The book of Proverbs is God’s manual for living a happy and satisfying life. It is filled with colorful phrases that describe what it means to “hearken” to His wisdom. As I look toward 2026—my seventy-ninth year—I find myself reading Proverbs with more interest than ever. I want to live long enough to see my grandsons’ sons marry and have children of their own, but I also want to live well. Solomon’s wisdom promises both. Proverbs 1:33 says, “Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” That is a verse worth cross-stitching on a pillow for anyone who watches the evening news. Proverbs 4:10 adds, “Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.” God’s wisdom, it seems, adds not only years to our life but life to our years.
Solomon makes it clear that the rewards of wisdom are not just about longevity but about prosperity, peace, and joy of a lasting kind. Proverbs 8:17–18 promises, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.” It is not the kind of prosperity that fills garages but the kind that fills hearts. The woman of Proverbs 31 is praised not for her charm or beauty—Solomon reminds us that those fade faster than a New Year’s resolution—but for her reverence toward God. Her good deeds, he says, bring her honor and recognition. Proverbs 29:6 paints a vivid contrast: “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.” Wisdom teaches us that the righteous live with joy because they live without guilt. And when our lives please the Lord, “even our enemies are at peace with us” (Proverbs 16:7). That is a peace no retirement plan can buy.
The New Testament tells us that true wisdom has a name—and it is Jesus. Paul says in Colossians 2:3 that “in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus is not just wise; He is wisdom wrapped in flesh. The Message paraphrases 2 Corinthians 5:15 this way: “He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life—a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.” Solomon ends Proverbs 8 by saying, “Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” That favor now comes through Christ, who offers not just a happy new year—but a brand-new life.