Proverbs Chapter 1

PROVERBS CHAPTER 1

I. OUTLINE: I. The Introduction: Benefits Of The Book: 1:1-6 II. The Motto: 1:7 III. If Sinners Entice You: 1:8-19 IV. Wisdom’s Appeal: 1:20-33

II.

COMMENTARY:

1:1 “The proverbs: the opening noun (misle) gives the book its name in the Hebrew Bible as in ours. The Heb. term basically means ‘a comparison’….but it came to stand for any kind of sage pronouncement, from a maxim or observation” (Kidner p. 58). It shouldn’t surprise us that Solomon is the author, for we already know he had been given tremendous wisdom by God (1 Kings 3:12), and had written many proverbs (1 Kings 4:29-34). In fact, we would probably we surprised if the Bible didn’t contain such a collection of Solomon’s proverbs.

1:2 Here we find the purpose and aim of the book. “the prize it offers is wisdom (2a) and still further wisdom (5); the path of this progress is marked by the verbs of this paragraph, which repay study; and the many aspects of wisdom are displayed by the nouns in verses 2-5” (Kidner p. 58). “To know wisdom”-infers that what is wisdom can be easily overlooked. What might look like wisdom, could actually be folly. In addition, man isn’t born inherently knowing the wisest course of action in business, marriage, raising children, etc…This book will help the reader recognize what is the wisest course of action in many areas of life.

“By this book, one can learn the principles that determine success or failure in the major arenas of human activity, including business, personal relationships, family life, and community life” (Garrett p. 67). Wisdom includes the knowledge of right living, the ability to discern the moral fitness of things. The word “instruction” suggests the path to wisdom, i.e. wisdom only comes to those who

1

are willing to be taught (1:33; James 1:21). Wisdom is for disciples only (James 1:5).

“To discern the sayings of understanding”-Since all of us will be given plenty of advice and criticism by others in this life, how can we tell the difference between wise advice and foolish advice? (Hebrews 5:14).

1:3 “Wise behavior”-includes good sense, practical wisdom. The ability to apply wise principles to concrete situations. Far from being used for selfish advantage, the true master of such wisdom, the true context for such wisdom must always be the goal of being right with God and others, “righteousness, justice and equity”. “Oh, that all our education were bent on making men right, honest, and upright and not merely to make them richer by whatever means they may follow to become such!” (Hunt p. 3). “The blending of moral qualities with intellectual ones came very naturally to the writer, since in his eyes the truly wise man was also righteous and the intelligent one was also godly. The wicked man who used his intellect for evil purposes would be described therefore as crafty, shrewd, or wily rather than wise or intelligent” (Alden p. 20).

1:4 Immediately we are impressed with the usefulness of this book as well as the rest of the Scriptures. Far from being complicated, the Bible can even give prudence to the naïve. “Wisdom is for anyone who wants it. Fools and simpletons are invited by name to its feast” (9:4,16)” (Kidner p. 37). The naïve person includes, “those who are susceptible to external impressions, and so easily misled…”simple” in the sense of inexperienced” (P.P. Comm. p. 4).

“Prudence to the naïve”, means that this book can help such a person escape many traps that are set by evil and clever people in this life. “these proverbs will help us avoid crafty and devious people” (Alden p. 20).

And what young person doesn’t need knowledge and discretion? Young people need to be cautious, and have a discernment that keeps them from being duped by others.

1:5 But this book isn’t just for young people or the inexperienced. Everyone, of every age can profit from its teachings. “Nobody is a first-hand expert in all fields so that he cannot profit by the wisdom of others…In fact, it is the wise who are always seeking to advance their knowledge, and a wise man is a joy to teach (Proverbs 9:9)” (Hunt p. 3). “This verse also contains the verb “hear”. The ancient Hebrews recognized no difference between “hear” and “obey”. To disobey was to ignore or be deaf to instruction” (Alden p. 21).

