24.211 | THE FEAR OF THE LORD | Proverbs 1:1-7 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Proverbs 1:1-7 (ESV)

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.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

We are introduced to Proverbs as coming from King Solomon. Solomon was given incredible intelligence and wisdom by God (1 Kings 3:1–15; 2 Chron 1:7–13). Sadly, though wisdom is the capacity to do right, Solomon didn't always choose correctly. The book of Ecclesiastes details some of his experiences and his discovery that God's ways really are the best ways after all.

His purpose is for man to be wise. He mentioned the four levels of awareness; learning, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Learning is acquiring raw information. Knowledge is information that has been remembered for future use. Wisdom is the capacity to make the right choices, based upon knowledge and information. Understanding is a deeper form of wisdom, which can be passed along to others.

Proverbs are wise instructions. If received well, it may result to these four character traits; wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity. Receiving righteousness is learning to live a moral life. The word translated as justice means "discretion" or "determination;" it is the term used for a verdict or judgment. The third character trait to receive is discernment, or the ability to judge information and situations. Finally, equity means "prosperity and agreement." It is about treating others equitably or fairly.

Resultingly, a wise person will give insight to the simple, knowledge, and discernment to the young. The term "simple" here does not mean "stupid." Rather, it refers to someone uneducated or unaware. The same term is often translated as "inexperienced," or "naïve." This is a solemn responsibility of parents toward their children. The ideal motivation in seeking wisdom is not so much obtaining it for ourselves, but attaining a position where we can guide others. Those who have knowledge and understanding have an inherent responsibility to guide, or give "wise counsel." We should not hoard our wisdom and hide it. We must train others, likewise, to live wisely.

Moreover, the wise will continue to increase in learning. It’s not an attainment. The world is our classroom of endless learning. Wise men should understand proverbs and riddles. A "riddle," or "dark saying" in KJV is ‘hidah’ referring to a figure of speech or other indirect statements. Specifically, it means a statement that requires careful interpretation.

In what way can we approach learning rightly?

Solomon has said the key is to fear the Lord. It’s the beginning, meaning foundation. In the original Hebrew phrasing, "the beginning" does not point to knowledge, but instead belongs with the "fear of the Lord." The same phrase can be more literally translated as "giving priority to." In this context, the term "beginning" means the chief place in time, space, and order. Our reverence in God is the primary platform on becoming wise. When a person worships the true God, he would apply his knowledge rightly – to please God and help his fellow men.

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