As I
mentioned yesterday, the book of Proverbs is filled with practical wisdom that
will help us in everyday life. I like to think about this book like a box of
very expensive pastries.
When we were in Italy, we would be walking
through a town and be window shopping, just to enjoy the sights, sounds and
smells. We would often stop mid-morning for a cup of coffee and a pastry. Not
good for our waists, but really good for our vacation! We would open the door
of the shop and be pulled in by the smells, delicious! Then we would walk in
and see the large display cases filled with perhaps a hundred different kinds
of pastries, all delicately made and appealing to the eye. Each one seemed to call
our name.
No one would buy a box of these types of
pastries and eat them all in one sitting. You sit and savor each bite as the
flavors unfold in your mouth. So it is with the book of Proverbs. You need to
pick one up and savor its wisdom.
Take verses 8-9 which form one proverb. Verse
eight gives us the instruction and verse 9 gives us the result. This is a
pattern that is characteristic of a proverb. Part of the wonder of proverbs are
the pictures that they form in your mind.
Your parent’s instruction, when it is
headed, becomes a prominent part of your wardrobe in life. Everyone can see
that you listened to them. They say that you are a wise child worthy of your
parents.
In the ancient world a garland was placed on
the head of someone who had done something worthy of great honor, like an
exceptionally brave act in battle. They symbolized the honor the king placed on
his subject. Only a few would receive this kind of honor, so it was very
special.
When we listen to and learn from our
parents, we get a leg up in the world. We don’t have to make all the mistakes
ourselves. We can learn from others, both what to do and what not to do. Why
waste time walking down a path that leads to negative consequences! Learn from
others.
The picture of the crown of garland and the
necklace give our brains a picture to which we can attach wisdom. Next time we
see someone with a hat on their head, or a necklace around their neck, we can
think of our parent’s wisdom.