Verse 7 and verse 33 seem to wrap it up in a nice package for me verse 7 : the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ( so there’s where to start , it’s a process) but fools despise wisdom and knowledge. I don’t want to be foolish! And verse 33:but whoever listens to me will dwell safely and be secure without fear of evil. I know folks who live in fear and I don’t want to live in fear of the future or anything else
I was struck by verse 32 which states that “the turning away of the simple will slay them.” A note from the NET translation pointed out that the noun “turning away” is the same root word for the verb “turn” found in verse 23. It is a wordplay. The point is the simple should be turning towards wisdoms rebuke and not turning away because that will be the death of the simple.
I personally am struck with the Proverbs being instruction to a son, I assume Solomons. “My son” makes an appearance a few times in chapter 1.
God’s instructions God’s wisdom is what the son is instructioned to seek that is what his parents teach him. We as well are we to do the same to learn and grow in that instruction gaining God’s wisdom and knowledge. Sin is every where don’t be fooled, you cannot sway even a little it is death it seeks. God’s gospel is preached the wisdom and knowledge to live a life of safety and security in knowing God has a plan a future far better than what this world has to offer. But the world refuses to hear and listen and destructions is coming. These are my thoughts on Proverbs 1.
Through Solomon, God makes it clear that wisdom comes from studying His Word. In Proverbs 1:1-6, He essentially says, “This is it. This is the way.” He then contrasts this with a life lived apart from His instruction—a path marked by sin and foolishness.
What stood out to me this morning was verse 22:
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?”
God isn’t merely suggesting that wisdom is beneficial; He sees it as essential. It’s not optional—it’s a foundational part of His plan for humanity.
Proverbs 1…
I remember when we first started learning God’s truth, my mind could not understand the personification of Wisdom it confused me.
“Proverbs 1:20
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.”
As time went on, having been brought up Catholic, it was also difficult for me to hang onto a proper fear of God, that He wasn’t mean and that fearing Him meant having respect and reverence which produced willing obedience not forced for fear of punishment.
“Proverbs 1:7 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Now many years later, I cling to God’s promises; His love, forgiveness and mercy knowing listening to Him and obeying His Law is having an abundant life – one without fear and anxiety.
“Proverbs 1:33 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
I’ve never paid enough attention to the first few verses of this chapter! Verses 1-6 lay out the purpose of the book. There are five “to” statements, but the last one especially is easy for me to overlook:
“To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles” (verse 6).
The Proverbs are riddles we have to sit with and untangle. The Internet has me used to arguments made via memes—short, snarky retorts with little depth. Proverbs are short but can’t be skimmed—if I’m not willing to ponder, I’m not willing to understand.
I totally agree! Reading a Chapter a day and reflecting and pondering on it helps so much more than just rote reading to check a box off from a daily to do list.
So grateful to you for starting up this Read & Reflect program. It has been a wonderful help to me.
I’m so glad it’s been useful! It has for me, too, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone’s comments come through. It’s nice to be doing this as a group!
Verse 7 and verse 33 seem to wrap it up in a nice package for me verse 7 : the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ( so there’s where to start , it’s a process) but fools despise wisdom and knowledge. I don’t want to be foolish! And verse 33:but whoever listens to me will dwell safely and be secure without fear of evil. I know folks who live in fear and I don’t want to live in fear of the future or anything else
I was struck by verse 32 which states that “the turning away of the simple will slay them.” A note from the NET translation pointed out that the noun “turning away” is the same root word for the verb “turn” found in verse 23. It is a wordplay. The point is the simple should be turning towards wisdoms rebuke and not turning away because that will be the death of the simple.
I personally am struck with the Proverbs being instruction to a son, I assume Solomons. “My son” makes an appearance a few times in chapter 1.
Oh, neat! Love the NET for footnotes like that. Highlights stuff that rarely survives translation.
God’s instructions God’s wisdom is what the son is instructioned to seek that is what his parents teach him. We as well are we to do the same to learn and grow in that instruction gaining God’s wisdom and knowledge. Sin is every where don’t be fooled, you cannot sway even a little it is death it seeks. God’s gospel is preached the wisdom and knowledge to live a life of safety and security in knowing God has a plan a future far better than what this world has to offer. But the world refuses to hear and listen and destructions is coming. These are my thoughts on Proverbs 1.
Through Solomon, God makes it clear that wisdom comes from studying His Word. In Proverbs 1:1-6, He essentially says, “This is it. This is the way.” He then contrasts this with a life lived apart from His instruction—a path marked by sin and foolishness.
What stood out to me this morning was verse 22:
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?”
God isn’t merely suggesting that wisdom is beneficial; He sees it as essential. It’s not optional—it’s a foundational part of His plan for humanity.
Proverbs 1…
I remember when we first started learning God’s truth, my mind could not understand the personification of Wisdom it confused me.
“Proverbs 1:20
The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.”
As time went on, having been brought up Catholic, it was also difficult for me to hang onto a proper fear of God, that He wasn’t mean and that fearing Him meant having respect and reverence which produced willing obedience not forced for fear of punishment.
“Proverbs 1:7 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Now many years later, I cling to God’s promises; His love, forgiveness and mercy knowing listening to Him and obeying His Law is having an abundant life – one without fear and anxiety.
“Proverbs 1:33 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
I’ve never paid enough attention to the first few verses of this chapter! Verses 1-6 lay out the purpose of the book. There are five “to” statements, but the last one especially is easy for me to overlook:
“To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles” (verse 6).
The Proverbs are riddles we have to sit with and untangle. The Internet has me used to arguments made via memes—short, snarky retorts with little depth. Proverbs are short but can’t be skimmed—if I’m not willing to ponder, I’m not willing to understand.
I totally agree! Reading a Chapter a day and reflecting and pondering on it helps so much more than just rote reading to check a box off from a daily to do list.
So grateful to you for starting up this Read & Reflect program. It has been a wonderful help to me.
I’m so glad it’s been useful! It has for me, too, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone’s comments come through. It’s nice to be doing this as a group!