The proverbs of Solomon fall like morning dew upon the soul parched for purpose. They do not dazzle with spectacle but whisper with the still voice of wisdom, inviting the simple to become prudent and the wise to grow in understanding. “To know wisdom and instruction,” Solomon begins (v. 2). For what is life without direction? What is time without truth? These are not riddles to amuse the idle but holy sayings shaped by the Spirit for the building of godly lives. The Book of Proverbs is catechesis for the streets, a liturgy for daily life, and the voice of the Father teaching His children how to walk wisely through a world governed by folly.
“To perceive the words of understanding” (v. 2) is to be granted more than knowledge. It’s to see with discernment. In Hebrew, the word implies not just recognition but also insight, the kind that sees through appearances and hears beyond noise. Such perception is needed now more than ever. Our age prizes opinion over truth, noise over reason, and feeling over faith (and often confusing the two). But the Church stands as the pillar and ground of truth, and the faithful learn—if they are wise—to listen. Wisdom begins, therefore, in silence before God’s Word. Instruction begins in humility. We do not teach ourselves; we are taught. The Spirit gives ears to hear through the Word preached, sung, and read. And where He grants such ears, He also grants the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge (v. 7).
Solomon speaks of receiving “the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement, and equity” (v. 3). These are not abstract ideals, but divine gifts meant to be lived. Wisdom is not merely knowing right from wrong; it is delighting in the good and walking in it even when no one is watching—this is called integrity. Justice is not a slogan but a way of treating others as those made in God’s image. Judgement is not harshness but discernment, separating what is holy from what is profane. Equity is not sameness but fairness—a heart that weighs each person’s burden with mercy. All these flow from the fear of the Lord, for only the humble can be just, and only the forgiven can show mercy.
“To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion” (v. 4). This is the gift of Christ, the Wisdom of God incarnate. He is the One who fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), who taught with authority, who discerned the thoughts of men and still loved them. In Him, the Proverbs find their voice and their power. Let the young and the old, and the foolish and the wise, sit at His feet and learn. Let us pray not for cleverness but for understanding, and not for answers but for the fear of the Lord, which drives us to repentance and faith. And let us trust that the Spirit still speaks through Solomon’s pen, offering wisdom not only for the mind but also for the heart, the hands, and our lives.
The Lutheran Column 