five ways, and it benefits us not only to understand ourselves but also to learn how our spouse, family, and coworkers prefer to receive love and encouragement.

My love language happens to be “words of affirmation,” meaning I feel loved when people offer praise, encouragement, or a thoughtful compliment. While offering this kind of edification should be part of how we love others at some level, our attraction to affirmation can sometimes replace truth with feeling. When that happens, we may reject godly wisdom in favor of voices that echo our pride.

In 2 Chronicles 10–12, we revisit the story of the rhyming rulers: Jeroboam and Rehoboam. In yesterday’s account from Kings, we focused on Jeroboam’s role in rebelling against Solomon’s successor. Today, we focus on the critical crossroads of the kingdom, seen in Rehoboam’s response to the people’s request: “Please, lighten the load” (10:4).

At first, it appeared Rehoboam had inherited his father Solomon’s wisdom—he asked for time and consulted seasoned advisers. These elders urged compassion and mercy, suggesting he serve the people in order to win their loyalty. But Rehoboam rejected their counsel (10:8), choosing instead to listen to his inexperienced peers—yes-men and blowhards who flattered him for their own gain. He sought affirming voices, not truthful ones, and chose pride over prudence.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the voices we allow into our ears.  When we struggle in our Christian walk, do we welcome critique from a brother or sister in Christ who lovingly holds us accountable? Or do we prefer the reassuring voice of a coworker who says, “You’re doing fine—no one can live like that all the time”? When God’s Word convicts us, are we willing to change? Or do we search for justifications that let us edit the commands of our Heavenly Father? Are we allowing ourselves to be sharpened by iron, or do we dull the blade with confirmation bias?

Spiritual maturity means knowing the voice of the Shepherd and following only Him. His voice convicts us through the Living Word, speaks to us through the faithful message of a pastor or prophet, and often appears in a candid conversation with a friend. Ready yourself to listen to the voices that challenge your sin, confront your plans, and redirect you toward obedience. God will be there in the battle to meet you, as he did a humbled Jeroboam, with a greater grace and divine deliverance.

“In the end, when Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves, they declared, ‘The Lord is just’ And the Lord, seeing their humility, relented: ‘Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance’” 2 Chronicles 12:6, 7

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. From above “…do we welcome critique from a brother or sister in Christ who lovingly holds us accountable?”
  2. “When God’s Word convicts us, are we willing to change? Or do we search for justifications that let us edit the commands of our Heavenly Father?”
  3. “Are we allowing ourselves to be sharpened by iron, or do we dull the blade with confirmation bias?”
  4. What roles do pride and humility play in today’s passage? What roles do they play in your life today? What will it look like and sound like and feel like for you to humble yourself before God today?
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Living Beyond Contentment

Proverbs 30-31

When eating, it takes our bodies roughly twenty minutes to register that we are full. During this window, it’s still easy to overindulge—residual hunger hormones convince our brains that we aren’t yet satisfied. Giving in to a few extra bites can become a few extra pounds, and even small overindulgences, even in the short-term, can harm our well-being.

In many ways, we are wired to live beyond contentment. We accumulate extra clothes, extra cars, and extra rooms. While I have certainly faced seasons where I have battled with “not enough,” more often, I’ve wrestled with “too much.” And the more I feed desire, the more ravenous it becomes. When indulgence becomes a habit, our appetite grows louder while our awareness of God’s provision grows quieter under the noise of stuff-shifting.

To be content at the dinner table is to put the silverware down and wait. It requires restraint—a virtue that feels increasingly radical in every facet of living. As we saw with Solomon’s story yesterday, prosperity can easily deceive us into thinking we are self-sufficient. In today’s reading, Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 30 echoes a more familiar prayer taught by Jesus to His disciples. Daily bread is the quiet miracle of enough. [1 Kings 17:13-16; Matt 6:9,10]

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7–9)

Wisdom is a gift that Solomon received, and God still gives generously to those who expectantly ask (Jam 1:5-8). Contentment, too, is a gift from the Heavenly Father—who provided manna in the wilderness, the Bread of Life in Christ, and continues to meet our daily needs. Contentment stretches far beyond finances or hunger. It reaches into our identity, our roles, our relationships, even our location and life stage. Paul’s famous declaration—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:11:13)”—wasn’t about achievement , but learning contentment even within prison walls, fully surrendering the perks of his previous identity.

