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Proverbs 1:1-7

I was reading a that included results of a small poll. The study was something about finances. It asked participants what added to their economic hardships. Unsurprisingly, some mentioned government policies and rising costs. There was a decent sized list of other reasons. The author's point, though, wasn't finances. He recognized something. No one put themselves on the list. No one thought to mention their impulsive spending habits as a problem. They didn't blame themselves for taking out too much credit. Those unused gym and club memberships are just a part of being alive, apparently. As are overpriced coffees. And ruinous car payments. For the people in this poll, their problems had to be someone else's fault. It's thought that teachers used the collection of Proverbs to teach young boys how to grow into adulthood. Consider that as you read the opening. The book begins with a defining purpose statement. What you'll read in the thirty one chapters has a point. To help you find God's wisdom. As a listener, both ancient and modern, you'll learn understanding and instruction. You'll find guidance for your life and you'll find wisdom added to your learning. The opening of Proverbs doesn't explicitly speak to the poll results we just shared. And I don't recall it says it anywhere else. But there is a strikingly similar theme repeated throughout. Look at Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. According to Proverbs, fools don't have God's wisdom. It's not because they can't have it. Wisdom is a gift of God. Fools, though, don't blame themselves. They've been given the power and resource to gain wisdom. But why would they look to their own rejection and inner desires? It's easier to blame God or anyone else. Yes, there is much, much that is out of your control that can impact your life, good or bad. But there is so much more that starts and ends with you. What in your life do you need to take more responsibility for? Stay blessed...john