There’s no doubt that Proverbs is one of the best known Old Testament books both inside and outside of Christianity. We’ve found this to be true in our study of Jesus in the Old Testament; He declared that the entire Old Testament was written about him (Luke 24:44). We now have the opportunity to come to every book of the OT seeing that connection to Him. Proverbs points to Jesus in its pursuit of wisdom (Proverbs 1:2).

Here are three ways Jesus can be found in Proverbs:

1. Jesus IS the wisdom described in Proverbs. The New Testament describes Jesus “As wisdom” more than a few times. Try reading Proverbs with Jesus as the thing being pursued; it fits perfectly. (Proverbs 8:12, 22-33) describes Jesus being there from the beginning, so does (Colossians 1:15-17). Jesus is the “Wisdom from God,” (1 Corinthians 1:30). In Him is “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” (Colossians 2:3), and Jesus is “The Son and radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3).
2. Jesus LIVED the wisdom described in Proverbs. Jesus’ life demonstrated continual wisdom. He perfectly lived the wisdom from Proverbs. He discussed theology with the teachers of the law (Luke 2:41-50). Young Jesus caused everyone to be “amazed at his understanding.” After that, he grew in even more wisdom (Luke 2:52). The entirety of Jesus’ adult life was marked by his display and use of wisdom.
3. Jesus GIVES the wisdom described in Proverbs. God calls us to choose between the path of wisdom and the path of folly in Proverbs, the life of Jesus does the same (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Jesus promises to give wisdom to those who hear and receive his words. “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” (Luke 21:15). This gift is promised to the entire church throughout the ages (Ephesians 1:17). It’s a gift given and available for the asking (James 1:5). Jesus is the giver of wisdom…and he gives us the Book of Proverbs so we can gain wisdom.

The book of Proverbs reveals the glory of Jesus. Jesus is wisdom, He lived wisdom, and He gives wisdom. So, as we live wisely according to Proverbs, we are actually living more and more like Jesus.

Adapted from A Proverbs Driven Life by Anthony Selvaggio