Chapter 3 The Wisdom Of Psalms And Proverbs: Guidance For Everyday Living
The “Fear of the Lord” is the core concept of the Bible, and all the teachings and exhortations you will find are centered around it. This concept is very much emphasized in the book of Psalms and Proverbs, with the theme focused on “Wisdom” and “Worship” more than any other book. Life as a Christian is meant to be lived in total worship of God through His wisdom, which makes these books so fascinating. A study of the book of Psalms will leave you in complete awe and reverence of God.
It puts your heart in a posture of gratitude and worship primarily for God’s role as your Creator, Father, Helper, and so much more. At the same time, the book of Proverbs teaches you how to live a life that pleases God. It addresses key areas of your life and will equip you with the wisdom to go about them.
Aside from the book of Genesis, another good place to begin the study ofthe Bible would be the books of Psalms and Proverbs.
These are the only two books known to have multiple authors. The rich experiences ofthe different authors make for an amazing overlay of the chapters in these books. However, of all these authors, two stand out: King David of the Book of Psalms and King Solomon, King David’s son ofthe Book of Proverbs.
When in doubt, joy, fear, excitement, pain, love, anguish, despair, faith, etc., these books will help to guide your heart. There is always a passage to address your current needs, give you insight, and uplift your spirit. They address all your emotions and provide you with instructions for righteous living. Below are many insights and key themes of this book
Psalms: A Harmony Of Hearts And Hymns
The book of Psalms is the expression of a man’s heart. At any point in his life, it shows his connection to one source: God. This book is a compilation of songs; each lyrical poem is a revelation of the human heart in worship of God. Some ofthe authors of these songs in Psalms are mentioned at the start of the song in that chapter, while the authors of others are not.
Some of the authors include King David, who wrote the most by authoring seventy-three (73) chapters, Moses, Aspha, the descendants of Korah, King Solomon, Herman the Ezrahite, and Ethan.
The book fully represents the meaning of its name, Psalms, which means “Praise” or “Songs of Praise” or its original name, which is the Hebrew word “Tehillim” meaning “Praise songs.” It is composed of reflections, meditations, instructions, prayers for help, thanksgiving songs, hymns, corporate prayers for help, etc. Regardless of the other different genres seen in Psalms, its central focus is the praise and worship of God.
The book of Psalms spans nearly a thousand years From the time of Moses to the post-exilic season in Babylon. Aside from being the longest book in the Bible and covering a diverse range of topics from creation, God’s salvation, judgment, the kingdom of God, Israel’s history, the law of life, the mystery of human conditions, and so much more, it is also the most read book of the Old Testament. It contains a total of 150 lyrical compositions that explore man’s relationship with God, whether a celebration of victory, a cry for help, a search for comfort in trials, or a pouring out of one’s soul in prayers.
A Christian in true pursuit of carrying out this commandment will turn to the book of Psalms, as it shows how to love God with total courage, consciousness, and intellect.
Proverbs: Wisdom Snapshots
In slight contrast, the book of Proverbs, attributed largely to King Solomon, beyond its wise sayings, provides insight into how to live. Although there are other authors involved in the compilation of this book, King Solomon serves as the principal author,
having written a significant portion. He is renowned for his wisdom and wrote over 3,000 proverbs and over 1,005 songs. He was the third King of Israel after the era of judges when the Israelites had settled in Cannan. He ascended the throne at an early age after his Father, King David, died. Still, in his young and inexperienced state, he did something extremely wise for which he was rewarded greatly by God
In a bid to seek help on how to lead God’s people, Solomon offered a huge sacrifice to God, which led to God asking him to name whatever he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom on how best to rule and lead God’s people. This singular request pleased God, and He gave him his heart’s desire and included everything else: wealth, fame, and peace from his enemies. This action gave Israel its longest reign of peace, which was 40 years without conflict or strife with other nations
Solomon poured out this wisdom in the book of Proverbs. This book is characterized by practical advice on how to live a righteous and fulfilling life. It is so great that its teachings are not limited to those of a certain demographic, race, ethnicity, nativity, or class. Its teachings are so instrumental to life that they resonate with all who seek it out
Proverbs cover a wide array of subjects vital for everyday living, like the importance and power of words, the value of pursuing knowledge and understanding, why it’s important to conduct oneself ethically, how to make sound decisions, how to foster good relationships, stop a bad habit, learn a good habit, have an understanding of the principles that define a life laid out in total reverence to God, etc.
You can always find something helpful in proverbs, and its insights are presented in nuggets, short and memorable, for easy assimilation and remembrance
Inasmuch as this book shows the wisdom of life during the time of King Solomon, its value has not at all depreciated; it is still very much applicable in your everyday life today. The primary purpose of the book of Proverbs is to show you the path to wisdom, which is through the fear of the Lord. This is confirmed in the constant usage of the phrase “the fear of God” within the pages, more than any other book in the Bible.
