On July 3rd my tear off calendar carried these words: Proverbs are short sentences drawn from long experience. Those words caused me to remember the summer my worshiping community spent exploring the Book of Proverbs through our worship. We found these ancient words insightful and helpful, sometimes confusing, sometimes even humorous. But one of the over arching sentiments was the feeling that at some point in time these words "drawn from long experience" had informed the lives of real people, had spoken to their real-life experience and had given them instruction and wisdom for living.

Here are just a few: Honor God with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce, then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine……..The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom and whatever else you get, get insight………Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers………….My child, keep your father’s commandment and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart always, tie them around your neck…….Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent…....A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger……..One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend……..A gossip reveals secrets-therefore do not associate with a babbler..….A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver…..Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs is a fascinating book to read through. It is rare that we read it in the course of worship or scripture study. I commend it to you. Most of the pithy statements are timeless. As we explored these ancient words, it led us to think about what proverbs guide our 21st century lives. What are our present day proverbs? What legacy of wisdom will we leave for future generations? How will we record the lessons we’ve learned ‘from long experience’?

Give it some thought…..write them down and tuck them someplace that in days to come, someone you know may find them. They might appreciate your wisdom and the fruit of your experience.