Proverbs have historically broadened the scope from the litigious regulation of life to the sculpting of character from which individual actions derive. As Kidner observes, “The samples of behavior which it holds up to view are all assessed by one criterion, which could be summed up in the question, ‘Is this wisdom or folly?’ This is a unifying approach to life, because it suits the most commonplace realms as fully as the most exalted.”
While Proverbs always consider the calculations for each decision, Kidner points out that the focus isn’t pragmatism but holiness: “There is calculation in Proverbs, for there is every encouragement to count the cost or reward of one’s actions, and to study the ways of getting things done; but wisdom as taught here is God-centred, and even when it is most down-to-earth it consists in the shrewd and sound handling of one’s affairs in God’s world, in submission to his will.”
“True wisdom and true prophecy both started from the fear of the Lord, and both worked hard to make Israel think.”
Derek Kidner
Kidner notably draws attention to “the wise” in Israel’s history, placing their contribution on par with prophets and priests (Jeremiah 18:18). He states, “True wisdom and true prophecy both started from the fear of the Lord, and both worked hard to make Israel think.” What emerges is that success or failure depends on one’s fear of God, with the ultimate goal being to stimulate Israel’s thinking. This remains a pressing issue today, and we would benefit from encouraging more people to think deeply.
What opposes the fear of the Lord? Covetousness (Genesis 3:6), which is idolatry. As Kidner puts it, “The fall of man was a choosing of what bid fair ‘to make one wise’ (Gen. 3:6) but flouted the first principle of wisdom, the fear of the Lord.”
Disclaimer: Information in my “slip-box” doesn’t necessarily reflect my agreement with the source or all its content. Recording diverse perspectives helps strengthen one’s position beyond the echo chamber of like-minded thinkers. By documenting alternative viewpoints, we engage in the intellectual wrestling match that ultimately deepens our understanding.
I aspire to post one note from my “slip-box” every weekday. If you want to learn more about how to work with knowledge, click this link: What is knowledge management?
Pastor Dan Patrick, raised in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., holds both a Bible degree and a Master’s of Divinity. He has ministered across five states from coast to coast, serving in various capacities, including pastoral leadership. Dan’s primary mission is to help people love God’s Word and find their purpose in God’s work.
