Facing Loss with the Wisdom of Proverbs—An Introduction

Life is best faced with biblical wisdom. It follows, then, that loss is best faced with biblical wisdom, as well. And as Wayne E. Oates says in his book, Your Particular Grief, “…you should give yourself time to let ‘grief’s slow wisdom’ become your own.”

The book of Proverbs is the perfect companion on your journey to acquire ‘grief’s slow wisdom.’

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 5:7

Loss is an unavoidable and undeniable part of life. I’ve contemplated and written extensively about how we live in the context of brokenness. If you haven’t been convinced yet, you will be one day. Brokenness is everywhere.

This is a word to the wise—be ready and don’t be surprised by loss, pain, or brokenness of any kind.

As in all of life, your own simple thinking speaks simple ideas and proposes simple solutions. It follows, then, your simple thinking speaks simple ideas and proposes simple solutions to your complicated loss.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men…” 1 Corinthians 1:25

I’ve walked through The Psalms and journaled through all one-hundred-and-fifty songs. It occurred to me, that book of songs addresses important aspects of loss. But not all aspects. And the book of Proverbs speaks to other important perspectives. And pardon the pun, but it would be wise to employ these proverbs to inform and infuse my journey through loss with needed wisdom.

The Psalms validates your emotions and equips you to face and process loss; Proverbs refuses to validate your own thinking; instead, Proverbs provides wisdom for your journey.

The Psalms teaches you how to lament your way through loss; Proverbs teaches you to think clearly and wisely in loss.

The Psalms teaches you that you are loved with steadfast love in loss; Proverbs teaches you to stand and live wisely through loss.

The Psalms validates your feelings; Proverbs informs your thinking.

This book of wise sayings addresses the simple to help them become wise. And wisdom is of great benefit, even necessary, in facing the dread of disaster.

Your loss may be simple such as the loss of a job or a broken relationship. Or your loss may be complicated like the loss of a child or spouse to illness and death. Your loss may come after a long illness such as cancer. Or your loss may be sudden and shocking.

Choose your poison.

As I have come to realize, there are contrasting aspects to sudden loss and long painful loss. However, in both sudden and long loss and simple and complicated loss, you need wisdom. It is wise to embrace ‘grief’s slow wisdom’ in the light of Proverbs.

Wisdom does not come naturally to us. It is a gift given to us. Or at least it is a gift offered to us. It is a gift made available to us.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” James 3:13

Pore over this book of Proverbs and allow her—allow wisdom—to speak to you in the streets of loss. Seek out and learn where wisdom begins, and in the depths of your loss listen to her.

“…wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19

Learn how not to be a fool in loss. Embrace the meekness and embrace the wisdom.

The entire biblical narrative—or the gospel story—speaks directly to loss. And this book of Proverbs speaks volumes to anyone who humbly seeks after wisdom in the face of loss.

Read on and gain biblical wisdom as a foundation as you face loss.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5