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Better Than A Fortune Cookie
April 30th, 2017
Proverb 19:1-11
If I had my way, when the occasion called for a meal out, the choice would always be Chinese. My wife, on the other hand, doesn’t care for Chinese food, except for the fortune cookie. We always laugh at the pithy sayings that come on that slip of paper found in the cookie.
I once overheard someone compare the book of Proverbs to fortune cookies. You will remember that Solomon asked God for wisdom, “a discerning heart,” so that he could properly govern Israel (1 Kings 3:9). At the beginning of Proverbs, Solomon describes the purpose of his collection: “For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair” (1:2-3).
Proverbs isn’t meant to be read as a narrative, but to be consumed in “bite-sized” pieces, to assist in upright living. Containing general truths, the poetic wisdom found within Proverbs is good for the soul to meditate and reflect on. Like Solomon, it would be prudent for us to ask God for wisdom and discernment, so that we might better govern our own lives.
Author: Rob Reardon
