READ: Proverbs 1 List 3 challenges in this chapter that were important to Solomon as a father.
WISDOM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Proverbs begins with a clear statement of its purpose -- to impact wisdom for godly living. The first few chapters are Solomon's fatherly advice to young people. Although most of the material in this section is directed toward young people, all who seek wisdom will greatly benefit from these wise words. This is where one can discover the source of wisdom, the value of wisdom and the benefits of wisdom.
1.1
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 interesting tidbits; it contains deep spiritual insights drawn from experience. A proverb is a short, wise, easy-to-remember saying that calls a person to action. It doesn't argue about basic spiritual and moral beliefs; it assumes we already hold them. The book of Proverbs focuses on God -- his character, works and blessings -- and it tells how we can live in close relationship.
Solomon, the third king of Israel, son of the great king David, reigned during Israel's golden age. When God said he would give him whatever he wanted, he asked for an understanding mind (1 Kings 3:5-14). God was pleased with this request. He not only made Solomon wise but also gave him great riches and power and an era of peace. Solomon built the glorious Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6) and wrote most of the book of Proverbs.
1:7
One of the most annoying types of people is a know-it-all, a person who has a dogmatic opinion about everything, is closed to anything new, resents discipline and refuses to learn. Solomon calls this kind of a person a fool. Don't be a know-it-all. Instead, be open to the advice of others, especially those who know you well and can give you valuable insight and counsel. Learn how to learn from others. Remember, only God knows it all.
1:7-9
In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. It is basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord -- to honor and respect God, to live in awe of his power, and to obey his Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attributes and your actions. Trust in God -- he will make you truly wise.
1:8
Our actions speak louder than our words. This is especially true in the home. Children learn values, morals, and priorities by observing how their parents act and react every day. if parents exhibit a deep reverence for and dependence on God, the children will catch these attitudes. Let them see your reverence for God. Teach them right living by giving worship an important place in your family life and by reading the Bible together.
1:10-19
Sin is enticing because it offers a quick route to prosperity or pleasure and makes us feel like one of the crowd. But when we go along with others and refuse to listen to the truth, our own appetites become our masters, and we'll do anything to satisfy them. Sin, even when attractive, is deadly. We must learn to make choices, not on the basis of flashy appeal or short-range pleasure, but in view of the long-range effects. Sometimes this means steering clear of people who want to entice us into activities that we know are wrong. We can't be friendly with sin and expect our lives to remain unaffected.
1:19
Being "greedy for money" is one of Satan's surest traps. It begins when he plants the suggestion that we can't live without some possession or more money. Then that desire fans its own fire until it becomes an all-consuming obsession. Ask God for wisdom to recognize any greedy desire before it destroys you. God will help you overcome it.
1:20
The picture of Wisdom shouting in the streets is a personification -- a literary device to make wisdom come alive for us. Wisdom is not a living being; it is the mind of God revealed. By reading Jesus Christ's earthly ministry, we can see Wisdom in action. In order to understand how to become wise, we need to heed Wisdom calling and instructing us in the book of Proverbs. For a New Testament call to wisdom, see James 1:5. Make sure you don't reject God's offer of wisdom to you.
1:22-28
God is more than willing to pour out his heart and make shown his thoughts to us. To receive his advice, we must be willing to listen, refusing to let pride stand in out way. Pride is thinking more highly of our own wisdom and desires than of God's. If we think we know better than God or feel we have no need of God's direction, we have fallen into foolish and disastrous pride.
1:31,32
Many proverbs point out that the "bitter fruit of living their own way" will be the consequence people will experience in this life. Faced with either choosing God's wisdom or persisting in rebellious independence, many decide to go it alone. The problems such people create for themselves will destroy them. Don't ignore God's advice even if it is painful for the present. It will keep you from greater pain in the future.
REFLECT: What are 3 verses in this chapter that most nourish your soul in your present situation?
1:8,9 "My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around you neck."
The personification of wisdom as a female in Proverbs 1, 8 and 9 is, perhaps, the most extraordinary hypostasis in the entire Hebrew Bible. This very positive image of femaleness as a source of truth, peace, and the Lord’s favor is a breathtaking counterpoint to the usual highly censorious depiction of women encountered in the Old Testament. God is telling us our role and it is to be that of honor and grace!
1:19 "Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money it robs them of life.
RESPOND: Write out one of the verses that speaks strongly to you and commit it to memory today.
"My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don't neglect your mother's instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around you neck"
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