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, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions for living a righteous and successful life. It is believed to have been written by King Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible, and other wise men of his court. The book is divided into 31 chapters, each containing various proverbs and teachings. Chapter 1 of the Book of Proverbs serves as an introduction to the entire book, setting the tone for the wise and practical teachings that follow.
The first few verses of Chapter 1 serve as an introduction to the book of Proverbs. It states that the purpose of the book is to impart wisdom and understanding to its readers, particularly to the young and inexperienced. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying the teachings of the wise, as they have gained their wisdom through experience and divine revelation. This introduction sets the stage for the rest of the book, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and being open to learning from others.
The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs. In Chapter 1, verse 7, it states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse emphasizes the importance of having a reverent and respectful attitude towards God. It is only through this fear and reverence that one can gain true wisdom and understanding. The fear of the Lord also serves as a safeguard against foolishness and sin, as one who truly fears God will strive to live a righteous and upright life.
The book of Proverbs places a high value on wisdom, and this is evident in Chapter 1. Verse 5 states, "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and being open to learning from others. It also suggests that wisdom is not a one-time acquisition but a continual process of growth and learning. Additionally, verse 8 states, "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." This verse emphasizes the value of parental guidance and instruction, which is seen as a source of wisdom and understanding.
Chapter 1 of Proverbs also warns against the consequences of foolishness and the rejection of wisdom. Verses 22-33 describe the fate of those who reject wisdom and choose to follow the path of foolishness. They are described as being simple, complacent, and easily led astray. This leads to their destruction, as they will not have the protection and guidance of wisdom. These verses serve as a warning to readers to choose wisdom over foolishness, as the consequences of the latter are severe.
In contrast to the warnings against foolishness, Chapter 1 also extends an invitation to wisdom. Verse 23 states, "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you." This verse emphasizes that wisdom is available to all who seek it and are open to receiving it. It also highlights the generosity of wisdom, as it is willing to share its teachings and guidance with those who are willing to listen and learn. This invitation serves as a call to action for the readers to actively seek wisdom and embrace its teachings.
The book of Proverbs also emphasizes the rewards of wisdom for those who choose to follow its teachings. Chapter 1, verse 33 states, "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." This verse highlights the protection and peace that comes with wisdom. It also suggests that those who follow wisdom will have a prosperous and secure life. This serves as an incentive for readers to choose wisdom over foolishness, as the rewards are great.
Chapter 1 of Proverbs also emphasizes the importance of discernment in making wise choices. Verse 4 states, "To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion." This verse highlights the importance of having discernment, which is the ability to judge and distinguish between right and wrong. It suggests that wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about using it wisely and making good decisions. This theme is seen throughout the book of Proverbs, as it encourages readers to use discernment in all aspects of life.
In conclusion, Chapter 1 of the Book of Proverbs serves as an introduction to the entire book, setting the tone for the wise and practical teachings that follow. It highlights the importance of seeking wisdom, having a reverent fear of the Lord, and using discernment in making wise choices. It also warns against the consequences of foolishness and extends an invitation to wisdom and its rewards. This chapter sets the foundation for the rest of the book, emphasizing the value and importance of wisdom in living a righteous and successful life.
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