An amazing feature you will notice as you study the book of Proverbs is its beauty in communicating this wisdom to its readers through the use of discourse and personification. It reveals a balance between man’s choices and God’s laws, showing how the sovereignty of God can harmonize with the free will of man.
A conclusion you are bound to draw from your study of this book is that true wisdom can only be attained when a man is right with God, and that is the central focus of Proverbs. From Proverbs’ perspective, a knowledgeable, smart, and intelligent man without God is devoid of wisdom
Psalms And Proverbs: The Interlink
These two books, although distinct, offer complementary views or perspectives on key subjects of life, faith, and wisdom. Psalms consist primarily of poetic expressions of praise, lament, and worship, while Proverbs is more in line with practical wisdom. These different writing styles communicate similar messages.
You will get to see how the Insights highlighted repeatedly in these books are vital for your everyday living and how they resonate with the challenges faced in today’s modern world. A look at the historical and cultural context of Psalms and Proverbs reveals their enduring appeal.
The book of Psalms, penned centuries ago, opens you up to the evolving societal and religious shifts seen in ancient Israel. Chapter by chapter, you will see how it successfully captures the triumphs, tragedies, and spiritual yearnings of the nation of Israel. This serves as a testament to man’s eternal pursuit of connection with the divine.
In comparison, Proverbs, which is often attributed to the time of the reign of King Solomon, immerses you in the wisdom of the ancient Near East traditions. Proverbs’ aphorisms and emphasis on practical wisdom are short and to the point, which differs from the expressive style of Psalms. Culturally, the influence of the teachings in Psalms and Proverbs transcends the boundaries of religion alone.
It cuts across a myriad of other fields, such as literature, philosophy, art, music, etc., throughout diverse cultures. The universal and enduring nature of their themes has served as wellsprings of inspiration for countless philosophers, writers, literature experts, artists, etc., across the expanse of human history
The way emotions are explored in these two books, especially Psalms and the pragmatic dispensation of insights in Proverbs, resonates universally, serving as a bridge for the gaps that exist among people from varied backgrounds, proving relevant in the different cultural and religious landscapes.
Beyond the artistic and cultural impact of Psalms and Proverbs, they have become subjects of profound inquiry by many scholars. Theological luminaries, Biblical scholars, and literary critics have engaged in a comprehensive examination of these texts, coming at them from various perspectives to unveil their different dimensions, both historical, literary, and theological.
This interdisciplinary approach will not only deepen your comprehension of Psalms and Proverbs but will also illuminate their contextual significance. The scholarly interpretations stretch far beyond the confines of academia, providing you with insights that render these ancient texts not only accessible but profoundly relevant to contemporary issues and concerns.
As a result, Psalms and Proverbs continue to serve as beacons of wisdom, guiding modern audiences such as yourself through the intricate terrain of this life with timeless and universal applicability.
Thematic Look at Psalms and Proverbs
Much has been said about the immense impact of the books of Psalms and Proverbs in your life today. In this section, we look at some ofthe key themes that are a part of everyday life
Wisdom In Adversity
Adversity in life Is not a new concept. Just as there are days of prosperity, days of adversity are just around the corner. This is not a shot at pessimism; it’s how the world works. It is expressed in the story of the seven years of abundance and want during the time of Joseph in Genesis 41.
One of each is always bound to happen at any given point in a man’s life. Your question should be, what does God’s word have to say about His children in the days of adversity, and what wisdom can be gleaned from these books for such times?
The Bible makes it clear that as a Christian, you will experience adversity, but you shouldn’t worry, be afraid, or cower; rather, you should be courageous because Christ Jesus, your Lord, has overcome the world. It is with this understanding that you draw your victory. This is seen in John 16, verse 33, and Proverbs instructs believers about adversity.
In verse 10 of chapter 24 in Proverbs, you are encouraged to persevere always and be strong in the day of adversity meaning it will come, but your approach to it will determine how you come out of it- victorious or defeated. This verse teaches you to be resilient and determined when you are confronted with different challenges
Similarly, this understanding is stretched further in Psalms. For example, various passages like Psalm 34, verses 17-18, show the author expressing a deep emotional response to adversity but not losing heart. Rather than fret in the face of adversity, their cry is turned towards their helper, God.
He hears them and provides comfort to them from their troubles. The beauty of Psalms is that it doesn’t shy away from the pain experienced during tough times; neither does it dwell on it solely. Instead, it acknowledges the struggle while relying on a higher power, God, for strength and deliverance.
