Introduction 1:1-7

A Wise Man Will Hear (v1-6)

(v1) “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;”

• Title of the Book
• First Solomonic Collection begins (1:1-9:18)
  • Solomon – Ecclesiastes 12:9 – Wise Preacher, taught knowledge, pondered, searched, arranged “many proverbs.” (Speaks to his character) – 1 Kings 4:32 – Solomon penned 3,000 Proverbs & 1,005 Songs (Psalm 72 & 127; Song of Solomon)

Purpose of the Book (v2-6)

• (v2) “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive [understand or discern] the words of understanding;”
  • Wisdom: – Key word of the book, basic meaning is “Skill in living.” – Old Testament references are physical skills: Exodus 28:3 (tailoring), Exodus 31:3-6 (metal/wood works), Exodus 35:26 (spinning), Exodus 35:35 (engraving & designing), & Isaiah 10:13 (warfare). – Used metaphorically in Proverbs, refers to the skill to live life successfully.
  • Instruction: – Refers to moral discipline in our lives, NOT classroom-like instruction.
  • Understanding: – The capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most and what doesn’t matter at all.
• (v3) “To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement, and equity;”
  • Wisdom: – Different translation from v2; means wise behavior, wise dealing, or good sense.
  • Justice: – Righteousness (synonym); Refers to conformity to God’s law.
  • Judgement: – Refers to right behavior; legal term used for a judge’s verdict.
  • Equity: – Fairness in ones dealings with others.
• (v4) “To give subtilty [prudence] to the simple [naive young people open to influence], to the young man knowledge and discretion.”
  • Reference: – Proverbs 9:4 – “Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth [lacks] understanding, she saith to him.”
  • Knowledge: – The apprehension of reality, including an experiential [experience based] knowledge of God.
  • Discretion: – Refers to the power of formulating and carrying out the right measures.
• (v5) ” A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain [acquire] unto wise councils:”
  • Reference: – Proverbs 9:9 – “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
  • Both the wise and the untaught can learn much from this book.
• (v6) “To understand a proverb and the interpretation [an enigma]; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings [riddles]:”
  • Reference: – Psalm 78:2 – “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:”
  • Thought provoking sayings of the wise.

Breakdown of the Purpose of Proverbs

1. Learn how to live a successful life.
2. Practice moral discipline.
3. Learn how to distinguish what is right and what is wrong.
4. Have good sense.
5. Conform to God’s law.
6. Right/Good Behavior.
7. Show fairness towards others.
8. Know, experience, and observe God in your life.
9. Do what is right.
10. Anyone and everyone can learn from Proverbs.
11. Fully understand the meaning of each proverb and how to apply it to your life.

The Beginning of Knowledge (v7-9)

(v7) “The fear [reverential awe] of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge [principal beginning]: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

• Motto of the Book: – “Fear of the Lord” – Submission to the Lord and His revelation.
• There are two types of fear: 1) Fear we run from. 2) Fear we submit to.
  • Fear we submit to is a healthy fear that causes us to act in an appropriate manner. (ie. electricity, parental guidance, etc.)
• “The beginning“: “Fear of the Lord” is the controlling principle of wisdom, not to be left behind in the course of acquiring wisdom. In other words, the wise will always fear the Lord, even after wisdom has been obtained.

(v8) “My son, hear the instruction of they father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:“

• 10 Similar Discourses (Father’s Words of Wisdom) begins in v8 and continues through 9:18.
• The sinner’s enticement VS wisdom’s plea 1:8-33
• In v8, the father is telling his son to listen to his counsel/instruction and choose wisdom over folly.
  • Reference: – Proverbs 4:1 – “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.”
• In v8, the mother is mentioned because it starts in the home, not in court or school.

(v9) “For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”

• An adornment or thing of beauty in your life.
• Reference: – Proverbs 3:22 – “So shall they be life unto thy soul and grace [favour] to thy neck.”