Pearls in Proverbs - August Scripture Writing Challenge

The August Scripture Writing Challenge comes from the book of Proverbs. We are going to explore the definitions of several words in the first few verses of Proverbs 1: including Knowledge, Understanding, Instruction, Discretion, Learning, Wisdom and Wise Counsel.

Returning to Proverbs: A Source of Timeless Wisdom

For our August Scripture Writing Challenge, we're returning to the rich and timeless wisdom of the Book of Proverbs. We previously explored Proverbs back in March, and I'm excited to revisit this book with you. As many of you know, Proverbs is known as the book of wisdom. I was deeply moved while reading it in July, particularly by Proverbs 9:1: "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars." This verse stirred a sense of wonder in me—what are these seven pillars? Although the following verses don’t explicitly define them, a note in my Bible suggested they might correspond to the seven attributes of heavenly wisdom listed in James 3:17.

This verse in James states, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Isn’t it amazing how the wisdom in Proverbs, written thousands of years before the book of James, aligns so seamlessly with these attributes? I’m grateful for the scholars who have dedicated their lives to studying the Bible and illuminating these connections for us. As mothers striving to raise our children in the Lord, I believe it’s essential to share these nuggets of wisdom with them. Proverbs provide practical advice and principles that are not only easy for children to grasp but are also incredibly relevant to our daily lives.

Training Our Children with Proverbs

Proverbs is a valuable resource for teaching children about practical living and cultivating good character. Its straightforward "if-then" statements make it easy to convey important life lessons: If you do this, then this will happen. Proverbs contrasts wise and foolish behavior, highlighting the consequences of each. My children are teenagers now, but I've used the teachings of Proverbs throughout their upbringing to help instill good character traits. I want to help you do the same for your children.

This month, we will revisit Proverbs with a fresh perspective, focusing on foundational characteristics that we can both learn from and teach our children. Our Scripture Writing Challenge will feature a new list of verses from Proverbs, different from the ones we studied in March. Each day, we'll focus on one verse from the corresponding chapter of Proverbs, starting with chapter one on August 1st.

Pearls and Proverbs: Searching for Hidden Treasure

This month, I’ve titled our study “Pearls and Proverbs,” inspired by Proverbs 2:4, which says, “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” This if-then statement is straightforward yet profound: if we seek wisdom, then we will gain understanding and knowledge of God. Proverbs often personifies wisdom as a woman, and this imagery beautifully illustrates the value and preciousness of wisdom. It’s a simple concept for children to grasp but also serves as a powerful reminder for us as adults. Seeking wisdom is a lifelong journey, one that draws us closer to the heart of God.

Understanding Key Terms in Proverbs

To deepen our understanding of Proverbs, let’s take a moment to define some key terms that frequently appear throughout the book:

1. Knowledge: Knowledge refers to the awareness of facts. It’s knowing what the ingredients are in a recipe, like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter for baking a cake.
2. Understanding: Understanding goes beyond knowledge; it’s about comprehending the meaning and interrelationship of those facts. In our cake analogy, understanding involves knowing why each ingredient is essential: flour provides structure, sugar adds sweetness, eggs bind the ingredients, butter adds moisture and flavor, and baking powder helps the cake rise. This deeper comprehension enriches our ability to apply knowledge wisely.
3. Instruction/Correction: Instruction is about receiving and applying knowledge and understanding. It involves correcting behaviors that are not honoring to God by integrating what we’ve learned into our lives.
4. Discretion: Discretion involves thoughtful consideration and the ability to foresee potential consequences. For example, if you’re walking down the street and see a group of suspicious people, discretion might lead you to turn around and take a different path to avoid danger.
5. Learning: Learning is the ongoing process of absorbing and retaining information. As Christians, we should be lifelong learners, constantly growing in our understanding of God’s Word.
6. Wisdom: Wisdom is the ability to effectively use knowledge and understanding in one’s own life and in interactions with others. It’s about making sound decisions that align with God’s principles.
7. Wise Counsel: Wise counsel is the capacity to share wisdom with others and provide good advice. As mothers, we strive to be wise counselors to our children, guiding them with love and understanding.
8. Fear of the Lord: This phrase signifies a deep reverence for God, a desire to honor and please Him in all that we do.

My Son Statements: Guiding Our Children in Wisdom

Proverbs contains several “my son” statements, three of which are found in chapter one. These verses are not only valuable for teaching our children but also offer personal applications. You can even replace “my son” with “my daughter” or your own name to make them more personal.

• Proverbs 1:8-9: “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” This verse teaches that obedience to parental instruction brings favor and grace, both from God and from others.
• Proverbs 1:10: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” This straightforward advice warns against following the influence of those who would lead us astray. It’s a powerful reminder to choose our friends and influences wisely.
• Proverbs 1:15-16: “My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.” This passage advises avoiding the path of evildoers, emphasizing that their ways lead to trouble and harm.

Applying Proverbs to Our Lives

As we embark on this month’s Scripture Writing Challenge, I encourage you to take time each day to meditate on the verses from Proverbs. Use the provided PDF handouts to write down definitions of key words, reflect on the “my son” statements, and seek wisdom in practical ways. Share these insights with your children, helping them to understand and apply God’s wisdom in their daily lives. Proverbs teaches us that wisdom cries out in the streets, urging us to seek her. Let’s make it our goal this month to listen, learn, and apply these timeless truths to our lives.

Thank you for joining me in this journey through Proverbs. I hope that this deeper dive into God’s Word will enrich your spiritual walk and inspire you to continue seeking His wisdom. As always, if you found value in this episode and are ready to take the next step, I invite you to take the free Work From Home Personality Quiz. The link is in the show notes. My goal as a certified Christian Life Coach is to provide personalized guidance to help you navigate your work-from-home journey while keeping your faith and family at the forefront.

Remember, Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Stay encouraged, seek wisdom, and trust in God’s faithfulness. Until next time, may the Lord bless you and guide you on your path.