(THE WISDOM TO LIVE AS THE PEOPLE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD)
Key Verse: 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Proverbs in Hebrew is "Mashal", "Comparison" and 'Watch out.' The main word of the Proverbs is 'Hokma' "Wisdom, here repeated 14 times. It was written by Solomon and many wise men. It teaches that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It uses comparisons to teach practical wisdom about life. Especially it compares the path of the wise with that of the fool. In short it teaches us to apply divine wisdom to daily life and provides moral instruction: Chapters 1-9 are about wisdom for young people. It shows the way of adultery so that the young men may avoid temptation and trust in God alone; chapters 10-24 deals with wisdom for all people. It emphasizes what is wisdom in using our tongue and word to build up neighbors and communities. In this sense Proverbs is similar to James in the New Testament; chapters 25-31 deal with Wisdom for leaders. Especially Agul and Rhemuel's instruction about the most precious woman are written in chapters 30-31. Here Wisdom is personified. It looks like the Word that became flesh--Jesus, who is the source of Wisdom. When we hear him, and obey him, we will gain wisdom for eternal salvation.
1. The purpose of the Proverbs (1-6)
Solomon desired and received unprecedented wisdom from God. He wrote most of the Proverbs. It was for the young as well as for all to attain wisdom and discipline, for understanding of the words of insight. They were not to accumulate knowledge. They were to do what is right and fair. The young will be given prudence, knowledge and discretion. The wise will add to their learning and the discerning gets guidance. Mostly the proverbs will help to understand parables, the sayings and riddles (thought provoking questions) of the Lord.
2. Knowing God is the key of wisdom (7)
The Proverbs are not just wise words of men. Its theme is 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge'. It helps to have awesome respect and burning desire to know God through his word. Then we will be wiser every day through the word of God. But fools are those who think they know everything and despise God's wisdom and instruction.