This approach to adversity is just as effective today. Instead of wallowing in fear and doubt, which breeds depression in the face of challenges, you should draw wisdom from Psalms and Proverbs by turning to God for strength to help you sail through victoriously with joy. It’s just like the story of a man called Job in the Bible, whom Satan tormented with a great adversary to get him to turn away from God and lose faith. However, Job reacted in one of the most impressive ways possible: When he lost all he had, he said,
So, you see, it’s possible to be joyful even amid distress. Notice the word joyful and not happy: Happiness is a result of the physically pleasurable things around you, while joy stems from an inner peace from God not influenced by your surroundings or circumstances. Challenges indeed differ from person to person, but the primary method of victory is the same for everyone:
turn to God, draw strength, approach the challenge in Faith with joy, and enjoy your victory. Psalm 34:19 and Proverbs 3:5-6 also shed further light on a Christian’s idea of adversity, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all11 and “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Together, these books offer a comprehensive view of facing adversity with a combination of practical wisdom from Proverbs and the emotional and spiritual perspective found in Psalms. It is a holistic approach that encourages both mental fortitude and spiritual reliance during challenging times.
The Power Of Words
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.,r This verse encapsulates everything you would read in this whole section. It highlights the impact that the words you say can have on your life. There are no limits to how far your words can go or how deep into the nooks and crannies of your life they can reach. This verse also underscores the responsibilities that come with speaking and your ability to communicate, urging you to be careful in your usage of words
A similar discussion on the power of words is also seen in Psalms in its usual poetic form. In Psalms 141:3, the Psalmist makes a plea to God, asking him to set a guard over his mouth and to keep watch over his lips. Although in a different style to Proverbs, it has a similar message. With the infusion of emotions, you can sense the desperation of his words as you read, which shows his understanding of the power of words Proverbs 16:24 says,
This imagery vividly contrasts the life-giving power of gentle, comforting words with the destructive force of harsh, hurtful speech. A read through Psalms and Proverbs highlights the profound influence of words in all aspects of your life. You are urged to wield your words with care, knowing the weight it carries. When you align your speech to bring life, you are pleasing God and working in the fear of Him.
Pursuit Of Righteousness
A pursuit of righteousness is synonymous with an honorable and flourishing life. Still, outside its numerous benefits, it is a call to all Christians. Proverbs 21:21 tells you that “Whoever pursues righteousness and love will find not only life but prosperity and honor/’ The book of Psalms not only addresses the topic of righteousness multiple times, but this discourse sets the tone for the book in general. The first three verses of the Psalm talk about the lifestyle of a man living in righteousness and not pursuing ungodliness
Psalm 1:1-3 says
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water; that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
In this verse, the concept of righteousness is connected to a life deeply rooted in God’s word; such a life always results in productivity, stability, and prosperity. Choosing to be honorable is always vital to the life of a believer walking with God. It might seem easier to alter the numbers at work, cheat on a test, tell a lie, or gossip about a friend, but these things do not align with your principles as a believer, so they shouldn’t be found in or around you
Furthermore, Proverbs 11:19 provides a contrast between the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness: “Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death.” This close comparison points out the transformative impact of choosing the path of righteousness. In comparison with Psalms, Psalm 34:15 echoes this sentiment when it says,
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” You receive this assurance that reflects God’s divine connection with you as you earnestly pursue righteousness.
Expanding on the pursuit of righteousness, Proverbs 21:3 states, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” This verse emphasizes the intrinsic value of righteous actions over external rituals. It’s never really about the nice things you say; the posture of your heart matters more to God, as you can see within this verse. This also relates to a chapter in Psalms that asks the question,
“Who is fit to inquire of God and who is fit to live on his Holy Mountain”- Psalm 15:1. The answer then goes on to describe the characteristics of a righteous man as one who fits the bill in this context. Righteousness is a path that leads to life. As you study the books of Psalms and Proverbs, you will discover more verses that touch on this topic, giving you a better understanding of righteousness.
This pursuit is an active, intentional journey towards the right and just thing in the sight of God. Psalm 119:1-2 says, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”
Moments Of Reflection
- If you were asked to mention the one thing you desire the most now, just like Solomon, what would it be?
- Psalms often explore a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow. Which Psalm do you find most relatable to your current feelings or life situation? Why?
- Reflect on a mistake or lesson learned in your life. How does the concept of learning through mistakes, emphasized in Proverbs, resonate with your experiences?
- Proverbs offer practical wisdom for daily living. What proverbial advice do you find particularly relevant to a current situation or decision you’re facing? How might applying this wisdom impact your choices? One thing is guaranteed: a study of the books of Psalms and Proverbs will leave you better than it found you. You have the assurance of a renewed way of thinking. You can begin to take actionable steps from the lessons of these books that reshape your choices and habits