1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9 For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18 And they lay wait for their [own] blood; they lurk privily for their [own] lives.
19 So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, [saying],
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 1
Proverbs Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the entire book of Proverbs, outlining its purpose, themes, and the importance of wisdom. It emphasizes the value of instruction and the fear of the Lord as foundational elements for acquiring wisdom.
Key Themes
- Wisdom and Instruction: The chapter highlights the significance of seeking wisdom and understanding as essential for a successful life.
- Fear of the Lord: It establishes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, setting the tone for the moral framework of the book.
- Warning Against Temptation: The chapter warns against the allure of sinful behavior and the company of those who engage in it.
- Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom: It outlines the repercussions of rejecting wisdom and the inevitable downfall that follows.
Structure and Content
- Introduction to the Purpose (Verses 1-7):
The chapter begins by stating the purpose of the Proverbs: to impart wisdom, instruction, and understanding. It emphasizes that wisdom is accessible to all who seek it and that the fear of the Lord is foundational to knowledge.
- Parental Instruction (Verses 8-9):
These verses highlight the importance of listening to parental guidance, portraying it as a valuable adornment that provides protection and honor.
- Warning Against Enticement (Verses 10-19):
The chapter warns against the seductive calls of sinners who entice others to join in their wrongdoing. It describes the danger of being lured into a life of violence and greed, emphasizing that such paths lead to destruction.
- Personification of Wisdom (Verses 20-33):
Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out in public spaces, urging people to listen and heed her counsel. She warns of the consequences of ignoring her voice, stating that calamity will befall those who reject her guidance.
Analysis of Key Verses
- Verse 7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This verse encapsulates the foundational principle of Proverbs, asserting that true knowledge begins with reverence for God. It contrasts the wise, who seek understanding, with fools, who reject it.
- Verse 10: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”
This verse serves as a direct admonition to resist peer pressure and the temptation to engage in immoral activities. It emphasizes personal responsibility in making wise choices.
- Verse 20-21: “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice.”
These verses illustrate the accessibility of wisdom, suggesting that it is available to all who are willing to listen. Wisdom is portrayed as actively seeking to guide people toward righteousness.
- Verse 33: “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
This concluding verse offers a promise of safety and peace to those who heed wisdom’s call, reinforcing the benefits of living a life guided by understanding and moral integrity.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for the entire book by emphasizing the importance of wisdom, the fear of the Lord, and the consequences of ignoring moral instruction. It serves as a call to action for readers to pursue wisdom actively and to be wary of the temptations that lead to destruction. The chapter’s themes resonate throughout the rest of Proverbs, making it a crucial starting point for understanding biblical wisdom literature.