Point To Note:

2

“Wisdom is for the humbly eager—one might almost say, for the lover, the suitor ‘…watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors’ (8:34). It is not for the man ‘wise in his own eyes’: he thinks he has arrived—and indeed he has, for he will never get a step further. His trouble is not intellectual; he is no fool: ‘there is more hope for a fool than for him” (26:12). It is that he does not seriously want to be a better person; whereas the wise man is teachable to the end (9:9), open to God’s commands (10:8) and chastening (3:11ff), and to human advice and criticism (13:10; 17:10); for he values truth enough to pay the price of having it (23:23)” (Kidner p. 38) 1:6 The end result is that such proverbs can enable you to understand and grasp other wise sayings. “Proverbs draws the reader into the mysteries of life” (Garrett p. 68). This verse is saying that time spent in the proverbs will assist the student in grasping anything enigmatic, which needs interpreting. Time spent in this book will help us, especially when we encounter figurative language in the prophets, the book of Revelation, or in the parables that Jesus taught.

Point To Note: “So ends this introduction with its grand array of terms to describe what Proverbs is all about. Its point is that everyone can improve. We are taught to desire good behavior and warned to avoid bad behavior. No matter how young or old, how educated or illiterate, exposure to this ancient collection of wisdom cannot help but improve our quality of life” (Alden p. 21). And clearly everyone needs such wisdom! For all of us, from pre-teens, to the aged are continually trying to successfully navigate around the pitfalls and dangers of this life. Since we only live once, we don’t have the luxury of living by trial and error, and then going back and correcting everything. We need guidance! We need the voice of experience! For in many situations, we won’t know if a decision or choice was a wise choice until years or decades after we made such a choice---and then it will be too late to make any corrections. Raising children and being married are like this. “The secondary purpose of Proverbs is to introduce the reader to a style of teaching that provokes his thought, getting under his skin by thrusts of wit, paradox, common sense and teasing symbolism” (Kidner pp. 58-59).

The Beginning Point Of True Wisdom 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” This thought is also found in many other passages (Prov. 9:10; Psalm 111:10; Job 28:28). While the world may contain many “clever and crafty” people, there is a big difference between true knowledge or wisdom and human cleverness.

The initial step or starting point of real knowledge is a heart that holds God and 3

His Word in the highest esteem and respect. “Knowledge, then, in its fullest sense, is a relationship, dependent upon revelation and inseparable from character…When we fence off (as we must) limited fields of knowledge for special study, the missing context must be remembered, or our knowing is precocious and distorted, as at the Fall, and we end up knowing less (3:7; Romans 1:21,22), not more” (Kidner p. 59). Note that Solomon didn’t leave God in the Temple, nor was God relegated to one day of the week or certain times of the day. “The Bible’s assessment of a smart person without God is ‘fool’ (1 Corinthians 1:20), and the humblest, least literate, untutored, but pious person is, in God’s eyes, truly wise. How reversed we usually have it!” (Alden p. 22) What this passage says is so true! The foundation for learning, not only the Bible, but virtually every subject is humility towards self and reverence towards God. So many fields of knowledge can become instruments of evil, when this basic principle is discarded. When we fear God, medicine will be used to heal.

When we don’t fear God the same medical technology will be often used for evil purposes such as suicide, abortion, eliminating the physical consequences of fornication, sex changes and the attempt to create a master race.

1:7 “Fools despise wisdom and instruction” Such a mentality resents any form of authority over them, “I don’t want people telling me what I can and can’t do” (2 Peter 2:10). The idea behind the word “despise” is, “contemptuous trampling under the feet” (P.P. Comm. p. 6).

(Matthew 7:6). Carefully note the thing that makes a person a “fool” isn’t a lack of education, rather it is a bad attitude. The fool has a moral problem.

Immediately this book informs us that many people are going to reject wisdom.

In fact, only a few people might be on the road to wisdom (Matthew 7:13-14).

