Thursday 19 June 2008

Background

In the library of books comprising the Bible, Proverbs standsout as unusual. It tells no story, contains no words of law orprophecy and has no named heroes or heroines. The book of Proverbsfits its description - it is a collection of aphorisms, maxims andsayings.

Many of the verses in Proverbs read like simple common sense. Theyare conveying messages that ring true to people of all faiths andnone. They might even find a place in a modern self-helpmanual!

This part of the Bible draws on a broad tradition in the ancientworld which is often labelled 'wisdom'. The great civilisationsaround Israel, including Egypt and Babylon, developed patterns ofteaching about the way the world works and of guidance about how tolive happily and successfully. Israel absorbed some of thisteaching, and Proverbs records it.

Insight, instruction and wisdom are key words in this book. Thetruly wise person pays attention to the teacher, takes in what theyare taught and is diligent in applying their lessons in daily life.This is the way to safety and success.

Proverbs makes it clear that life is about choices. A favouriteimage is that of the way or the path, and many sayings contrast thepath of wisdom and virtue with that of evil and folly. The way ofwickedness may look superficially attractive, and may exert astrange and almost irresistible compulsion, but only a fool istaken in by it.

For those who are painfully aware of the complexities andambiguities of human life, and who know that it is often far fromeasy to distinguish one path from another, the style and message ofProverbs may seem simplistic. Others may wonder whether wisdomreally does deliver what it promises. Perhaps the writer's note ofencouragement and insistence suggests that the sages of the ancientworld were fully aware that the path of wisdom required not onlyinsight and perseverance, but also faith and hope.

To Ponder

What choices are you facing at the moment? Howwill you decide which way to go?

What practical things can you do to safeguardyour inner self from corrupting influences?

To what extent does the warning against "crookedspeech" and "devious talk" (verse 24) ring true for you?