Proverbs 1:1-7--The Beginning of Knowledge

Proverbs 1:1-7
English Standard Version

The Beginning of Knowledge
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the youth--
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
    fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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We'll make our way back to 2 Thessalonians in a little bit after we finish studying the Widom books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.  The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom that was written by King Solomon, the son of King David. Solomon starts out by giving his purpose for putting pen to paper.  This is a collection of proverbs so that the people (but especially his son that was heir to the throne) might know wisdom and instruction and understand words of insight.  Solomon hoped that his readers would listen to wise counselors that would lead them in the paths of righteousness, justice and equity--for this is what would be best for the people.  He wished these words to change the simple-minded to make them more prudent, and to give both knowledge and discretion to the youth who are known for going headlong into situations because of strong feelings without a lot of knowledge or discernment.

Solomon calls on the wise to increase in their wisdom by reading his proverbs, for the LORD had made Solomon the wisest man to live.  Solomon calls on the one with understanding to also obtain guidance from these proverbs.  These proverbs may help them say things in a way so that others who need their wisdom can understand, because many times the wise spoke in riddles that hid the wisdom to make it hard for the simple-minded man to grasp.  Solomon puts the cookies on the bottom shelf and breaks the wisdom God had given him down so that it was accessible to all.

Solomon then starts with his first and most important teaching--fear the LORD if we want to be wise, for the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  Fools who despise the LORD will also despise wisdom and instruction, because it comes from the LORD.  If we fear the LORD, we will respect and honor Him, and we will obey Him.