Wisdom! It's something we all need. It doesn't come automatically. And it doesn't always come from experience. Solomon tells us it is directly related to "the fear of the Lord" (1:7). James tells us it comes from God, and it must be sought (James 1:5).
The book of Proverbs was written for just that purpose: so that we might "know wisdom," so that we might receive "instruction" for wise living, and so that we might "perceive the words of understanding" (1:2).
That's what this book is all about. It will change our attitudes. It will affect the way we respond to others. It will show us the best way to honor God in the everyday experiences of our lives. It will help us to avoid pitfalls and choose the best course of action to benefit ourselves and others.
The wisdom we are able to glean from this book will keep us on the right path as we ride along the trail of our lives.
As a devotional commentary, the purpose of this book is threefold: (1) to help us learn what the Bible says, (2) to make us aware of its relevance, and (3) to see how befittingly it applies to our own struggles and the everyday experiences of our personal lives.