As a fellowship, every Sunday, we read a chapter in Proverbs by way of our daily readings. Thirty-one chapters filled with a lot of wisdom, maxims, truisms and pithy sayings. Sure, it’s a lot to take in, even in one chapter. For years I have read the Proverbs and they have been a rich source of needed wisdom, help and aid while I seek guidance in numerous practical areas. Some translators have turned a Hebrew phrase or two into a great source of humor and a kind way to laugh at some of our foolish ways. The question is though, with so many Proverbs, how can one keep them all straight so as to pull out the right one at the right time to make the right decision that would be praised by all, as downright common sense clever?

Here’s the deal. Don’t worry about finding that one Proverb that will stand above all others as the absolute wisdom necessary for making the now decision you are facing. Sure, that kind of thing happens but it is not the norm. Rarely, when facing some perplexing issue, do I land on a specific Proverb that cuts through all my confusion, and thus quote it as the principle on which I made my decision. Imagine thinking, “How should one work?” Then imagine using this Proverb as your guiding principle: "The lazy man buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to return it to his mouth" (Proverbs 26:15). To me, that is a humorous word picture on laziness and I chuckle every time I read it. However, it does not become my guiding principle on diligence. In order for me to develop my picture on diligence, I would need to show you about thirty passages that have over the years jelled together to create a Holy Spirit inspired, biblically-based ethic on personal diligence. 

My point is simple. Wisdom is a composite; it brings together many proverbs and synthesizes them into a decision or a way to lead your life. Over the years, my concepts and ethics have enlarged and continue to grow but they are not built on one passage; they are built on many, over time, and will continue to be built this way.

So you want to be wise?

1. Read many proverbs over and over again, and let them soak in.

2. Become a wisdom symphony conductor and blend the many proverbs (sounds) into a godly and wise decision.

3. Never quit building your orchestra of biblical proverbs and principles so that the Holy Spirit can continue to lead you by His Word in amazing ways.

4. Above all, never lean on your own understanding by discontinuing to refresh your mind and heart in the Word of God.