Proverbs 1:1

I. SOLOMON'S INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS SONS (Proverbs 1-9)

"Here we have the title and purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-7), the admonition to heed parental instruction (Proverbs 1:8-9), the necessity of avoiding evil companions (Proverbs 1:10-19), and the warnings by which Wisdom cries aloud to all men (Proverbs 1:20-31)."[1]

Proverbs 1:1-7

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of

David, the king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction;

To discern the words of understanding;

To receive instruction in wise dealing,

In righteousness, justice and equity;

To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion:

That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;

And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:

To understand a proverb, and a figure,

The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge;

But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction."

"Some commentators interpret these words as the introduction to the whole book";[2] but, they are a kind of prelude to this first portion. However, it is also true that they stand appropriately enough as a fitting introduction to the whole book. Right here, we have a statement of what the Book of Proverbs is all about.

There are several words in these verses that, although not exactly synonyms, are nevertheless directly related to wisdom; and in its totality, "That wisdom is the Divine science by which men are enabled to discern their best end and to know how to pursue it by the most proper means."[3]

"Wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2). "Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge aright."[4] The Christian has a great advantage over those who were guided by the Old Testament.; because, "For of him (God) are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God. and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

"Instruction" (Proverbs 1:2). "This word appears twenty-six times in Proverbs, and the same Hebrew word is translated chasten."[5] The true meaning of the term in this context is discipline! This is that particular wisdom, the lack of the knowledge of which has ruined our entire generation. Parents, disobeying the Divine injunction regarding the disciplining of their offspring, are rearing animals instead of men and women; and from this failure in thousands of instances today, our children have become haters and even killers of their own parents.

"Prudence to the simple" (Proverbs 1:4). Prudence is a quality of wisdom that takes into account the future consequences of one's behavior. Foresight and forethought are among the synonyms.[6] "The simple here is not a reference to a simpleton. The word is used fourteen times in Proverbs; and it designates the opposite of a moral man. It does not mean a simpleton in our use of the term, but a sinner, a rascal."[7]

"Knowledge" (Proverbs 1:4). Knowledge primarily means information of any kind; but in Proverbs the knowledge that is advocated is beneficial, especially as it pertains to the desirable relationship that a Christian has with the Creator and with his fellow-humans.

"Discretion" (Proverbs 1:4). Here is a quality of wisdom that has respect for what is desirable and appropriate as contrasted with that which is opposite. Especially, it regards the feelings and circumstances of others who may see our actions or hear our words.

"Learning" (Proverbs 1:5). Learning implies the ability to execute, practice, or apply information. One may have a theoretical knowledge of how to play baseball; but no one ever learned to play the game: without practice. The very word "hear" as used in the Old Testament carries the imperative "to obey."

"Sound counsels" (Proverbs 1:5). As any attorney will admit, `There is no knowledge as important as the knowledge of where to find it'! The true wisdom lies in the recognition of Him who alone is Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, even the blessed Savior himself. The Bible is the place of sound counsels, especially the New Testament

"Understanding" (Proverbs 1:2,6). True wisdom, in the last analysis, carries with it a dominant ingredient of what is commonly called horse sense, or just plain common sense; and the reader will find an incredibly large measure of this very thing in Proverbs. As Willard said, "God, in the Book of Proverbs, has made his divine will more easily understood."[8]

"The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). W. J. Deane noted that, "Most commentators regard this clause as the motto or symbol of the whole book,"[9] and we heartily agree with this. Also, the alternative reading in the American Standard Version is most appropriate, "The fear of Jehovah is the chief part of wisdom." As Adam Clarke stated it, "No man can ever become truly wise, who does not begin with God, the fountain of wisdom; and he whose mind is influenced by the fear and love of God will learn more in a month than others will in a year."[10]

"The fear of Jehovah" (Proverbs 1:7). This is not a reference to abject craven fear, or terror, but to the awesome respect, honor, and deference to God and his will which automatically come to every mind that contemplates the omnipotence, glory, and holiness of Almighty God. "This expression is found fourteen times in Proverbs."[11]

Other scriptures where similar thoughts are written include: Isaiah 11:2,3; Psalms 2:11; Job 28:28; and Proverbs 8:13.