I used to misuse proverbs. I'd quote them indiscriminately as promises of God.
This is a common misunderstanding and one reason we Christians need to better understand God's Word if we are going to use it properly (2 Timothy 2:15).
The book of Proverbs explains its purpose in 1:1-6 as a collection of wise sayings to give wisdom and instruction, "for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise."
The book of Proverbs is God's Word, so we must trust this explanation of its purpose and not go beyond it.
Some proverbs are promises, but only those which are also found as promises in the New Testament. For example, Proverbs 3:5-6 says trusting the Lord will keep us in His will, on His path. That's a promise (Romans 8:14; Romans 12:1-2).
But many proverbs are not promises. Instead, they are wise sayings. For example, Proverbs 10:27 says, "The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short."
A godly life is better for our health and well-being, but some wicked people live long lives and some godly people die young.
💙 Beyond 1-minute for those who want more 💙
For some examples of misused proverbs:
Proverbs 23:7 Does Not Mean We Become What We Think
Let's Quit Claiming That Good Parents Are Promised Good Children
Check out these articles most of which address the misuse of Proverbs 22:6.
Bible Love Notes
Thanks so much for this enlightening post.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that there was a provision for parents, in the Law of Moses, to even give their children to be killed (death penalty) by the community if they engaged in rebellion (Dt 21.18 and following verses). The parents were not punished, which would have been the case if the guilt were theirs.
Another unfortunate version of this false belief you address here is seen in some churches (such as one I was a member of in my early adult years) which destituted ministers if their children, even adolescents and young adults, got astray "as if" it were the ministers' fault always. Certainly some ministers do a bad job of raising their children, and certainly texts such as 1 Timothy 3.5 do teach that elders, above all other Christians, should raise their children well - but to go as far as concluding that it totally desqualifies a man to be an elder is, definitely, stretching too far.
Hi João,
DeleteI appreciate the additional thoughts you add here.
Dt.21:18 is a good verse to show that Proverbs 22;6 isn't a promise. Thanks for pointing that out.
And I also appreciate your example.
We once attended church with a very godly missionary family who had 8 children. Some of their children became godly adults, but not all. They all had the same parents and the same upbringing. But God doesn't have "grandchildren." Each person makes their own choices.
Thanks for your comment,
Gail
Very interesting post, Gail. You give me much to think about. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam. I hope God gives you wisdom as you think it through.
DeleteGod bless,
Gail
This is so true Gail. I've had encounters with those who didn't understand this principle, and it really led to confusion-and even to me being to made look like I didn't believe God's Word.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Martin. I appreciate your comment.
DeleteI've written about this subject before and had similar responses from people who thought I held liberal views of God's Word because I said the Proverbs aren't promises.
Thanks for your comments,
Gail
Gail, thank you for your wonderful devotionals, and I am delighted to see you site some strong and biblical links to support your words! Praise God! Blessings and hugs, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cheryl, for your kind words and encouragement.
DeleteGail
Thanks for reinforcing this truth, Gail. This is a major mistake in the "name it and claim it" approach to the scriptures. We need to rightly discern the scriptures.
ReplyDeleteYes, Dawn, it can lead to prosperity thinking when certain Proverbs are claimed as promises.
DeleteThanks for your comment,
Gail
Thanks for this reminder! I hope to do an in-depth study of Proverbs in the near future, and I've always wondered how it is that we're supposed to understand and apply that section of Scripture.
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks for blogging Bible stuff! It's hard to find bloggers who focus their attention on studying and enjoying Scripture. Might have to link to you on my own blog (journeyoftheword.com) so I can encourage others to visit you!
Thanks, Lydia, for stopping by. I want to check out your site too.
DeleteGod bless you,
Gail
I really want to grow wise in discerning scripture and not dissect it to please myself or others. This only happens by spending time in the Word and having mentors correct my flawed understanding and having authors like yourself walk me through topics and verses to better put them in context. Thank you (as always) for your commitment to this blog/email ministry. I have shared it with many people over the years.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the 1-minute bible love notes. I use them in addition to my daily bible reading and devotional time. I've also shared them with friends and family. I look forward to them.
ReplyDelete