Proverbs - Episode 1Sample

The book of Proverbs tells us that wisdom is the principal thing. In other words, wisdom is primary, essential, and foundational to a successful life. Wisdom preserves life, sustains wealth, brings promotion, earns honour, and places a crown of glory upon those who possess it. One of the most powerful aspects of wisdom is that it can be transferred from one generation to the next. There is no inheritance more valuable than wisdom. The wealth and possessions you leave for your children may eventually disappear if they lack the wisdom to preserve them. In the end, it is not merely what you place on your children that matters, but what you place in them. Material things fade, but wisdom remains timeless.

Proverbs also warns us about people whose hearts are consumed with wickedness. Some individuals seem unable to find satisfaction unless they are hurting, opposing, or bringing others down. They lose their peace when there is no one around to envy or attack. Scripture says we should avoid such people. Sadly, they are sometimes the very people closest to us.

Often, these people know your history. They remember seasons when they were ahead of you, and during those times, they wished you well because your progress did not threaten them. What they never imagined was that God could lift you beyond them in another season of life. Some people are comfortable seeing you succeed, as long as your success never surpasses theirs.

This is why envy is so dangerous. Like Cain toward Abel, Joseph’s brothers toward Joseph, and even Miriam toward Moses, envy becomes the seed of wickedness. Wisdom, therefore, says to keep your distance from people whose hearts are ruled by jealousy. Do not excuse destructive behaviour simply because of family ties or a long history. If wickedness becomes a person’s daily appetite, eventually that wickedness will be directed toward you.