As I mentioned yesterday, the book of Proverbs is filled with practical wisdom that will help us in everyday life. I like to think about this book like a box of very expensive pastries.
When we were in Italy, we would be walking through a town and be window shopping, just to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells. We would often stop mid-morning for a cup of coffee and a pastry. Not good for our waists, but really good for our vacation! We would open the door of the shop and be pulled in by the smells, delicious! Then we would walk in and see the large display cases filled with perhaps a hundred different kinds of pastries, all delicately made and appealing to the eye. Each one seemed to call our name.
No one would buy a box of these types of pastries and eat them all in one sitting. You sit and savor each bite as the flavors unfold in your mouth. So it is with the book of Proverbs. You need to pick one up and savor its wisdom.
Take verses 8-9 which form one proverb. Verse eight gives us the instruction and verse 9 gives us the result. This is a pattern that is characteristic of a proverb. Part of the wonder of proverbs are the pictures that they form in your mind.
Your parent’s instruction, when it is headed, becomes a prominent part of your wardrobe in life. Everyone can see that you listened to them. They say that you are a wise child worthy of your parents.
In the ancient world a garland was placed on the head of someone who had done something worthy of great honor, like an exceptionally brave act in battle. They symbolized the honor the king placed on his subject. Only a few would receive this kind of honor, so it was very special.
When we listen to and learn from our parents, we get a leg up in the world. We don’t have to make all the mistakes ourselves. We can learn from others, both what to do and what not to do. Why waste time walking down a path that leads to negative consequences! Learn from others.
The picture of the crown of garland and the necklace give our brains a picture to which we can attach wisdom. Next time we see someone with a hat on their head, or a necklace around their neck, we can think of our parent’s wisdom.
The Arnold Journey 