Success and Moral Cleanness-How?

The objective of the book of Proverbs is explained in its opening words:  "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, the king of Israel, for one to know wisdom and discipline, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive the discipline that gives insight, righteousness and judgment and uprightness, to give to the inexperienced ones shrewdness, to a young man knowledge and thinking ability." -Proverbs 1:1-4. 

What  lofty purpose "the proverbs of Solomon" are to serve! They are "for one to know wisdom and discipline."  Wisdom involves  seeing things as they are and using that knowledge to solve problems, attain goals, avoid or avert dangers, or help others to do so.  "In the Book of Proverbs," states one reference work, ' ' wisdom signifies skillful living-the ability to make wise choices and live successfully."  How important   it is to acquire wisdom! -Proverbs 4:7. 

The proverbs of Solomon also provide discipline. Do we need this training? In the Scriptures, discipline conveys the sense of correction, reproof, or chastisement. According to one Bible scholar, it "denotes the training of moral nature, involving the correcting of waywardness toward folly."  Discipline, whether self-imposed or administered by others, not only restrains us from engaging in wrongdoing but also motivates us to change for the better. Yes, we do need discipline if we want to remain morally clean. 

The purpose of the proverbs then is two-fold-to impart wisdom and to provide discipline. Moral discipline and mental ability have numerous facets. Righteousness and justice, for instance, are moral qualities, and they help us to adhere to Jehovah's high standards.

Wisdom is a blend of many factors, including understanding, insight, shrewdness, and thinking ability. Understanding is the ability to see into a matter and discern its composition by grasping the connections between its parts and the whole, thus getting the sense of it. Insight calls for knowledge of reasons and an appreciation for why a certain course is right or wrong . For example,  a man of understanding can discern when someone is heading  in a wrong direction, and he may instantly  warn him of the danger. But  it takes insight on his part to comprehend why the person is gravitating in that direction and to come up with the most effective way to rescue him.  

Shrewd people are prudent-not gullible. (Proverbs 14;15)  They are able to foresee evil and prepare for it. And wisdom enables us to formulate wholesome thoughts and ideas that give purposeful direction in life.  The study of Biblical  proverbs is indeed rewarding because they were  recorded so that we may know wisdom and discipline. Even "inexperienced ones" who pay attention to the proverbs will gain shrewdness, and "a young man," knowledge and thinking ability. 

Next time: Proverbs for the Wise

From the Watchtower magazine, 1999