We do not live to satisfy our cravings. To live beyond contentment is to collect moldy manna, an untrusting load that serves no purpose. Instead, we are invited to live as shrewd and savvy worshipers: disciplined with our efforts, generous with our resources, and joyful in simplicity (Proverbs 31). In this way, we show ourselves devoted and dependent—not on what we can store up, but on the One who supplies.  If we are to live in excess, let it be in the goodness of a Father who meets every need and has satisfied our debt with the death of His Son and whose grace is sufficient for every demand.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Are there instances/areas when you have lived, or are living, beyond contentment? Do you have a collection of moldy manna?
  2. What do you think the secret of contentment is?
  3. How does Proverbs 30:7-9 differ from “worldly wisdom”?
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Gifts, God and Glory

1 Kings 10-11
2 Chronicles 9

There are simply some things you have to see with your own eyes to understand what all the hype is about. To stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon or to gaze from the helm of a ship in the middle of the ocean are images that have been perpetuated as pinnacle experiences through pop culture. While it’s possible to be in awe while reading a description or gazing at a photo, the real deal—being present in these places—has left me in wonder at the work of the Almighty.

In a similar manner, the stories of Solomon’s wisdom had spread like wildfire, reaching as far as the Horn of Africa—which, in ancient historical terms, was viral. The tale of a singularly wise leader whose work had led Israel into a time of ultimate prosperity made all the hype seem too good to be true. The Queen of Sheba, having received these reports, had to hear and see for herself. What she found was that the blessings were abundant and beyond even what was reported. The sights and sounds of Israel were breathtaking, but none more than the wisdom of King Solomon. After taking it all in, the Queen acknowledged that the sovereign God of Israel had placed Solomon on the throne to rule at such a time.

“Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”
—1 Kings 10:9

In contrast, in the very next chapter of 1 Kings, we watch the eyes of Solomon shift—from service of the Most High to service of his own flesh. From my own speculations, taken from the perspective in Ecclesiastes, it seems that for a season Solomon focused more on the gifts of God than on his relationship with Him. Israel began looking more like the king and less like its God under Solomon’s direction. He established altars for the gods of his wives and concubines, reshaping not only the physical locations but also the worship of the people. The evidence was in: the splendor of this kingdom, which once pointed to the protection of an undefeated Most High God, was now showing signs of the waning wisdom of a compromised king calling his own shots.

As we read these contrasting moments in Solomon’s life, we should turn and reflect on our own. We may not have the accolade of being the “-est” of anything, but there are tales that could be reaching far and wide about us. When we are visited, our “place settings inspected,” and people look at our sacrifice, what does all our effort and show point to? Are we encouraged—or offended—by those who look at the catalogue of our life’s work and give God the credit?

When God has His hand upon us, it can be recognized and sought by strangers from a distant land who hunger or thirst for answers to their questions. The truth is, sometimes from the outside looking in, the beauty of God’s hand in our lives is more clearly seen. Conversely, from the inside looking out, we may gaze upon the gifts of the Lord and mistakenly see them as our own handiwork, when it is by God’s glory that we are richly blessed. The warning given to us by Job is that the One who gives and multiplies can also take away and divide.

The hype of God has been—and will continue to be—acknowledged by those who look at it from afar in awe. However, the goodness of God is best experienced firsthand, through encountering Him with every thought and action. Let us not forget that He is the provider of grace and the bestower of the fruits of His Spirit; we could never attain these through our own effort. Don’t be so entangled in the blessing that you forget the intention with which it was given: to demonstrate the glory of our Heavenly Father.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What thoughts, feelings, desires, or motives do you think led Solomon astray? Which of these same thoughts, feelings, desires, or motives do you see in yourself?
  2. In what ways would you like to be like Solomon? In what ways will you work at not being like Solomon?
  3. Are there gifts God has given you that you have mistakenly viewed as your own handiwork? What happens when we focus on the gifts rather than the Gifter? How can we better see what God has given and in return give to Him the credit, thanks and glory for all His wonderful gifts.
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The Final Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 7-12

Yesterday we searched Ecclesiastes for the wisdom that Solomon put there for us to find.  Today we continue our search for the eternal truth that God has set for us to find.  Remember that the human mind wants to have the certainty of knowledge and wisdom, but that the only true wisdom is from God and not human thought. 

