Part of the events commemorating Valletta as this year’s European capital city of culture, has been the initiative kif jgħid il-Malti. As has been said about such events – “people will be able to discover European cultural heritage, and the participatory nature of our projects will strengthen their sense of belonging as part of a European community and safeguard culture for our future generations”.
Kif jgħid il-Malti is one of the activities that give cultural assurance. In fact, kif jgħid il-Malti proposes the beauty of the Maltese language as expressed in its proverbial use. The idea behind kif jgħid il-Malti is that of celebrating the beauty and creativity of our nation’s language by interpreting 13 Maltese proverbs, commonly known as qwiel, with artistic representations around Valletta.
This original initiative, which reflects a link that embraces the past and future through the medium of cultural heritage, helped me appreciate the unique value of proverbs in one’s culture. Moreover, the idea behind these sayings brought to mind the great biblical Book of Proverbs. There are indeed five great lessons that we can pick out from this wisdom literature.
First, the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. In its first chapter, Proverbs enunciates: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Prov. 1:7). According to the Bible, the foundation of all wisdom is fear of the Lord. In other words, that kind of wisdom that is reverential fear, respect, deep admiration, and awe of God’s glory, hence, all wisdom derives from Him. The more we know God the more we are instructed to fear Him.
Second, do not simply lean on your own understanding. The third chapter of Proverbs says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight (Prov. 3:5). Like the ancient Israelites, we too assume their wrong attitude: Every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judg. 17:6). Instead, we are to trust God in what He says. And, oftentimes, what He says is directly contrary to what we, as human beings, believe. When we rely too much on how we see things, we risk ending up in an impasse. However, if we trust in God’s understanding, our horizon will broaden with myriad possibilities.
Third, what looks right leads to death. In its 14th chapter, Proverbs teaches us: There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death (Prov. 14:12). In times of important decisions, why shouldn’t I take Godly counsel and seek the advice of people who are imbued with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom? Proverbs tells us: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (Prov. 27:17). Adding to this by abiding in God’s Word, I can discern and choose the right path. Let us not forget that, as Psalm 119 says: Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). The more the path of our lives is lit by God’s Word the less we are confounded and lose our way. Eclipsed paths lead to utter destruction whereas paths filled with God’s truth and mercy lead to life everlasting.
Fourth, the protection of God’s Word. In Chapter 30, Proverbs states: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (Prov. 30:5). Every single word of God is intact, perfect and protective since it shields us from a lot of harm. We take our refuge in His Word because it is powerful. That is why the psalmist in Psalm 19 says: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Ps 19:7). God’s Word can be likened with the old Word document program ‘Word Perfect’!
Fifth, entrust your plans to the Lord. Thus says the Book of Proverbs: Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established (Prov. 16:3). If we entrust our plans to the Lord He will certainly establish our steps. As Proverbs says: A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps (Prov. 16:9).
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap