Proverbs
22 reminds me of the role of the Seasoned Citizens in our life.
There is clear biblical instruction for the older men to teach the
younger and the older women to instruct the younger, both by word and
example. Age brings experience, and a more measured perspective on
the highs and lows of life. Very often we are jostled by the emotion
of the moment as every event is magnified. This is when wisdom lifts
burdens. It listens, it nods patiently and it reassures. Solomon
begins, “A
good name is more desirable than great riches“.
He is referring to an excellent reputation developed over time,
something that cannot be purchased. He notes, “Rich
and poor have this in common:
The
Lord is the Maker of them all“.
Accumulating wealth can sometimes make us forget that truth. The
comfort money brings has limitations, but the comfort of God is
limitless. Next he says, “The
prudent see danger and take refuge“.
Believers are never instructed to be sitting ducks. Jesus warned
the apostles, “I
am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as
snakes and as innocent as doves.
Be
on your guard“.
Solomon also notes another thing to know for certain, “In
the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls“,
adding, “Whoever
sows injustice reaps calamity“.
What is your advisor reaping?
Next
he provides the most encouraging words any anxious parent can hear.
We fear every wrong turn and every stumble will lead to doom, yet
wisdom says, “Start
children off on the way they should go, and even when they are
old they will not turn from it“.
Please note he does not promise the road will always be straight.
He also implies we are to continue to teach. Stay out of debt
because “the
borrower is slave to the lender”
and “The
generous will themselves be blessed“.
What if they will not listen? “Drive
out the mocker, and out goes strife“.
We learn best
when our actions have consequences. His
goal is an independent adult, “One
who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king
for a friend“.
The rest of the chapter is like an
afternoon chat with Grandpa, summarizing and reinforcing lessons
previously taught. They bolster our understanding and determination.
He begins, “The
sluggard says, ‘There’s a lion outside!’“.
Some people can find reasons not to work, even if they have to
imagine them. Wisdom reminds us that lessons not learned at home
will be taught by life, but they are always more painful, “Folly
is bound up in the heart of a child, but
the
rod of discipline
will
drive it far away“.
Discipline taught in a loving home is always better than discipline
taught by the legal system. He continues, “Pay
attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply
your heart to what I teach… so that your trust may be in the Lord“.
Here is one that many of us have learned the hard way, “Do
not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with
one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself
ensnared“. Some people
just like to fight. And he closes with a final word of encouragement
from the wisdom of maturity. Preparation and hard work creates
expertise. “Do
you see
someone
skilled in their work? They will serve before kings“.
Do you lack wisdom? No matter if your hair is salt, or pepper, here
is the place to start, “All
Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God
may
be thoroughly equipped for every good work”
(2 Timothy 3:16). It will spice up your day!