Daily Proverb - Proverb 7:3

The wealthiest man who ever lived wrote the proverbs. He must've known something! Although the Bible was written millenia ago, its contents actually are applicable and beneficial today. When eternal principals and laws (not talking about the ten commandments when I write "law" here. I am referencing governing systems that are alive, whether we know it or not! I believe Solomon understood these "laws".) are honored, your life will benefit, even if you don't adhere to the Judaeo-Christian beliefs contained in the rest of the Bible.

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is from the Holman Christian Study Bible; all Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic references are from Strong's Concordance; all English definitions and word roots are according to Merriam-Webster.

Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverb 7:3

Tie what to your fingers? The author is quoting his father's instruction to him, to tie "them" - his Father's commands - to his fingers, to write them on the tablet of his heart.

Pretty simple instruction here. Value the wisdom taught to you by your teachers, elders, parents. To tie commands to your fingers is not literal, of course. Rather symbolic. What is found on our fingers? Our fingertips. I don't know if fingerprints had been discovered or studied by King Solomon's time. However, I think it's safe to draw an association. Fingertips represent our identities, our individuality, our uniqueness. Just because you choose to adhere to wisdom does not mean you have to give up who you are, your individuality or uniqueness. They can be joined. Be sure to allow wisdom to straighten any unsound bents you may have -- much like a tree tied to a stake helps the tree grow straighter and taller, our "fingers" or individualities tethered to wisdom will only strengthen us -- get us "up" more quickly.

What other uses do our fingers have? We use them to point (direction), to write (communicate), to touch (express affection), spank (correction), clap (encouragement and praise), pat/rub backs (comfort). When wisdom guides each of these facets of life, we will not be overbearing. We will correct in love. We will encourage and praise without puffing another's head/ego. We will comfort without crossing the line of co-dependence or enabling. We will communicate effectively without being offensive. We will find direction for our lives.

King Solomon also writes, "Write them on the tablet of your heart." This refers to studying and familiarizing yourself with wisdom. Well, the implication goes beyond mere familiarization, but memorization -- burying wisdom in your heart, mind, memory -- much like a doctor would study medicine. Who wants to see a doctor who does not have medical knowledge hidden in his mind and heart? Not I! Life has a way of throwing "pop quizzes", when wisdom is tucked away in our hearts we are better prepared to pass those tests successfully.

For further study on the inference in "heart", please read my hub on Proverb 3:2.

Creator of the Universe & Lover of my Soul,

Thank You for wisdom. Help me to hide wisdom in my heart. Teach me to tie wisdom to my fingers so that my communication in all of its forms are positive.

In Jesus's name, Amen.

Thank you for reading my hub! I hope you were encouraged.

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Best regards~