Profundity in Proverbs: Exploring Fools, Liars, Anger and Hate, Leadership and Teachable Spirit

wisdom books. Here are the first seven verses from the Book of Proverbs.

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:1-7).

Have you noticed that some messages are self-explanatory? Signs are good examples. Stop. Do Not Enter. Private Property. Keep Out. No Trespassing. No Hunting or Fishing. Many of the verses in Proverbs are like that. That is why in this book I have just listed verses that pertain to a specific topic. As you read them you won't need any explanation. Here is an example.

Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool (Proverbs 10:18).

This verse requires no explanation. The obvious response from a reader is, "Yes, this is true."

Another feature of many verses in Proverbs and indeed also throughout the Scriptures is the use of compare and contrast. Here is an example.

A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom (Proverbs 10:23).

Interestingly we find in educational research on effective instructional strategies that the technique of compare and contrast has the greatest benefit for learners. In this example, we learn what a fool is and what a fool is not. We learn what a person of understanding is and what a person of understanding is not. This process guides what to not do and guidance for what to do.

In addition, in these verses, we can see cause and effect and also often consequences. Look at this example.

To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool (Proverbs 17:21).

The foolish child causes the effect of no joy for the parent. It does not take much imagination to consider what consequences of the foolish behavior of the child might be that result in no joy for the parent.

As you read through the verses be looking for the self-explanatory statements. As you read through the verses be looking for compare and contrast examples. As you read through the verses be looking for examples of cause and effect.