Introduction to Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1-19

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” (Proverbs 1:1-4)

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon describes the human state and what is required to make people happy.  After a great deal of study and observation he concluded “…Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-12)

He had observed that the things done here on the earth were only temporary and their only real value would be in how they were judged by God.  Because he cared about the people he condensed the things he had learned about what is required to have a happy and good life into various easily remembered proverbs to enable future generations to learn without having to find out everything the hard way.  Ecclesiastes 12:8-10 explains.  “Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.  And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.  The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.”

He has written the book of proverbs to enable a person distinguish between legitimate information or advice and hyperbole. To recognize the difference between a person who knows whereof he speaks and one who tries to make people think he knows.  They are intended to teach him to make wise choices, to learn what real justice is, and how to make proper judgments, and to be truly fair. 

Solomon is writing this book from the stand point of a father teaching his son, but it is important to understand these teachings are just as relevant for a young woman.   Contrary to what some would like us to believe, it is not chauvinistic.

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:5-7)

A truly smart person will listen to and learn from other people, taking the time to understand both the proverb and its meaning, even when the meaning is obscure.  The fool, on the other hand, isn’t interested in what others could teach him.  In his pride, the fool believes that he is smart enough that he can make things happen others couldn’t do because they are not as smart as he is.   

Real wisdom starts with an understanding that there is a power and wisdom greater than our own, a God who controls all things.  All of modern science originated in the understanding that there was a god who logically designed the world to follow certain predictable rules without fail.  It is that logic and consistence that makes any science possible.  If things can occur at random, it is impossible to predict the outcome of any action.  Thus, the belief in some kind of god is the very basis for learning and wisdom, and the god you choose will affect how much you learn and develop, determining how you approach different subjects.    Solomon advises to start with God as a basis for our learning. 

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)

The first teachers should be one’s parents.  Unfortunately, as children grow, many times outside influences lead them to believe their parents beliefs and standards are not as good as those of others.  Solomon says that it is those original teachings and standards that will one day make us stand out from those around us like a nice hat or a beautiful necklace. 

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.  If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.” (Proverbs 1:10-16)

This piece of advice is especially apropos for our day.  He advises that young people avoid associating with groups such as gangs, or rallys that advocate violence and looting.  While it sounds justified and worthwhile, ultimately they are just criminals, looking for an opportunity to commit a crime. 

“Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.  And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.  So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.” (Proverbs 1:17-19)

We sometimes refer to a foolish person as a birdbrain, but even a bird will avoid an obvious trap.  Looting and violence are obvious traps that lead to arrest or death of those who commit them.  It is stupid to get involved.  Ultimately, anyone who gets greedy runs the same risk.  I Timothy 6:9 warns, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”  The promises aren’t worth the cost.