Remember Peter Piper who picked a peck of pickled peppers? I wonder what he’d choose if he picked a peck of puzzling proverbs? And how many puzzling proverbs would Peter Piper pick?
Perhaps you’ve encountered some biblical proverbs that raised questions rather than supplied insight—at least at first reading. I certainly have.
Below are five examples. (Perhaps Peter Piper would pick these too!)
PUZZLING PROVERB #1
But how is instruction like a garland or jewelry?
When we receive the wise teaching of godly parents (and our Heavenly Father), our lives are crowned with the blessing and honor of maturity, integrity, and wisdom. We also radiate to others the beauty of godliness, like a chain of distinction around our necks [1].
I wonder too if this garland on the head alludes to the peace of mind that comes from living wisely, and the chain over the chest intimates joy of heart for those who follow biblical instruction.
PUZZLING PROVERB #2
But rest is necessary. So what’s the meaning here?
It’s a warning against apathy and a lack of responsibility, because it’s so easy to:
- put off to tomorrow what we don’t feel like doing today
- avoid certain tasks because they’re challenging
- over-indulge in leisure and accomplish little
We’d do well to remember:
The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we only had leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to [truly] enjoy rest.
— Elizabeth Elliot
PUZZLING PROVERB #3
“Banquet Still Life” by Abrahan van Beyeren (1620-1690)
Is this a summary of Aesop’s fable, “The Grasshopper and the Ants,” or might there be a spiritual lesson here?
Actually, it’s both. Yes, God would have us live responsibly and save for the future, but he’d also have us share from our resources and enjoy the blessing of generosity.
The wise also store up within their spirits the choice nourishment of God’s Word and the oil of divine influence, to be ready for the work God calls them to do [2].
PUZZLING PROVERB #4
How can it be part of God’s glory (his splendorous attributes) to conceal a matter, and why is it the glory of a king to seek answers?
One reason God doesn’t reveal everything to us is this: knowledge of all things would overwhelm and frustrate our finite minds.
Second, if God answered all our why questions (like “Why did So-and-So have to die? She was so young!”), it’s likely we still wouldn’t be satisfied. We’d want to suggest he accomplish his plans some other less painful way.
But. Living with uncertainty does teach us endurance and trust as we wait for the day when all will be made clear.
On the other hand, we do well to prayerfully seek guidance for our decisions. This is especially true for those in authority. It’s to their credit to learn the facts of a matter, consider probable solutions in light of outcomes and impact on others, and apply wisdom [3].
PUZZLING PROVERB #5
But what about those saints who’ve exhibited great wisdom, yet have suffered adversity, ill health, and/or untimely, undeserved death?
Obviously, King Solomon is not suggesting that wisdom results in complete protection from difficulty. His point is, by following the wise ways of scripture, we can avoid many of the troubles and heartaches that fools bring upon themselves.
In addition, true wisdom leads us to seek truth. Truth leads to Christ, and he leads us to the way of salvation and eternal safety in heaven [4].
I wonder, do you suppose Peter Piper is wise enough to be guided by these once-puzzling, now-clarified proverbs?
Are we?
[1] John 15:10-11; 1 Samuel 2:30; https://biblestudycourses.org/proverbs-bible-study-courses-sect-1/proverbs-1-8-19-exploring-the-passage/ ; Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT
[2] Acts 20:35; Barnes Notes on the Bible for Proverbs 6:1-11; Matthew 25:1-13; Deuteronomy 8:3b
[3] John 13:7; Psalm 119:130; https://www.bibleref.com/Proverbs/25/Proverbs-25-2.
[4] Proverbs 2:3-5, 9-11; John 1:17b; John 14:6; Acts 4:12
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Thanks for your delightful reflections about Biblical proverbs, Nancy. They all pack a powerful punch and are good life lessons, but that sleep one covers a lot. Sleep too much and you don’t have time to work, to service others, to provide for your family, to do God’s will, or to praise the Lord! 🙂
Indeed, Nancy–all things in moderation, including our rest and sleep. So glad you found these reflections delightful!
Once again, Nancy, you have blessed us with your willingness to share with us in humility the more difficult passages in Proverbs. I was especially impressed by #4. Why would God conceal things from us? The answer? He wants us to seek Him, His word, and do all for His glory. He desires for us to choose Him by our own will, not His, and that can only come from taking the time to meditate upon His Word and learn from it.
