Proverbs 1 - The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Knowledge Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter One

The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of Knowledge

Today we begin a new study – it is on the Book of Proverbs. If I were to outline the entire Book of Proverbs – I would divide it into three parts.

1. WISDOM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (Chapters 1 — 9)

In this section Solomon instructed the young people of his day like a father giving advice to his child. Although these proverbs are directed toward young people, the principles supporting them are helpful to all believers regardless of age or gender. All of us could use more wisdom and anyone reading these chapters will benefit greatly from these sayings.

2. WISDOM FOR ALL PEOPLE (Chapters 10 — 24)

In this section Solomon wanted to impart wisdom to all people – regardless of their age, gender, or position. These sayings give us practical wisdom for daily living. We should study them diligently and integrate them into our daily lives.

C. WISDOM FOR LEADERS (Chapters 25 — 31)

This section not only includes Solomon’s proverbs but proverbs by other authors as well. Many of these proverbs are general in nature – but some of them are directed specifically to the king and those who dealt with the king. Therefore, these are particularly useful for leaders or those who aspire to be leaders.

Chapter one could be outlined:

Proverbs 1 -

Introduction to Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-6)

Fear God/Honor Parents (Proverbs 1:7-9)

Avoid Bad Influences (Proverbs 1:10-19)

The Call of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-33)

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion-- 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:1-6 (NKJV)

Verse 1: Solomon was a wise son of a wise father – but his wisdom was far greater than his father. The Bible says:

“God gave Solomon wisdom—the deepest of understanding and the largest of hearts. There was nothing beyond him, nothing he couldn’t handle. Solomon’s wisdom outclassed the vaunted wisdom of wise men of the East, outshone the famous wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone…. He became famous among all the surrounding nations. He created three thousand proverbs.” 1 Kings 4:29-32 (MSG)

Of the three thousand proverbs we know that they are not all listed here – but God in His infinite wisdom has given us what is useful for our lives.

What the book of Psalms is to prayer and devotional life – the book of Proverbs is to everyday life. Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living. This book is not just a collection of cute sayings – it contains deep spiritual insights for daily living.

Verses 2-6

In these verses we find the reason that Proverbs is written:

1. To know wisdom

2. To know instruction

3. To perceive words of understanding

4. To be instructed in wisdom

5. To be instructed in justice

6. To be instructed in judgment

7. To be instructed in equity

8. To give understanding to those who are naïve

9. To give the young knowledge

10. To give the young discretion

11. To increase the wisdom of the wise

12. To give those who have understanding – wise counsel

Matthew Henry said: “The lessons here given are plain, and likely to benefit those who feel their own ignorance, and their need to be taught. If young people take heed to their ways, according to Solomon’s Proverbs, they will gain knowledge and discretion. Solomon speaks of the most important points of truth, and a greater than Solomon is here. Christ speaks by his word and by his Spirit. Christ is the Word and the Wisdom of God, and he is made to us wisdom.”

There should be no doubt that the study of Proverbs will become of great benefit.

FEAR GOD/HONOR PARENTS

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. Proverbs 1:7-9 (NKJV)

Verse seven is a shining pearl. Knowledge comes from the fear of the Lord. To gain true understanding – one must fear the Lord – there must be reverence and respect for God and His power – without the fear of God knowledge can easily be misused. Wisdom and knowledge go hand in hand. In my understanding – knowledge is information – wisdom is the proper godly application of that knowledge – therefore to the believer wisdom and knowledge are to be inseparable. All information is to be used to the glory of God. Psalm One Hundred and Eleven says: