When I first started intentionally reading the Bible as a young man, it was difficult for me to know where to start. Obviously, I could start at the beginning. Or, perhaps at the gospels. Yet, I was drawn to proverbs. I think because I liked the word and because I enjoy poetry. Proverbs is like poetry; the poetry of wisdom. As a young man it was so easy to read, decipher, and understand because it was so straightforward and blunt. “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs”. Okay, so I need to control my temper and learn to overlook small conflicts, got it! Now, this isn’t to say I perfected my walk by the end of Proverbs, but it gave me things to chew on as I went throughout my day. I remember repeating verses from Proverbs in my head in an attempt to prepare myself for any situation I may find myself in so that I would know how to respond.

Additionally, Proverbs was a comfort to my spirit because I understood it to be true. “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” Praise the Lord! Even now I do not and likely will not understand everything along my journey with God, but I don’t have to. God directs my steps. He is in control. All I have to do is be faithful. Christ’s blood and His holy spirit fills in the gaps for me.

Even now, especially in times of great suffering, fear, or trouble I find myself looking to Proverbs for wisdom, guidance, and comfort. It is so beautiful to read through writings of someone who so loved the Lord and is considered the wisest man to have lived. To see that someone of such wealth, devotion, and wisdom has the same struggles as me helps me to relate better to brothers and sisters around me. Status means very little when it comes to troubles. Rich or poor we all face trials. Strong or weak, we all face trials. Nothing qualifies us to be better than our neighbor because the only thing that qualifies us is Christ. What a comfort to know we can stand together and encourage one another through His promises.