Proverbs 1 moves us from the psalms heavily written by David, to the proverbs which were written by his son Solomon. The reason for their existence is made clear right at the start:
- “To know wisdom and instruction
- to understand words of insight
- to receive instruction in wise dealing
- in righteousness, justice, and equity
- to give prudence to the simple
- knowledge and discretion to the youth”
Solomon sets out to educate the world in God’s ways. His proverbs contain lots and lots of truth.
He realizes that not everyone is going to see these as the important steps of guidance that they are. “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance”. It’s the one who is wise and understanding that will truly gain from Solomon’s proverbs. Far too many people think they already know the answers. They don’t need anyone telling them what is right and how they should live. They don’t need any guidance – after all life is all about them. Which is completely wrong and why we need these chapters so desperately in our world today.
God has provided a couple ways for us to learn. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching”. It begins with us fearing God and learning from Him. He’s provided us with His written word – the Bible – to be the textbook for life and the operators manual for how we ought to live. He’s also given us parents to guide us and help us learn what is right and wrong. We need to study and learn from both, along with the Holy Spirit whom God has put within us to help us learn and live in obedience as well.
Solomon warns us to run from evil and those who would drag us into sin. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent….do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths”. Proverbs helps instruct us on the topic of right and wrong and encourages us to run from sin. The reality of sin is that it always takes us further than we intend to go, costs us more than we intended to pay, and keeps us longer than we planned to stay. It is our nature to be tempted and even give in to sin, but Solomon’s words are given to warn us and guide us to run from sin and walk with God!
Arlin Sorensen's Thoughts on Scripture 