This book often talks about the fool and in the following chapters will be learn that the fool is: arrogant (12:15), short-tempered (12:16), boastful (14:3), conscience-less (14:9), disobedient (15:5), argumentative (20:3), cannot imagine that he could be wrong (17:10), has a flippant outlook on life (14:9), and knows no restraint (20:3). Kidner notes, “it must always be remembered that the book has in mind a man’s chosen outlook, rather than his mental equipment…The root of his trouble is spiritual, not mental. He likes his folly, going back to it ‘like a dog that returns to his vomit’ (26:11); he has no reverence for truth, preferring comfortable illusions (14:8). At bottom, what he is rejecting is the fear of the Lord (1:29)” (p. 40).

1:8-9 The following verses will present two paths. The way of wisdom, which is first of all found or encountered by the young person in following the instruction of godly parents (Eph. 6:1-4). This is typically where we get our first taste of wisdom’s invitation (Deut. 6:6-7; Joshua 24:15). Note that such verses clearly infer that imperfect human parents can impart sound teaching to their children.

God believes that parents can properly interpret His word and teach it to the next 4

generation. In fact, disdain for parental teaching is viewed as the first step towards becoming a fool. If you don’t like what your parents are saying, then typically you won’t like what the Bible is saying either! Verse 8 has the first “my son” passage in Proverbs (1:10,15; 2:1; 3:1, etc..). “We might conclude from this verse that not only must children honor both parents but also that both parents are responsible for teaching and training their children. Neither wisdom nor spiritual things are the exclusive responsibility of one parent” (Alden p. 23). “graceful wreath…ornaments about your neck”-“The first way (8,9) has none of the flashy appeal of the second (10-19): it offers nothing material, only the hardwon beauty and authority of goodness” (Kidner p. 59). The wreath was something that a victor wore on his head. Listening to parental teaching, starting on the right track in life, taking the first step of wisdom, will bring a son or daughter respect and dignity. In addition, such obedience is a truly beautiful sight.

Point To Note: But in our society, the rebel is often glorified. In fact, young people with a “mind of their own” are often portrayed as morally superior to those who are obedient to parental instruction, or superior to their parents. God is not impressed with the young person who feels that they have a clearer picture of reality than all previous generations. In the Scriptures, the generation that needs to listen, that needs instruction, is the younger generation.

Nothing Has Changed 1:10 From the section that follows we immediately realize that every generation has faced the same type of temptations. Be assured that the world will put pressure on every person to join them. “Proverbs does not begin its instruction with lofty or abstract analysis but with a simple and straightforward appeal for the reader to reject association with criminals. From the very outset, therefore, this book is grounded in the lives and problems of real people. Apparently in ancient Israel, no less than in the modern world, the comradeship, easy money, and feeling of empowerment offered by gangs was a strong temptation to the young man who felt overwhelmed by the difficulties of the life he confronted every day” (Garrett p. 69).

“Do not consent”-We have a choice! And carefully note that the only successful way to resist temptation is a decisive “no” (Ephesians 5:11).

The Sales Pitch

5

Points To Note: 1. And what a rosy picture the world can paint! (1:12), we are young, strong, invincible, nobody can stop us! “the young pictures himself a person to be reckoned with, instead of patronized and kept in his place” (Kidner p. 60). In addition, the invitation includes ridicule of traditional ethics and the implication that to sin is to be free and enlightened. (1:11) “let us ambush the innocent without cause”-the crimes committed will be senseless, just like so many crimes committed by young people today. Note how the gang portrays itself has being courageous, a life of glorious triumphs, yet the very people that they prey upon are innocent, harmless and often defenseless! 2. By drawing a comparison between themselves and Sheol (Hades, death, the grave), they imply that they can’t be caught or stopped. “They will so utterly destroy their victims that none will be left to tell the tale” (P.P. Comm. p. 9).

