A couple of weeks ago, I had a colleague and friend say that he suggests that we all read through Proverbs at least annually. I am not certain but I do not believe that I have ever read straight through it before. Instead, I have always viewed it as sort of a curiosity ... something to be glanced at on occasion or to be read when quoted by others.

I have been going through a lot of "stuff" in my life lately and, in particular, have been trying to really examine my own life, my actions, throughts, reactions, and attitudes. Seems like a good time to work through Proverbs.

This book of the Bible is pretty cool in that it starts out with an exact description of what it is all about:

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

My main take-away from this chapter: Associate with folks who are wise and will give you good counsel.