Pondering the Proverbs

The Psalmist wrote of the blissful man whose:

Delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

Some folks associate meditation with the practices of eastern pagan religions. In reality, meditation is nothing more than focusing one’s thoughts on something to gain a better or deeper understanding. It is good to pause in our Bible reading to focus and think about what we have read. I find it productive to ask myself questions about the things I’ve read.

If you have caught up on reading the Book of Proverbs (see last week’s blog), then you may remember the following from chapter 1:

Wisdom shouts in the street,

She lifts her voice in the square. (1:20)

Wisdom is personified as a woman. Why is she shouting? What would that look like if it were taken literally, that is, if a woman actually stood in the streets shouting? (Focus and think.)

In verse 22 Wisdom calls out:

How long, O naïve ones, will you love being simple-minded

And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing

And fools hate knowledge?

What is the relationship between:

• The naïve and simplicity?
• The scoffer and scoffing?
• The fool and knowledge?

What is the difference between the three individuals: the naïve, the scoffer, and the fool? (Ponder.)

The naïve ‘loves,’ the scoffer ‘delights,’ and the fool ‘hates.’ What is the significance of these action words? (Meditate.)

When we pause and ask ourselves questions about the things written, we tend to look more intently at the text. We envision the scene and all the moving parts. It may help us to see connections not seen before, grasp a deeper meaning, remember things more easily, or remember longer.

Simple observation is a part of meditation. What do you remember about Proverbs 2? 

For me it is the ‘path’ chapter. The word path, or a synonym (way, course, or track), appears twelve times. Why is there such repetition? Is there an overarching message or emphasis? If so, what is that message?

Sometimes the text seems to jump off the page with a pattern of thought. It may be a mere poetic device or it may suggest a deeper meaning. Either way, it makes the reader stop and look...and ponder.

Sometimes the text seems to jump off the page because the text does not meet the reader’s expectation. For example, Solomon addressed “my son” numerous times in the first seven chapters, but in 4:1 and 5:7 he addressed, “my sons,” plural. Why? Is there significance? (Think.)

Some questions may be easily answered in the surrounding text. Others may be answered when considering the book as a whole and its repetitive themes. Some questions may go unanswered. Even then, our minds are sharper as we continue to read further in the book, as we re-read, and as we explore other sections of scripture.

Pondering the proverbs is not a science, but rather a simple means of delving more deeply into God’s word. What will you see today!?

Mark Stinnett

December 14, 2025

How Is Your 'God-Wise Planning' Going?

My unconventional title is expressive of a Hebrew term used by Solomon in Proverbs 2. 

The wise king pleaded with his son:

Receive my sayings;
Treasure my commandments;
Make your ear attentive to wisdom;
Incline your heart to understanding;
Cry for discernment;
Lift your voice for understanding
Seek her (wisdom) as silver;
Search for her as for a hidden treasure.

And the expectation (v. 10):

For wisdom will enter your heart, 

And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

With wisdom in one’s heart, Solomon then boldly assured: 

Discretion will guard you, 

Understanding will watch over you. 

—Proverbs 2:11 (NASB95)

Discretion is given the human attribute of guarding. So, how does discretion guard you? Before asking that, What exactly is ‘discretion’?

When ’discretion’ was first used in the English language it carried the sense of making a separation or distinction. That meaning is a good fit for the word it translates from the Hebrew text.

The Hebrew term is one of a family of words that deal with planning, plotting or devising. These words are used in both a positive and negative sense. The word ‘discretion’ capitalizes on one aspect of planning, that of making distinctions between things.

When a person plots a course or devises a plan he must distinguish between choices and make decisions to insure a successful plan. Of course, there is more to planning than simply ‘distinguishing’ between things.

Instead of the word discretion The New Living Translation (1996) has a fitting translation: Wise planning. 

Of course, Solomon's ‘wise planning’ is not defined by man’s wisdom, but God’s wisdom. (Perhaps you now better understand the title.)

The man Job is a beautiful example of this proverb. Job asserts: 

I have made a covenant with my eyes;

How then could I gaze at a virgin?

