Proverbs

Proverbs

Q: One of the purposes of the book of Proverbs is

• a. to help the readers do what is right, just, and fair.
• b. to help the readers become rich and successful.
• c. to help the readers become teachers.

When you buy something new, you normally get a user’s or owner’s manual. Buy an electronic game system, and you get a book that shows you how to hook up the system so you can see the games on screen. It shows you how to load the games. Each individual game comes with a manual too.

Did you ever wish there was a manual for life? It could tell you how to make right choices; get correct answers; deal with parents, siblings, and friends; pass math; avoid trouble; and succeed in life. God has actually given you a manual like that. It’s the book of Proverbs, and it’s your guide for successful living.

If you’ve read the May 12 devotion, you might remember when God asked Solomon, David’s son and the third king of the nation of Israel, what he wanted. Solomon said he wanted an understanding heart to rule the people well and to tell right from wrong (see 1 Kings 3:9). God granted him that, and Solomon passed on some of his wisdom in the book of Proverbs. It’s a book of practical advice for successful living.

The book of Proverbs begins by giving the purpose: “to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.” The book of Proverbs is a book worth reading.

For You

If you’ve never read the book of Proverbs, consider reading at least two or three verses a day. Some may not apply to you, but many will.

Answer: a

These are the proverbs. . . . Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.   Proverbs 1:1, 3

(The Whole Story: Proverbs 1:1-7)