Ecclesiastes 7:8-13(NLT) Finishing is better than starting.
Patience is better than pride.
9 Control your temper,
for anger labels you a fool.
10 Don’t long for “the good old days.”
This is not wise.
11 Wisdom is even better when you have money.
Both are a benefit as you go through life.
12 Wisdom and money can get you almost anything,
but only wisdom can save your life.  Accept the way God does things,
for who can straighten what he has made crooked?

It is interesting that wisdom and money can go hand in hand.  When we are part of God’s family we have the resources of the head of our Household to help us. 

Does God give us the financial resources that we have for us alone?  Or are the resources for the work of His church and kingdom?

Ecclesiastes 7:29(NLT) But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.”

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. 17 I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.

Maybe Artificial Intelligence will be able to find all knowledge? 

Will it find that God’s Word is ultimate truth or will it decide that the Word is not correct? 

Is there ultimate true wisdom in any human endeavor?

I think these verses give us the truth that God alone has ultimate wisdom and we will find it when we search for Him, and not for the knowledge that comes from the world.  All else is “vanity” trying to breath into a bottle.

Ecclesiastes 12:11-14(NLT) The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.
12 But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.
13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

How does the conclusion of Ecclesiastes compare with the proverb that Jesus gives us in Matthew?

Matthew 10:16(NKJV) Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves

May you have a great day being shrewd in the world’s ways, but with God’s love and truth as the foundation of the way to live.

-Tom Siderius

See Reflection Questions above in bold

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The Words of the Preacher

Ecclesiastes 1-6

Ecclesiastes 1:1-5(NKJV)  The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher;
“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
3 What profit has a man from all his labor
In which he toils under the sun?
4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
But the earth abides forever.
5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down,
And hastens to the place where it arose.

“Ecclesiastes” comes from the Greek “Ekklesiastes” which is from the word “ekklesia” which in the NT is translated into “assembly” or “church”.  Solomon is the writer, and the book is the “Speaker to the Assembly”.  Or we could say “Preacher”.  These are words that the church needs to hear.

Ecclesiastes 1:14-17(NKJV)  I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.
15 What is crooked cannot be made straight,
And what is lacking cannot be numbered.
16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

Our readings for today and tomorrow are wisdom from Solomon about the meaning of life.  He explores wisdom, wealth, work, art, and faith throughout the book.  The word “vanity” used in many versions of the Bible is the Hebrew word “hebel”.  It is translated in different versions as vanity, meaningless, or futility.  It is a word which is not easily translated directly to English.  The meaning comes from the idea of “breath” or “vapor” like the breath of steam from your mouth on a cold day.  It cannot be grasped with your hands or put into a bottle or jar.  Meaning in our lives without God being involved is like trying to grab ahold of that breath or vapor.   People desire for their lives to have meaning and purpose.  We also want to be remembered as doing things that are useful and lasting.  Solomon certainly did all that a man could do in his life and had God given wisdom to work from.  Yet he says that all is meaningless without the purpose of serving God.  Even our Christian religious activity doesn’t have meaning without true godliness at its base.  This fallen world needs to find Christ in order to find meaning.  Only God in His wisdom knows what we need and has provided it for us.

Reflection Questions

Do you feel like you are grasping the wind or vapor when trying to understand life?

How does the Word of God change that?

Are you sometimes frustrated by your study of the Bible?

How does the perspective of Ecclesiastes change your thinking?

 Enjoy reading Ecclesiastes today and tomorrow and try to look for the purpose of your life in the reading. 

God Bless!  Tom Siderius

Iron Sharpens Iron

Proverbs 27-29

We read yesterday about how our fellowship with each other gives us an opportunity to help one another become more faithful in our walks with God.

