ROOTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – Proverbs 12:1-7 – 8-17-25

We are familiar with the designation of nobility or gentlemen classes, vs. lower or servant class distinctions in film or literature depictions of European monarch culture which developed over the centuries and lingered for quite some time in these societies. These dynamics seem foreign and wrong to us given our modern egalitarian sensibilities. Proverbs stands, indeed, as a correction of presumptions of social order from this time, but for different reasons than we might think.  An observation worthy of critique in this era was the arbitrary and often ironic nature of these class structures.  Whether or not one was truly a gentleman in character often had no bearing on whether or not he was a gentleman by social class.  Likewise a noble servant trustworthy and faithful may never attain the title of nobleman as far as society was concerned.  Proverbs teaches us that while there is to be rank order in areas of life & society, our classifications and incentive structures ought to be based on the criteria of Biblical wisdom, not the arbitrary whims of any given culture.  Verse one sets the tone of the chapter which is followed by knowledge that those who embrace discipline will appreciate.