A Path One Must Choose

A Path One Must Choose



The language of Proverbs lays out an intricate pattern of wisdom and knowledge. Its use of staccato phrasing and rich allegory create a memorable group of lessons, especially for the young male audience that it is designed to speak to. The arrangement of the verses of Proverbs, allow the underlying meaning to surface. Wisdom is a choice and one must choose. Combined with its use of two identifiable female characters of mother and wife to represent wisdom, Proverbs becomes the instructional book for the coming of age man. Verse seven of Proverbs gives the context of how to read these instructions, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction,” (New Oxford Annotated Bible, Prov. 1.7). The verse offers two choices, knowledge or foolishness. There is no ambiguity in the words. It is the lens one must use to view to examine one’s actions. One who chooses to revere the Lord will receive instruction and gain knowledge. Fools will not advance and continue on an incorrect path. By choosing to fear the Lord, the path to wisdom becomes open.

Proverbs continues to drive forward with its quick fire lessons to assist in instilling the fear of God in the young male audience. The simple truths are rhythmic and easily recitable, allowing them to be assimilated by the reader. Repetitive phrases continually drive home that everyday activities are judged by God. Examples of this are: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight,”, “Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work,”, and “Diverse weights and diverse scales are both alike an abomination to the Lord,” (Prov. 11.1, 16.11, 20.10). The language pushes the idea that if a young man chooses to perform these everyday tasks with reverence to Him, he will gain wisdom. This can be extended to the current context. If we view our everyday existence through the lens of showing reverence to the Lord, then we too, shall gain access to wisdom.

Because the male audience is crossing into manhood, Wisdom is personified by two female characters. The first is the past: mother; the second is the future: wife. Her Mother persona is not subtle in her entrance and her audience is the foolish. Wisdom’s opening proclamation is straightforward, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (Prov. 1.21) She scolds and chides the simple and the foolish, saying things like, “For waywardness kills the simple and the complacency kills the foolish;” (Prov.1.32). Wisdom’s tone begins to soften in chapter 2 with, “My child, if you seek acceptance and treasure up my commandments within you… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God,” (Prov. 2.1, 5). By Chapter 9, Wisdom is inviting the foolish into her house, trying to give them the opportunity to mend their ways. She makes the imploring statement of, “Lay you immaturity aside and live and walk in the way of insight,” (Prov. 9.6). All of the passages reinforce the maternal hand trying to guide. With the memory of maternal discipline still fresh, a young man would certainly pay heed to this kind of language. Wisdom, from her introduction, has very “carrot and stick” quality to her words. The foolish beware; the open minded, be rewarded. Again, a choice is laid before the coming of age male.

Her second appearance is as the idealized wife. Wisdom is a celebrated find for a young man, as much as a woman who fulfills all the ideals of a proper wife. Making this connection between wife and wisdom is an excellent teaching device, as males at this age are beginning marry. The choice of a desirable mate is a crucial one. The choices that show wisdom are often crucial ones. Wisdom’s wife persona is also an example of ideals that are desirable in one’s self. She has many virtues, but her fear of the Lord is her greatest strength as stated: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised,” (Prov. 31.30). The lesson that “Wife as Wisdom” teaches is again one of choice. A choice may be attractive and even desirable, but if does not show reverence to God, it is a foolish choice.

Wisdom is difficult to attain. Proverbs’ lessons for its young male audience can be applied to anyone of any age. Its lessons provide a path to wisdom. The path begins with reverence of the Lord. In this reverence, God provides clarity for one to begin their instruction. Instruction leads to knowledge, which in turn, provides a greater choice. Finally, when making a choice, the question of “Does this action show reverence to God?” must be considered. The decision that is made, after all this is taken into account, will be the act that shows wisdom.



Work Cited

The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha. Ed. Bruce M. Metzger and

Roland E. Murphy. New York: Oxford UP, 1994. 802-840. Print.