Proverbs 27:17(NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Now we also see wisdom that encourages us to take the long view of the things that we do.  God has a plan that spans centuries and generations.  Here in Proverb 27 Solomon shows us that we are to work and think with the goals of tomorrow and a new generation in mind.

Proverbs 27:23-27(NLT) Know the state of your flocks,
and put your heart into caring for your herds,
24 for riches don’t last forever,
and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
25 After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears
and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
26 your sheep will provide wool for clothing,
and your goats will provide the price of a field.
27 And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself,
your family, and your servant girls.

Could you put this proverb into a modern form and provide a current event comparison about investments and future outcomes?

In Proverbs 29 we find much wisdom about nations and rulers alternated with practical advice about children, jobs and possessions.  Proverbs has a poetic form which is different from the way that we mostly write today.  This rhythm and phrasing make it easier for the people to remember and recite.  Most of the faithful of that time memorized the Word and were able to speak it when needed.  We are spoiled by written Bibles and internet search engines to find the verses that we look for. 

Proverbs 29:2(NLT) When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
  But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

Proverbs 29:4(NLT) A just king gives stability to his nation,
but one who demands bribes destroys it.

Proverbs 29:12(NLT) If a ruler pays attention to liars,
    all his advisers will be wicked.

Proverbs 29:14(NLT) If a king judges the poor fairly,
his throne will last forever.

Proverbs 29:16(NLT) When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,
but the godly will live to see their downfall.

-Tom Siderius

Reflection Questions

How do these verses give simple instruction for complex questions of rulership and authority?

Could we write them in a modern version to say the same truth to our country and generation?

& See Bold Question Above about Proverbs 27

Praying God is with you today and this wisdom gives you light to guide your feet and path.

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Enlightening Wisdom to Live By

Proverbs 25-26

1 Kings 4:29-34(NLT)  God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. 30 In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. 32 He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. 33 He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. 34 And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.

Proverbs in their basic elements are statements about life.  Solomon composed some 3000 proverbs according to the record in 1 Kings.  They are comparisons of concrete examples of physical life with the eternal truth of God’s message to us.  In our reading today we see a familiar set of verses which are quoted by Paul in Romans in a section of Romans dealing with how to get along with others in the church and without.  Our two chapters we are reading today have many statements which should help us govern our hearts and how we relate to others.  Let’s look at the section in Proverbs and quoted in Romans.

Proverbs 25:21-22(NKJV) 1 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.

Romans 12:17-21(NKJV) Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

One common explanation of these verses are that we will heap coals of fire on our enemy to burn him up when we do good to him.  My understanding of this section is much different.  In the ancient cultures they didn’t have boxes of safety matches or Bic lighters to make fire with.  When it was cold especially the household would try to keep a fire going all the time so that when fire was needed for cooking or heating it would be available.  As anyone who has tried to start a fire with friction or flint and steel will attest, this is no small matter to get a fire going when needed.  An easier method would be to go to the neighbors who have an existing fire and borrow some coals from them.  If their fire went out, borrowing coals from you would be very neighborly.  When they took the coals, they would put them in a clay pot to handle them.  It was very common to put the pot on the top on their head to carry it, and they would have a pad to protect the head even.  This would warm up the person carrying the coals to the other household and the proverb is comparing this physical action that this would warm them, be a blessing, to them in their hearts.  By doing this we overcome the evil of having an enemy with the blessing that we give them by our actions.

In Proverbs 26 there are sections that deal with our speech and how it should be handled.  This first one shows us a comparison of a lie to a deadly weapon against another.

Proverbs 26:18-26(NLT) 18 Just as damaging
as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friend
and then says, “I was only joking.”

How about this next section that deals with gossip and quarrels.  Would we have quarrels in our churches if we followed the wisdom found here?  Jesus echoes this when he tells us that out of our hearts we speak what we really believe whether for good or evil.  As we read God’s Word it is drawn into our hearts by God’s love found there and this becomes the way that we react when in the situations of life. 


