Wisdom from The Book of Proverbs

How to become a more powerful man

Men today are starved of wisdom, and the Book of Proverbs is one of the best places to find it. Its composition spanned the time between Solomon and Alexander the Great. Centuries of time-tested wise sayings went into it. Intended as a guide for the instruction of young men, it’s an ‘exhortation to flee the company of the wicked: and to hearken to the voice of wisdom.’ Ultimately, it’s about how to be masculine.

You can read it all online for free here, but this article explores some of the points that I think are most valuable for men looking to lead lives of strength and honour.

“He that is a searcher of majesty, shall be overwhelmed by glory.” (Proverbs 25:27)

Although the existence of God can be proven with certainty by natural reason alone, you can’t fully understand God or His mysteries. Even the saints in heaven can’t. Only God can. To comprehend God’s infinity, you’d need to be God. And since we can’t even establish — let along comprehend — the mysteries of faith by natural reason alone, the starting point of your religious life, after understanding that God exists, has to be humbly assenting to His authority. Don’t play DIY theologian.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the just runneth to it and shall be exalted.” (Proverbs 18:10)

God is your omnipotent helper, and your hope should be based on that fact. Understanding it should give you courageous confidence. Even your maximum efforts are feeble relative to the immensity of the task before you: becoming perfect. Just think about it for a second. Perfection isn’t yours to give yourself. Happily, however, you’re not expected to do that. You have backup, so use Him.

“If thou lose hope, being weary in the day of distress, thy strength shall be diminished.” (Proverbs 24:10)

Despair paralyses effort and emasculates you. It’s like a foretaste of hell. There is no hope in hell because the damned — demons or men — know their loss is eternal. That’s why Dante wrote on the gates of hell, ‘Hope abandon ye that enter here.’ By contrast, hope gives the cheerful confidence of success. ‘When the wicked man is dead, there shall be no hope any more’ (Proverbs 11:7) — but while there’s life, there’s always hope. And no matter how bad things might be in your life, remember they can always get worse after life. Always.

“Better are the wounds of a friend than the deceitful kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6)

If a friend criticises you unjustly, you should dislike it because it’s a sin in him and therefore an injury to both of you. If his criticism is just, however, you should like it because it’s beneficial to both of you. This can be tough to do, but there is no masculinity without humility. So humble your pride.

“A passionate man provoketh quarrels: and he that is easily stirred up to wrath, shall be more prone to sin." (Proverbs 29:22)

Angry men provoke fights because anger easily blinds them to the foolishness of their own actions. For example, don’t boast about yourself or deprecate others, especially if they’re prone to taking offence. This is especially true when alcohol is involved because it minimises your awareness of danger and exaggerates your sense of your own strength. A lot of people have ruined their lives because of this. Those in authority over other people — husbands, fathers — should place an even higher value on sobriety.

“The prosperity of fools destroys them.” (Proverbs 1:32)

Foolishness brings disaster because it leads to poor judgement. The future is sacrificed for present satisfaction. Instead, ‘the prudent man considereth his steps’ (Proverbs 14:5). You must direct your future actions as the means to the goal you have in mind so that they are good in themselves (foresight or providence) and in their circumstances (circumspection). You should also guard against external impediments that might hinder you (caution). And to do this, you should seek advice from people who are wise and experienced because ‘there shall be safety where there are many counsels’ (Proverbs 24:6).

“Go to the ant, O sluggard, and consider her ways, and learn wisdom.” (Proverbs 6:6)

It is temptation of God to expect that He will provide for you without you doing your own part. You need to work hard, and that includes saving for the future. Providence for the future is part of prudence, and moderate solicitude about the future is good. Don’t be avaricious. The miser always worries he hasn’t got enough. But Scripture praises the ant for saving its summer food in preparation for the winter. Aim at saving and investing 20% of your income, starting as early as possible — and remember it’s never too late to start.

“A good name is better than great riches: and good favour is above silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

Since defamation is sinful, consenting to it — even indirectly — is also sinful. If you hear it, indicate disapproval through your looks or actions, change the topic, or leave the conversation entirely. Most workplace gossip is defamation, so get good at withdrawing from it. You’ll save yourself (and others) a lot of spiritual damage.

“For she hath cast down many wounded, and the strongest have been slain by her.” (Proverbs 7:26)

Even very slight yielding to impurity is seriously dangerous. Original sin has darkened our reason, weakened our will and strengthened our passions. Imagine our fallen human nature being like a box of explosives: one small spark of lust can set it off. Again and again, the saints warn us about the dangers of pride and lust.

What was your favourite point? And what others would you add from the Book of Proverbs?