3. The lure of quick and easy money (1:13). 4. And note how often the word “we” is found in this section. “The robbers use “we” in hopes of enlisting hapless youth, not telling him what they expect of him but doubtlessly anticipating his role as dangerous enough to ensure he will be the most likely one to be caught and blamed for the crime” (Alden p. 24). 5. In this whole section, never have these sinners stated the negative consequences of their actions. The devil always puts his best foot forward, and leaves the consequences to be discovered only when it is too late. 6: “We shall all have one purse” (1:14), often the gang is portrayed as a loving family, looking out for one another, “here, unlike at home, you can find acceptance”. But such is a lie, how can people who have no honor offer an honorable union?

If they will prey on the innocent and harmless, what is the guarantee that they won’t eventually turn on you?

Dad Responds 1:15-19 In contrast the to sale’s pitch by the world, dad paints an accurate picture of reality. Far from being glorious, exciting, or fun, such sinners are involved in “evil” (1:16). And the person who joins them will be quickly in over their head. “At once the youth who listens will be hurried along impetuously to the two crimes of robbery and murder” (P.P. Comm. p. 10).

1:17 The wicked are represented as privately planning their attacks on the innocent. In this way alone they can hope to rob them, for if their intentions were known, proper precautions would be taken against them. Far from being allpowerful, and unstoppable, the gang must ambush their victims. They don’t have the courage to give their victims a fair fight. “In other words, ‘Son can’t you see what they are doing? Don’t get caught!’” (Hunt p. 8).

6

1:18 A person will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7-8). “For they who take part in murder, treasure up evils for themselves; that is, they are bringing a heavier and surer destruction upon themselves than they can ever inflict upon others” (P.P. Comm. p. 11). “Trappers will themselves be trapped. Ambushers will be ambushed. Wicked plans will backfire; bad news for a criminal, but good news for one who has resisted such overtures” (Alden p. 26).

1:19 “gains by violence”-Lit., “This is the end of all greedy with greed”. A classic example of gaining the world, yet losing one’s soul. Their lust for unjust gain will in the end destroy them (1 Tim. 6:10). The person who allows any lust to become his or her master, will soon find that such a master cannot be satisfied and such a master is never happy or content.

The Appeals Of Wisdom “This passage is the first of many in which wisdom is personified; the most farreaching of these is chapter 8. Here the open proclamation, heard above the noise of the market…..to make it clear that the offer of wisdom is to the man in the street, and for the business of living, not to an elite for the pursuit of scholarship. The forceful verbs of 20-24, and the depicting of lost opportunity in 24-33, create a climate of urgency; the verbs of rejection in 22,24,25, make the issue hinge solely on the individual’s choice. If, elsewhere in the book, fool and scorner appear to be fixed types, it is their fault, not their fate: they are eating of the fruit of their own way (30,31)” (Kidner p. 60).

1:20-21 Carefully note that wisdom isn’t hidden. Truth and purity have nothing to hide, the invitation to join them is made publicly. Far from being something hard to find, or only accessible to the few, wisdom is crying out in the large public squares, at major intersections, and at the city gate were markets were found and important business dealings in the community were conducted. In the same manner, wisdom still cries out. “Today wisdom also speaks to us from many places: it speaks from juvenile court (on child-rearing)” (Hunt p. 12).

Point To Note: “Perhaps the easiest and most common excuse for doing wrong and falling into trouble is ignorance, that one just did not know any better. That excuse is implicitly rejected here. Wisdom is not…the sole possession of the lonely sage sitting atop a mountain. To the contrary, Wisdom roams the streets looking for someone to instruct” (Garrett p. 72). In light of such verses, we must reject the idea that the Bible is confusing. We must also reject the idea that the common man cannot properly understand the Word of God, or that the Bible is open to

7

hundreds of conflicting, but equally valid interpretations. Compare with Psalm 19:7.

