Proverbs (7) a picture of Proverbs 1-9

When I read Proverbs, I normally skim through the first 9 chapters and skip straight to the exciting verses on money, words, friendship, laziness, and parenting.

So I've really enjoyed getting my teeth into Proverbs 1-9 for our Bible study this year. I've learned heaps about the value of wisdom, the nature of proverbs, the fear of the LORD, the good path, and about Jesus, wisdom in the flesh.

During our study on Proverbs 9, we summed it all up with a diagram of the first 9 chapters of Proverbs:

The straight lines down the middle represent the straight, level path of wisdom (Prov 2, 4).

The starting point of wisdom is

• God, who alone knows the way to wisdom (Job 28:20-23, Prov 2:6) - we can't be truly wise unless we humbly accept God's wisdom (Prov 3:5-8, 15:33)
• "the fear of the LORD" - so important that it book-ends chapters 1-9 (Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10)
• Jesus, the "wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:30 cf Prov 8:22-31, Col 1:15-20)

We drew wisdom as a treasure box. All the blessings of wisdom radiate from the box: honour, long life, riches, protection, safety and peace (Proverbs 3:13-20, 4:7).

An arrow goes from wisdom to the crown which represents King Solomon, who received God's great gift of wisdom (1 Kings 3, 4:29-34).

Another arrow goes from Solomon to the book he wrote. From the book of Proverbs radiate lines to wisdom, understanding, insight, guidance, discipline, good sense, and what is right, just and good (Proverbs 1:1-7.)

On the next arrow we see that Proverbs is written for both the simple and the wise (Prov 1:4-5). It's also addressed by a father to his son (Prov 1:8, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1).

An arrow goes from the father to his main message: choose the good path of wisdom (Prov 4:18). The final arrow shows that this path leads to LIFE!

Two crooked paths wind off to either side (Proverbs 2:12-22) - the path of the "adulteress" or "promiscuous woman" (Prov 2:16-19, 5:1-23, 6:20-7:27) and the path of "wicked companions" (Prov 2:12-22, 3:12-15, 4:14-19). Both of these paths lead to DEATH.

At the end, we're given two party invitations (Prov 9). Lady Wisdom is a gracious hostess, who prepares good things for her table. Madame Folly is loud and brash, and serves stolen treats. I know whose party I want to attend!

Welcome to the feast of Lady Wisdom - all the tasty proverbs in chapters 10-31!