Proverbs 1 – The Beginning of Wisdom

By Michael Griego on July 22, 2017 • ( 0 )

Proverbs does not come from one man’s personal notion or opinion, but rather from a Higher Source. We should be challenged to read it often, study it and heed it. ♦

A life well-lived is steeped in God and in awareness of surroundings and appreciation of the senses. Call it knowledge. Call it wisdom. Without such there are only positive and negative experiences in an existence void of true depth and purpose. We miss the meaning of life when we miss the crux.

We can find that meaning in a section of the Bible that is known by many as a nice, quaint collection of wise sayings and maxims.

Here are the first seven verses of the first chapter of one of the most intriguing works of literature ever written: the Book of Proverbs:

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1-7)

Proverbs 1 is all about gaining wisdom, instruction, understanding, and insight. It’s about learning right, just, fair, and prudent behavior. This teaching is for all of us who need it: the young, the old, the wise, the discerning seeking lessons in truth.

One might summarize the whole chapter with this verse:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Put another way, the source of real knowledge is in the fear, respect, awe and trust in the Lord God. Those that reject God are depicted as those who despise wisdom and instruction.

It’s a frank, non-apologetic statement about the fundamentals of life. It’s not easy to ignore such a call out.

Who is This Man?
Proverbs was written predominantly by King Solomon, who ruled the nation of Israel in the years 970-931 BC. He was the second son of King David and his wife Bathsheba. What we mostly know about him is written in the Old Testament historical writings of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. In addition to the collection of Proverbs, he also wrote Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon, both in the Biblical Scriptures.

What’s interesting to consider in the Book of Proverbs, which boldly claims to be the source for gaining wisdom, instruction, and right behavior, is how Solomon acquired his knowledge and insight.

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I…do not know how to carry out my duties...So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (1 Kings 3:7-15)

Although young, Solomon literally became famous because of his wisdom. As it was God-given, it was noted by others throughout the land. The most well known incident was when two quarreling women came to him as judge with a baby whom both claimed as their own (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon easily resolved the dispute by commanding the child to be cut in half and shared between the two. One woman was prepared to accept the decision, the other begged the King to give the live baby to the other woman. Solomon then knew the second woman was the true mother.

Given his knowledge source, are we really reading Proverbs with an eye toward truly God-inspired knowledge and wisdom?

Choose Your Friends and Accomplices Wisely
Proverbs 1:8-19 highlights that sons particularly are to heed the wise instructions of their parents. Stay clear of those that would draw you into dark and evil actions that would hurt others for self-gain and short-term benefit. The text notes that they will certainly be caught and suffer in for their foolishness.

While not many of us truly travel with evil thugs, we should be evaluating the quality of those influencers around us.

Wisdom Speaks
In the rest of Proverbs 1 (20-33), Wisdom now takes on a persona and calls out a strong rebuke. How long will fools and evil ones mock and continue in denying knowledge? Repent rather and Wisdom will be revealed and made known. You will get your just rewards as you disregard wise advice and refuse to listen. Disaster and calamity will strike and overtake you like a storm; distress and trouble will sweep over you like a whirlwind and overwhelm you.

These people will call out but will be shunned and denied. Since they hated knowledge and did not fear God, they will be left to their own empty fruit, be destroyed and die. Only those who listen will live in safety, ease and without fear of harm.

These are some very harsh words that speak to dire consequences for the foolish. Do you sometime dabble in foolishness?

Yes, Proverbs 1 lays a strong foundation and case for knowledge and wisdom. Understanding that this does not come from one man’s personal notion or opinion, but rather from a Higher Source, we should be challenged to read it often, study it, and heed it.

Are you truly knowledgeable and wise?
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“Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.” – Proverbs 1:23