Day 2
Today we’re going to meet Proverbs on its own terms and read through the first seven verses, the introduction to the book.
Proverbs 1:1–7 (NIV)
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Ask yourself
- What does Proverbs tell us about itself? What is its purpose?
- Who is this book for?
- What is the beginning of knowledge?
Read what others say
What is Wisdom?
From Tremper Longman:
“Wisdom is a rich concept and is not easily summarized…However, since we have to start somewhere, we will begin with the basic idea that wisdom is the skill of living. It is a practical knowledge that helps one know how to act and how to speak in different situations. Wisdom entails the ability to avoid problems, and the skill to handle them when they present themselves. Wisdom also includes the ability to interpret other people’s speech and writing in order to react correctly to what they are saying to us.”[1]
From John Goldingay
“The opening paragraph of Proverbs thus comes to a climax by declaring that the first principle of knowledge is awe for Yahweh, whereas stupid people despise wisdom and discipline; the opening chapter of Proverbs refers to knowing or knowledge six times. But the knowing isn’t expressed merely in achieving a high IQ or a high score in the Standardized Admissions Test (SAT). The point runs through the opening paragraph, which introduces many of Proverbs’ key words. The connection between what goes on in the head and what goes on in the life immediately appears in the link between wisdom and discipline. Increasing in wisdom is tied up with increasing in discipline…Getting hold of wisdom involves action.”[2]
Why should we read Proverbs?
From Tim Keller:
“Some commentators argue that the book of Proverbs was originally written as a manual to be studied by a community of young men under the mentorship of older men—for a number of years. Each proverb was to be discussed and considered and compared to the others. Examples from life were to be shared. In other words, Proverbs may have been written to be the basis for deep, comprehensive personal growth through mentoring in community. It touches on every area of life.”[3]
From Ellen Davis:
“A careful reading of Proverbs reveals a paradox…age-old wisdom occasions radically new thought in each generation. Yet, of course this must be so. For we human beings are learners, not creatures of instinct. Living a morally responsible life requires that we participate in a lifelong process of deep learning, and further, that we share in the most important task of each generation of adults: namely, guiding the young in the path of ‘wisdom,’ of profound reflection on what is good. The sages of ancient Israel are of inestimable help to us in meeting that responsibility.”[4]
Explore on your own
Watch this short five minute Bible Project video on the Book of Proverbs. It discusses book’s genre and purpose, and gives some insight on “ḥokmâḥ” (wisdom) and the “fear or the Lord.”
Pray
Acknowledge God as the source of all wisdom, who lovingly shares his ways with humanity for their good.
Confess ways that you desire to go your own way and rebel against God’s guidance. Accept his forgiveness. Ask the Spirit to guide and empower your faithful obedience.
Also, invite the Spirit to prepare your heart to receive wisdom from Proverbs over the course of this series. Commit to learning. Be open and ready for the Spirit to change you.
Talk about it
Have you found at least one person to discuss this study with? It can be a someone in your family or Life Group, or a friend or neighbor You can do it in person, on the phone, or even via text message. Having at least one other person to talk with and encourage you will help you get more out of Proverbs.
That being said, the “Talk about it” questions are still good to think through on your own.
- In your own life, how have you seen a link between wisdom and discipline?
- What do you think of the original way that Proverbs may have been used? Why would studying it in community with the intention of applying its wisdom be helpful?
- Although the primary responsibility for discipling children should reside with their parents, how can other adults help guide them in the path of wisdom?
[1] Tremper Longman III, How to Read Proverbs (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2002), 14–15.
[2] John Goldingay, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs for Everyone, Old Testament for Everyone (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2014), 8–9.
[3] Tim Keller, “Proverbs, Community, and the Culture” The Gospel Coalition, (May 1, 2010) https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/proverbs-community-and-the-culture/
[4] Ellen F. Davis, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs, ed. Patrick D. Miller and David L. Bartlett, Westminster Bible Companion (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000), 24.