In the blessed congregations of the Church Body I currently serve and just before the sermon begins, there is a greeting delivered to the people of God, reminding the worshippers of why we gather to worship our Lord. Sometimes it will begin with this invocation: “In the name of the father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Often called the “Invocation”, we invoke or proclaim the name of the One True God for Whom we gather and worship—Jesus the Christ. We Biblical believers rejoice when we are reminded that He is God and we are not—something of which we Christians need reminding on regularly—yes daily basis because we humans are born of Adam and Eve, and thus have inherited their sin-nature. This explains why we are attracted to things, people, and lifestyles—by thought, word and deed—are contrary to God’s will for His people. What we consider wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of truth are always products of our own self-delusion.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings which describes how God’s people can best deal with life’s opportunities and problems. The actions and attitudes of the “wise” often contrast with choices made by those to whom the “fools” and their choices, often selected by those who live day-by-day, trying to “survive” as so many do today. Most of the book was composed by King Solomon around 980 BC. Solomon wrote more than 3,000 proverbs in his lifetime (1 Kings 4:32). The book of Proverbs includes more than five hundred of these sayings. During the times of the Kings, “wise men” or sages served as advisors to the rulers and others who served in the government. Those sages were also expected to instruct the young in practical, productive living—of course, according to God’s will for His people. Most of the proverbs were written so that young people could easily memorize them. Most are short—usually just two lines or verses.
It may be helpful for the reader when reading the Book of Proverbs that Proverbs does not tell God’s people how to find forgiveness for our sins. Instead, it describes the lifestyle which God’s people live for the glory of our Lord. Proverbs 1:7 sets the standard and stage:” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” All of us humans are to trust, honor, and respect our Creator and Savior and ultimate Supreme God-Jesus the Christ. We should also remember that Proverbs describes how life usually works here on this present earth. May we remember—and never forget—that God makes no blanket promises to His beloved human creation. He does promise eternal salvation to those who love, worship, and serve Him and other humans—always (!) for His glory.
Psalm 34 wisely advises God’s people how to live for His glory. This song points to the life that pleases God and therefore pleases his people: “What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.” Amen. Gloria Deo—Glory to God