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Proverbs 1

World English Bible

WEB

1The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: 2to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; 3to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man— 5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel; 6to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise. 7The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. 8My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching; 9for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck. 10My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent. 11If they say, “Come with us. Let’s lie in wait for blood. Let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause. 12Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit. 13We’ll find all valuable wealth. We’ll fill our houses with plunder. 14You shall cast your lot among us. We’ll all have one purse”— 15my son, don’t walk on the path with them. Keep your foot from their path, 16for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood. 17For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird; 18but these lay in wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners. 20Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. 21She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words: 22“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge? 23Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you. 24Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; 25but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof; 26I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you, 27when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come on you. 28Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me, 29because they hated knowledge, and didn’t choose the fear of Yahweh. 30They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof. 31Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes. 32For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them. 33But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the entire book, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and the fear of the Lord. The chapter begins with a declaration of the purpose of the proverbs: to gain wisdom, instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 1:1-6). It highlights that wisdom is not just knowledge but the ability to apply it in life. The call to embrace wisdom is presented as a vital pursuit for all, especially the young, as it leads to a life of righteousness and success. The repeated exhortation to listen and learn underscores the value of heeding wise counsel and instruction from those who have gone before us.

The chapter also introduces the concept of the 'fear of the Lord' as the foundation of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a profound respect and reverence for God, which is essential for true understanding. The chapter warns against the enticements of sinners and the dangers of following their path (Proverbs 1:10-19). It vividly illustrates the consequences of ignoring wisdom, portraying wisdom as a person who calls out in the streets, urging people to turn from their folly and embrace understanding (Proverbs 1:20-33). Ultimately, those who reject wisdom will face calamity, while those who listen will find safety and peace. This chapter sets the tone for the entire book, inviting readers to seek wisdom as a guiding principle in their lives.

#Wisdom #FearOfTheLord #Proverbs #Instruction #Understanding

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Referenced by

  1. Judges 14:14v6Judges 14:14 presents Samson's riddle, which requires insight to understand. Proverbs 1:6 speaks of understanding proverbs and riddles, emphasizing the value of wisdom and discernment.
  2. Job 1:1v7Job 1:1 describes Job as a man who feared God and shunned evil, which aligns with Proverbs 1:7, emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge.
  3. Job 29:21v5Job 29:21 speaks of people listening to Job's counsel, which is echoed in Proverbs 1:5, where the wise are encouraged to listen and increase in learning.
  4. Job 35:12v28Job 35:12 notes that God does not answer the cries of the proud, similar to Proverbs 1:28-29, where wisdom is not found by those who reject it, emphasizing the importance of humility and seeking God earnestly.
  5. Proverbs 8:1v20Proverbs 8:1 personifies wisdom as calling out to people, similar to Proverbs 1:20-21, where wisdom is depicted as crying out in public places, inviting people to learn and gain understanding.
  6. Jeremiah 2:19v29Jeremiah 2:19 warns that Israel's own wickedness will correct them, similar to Proverbs 1:29-31, which describes how rejecting wisdom leads to self-inflicted consequences.
  7. Ezekiel 9:10v24Ezekiel 9:10 speaks of God not sparing or having pity, similar to Proverbs 1:24-28 where God does not answer those who ignored His call.
  8. Micah 6:9v20Micah 6:9 calls for the city to heed the rod and the One who appointed it, similar to Proverbs 1:20-23 where wisdom calls out in the streets, urging people to listen and turn from their ways.
  9. Zechariah 7:13v24Zechariah 7:13 warns that because the people did not listen when God called, He will not listen when they call, paralleling Proverbs 1:24-28, where wisdom warns of the consequences of ignoring her call.

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