PROVERBS

Proverbs, for the most part, was written by King Solomon. When Solomon became king, he did not ask for wealth and power; he asked God to give him wisdom so that he could be a good shepherd for God's people. God was pleased, and gave him wisdom--and power and wealth as well (2Ch 1:7-12). The Proverbs reflect his wisdom. (Solomon himself did not follow his own advice; he gave his heart to many foreign wives and sowed seed of idolatry among his people [1Ki 11:8; Ne 13:26]).

A proverb is a short, wise statement that expresses some truth about human behavior. The wisdom of Solomon taught in this book is not just good advice based on human common sense. It rests on the fear of God. He says in 9:10, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' The stated purpose of the book is to help young people 'acquire a disciplined and prudent life by doing what is right and just and fair.' It is to give 'prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young' and to add to the knowledge of the wise. The first 9 chapters are directed to young men, and warn about the temptations of money and immoral women. In these chapters, Wisdom and Folly are personified. The rewards of following the way of wisdom, and the consequences of following the way of folly are well defined.

1. Prologue (1-7)

Solomon, son of David, wrote the Proverbs to instruct young people so that they might learn prudence, knowledge and discretion, and acquire a disciplined life. All true wisdom rests on the fear of the Lord. To fear God means that we know that God is living, and that he is sovereign. We respect him and know that he punishes wrong-doers and blesses those who do right.

2. Embrace Wisdom (8-19)

It is hard for a young person to overcome peer pressure. But a young man is wise if he listens to his godly parents and eschews the company and advice of those who go after ill-gotten gain.

3. Warning against rejecting Wisdom (20-33)

Whoever listens to the voice of Wisdom will live in safety and be free from fear. Whoever rejects Wisdom and follows sinful desires or a way of violence will suffer.

Application: Lord, help me to fear you. Help me to follow the way of wisdom and discipline.
One Word: Fear God; don't be a fool