The discussion last night during my church’s Bible study about the five poetical books in the Old Testament continues to energize my thinking,   In class, Pastor Turner guided us through the themes encapsulating each of the books:  Job (the problem of human suffering), Psalms (hymn book of the Bible), Song of Solomon (God’s love for his people), Ecclesiastes (solving the mysteries of man’s existence), and Proverbs (wise saying based on God’s law).

Proverbs is the one resonating with me today, reminding me of what a special book of wisdom and practical advice it is in my life.  Sometime ago, I applied myself to reading a chapter a day for 31 days – covering the entire book in that time.  I underlined several of the short, pithy sayings in my Bibles, and they continue to guide my thinking and decision making. A few are:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine hearts: and lean not own thine own understanding.  In all their ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.”   3: 5-6 KJV

“A soft answer turns away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.  15: 1 KJV

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity but hasty shortcuts led to poverty.” 21: 5 NLT

However, two Proverbs in particular made a huge positive impact on my married life.  When I first got married, I was at a stage in my life when I went to church infrequently.  However after my son was born, I begin to feel the tug to join a church in which I could raise my children.  For a time, my husband joined me most Sundays. But when there were more Sabbaths on tennis courts or golf courses, I fussed and fumed, thinking, I guess, that I could harass or guilt him into coming to church with us.

My mind changed drastically about my approach after some spiritual growth and after coming across these verses in my studies.  I saw myself in the mirror and didn’t like the reflection.  I began to alter my attitude and approach and prayed for God to bring about the change in my husband’s heart and habits. God is still at work in both of us.

I am definitely more mindful of my attitude now after reading:

“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.”  21:19 KJV

Ouch!

And these words in Chapter 27: 15-16 really convicted me:  

“A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a raining day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold to something with greased hands.” 

The Message Bible offers a gender-neutral version:

“A nagging spouse is like
   the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet;
you can’t turn it off,
 and you can’t get away from it.”  Proverbs 27 15-16

There are many other lessons for daily living in the book of Proverbs, which was written largely by King Solomon and covers a wide range of subjects. Its divine wisdom is simple, direct and better than most of the advice that I have read in some self-help books.  I challenge you to read a chapter a day, starting today. Meditate and journal on what you read. Let me know if it makes a difference in some area of your life.

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