He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Increasing Life’s Joy: Understanding The
Purpose Of Proverbs 22:20-21
20) Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and
knowledge,
21) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Solomon
looks at another factor, that when understood, will increase our joy,
understanding the purpose of Proverbs.
When we understand the purpose of Proverbs, we will understand the
importance of God’s Word for our lives and be motivated to apply the Word to
our lives which will increase our joy and peace…
EXPOSITION:
20) Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and
knowledge,
Solomon
explains to us the characteristics of the book of Proverbs…
1. Solomon describes the Proverbs as “excellent
things”. This title is teaching us that
the Proverbs, just like all of God’s Word, is of the “highest rank”. This means it holds the highest authority and
the highest position of importance for each one of us.
2. God’s Word is the pinnacle of “counsel”
(advice and planning) – used for practical living
3. God’s Word is the ultimate source for
“knowledge” (perception and receipt of truths) – to learn doctrinal truths
The
Bible is the ultimate source for truth and the practical application of that
truth. It proceeds from the very mouth
of the Lord, hence, making it of highest authority and importance for us all
“All scripture [is] given
by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
21) That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth;
that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Solomon
now describes the motivation in his heart for his writing of the Proverbs…
1.
that we would recognize and accept after a careful examination, excluding all
doubt, the truths of God.
2.
that we might give the truthful, Godly answer to those who send inquiries to
us.
Solomon’s
motive was to prepare us for active service to the Lord. He would do this by helping us to recognize,
beyond doubt, the truths of God and then help us to share these truths in a God
pleasing way, to those who mke inquiry to us.
“But and if ye suffer for
righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither
be troubled;
But sanctify the Lord God
in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience;
that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that
falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:14-16)
SUMMARY:
God’s
Word is the ultimate source of truth and authoritative direction for our
lives. As such we are to share the
truths of the Word with others by applying them to our lives and giving them
God pleasing answers to the questions they may ask of us.
When
we understand the great importance of the Word of God and the need to apply it
to our lives and declare it to others, we will find great joy because we will
be fulfilling our purpose for life.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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