—Job 31:1 (NASB95)

Job did a little ‘God-wise planning.’ Observe:

• First, Job valued his relationship with God.
• Second, he recognized right and wrong according to God. It was wrong for him to lust for another woman.
• Third, Job knew his human weakness and recognized the need to make a plan before being tempted.
• Fourth, he acted. He ‘made a covenant with his eyes.’ That means that he made a binding agreement with his eyes, and it was evidently to look away before temptation entered his mind.

So, Job made a careful plan based on God's word to deal with temptation. It was God-wise planning.

Solomon said that ‘God-wise planning’ will guard you. And how does that work?

Consider your weaknesses. When you are not being tempted listen to God’s instruction and consciously make a plan on how to follow it. Then, in the moment of temptation, follow the plan. Your ’God-wise planning’ will guard you from evil; from empty ‘benefits’ and from painful consequences; results which you already recognize.

Be wise. Think. Put a plan together...today.

Mark Stinnett

September 6, 2020

Are You a Treasure Seeker?

Have you ever hunted for treasure?

I’m not talking about fictitious pirate treasure or combing through the grass in the back yard looking for a lost coin or ring. I am talking about real treasure that you know has been hidden in some way, not necessarily buried, just hidden.

Have you ever gone in search for silver?

What would you do? How would you find a silver mine?

Silver does not generally occur in nature as a solid nugget. Rather, it is found in combination with other materials such as copper or lead. The silver be refined, or purified, through a process that removes the impurities.

In all likelihood you would not be searching for a silver mine, but perhaps antique silver at a flea market or garage sale. 

Without any other information, what would you say is the basic reason for the search for silver or a hidden treasure?

Before anyone ever begins a search for treasure or for silver, there is a very elementary fact that exists, but one that is easily overlooked: value. Silver is a precious metal with intrinsic value. A treasure likewise has significant value. They are both worth the effort of making a search because they are valuable.

Solomon writes about the pursuit of the ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’ of God. He encourages us to search for God's wisdom and knowledge like we might search for silver or hidden treasure. The idea is that wisdom and knowledge have intrinsic value. In other words, they possess value in and of themselves.

Is the wisdom and knowledge of God of any value to you?

   If you seek her as silver, 
   And search for her as for hidden treasures...
   --Proverbs 2:4

Obviously, when silver is discovered you possess something of value; likewise, treasure. Yet, silver and treasure do not usually just fall into your lap. In general, there is an intentional search. It takes time; it takes effort; and it may come with intermediate disappointments. When a person searches for something of value he must press forward with courage and steadfastness knowing that the final result will be worth the time and effort and cost.

And what is the result? What do the silver and the treasure represent in Solomon's proverb? (The answer is in verses 5 & 6.)

• Discernment of the fear of the Lord and
• Discovery of the knowledge of God.

Some folks cannot see the tremendous value of wisdom and knowledge. Many will pass by with disinterest. They will never engage in the search. So, they will not find.

Do you see true value in God's wisdom and knowledge?
Do not take the quest lightly. Dig deeply into God’s word with courageous persistence and expectation.

Seek the treasure!
Discovery will come.
The reward is true.
There is great value!


Mark Stinnett

Are You Ready for Wisdom?

From the time I was quite young I was taught that wisdom could be defined as “knowledge applied.” I accepted this brief definition without reservation. Now, I am quite sure it is too brief and easily misunderstood.

• “Knowledge applied” easily focuses too much on man’s intellect.
• “Knowledge applied” easily focuses too much on man.
• “Knowledge applied” easily gives the impression that just about anybody can possess wisdom.

Yet Solomon wrote:

   He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 
   He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
   --Proverbs 2:7

A lot of folks pursue wisdom in one way or another. However, wisdom is not given to everyone. God gives to the upright person, that is, the one who lives according to His instruction.

Drawing from Proverbs 2, consider wisdom from God’s perspective. The first few verses identifies the kind of individual that will receive His wisdom.