In this election season, may we seek His will for our country and support the candidates that model servant leadership. Blessings!
You raise a good point, Martha. During the difficult seasons of life (that can raise uncomfortable questions), we find our hearts seeking God with greater intentionality, and often sense his presence more palpably. Meditating on His Word is exceptionally helpful during such times. / As for the upcoming election, prayer is crucial–perhaps more so this time than ever. MUCH is at stake. Years ago I read this from Bible teacher Kay Arthur, in her book, His Imprint, My Expression: “You have heard that prayer can change things. But have you ever realized that God could use your earnest prayers to change the course of our nation’s history, to stay God’s hand of judgment?” I’ve kept that quote in my prayer box as encouragement to KEEP PRAYING!
Nancy, I really enjoyed reflecting on these proverbs. Wonderful life lessons for us all.
Thank you, Manu. I certainly enjoyed (and learned from) reflecting on them myself!
Nancy, I think Peter Piper found a treasure chest! Grasping it’s worth might take a lifetime, but God’s got it covered. ❤️
The book of Proverbs certainly is a treasure chest of wisdom, Deb. On the one hand, I suppose we could feel discouraged that we can never follow all its instruction perfectly. On the other hand, how wonderful that there is always room for developing our maturity further. There’s much to be said for the satisfaction of continued growth as opposed to having nothing to strive for. And you’re right: God’s got our growth covered (Philippians 1:6, 2:13)!
I quickly looked up the 2 scripture references and though they are two of my favorites, now I will remember where to find them!! ❤️❤️🙏 Thanks Nancy!
Terrific! 😁
And wrote them down just to be sure! 😅
Great observations on some tough proverbs. Thanks for sharing🌷
Thank YOU Kathy for stopping by and leaving your kind words!
Nice collection of proverbs that make us think and hopefully act accordingly!
Thank you, Linda!
Sometimes there are verses that make us scratch our head. You’ve done such a good job of explaining these puzzling proverbs, Nancy. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Patty. It was a good exercise for ME!
Seeing the explanation of these Proverbs is helpful and insightful. I, too, appreciate #4–God gives us the gift of faith to help us trust Him for what we can’t yet see. I had a dear friend who was challenged with a lot of medical issues in her life who once said, “If you knew all that God knows, you’d be fine with all that God does.” She went on to tell me that faith if the trust we show that we believe He knows what He’s doing. This was incredibly helpful, my friend.
Your friend was in good company–Timothy Keller said something similar in his book, PRAYER: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God–“God will either give us what we ask or give us what we would have asked if we knew everything he knew.” I also appreciate what she said about the level of our faith demonstrating how much we believe He knows what He’s doing. Strong truth! P.S. I’m so glad you found these short Proverb-inquiries to be helpful, Dayle!
Nancy, I value your wisdom and research in what you share. Your heart for the Lord, your faith and faithfulness, come through loud and clear. You encourage me!
Thank you, Dayle–your kind words lift my spirit! I’m so glad you find encouragement here. I do pray these posts edify and support the faith of all who read. (Of course, I learn and benefit the most, while completing the writing process!)
Oh, yes, the teacher always is the receiver of the most understanding. But your method of communicating really ministers to many. I’m grateful.
And I should probably read Tim Keller’s book!
It’s a TERRIFIC book! As a matter of fact, it became the catalyst for this week’s post, August 8. I just completed the research today!
oh you’ve shared so much biblical wisdom here and some common sense application of these proverbs. thank you for keeping things within context, friend. your faithful study blesses your readers!
Thank you, LInda. I certainly benefit from the research and writing process. I always pray that each post is an encouragement for us all, to press on into what is God’s best–for his purpose and our welfare!
I remember walking home from school wishing I could see into the future. Of course, I was thinking of good things like marrying and having children. I am so grateful that God has spared us from knowing everything that will happen. As you wrote “One reason God doesn’t reveal everything to us is this:…knowledge of all things would overwhelm and frustrate our finite minds. Living with uncertainty does teach us endurance and trust as we wait for the day when all will be made clear.” I find it challenging enough dealing with present events. Praise God I have Him to be my stronghold!
I agree: One day at a time is challenge enough! Just like Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34)! But there’s great comfort in knowing he is with us every moment, ready to supply wisdom and strength. With you, Cheri, I am praising God for that reality!
Some great wisdom in this peck of proverbs. Thanks.
I’m so glad you found insight through this little proverb study, Debbie Sue. Thank you for stopping by!