Proverbs 26:20-26(NLT)  Fire goes out without wood,
and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
21 A quarrelsome person starts fights
as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.
23 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,
just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.
24 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they’re deceiving you.
25 They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.
26 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

One of my favorites of these wisdom sayings of Solomon is in this verse:

Proverbs 27:17(NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Praying that you all will be sharpened by the love and wisdom of these lessons which you are reading every day. 

Love in Christ, Tom Siderius

Reflection Questions

  1. In today’s Bible reading which verses stood out to you as particularly wise? What stood out as something you need to work on?
  2. How do you treat your enemies? How can you follow the wisdom of Solomon and Paul and the teaching of Jesus in how you respond to them?
  3. When would you do well to remember Solomon’s wisdom regarding quarrels?
  4. How can you help sharpen a friend? Who has helped sharpen you?
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Solomon’s Wealth

1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4

1 Kings 7 briefly pauses the narrative on the construction of the temple and describes the palace buildings Solomon built for himself. These were designed with similar grandeur as the temple built for God. It is apparent Solomon was very wealthy based on the resources required for the temple and his own personal projects. This initially might seem contradictory to the thirty wise sayings in Proverbs that teach to “not wear yourself out to get rich” (NIV, Proverbs 23:4). However, it is evident that wealth was not Solomon’s primary goal as his focus was mainly on God—at least at this point in his life.

Earlier in the story, in 1 Kings 3, God appeared to Solomon and told him to “ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon was given the opportunity to ask for anything, but he did not choose wealth. He did not “trust [his] own cleverness” (Proverbs 23:4) as the eighth saying in Proverbs 23 warned against, but rather desired wisdom from God to govern the people. God rewarded Solomon by granting him a “wise and discerning heart” as he asked for (1 Kings 3:12). Further, because God was pleased with Solomon’s wish, He also gave him “both wealth and honor” (1 Kings 3:13). Solomon sought wisdom, and wealth was generously provided to him by God. He did not sacrifice wisdom to pursue a love for money, and didn’t hoard his wealth for himself either. He chose to build a house for God before building his own palace. Although he was very wealthy, Solomon’s life aligns with the proverbs arguing against chasing money. 

The rest of Saying 8 in Proverbs 23 depicts the temporary nature of materialistic wealth. It states, “cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone” (Proverbs 23:5). No amount of wealth is permanent, and it can be removed or destroyed at any given time. Even with the significant amount of resources used to build the temple and palace they would not last forever. The Babylonians and King Nebuchadnezzar plundered the temple treasures (2 Kings 24:13), and eventually all the great structures Solomon constructed with his wealth were destroyed with the rest of Jerusalem in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8-10). 

Solomon was wise in seeking wisdom first rather than riches, and he understood that money is not worth pursuing. Any resources given by God can then be dedicated back to Him and used for righteous purposes. Although Solomon was rich in resources, he was wealthy with wisdom too.

-Josiah Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Is having wealth good or bad? Why? or When?
  2. What is the problem with chasing after money and wealth? Have you seen anyone get further and further from the Lord as they chased after money?
  3. What might it look like to put your trust in God and not in your finances?
  4. What do you want to be known for being rich in? (Money, wisdom, kindness, etc… – HINT: Money is not the correct answer.) What steps will you take today to make an investment towards that end?
  5. Why do you think Solomon built the temple before his palace structures? How could we follow his example? How can we use the resources God gives for righteous purposes?
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Application of the Wise Sayings

1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

Yesterday’s passage of Proverbs 22-24 offered thirty sayings of the wise to learn from and apply in life. As discussed in the devotion, it is a condensed list of rules to guide life. It was written through wisdom gained by experience of the author, or authors. The author of any guidance is important to consider as it would not be too wise to follow advice from someone if he or she did not live a life worth following in some way. Therefore, the source of the proverbs and wise sayings should be analyzed to determine if they are credible. The author of Proverbs is often largely attributed to Solomon, though he likely had input from others. Fortunately, Solomon is known for his wisdom, and some of his life stories are described in the books of Kings and Chronicles. These stories can be read and analyzed to see how Solomon might have developed his wise sayings, how he applied them in his life, and if he is a good example to follow. 

