PROVERBS 1:1-33
There is wisdom which man does not
naturally possess, but which is needed to
attain happiness. The proverbs are not about scientific wisdom and knowledge, they may allude to it.
They are indeed not philosophical wisdom, though there may be aspects of that. Proverbs 1:7 forms the theme of the
entire book. “There fear of God is the beginning of knowledge…” The fear of God
is the foundation as well as the conclusion of knowledge. Natural wisdom has
its use but godly wisdom is to be sought as they search for gold and silver.
The apostle James taught, “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God…” (James
1:5). It is God who gives this kind of wisdom (Prov.2:1-7). Although other
nations had their collection of wisdom, for the children of Israel, (i.) wisdom
is rooted and grounded in the fear of Yahweh – the God of Israel, (ii) wisdom
is concerned with the order built into the creation by God, (iii) wisdom
focuses on discerning God’s ways in particular circumstances
King
Solomon, asked God for wisdom to rule Israel (1Kings 3:7-10). God is pleased
when we seek wisdom. If we ask for wisdom God will give us. He gives wisdom
through our Lord Jesus Christ who is Wisdom personified. He that findeth Christ
findeth wisdom.
Today
we look at the introductory part of the book of proverbs.
The Purpose Of The Proverbs(1:1-6)
I.To
Know Wisdom and Instruction (Vs. 2)
II.To
Perceive The Words Of Understanding (Vs. 2)
III.To
Receive The Instruction Of Wisdom (Vs. 3)
IV.To
Give Prudence, Knowledge and Understanding (Vs. 4)
V.To
Understand and Interpret A Proverb and Words of Wisdom (Vs. 6)
Proverbs is one of those books in
the Bible that
begin clearly by setting out their purpose. The purpose of proverbs is shown in
the first few verses of chapter 1.
Their
Purpose is to teach us wisdom and discipline; to provide insightful
instruction, which is righteous, just and full of integrity; the young and
naïve become mature, knowledgeable and discreet; the wise will grow wiser.
The Book of proverbs is quoted
directly as Scriptures in the NT. Did you
know that our Lord Jesus Christ used the scripture from Proverbs in His
teachings? (Mathew 12:42). Jesus for us
today is the personification of wisdom. As we shall learn later, Christ is more
than just the source of divine wisdom, He is wisdom itself. It is wise to act
on the call of Jesus now to repent and be converted that you may apply your
heart to wisdom.
There are certain words that
highlight different aspects of wisdom recorded for us in these first few verses:
(i)Knowledge: This comes from God
(Proverbs 1:7; 2:6). Knowledge can be learned through instruction and
discipline. It accompanies success. The knowledge of God is the foundation and
culmination of knowledge. Jesus calls us to “Take my yoke upon you and learn of
me”.
(ii)Understanding: this is discernment
or ability to understand such things as righteousness, justice and piety
(prov.2:5,9). Understanding will help us to choose correctly between option
(1Kings 3:9). An understanding heart comes from God (Job 12:13). An understanding
heart will help you to give careful thought to your actions (Prov.23:1). Such a
person is slow to anger and avoids folly.
(iii)Instruction: this also means
discipline, especially the discipline of God (Job 5:17). Instruction is a means
of obtaining wisdom (Prov.1:3). Instruction leads life (prov.4:3). When
instruction is ignored it results in negative consequences (Prov.13:18). The
foolish and the wicked hate instruction.
(iv)Prudence: This is the ability to
act wisely. It involves restraint of speech, and having a steady work ethics.
And this will lead to success and protect from calamities
In
the book of proverbs we find wisdom for living and insight for living. We can
discern that it is better to fear God and trust Him with all our hearts and
live by His instructions than to follow our own understanding.
By
applying the wisdom of the proverbs to our daily living we can achieve success,
stay safe and have peace both with God and with man.
The Principal Trust Of The Proverbs
(1:7; 4:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10)
i.WISDOM
(3:19-20; Jn.1:1-4; Col.1:15-20; Heb. 1:1-3; Jas.3:13-18)
ii.KNOWLEDGE
(9:10; Jn.17:3)
iii.UNDERSTNADING
(Col.1:9)
The book of proverbs is very clear
what it sets out to achieve – to
instruct, teach, encourage and command us to learn and acquire wisdom,
knowledge and understanding
What is the meaning of “with all
thy getting…” (Prov.4:7)
(1)If
it costs you everything (NCV)
(2)Use
everything you have (ERB)
(3)Before
anything else (CEB)
(4)Whatever
else you get (HCSB)
(5)With
all that is in your possession (LEB)
(6)Though it cost all you have (NIV)
(7)With all thy possession (DRA)
(8)Whatever else you do (NLT)
We
learn from all these translations that wisdom should be the principal pursuit
of our lives. We are exploring WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING. Worldly
wisdom is not usually the focus Biblical teaching. In stead godly and spiritual
wisdom are encouraged in the Bible. Colossians 1:9; 2:2-3; 1Cor. 1:30.
What
then is WISDOM? It is the combination of observation, obedience, careful planning, prudent conduct and sensitivity to God’s will (see Preachers commentary on proverbs). That was what it meant to the
children of Israel at the time of King Solomon. Christians today have a fuller
revelation of the wisdom of God (1Cor.1:18-31)! That revelation is Christ the
Power of God and the WISDOM. To acquire divine wisdom, you have to come to
Jesus.
The
person who has no desire to obey the Word of God will find some excuse to
dispute the plainest instruction! Look
at Psalm 119:130. Obedience to God’s word leads to understanding and insight
(John 8:12).
Eternal
life comes to us by KNOWLEDGE of God and our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3). The
word, know, has different meanings. Here it means to have a personal experience
of Christ to the point that it leads to a change of life from temporary life
that could go to hell, to Eternal Life in the presence of God.
To
experience Christ this way, you have to know that you indeed need Him; that you
are a sinner, and that you need to be saved. Then you go to Him in prayer of
forgiveness and salvation. Then He will forgive your sin and impart the Spirit
of God to you. Then you are saved. Jesus calls this level of knowing being born
again.
The Holy Spirit of God is by default, the Spirit of
wisdom. He gives us WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE and DISCERNMENT as gifts (1Cor.12:8-10).
Some Practical Lessons Of The Proverbs
i.The
Case Against Ungodly Counsel (1:10-19)
ii.The
Clarion Call Of Wisdom (1: 20-22)
iii.The
Curse Of Foolish Choices (1:24-33)
Every good father; every good
parent will instruct His children and protect them from bad influence. In the
same way God teaches His children. He calls us through His word and through the
Holy Spirit to reject the counsel of the ungodly. If sinners entice you do not
consent to them. The counsel of sinners will lead you to sin. When you consider
to consequences of sin, you can
see that it is foolish to sin. One Church website lists these deadly effects of
sin:
(1)Sin destroys innocence
(2)Sin destroys ideals
(3)Sin destroys the will
(4)Sin produces slavery
(5)Sin produces more sin
(6)Sin produces sickness, pain and
degeneracy
(7)Sin produces death
So God in his wisdom calls us out and
away from sin. If we obey this call, it goes well with us, But if not there
will be dare and deadly consequences. Those who refuse will have to live or die
or live and die with the consequences of the choices they have made!
Will you receive that call of
wisdom today. It is Christ calling us to wisdom and life!
