PROVERBS (1 - 1)

0. Introduction

a) The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, passes on his practical advice in the form of proverbs. A proverbs is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth.

b) Proverbs covers a wide range of topics, including youth and discipline, family life, self-control and resisting temptation, business matters, words and the tongue, knowing God, marriage, seeking the truth, wealth and property, immorality, and, of course, wisdom. Although they are not meant to teach doctrine, a person who follows their advice will walk closely with God.

c) As you read Proverbs, understand that knowing God is the key to wisdom. Listen to the thoughts and lessons from the world's wisest man, and apply these truths to your life. Don't just read these proverbs; act on them!

1. Proverbs 1 (1)

a) The Beginning of Knowledge (Proverbs 1:1-7)

i) The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

² To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
³ To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
⁴ To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
⁵ A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
⁶ To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.

⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1-7 NKJV)