Proverbs 24—How Not to Faint in the Day of Adversity

We are facing loss together with the wisdom of Proverbs. Wisdom is an amazingly consistent theme throughout this book. The theme of wisdom is repeated unrelentingly.

Do not miss the importance of the oft-repeated instruction to seek, embrace, and apply wisdom.

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 24:3-6

Wisdom builds the house. Before loss, during loss, and after loss you should establish your house with understanding. You should fill every room with the precious and pleasant promises given to you by God in these pages.

Be wise and full of strength. Enhance any might you have with godly knowledge. With wise guidance, you are equipped to wage war. Guidance comes from the word of wisdom and the people of the word of wisdom. Seek out wise counselors. While loss is not the only war you will face, loss is a battle to face with wisdom. You will need an abundance of godly mentors to attain victory in this war with loss.

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10

I remember the courage this simple verse gave me as I faced my loss in those initial days of grief. It is of little value to be strong when all is well. When you experience the mountaintops in life, it is easy to be strong. When people love you, it is easy to love them back. When circumstances are pleasant and good, life is a breeze.

Strength can only be measured when it is needed. Adversity tests your resiliency and strength. If you stumble and stay down when pain and loss visit you, it is a warning to consider your small and anemic strength. Your faith needs to be fed and exercised.

You need wisdom and strength.

“My son, eat honey…Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:13-14

Nourishment is needed for your growth. Wisdom, like honey, is sweet to your soul. Your soul is fed by wisdom. Wisdom must be sought, embraced, and applied. As honey is sweet to the taste, wisdom is to your soul.

Again, wisdom is to be sought, embraced, and applied. And if you find wisdom, you will find your future. The hope you have is a firm foundation, and your hope will not be cut off.

“We can become both more wise and less calloused.” Brad Hambrick, Angry with God

By contrast, do not be like the sluggard. Solomon describes the sluggard as “…a man lacking sense” (verse 30). The outcome of this lack of seeking, embracing, and applying is like the field of a sluggard. The field is “…overgrown with thorns…covered with nettles…its stone wall was broken down” (verse 31).

Again, seek, embrace, and apply wisdom. Look upon the proverbial overgrown field with its broken-down wall. Consider this scene and learn its lesson. Laziness—“a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands”—sets you up for poverty like a robber (verses 33-34).

Especially in the throes of grief.

This important lesson is clear, once again.  Wisdom builds and establishes your home. Ignoring wisdom sets you up for want as when an armed man breaks into your home (verse 34). Therefore, seek after wisdom, embrace wisdom, and apply wisdom to your life. Do it before, during, and after loss. Be prepared for the day of adversity. Be strong—and not weak—for this coming day of pain.