The chapters for today focus on Solomon building a temple for God. Although this is just a glimpse of Solomon’s life, there are still aspects of the thirty wise sayings included. While several of the sayings are at least a little relevant, two of the sayings are most prominent in these chapters: Saying 6 and Saying 21. 

Saying 6 in Proverbs 22:9 describes how skilled workers work for kings. This is directly demonstrated in the construction of the temple, as King Solomon uses the help of Huram-Abi who is described as “a man of great skill,” and “experienced in all kinds of engraving and can execute any design given to him” (NIV, 2 Chronicles 2:13-14). The temple design was elaborate and Solomon wanted the best for God. Even getting the wood for the temple required workers “skilled in cutting timber” (2 Chronicles 2:8). It is no surprise that kings want the best and have the resources to get it. Therefore, this saying is valid and reputable. Developing a skill is beneficial to the contribution of society and can help increase one’s influence. 

The second saying relevant to the building of the temple refers to building a house. The temple is designed as a house for God, though He does not physically dwell in it as people do in a home. Proverbs 24:3-4 states, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures”. Solomon was able to use the wisdom he received from God to build a great house for God. It is a house filled with the most beautiful treasure imaginable to those with the knowledge to seek it—God. A meaningful relationship with God can only be attained by gaining wisdom as Solomon suggests. 

Building a temple for God was one of Solomon’s greatest achievements in his life. This project alone demonstrates his wisdom and credibility along with many other parts of his life. With Solomon’s experience, and the wisdom he received from God, his written guidance in Proverbs should be followed.

-Josiah Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. How wise are you? What evidence in your life would support your answer?
  2. How is wisdom gained?
  3. What wisdom from Proverbs stands out to you as something you would benefit from listening to and following better?
  4. How can you work at applying what you read in Scripture to your own life?
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Sayings of the Wise

Proverbs 22-24

There have been countless attempts to condense all the complexities of life into a few simple and concise rules to follow. If the steps are practiced effectively then success will be rewarded. Variations of these lists are reiterated over time through experience of generations adapting to changing societies. Each one tries to improve upon the previous list, but there are often more similarities than differences. While there are some noticeable differences between many of these lists and Proverbs 22-24, as a whole these chapters are simply a list of sayings meant to be followed for success. It certainly wasn’t the first list nor last, but it accomplishes the same goal, with the added benefit of being God’s trusted word. 

These thirty sayings are introduced in chapter 22, and it is encouraged for all to hear and pay attention to. “Counsel and knowledge” are provided with a reward of increasing trust in God along with honesty and speaking the truth (NIV, Proverbs 22:17-21). They don’t necessarily promise to bring worldly success, though many do, but instead offer the opportunity to further develop a relationship with God. These sayings align with seeking wisdom. Following them will result in the growth of truthful actions, trust, and an increased ability to love God and others. 

Each of the sayings provide guidance on some aspect of life, though there is overlap. Some of the sayings teach how to interact with others and develop meaningful relationships. For example, avoid exploitation, consider the perspective of others, and don’t be associated with people who will only cause trouble and be a bad influence. Other sayings claim that righteous character and behavior will be rewarded socially, and even if there is no benefit in today’s society God will reward those in the future. Similarly, the opposite is warned against. Another common theme is to not get caught up in chasing money or other common indicators of success, as they aren’t as meaningful as they may initially seem. Lastly, these sayings teach the value in learning and the willingness to be taught.

Study the sayings of the wise and learn from them. These thirty sayings are included in the book most known for wisdom, so if wisdom is loved these sayings should be considered in daily life. The increase in wisdom associated with applying these chapters will encourage genuine care and love for others through truthful words and actions. Further, trust in God is strengthened by wisdom in knowing how God defines success. Although it is still just a condensed list, follow these sayings and success will naturally be rewarded.

-Josiah Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. How is the wisdom found in Proverbs 22-24 similar to wisdom literature from other times and cultures? How is it different from what “the world” today says is wise and profitable for success?
  2. In your relationships with others which of these sayings of the wise would you benefit from focusing on this week?
  3. How can you work towards the ultimate success of having a better, growing relationship with God?
  4. Which verses would be great on your refrigerator, desk, bathroom mirror or bedside table for the next month? Post them.
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