PROFITING FROM PROVERBS

“To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings” (Proverbs 1:6 KJV).

When we need to define a word, or a phrase, in the King James Bible we should first try to discover how the Bible itself defines it, if possible, before going to Webster’s 1828. In this case the mysterious phrase is “dark sayings.” Often, a word will be used and it will define itself either in the same verse or in the near context. In this instance we find that Solomon is speaking of “parables.” These are something hidden from the world, but transparent to eyes of faith and discernment.

“I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old” (Psalms 78:2 KJV), “I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp” (Psalms 49:4 KJV).

Through parables Jesus bought taught His disciples by comparing heavenly truths with earthly examples, and he confounded those that would entrap Him. Sometimes His followers struggled to understand His meanings: “His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb” (John 16:29 KJV).

Well, the Proverbs are not simple truths placed on the bottom shelf for easy picking. They often require some thought, and the always require the One sent down from heaven to be our teacher—the Holy Spirit.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (I Corinthians 2:12-13 KJV).

It is not a simpler, easier-to-understand Bible that we need, but more of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Without the Holy Spirit, even John 3:16 is a closed verse to the unsaved mind. It is the Holy Spirit that opens our minds, enlightens our understanding, and reveals the truth contained in the Book of which He is the Author.

The lessons of Proverbs are often obscure. They must be interpreted and applied, or you will miss the lesson buried under the surface of the pithy saying. The mother lode of wisdom is waiting for those who will diligently mine Solomon’s proverbs.

Why did God inspire dark sayings that are hard to understand? Because success, truth, and wisdom are not rights. They are privileges by God’s grace for those humble enough to study them diligently. Wisdom mocks those who are not fervently earnest. But wisdom offers herself freely to the passionate.

Father, open our eyes, that we may behold wondrous things out of Your law. You, through Your Spirit, are our only true teacher. You have even told us that we have no need that any man should teach us, if we are willing to learn from You. Help us to understand Your Word and apply it to our lives. Amen.

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