Proverbs 1:1-33
Wisdom for Living Well with Others
To live with a sense of security is an attractive prospect for life and eternity. Wisdom call us to live in fearless confidence personally and in community. Note that verse 33, the last verse in chapter one, says it is possible to “dwell secure and…be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Chapter one reveals four steps to present and future security.
Step 1
vs. 7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” There will be no security in life or eternity without this first, essential step.
Step 2
vs. 8-9 “Hear, my child, your father’s instruction and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” Listen to the people who love us and who only want what is good for us. Their counsel will be wise.
Step 3
vs. 10-19 “If sinners entice you, do not consent.” The warning is to avoid the evil companions who would corrupt good morals.
Step 4
vs. 20-33 “Wisdom cries aloud (vs. 20) …whoever listens to me will dwell secure” (vs. 33). This step has us listening to divine wisdom. The most frightening statement about step four is that if we ignore the call of wisdom long enough, she may cease calling. At that point, disaster is immanent, “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord” (vs. 29; cf. 1:7).
For discussion and additional enlightenment:
What is the function/goal of Proverbs? See 1:1-6.
What is “fear of the Lord?”
Who in your life has helped steer you from disaster or guided you well with advice?
How do 1 Cor. 15:33 and James 4:7-8 relate to Prov. 1?