Many Christians love the book of Proverbs, and why shouldn't they? It's written by a wise, ancient king - it's wisdom has endured 3,000 years. It's relevance and truth have been tested time and time again and it always comes out on top.

But before we get to the pithy, poetic sayings of Proverbs there is a gut-check that's necessary to get the most out of this book. Often, the way that we both interpret and apply scripture is influenced by how we perceive ourselves to fit into the passage.

For instance, when people read the story commonly known as the parable of the Prodigal Son they generally identify a character in the story to relate to. Some see themselves as the Father with wandering loved ones and are moved to compassion. Others see themselves as the older brother and are convicted of pride. And still others see themselves as the younger brother and respond with repentance. How you respond by applying the principles from the passage depends on who you relate to in the story.

Sometimes it's ok if the character that you relate to is fluid, depending on your circumstance. In other instances it is only appropriate for us to relate to the character that the author intends for us to relate to.

When reading the book of Proverbs it's important that we begin be identifying ourselves as a person in need of greater wisdom. Some people may be haughty enough to identify themselves with the wise. Others might identify with the foolish, although this might be self-deprecating, as a foolish person may not be found reading the book of Proverbs at all. I think an honest appraisal of our approach would be that we should read the book of Proverbs as a student.

Before we get to the catchy sayings in Proverbs the author dedicates some space to making sure that the reader is approaching the book in the right frame of mind. Solomon begins by saying; "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Prov. 1.7).

He goes on to say; "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." (Prov. 1.8). A a few verses later Solomon asks a rhetorical, but convicting question; "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?" (Prov. 1.22).

Solomon states, in a variety of ways, this basic instruction; "LEARN!"

Before unpacking deep truths about family and community life, financial advice, spirituality and more, Solomon wants to make sure that the reader is approaching the text with a heart and mind that are teachable.

Wisdom and the ability to gain further wisdom are facilitated by teachability. A person that is not willing to receive instruction, consider that instruction and apply the instruction will not benefit from Solomon's proverbs. If you aren't willing to grow and change, the book of Proverbs is not for you. An unwillingness to assimilate and integrate new insight in a manner that causes us to grow and change are signs of a fool.

In a way, Solomon is already instructing us in the ways of wisdom before he's gotten to the proverbial sayings. He's telling us what type of attitude is necessary in order to acquire wisdom. The attitude of a student is one of humility, teachability, hunger for truth and a willingness to change behavior to better align with truth.

Before we go into a study of Proverbs (or any other portion of scripture), it's important to check our attitudes. Are we looking for validation or transformation? Are we willing to radically obey whatever we find on the pages of the Bible? When we are unwilling to obey the entire scripture it becomes very complicated as we try to produce gray areas of complexity in order to excuse our inaction and disobedience.

As we approach Proverbs (and all of scripture) as a student God will become a teacher to us. We will understand scripture more accurately and be less likely to misuse and misapply passages. This will help us to understand the nature of God and relate to Him rightly.

Taking the way of the student is necessary on the path to wisdom.