God looks for those who will listen, who have a willing attitude of the heart:
   Make your ear attentive to wisdom, 
   Incline your heart to understanding. (v. 2)

God listens for those who call out for wisdom:
   For if you cry for discernment, 
   Lift your voice for understanding. (v. 3)

God looks for those who make a diligent search for the treasure of wisdom:
   If you seek her as silver, 
   And search for her as for hidden treasures. (v. 4)

The search for wisdom results in reverence toward God and the knowledge of God:
   Then you will discern the fear of the LORD,
   And discover the knowledge of God. (v. 5)

God himself is the source of wisdom; man is not able to obtain or attain true wisdom on his own:
   For the LORD gives wisdom; 
   From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (v. 6)

So, God does not give his wisdom to just anyone, but only to those who strive to live according to His instruction:
   He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 
   He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. (v. 7)

• Do not think that you can gain God’s wisdom by your efforts alone.
• Do not think that by merely reading the scripture wisdom will be poured into your mind.
• Do not think that by merely applying biblical knowledge that you are wise.
• Do not think that you have or will gain the true wisdom of  God if you are not living according to God's love and holiness.

Do you truly desire God’s wisdom?
Then ask yourself, "Have I prepared myself for wisdom?"

Expert or Apprentice?

Solomon wrote about wisdom...again and again and again:

For wisdom will enter your heart,
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
--Proverbs 2:10

This statement indicates a result. It gives the very clear indication of transformation. Transformation is not about possessing wisdom as if to suggest that at one time a person did not have wisdom and then suddenly did. Rather, the contrast is in the person who has wisdom, but will later possess it in their heart. They possess knowledge now, but it will be pleasant to their soul. The transformation is from merely possessing wisdom to internalizing that wisdom into one's heart.

Consider an illustration: The difference between an expert and an apprentice is the transformation from possessing knowledge and skill to that knowledge and skill becoming a natural part of the individual. An apprentice, though successful, will have to stop and think at times. He may struggle through tasks. The expert performs a task effortlessly, seemingly with no thought, as if he was born with the knowledge and skill.

Knowledge and skill are embedded deep within the expert so that an onlooker might describe it as “second nature.” Yet, knowledge and skill become second nature only after years of careful observation and experience.

What about wisdom and knowledge?

Before thinking about our ‘efforts’ we would do well to recognize the source of wisdom and knowledge as described earlier in Proverbs 2:

For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
--Proverbs 2:6-7

God’s wisdom and understanding are not for just anyone. It is not by breadth of experience, depth of study, or sheer strength of will that a person attains wisdom. God is the source. He gives, and He gives to the upright.

Yet, a person does play a part. After all, God does not simply pour his wisdom into a person’s head while he sleeps. Consider our part in attaining the wisdom offered by God based on Proverbs 2:

• Receive my sayings (v. 1);
• Treasure my commandments (v. 1);
• Make your ear attentive (v. 2);
• Incline your heart (v. 2);
• Cry for (v. 3);
• Lift your voice for (v. 3);
• Seek as for silver (v. 4);
• Search as for hidden treasure (v. 4).

God offers true wisdom. We prepare ourselves by being upright. Then we must pursue wisdom in God's holy word. The result is the difference between being a mere apprentice and being an expert.

For wisdom will enter your heart,
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Mark Stinnett

Revised 02/16/2024

(First published on 8/28/2016)

Paths

Think about a path through a wooded area...
Think about a path up a steep hillside...
Think about a path across a broad plain...

How did the paths become paths?
What exactly makes a path a path?


Proverbs 2 is about paths. In this short chapter there are eleven references to one's path/way/course in life. There is encouragement along with warnings. So, what is Solomon teaching about paths?

By casual observation we know that a path is a path because there is no grass or other growth. If the path is in a rocky area, the sharp edges of the rocks become worn over time. A path becomes a path because it is used over and over and over.

A path is something that is set in place; it is established. Even when a path falls into disuse, it takes a while for it to be restored to the growth patterns around it so that it disappears.

It may have started as a path of least resistance through a rough area. Once established, it certainly offers the least resistance.

Of the many things that Solomon writes about one’s path, one thing is certain. Paths are chosen. A path may have begun as a way of least resistance; even then was chosen whether by man or beast.

In life, some people wake up and find themselves on a path they do not like. Yet, it was chosen.

• Perhaps they acknowledge poor choices.
• Perhaps there were circumstances that that suggested or seemed to offer no other choice.
• Perhaps it was simply the path of least resistance.

Whatever the case, every person is going along a path in life, and that path IS the one chosen.

Are you on a jagged, crooked and difficult path in life?
Is the path you are on leading you to the destination you desire?

The Proverbs can assist you in choosing and walking the better path, one with a good and joyful destination.

You CAN choose a different path.
Choose wisely.
Choose LIFE.