1:22 There are different types or degrees of being a fool. Some people love to stay ignorant (ignorance is bliss, don’t tell me, I don’t want to know, I don’t want to hear about…..). A scoffer is a person who has determined to ridicule the truth. He wants other people to remain ignorant. And others hate, resent any kind of true knowledge. God cannot help wondering, “How much longer will such people live that way?”

1:23 Note, the first step in becoming wise, is to listen to some “reproof”. Lit., “place yourselves under my reproof”. We must admit our ignorance, selfishness, sinfulness and bad attitudes before we can learn. But God is willing to work with the formerly stubborn and foolish. God is willing to teach people who have ridiculed Him and His word. Note that wisdom is found in “words” and of course these are the words found in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“Criticism is hard to take; few respond to it with ease. It is ego-damaging, yet accepting it and changing in response to it is the only way to succeed….People too must sometimes be broken in order to have bad habits and attitudes replaced with good ones” (Alden p. 28).

1:24 “The promise that fools would receive instruction if they turned to her is matched by the reality that they will suffer the consequences of ignoring her” (Garrett p. 72). Once again, the free will of man is stressed. Often God is pictured as appealing to people, stretching out His hands in an urgent and passionate appeal, and yet no one is willing to listen (Isaiah 65:12; 66:4; Jeremiah 7:13; Zech. 7:11; Romans 10:21 “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people”). The Christian shouldn’t be discouraged if the world ignores their pleas, the world does the same thing to God. 1:25 Note, this rejection was a choice, “did not want my reproof”. Let no man say, “I can’t change”, but rather, “I didn’t want to change”.

1:26 A day of calamity is coming for those who reject the wisdom that God offers. Note that Wisdom mocks and laughs when disaster comes upon the stubborn. “I will laugh is not an expression of personal heartlessness, but of the absurdity of choosing folly, the complete vindication of wisdom” (Kidner p. 60).

(See Psalm 2:4). Here is a warning to all who try to mock God and ridicule His Word. In the end, such people will find themselves mocked and ridiculed, especially when everything they denied is found to be true. “But Wisdom will have the last laugh. Then, perhaps turning to the wider crowd of onlookers, she points to her hecklers and comments on their fate” (Motyer p. 31).

8

1:27 When judgment comes, it often comes without warning, quick, decisive, with no chance to repent. “What can be more fearful than overpowering storms in nature?” (Hunt p. 13). God allows people to mock and ridicule His existence, His truths, His values, etc….But when calamity comes, when judgment comes, such is often swift and completely unexpected (1 Thess. 5:3).

1:28 “The statement that fools call on (wisdom) when they get into trouble is not a reference to literal prayer but a dramatic picture of fools trying to find a way out of the trouble they are in. They ‘call’ on her in the sense that they are at last ready to listen to advice, but it is too late. Their indifference to wisdom has already destroyed them” (Garrett p. 73). It is simply too little, too late. This verse destroys the myth that God will always give you another chance.

1:29-30 One doesn’t end up a fool by accident, and neither is one born a fool or genetically prone to become one. Rejecting God and His truth is a deliberate decision, it takes continual work and persistence. One must “hate” truth, one must deliberately defy God, one must determine not to listen—if one is to become an unbeliever. The word “spurn” means to sneer or turn up the nose at.

1:31 Carefully note that not only does such a person reap what they have sown, they fully reap what they have sown. They must eat all their words, they will be “satiated”, or stuffed with the consequences of their actions. “and choke themselves with their own scheming” (Jerus).

1:32 Some people will be destroyed, because despite all of God’s reproof, and what they might suffer now and then, they eventually return back to their old ways (Prov. 26:11). Some people seem to love sin, even if such is causing them a tremendous amount of misery. Other people will be destroyed due to careless ease (Luke 12:19,20). The false security which is rooted in prosperous times, wealth, or the feeling that death and judgment won’t arrive for a long, long time.

We are surrounded by people who in effect say, “I might serve God one day, but right now there is no hurry”.

1:33 But real security and peace are only found in listening to Wisdom.

9