Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 1

Verses 1-7

Pro 1:1-7

Proverbs 1:1-7

SOLOMON’S INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS SONS (Proverbs 1-9)

"Here we have the title and purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-7), the admonition to heed parental instruction (Proverbs 1:8-9), the necessity of avoiding evil companions (Proverbs 1:10-19), and the warnings by which Wisdom cries aloud to all men (Proverbs 1:20-31).”

Proverbs 1:1-7

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of

David, the king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction;

To discern the words of understanding;

To receive instruction in wise dealing,

In righteousness, justice and equity;

To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion:

That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;

And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:

To understand a proverb, and a figure,

The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge;

But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction."

"Some commentators interpret these words as the introduction to the whole book”; but, they are a kind of prelude to this first portion. However, it is also true that they stand appropriately enough as a fitting introduction to the whole book. Right here, we have a statement of what the Book of Proverbs is all about.

There are several words in these verses that, although not exactly synonyms, are nevertheless directly related to wisdom; and in its totality, "That wisdom is the Divine science by which men are enabled to discern their best end and to know how to pursue it by the most proper means.”

"Wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2). "Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge aright." The Christian has a great advantage over those who were guided by the Old Testament.; because, "For of him (God) are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God. and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

"Instruction" (Proverbs 1:2). "This word appears twenty-six times in Proverbs, and the same Hebrew word is translated chasten.” The true meaning of the term in this context is discipline! This is that particular wisdom, the lack of the knowledge of which has ruined our entire generation. Parents, disobeying the Divine injunction regarding the disciplining of their offspring, are rearing animals instead of men and women; and from this failure in thousands of instances today, our children have become haters and even killers of their own parents.

"Prudence to the simple" (Proverbs 1:4). Prudence is a quality of wisdom that takes into account the future consequences of one’s behavior. Foresight and forethought are among the synonyms. "The simple here is not a reference to a simpleton. The word is used fourteen times in Proverbs; and it designates the opposite of a moral man. It does not mean a simpleton in our use of the term, but a sinner, a rascal.”

"Knowledge" (Proverbs 1:4). Knowledge primarily means information of any kind; but in Proverbs the knowledge that is advocated is beneficial, especially as it pertains to the desirable relationship that a Christian has with the Creator and with his fellow-humans.

"Discretion" (Proverbs 1:4). Here is a quality of wisdom that has respect for what is desirable and appropriate as contrasted with that which is opposite. Especially, it regards the feelings and circumstances of others who may see our actions or hear our words.

"Learning" (Proverbs 1:5). Learning implies the ability to execute, practice, or apply information. One may have a theoretical knowledge of how to play baseball; but no one ever learned to play the game: without practice. The very word "hear" as used in the Old Testament carries the imperative "to obey."

"Sound counsels" (Proverbs 1:5). As any attorney will admit, `There is no knowledge as important as the knowledge of where to find it’! The true wisdom lies in the recognition of Him who alone is Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, even the blessed Savior himself. The Bible is the place of sound counsels, especially the New Testament

"Understanding" (Proverbs 1:2; Proverbs 1:6). True wisdom, in the last analysis, carries with it a dominant ingredient of what is commonly called horse sense, or just plain common sense; and the reader will find an incredibly large measure of this very thing in Proverbs. As Willard said, "God, in the Book of Proverbs, has made his divine will more easily understood.”

"The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). W. J. Deane noted that, "Most commentators regard this clause as the motto or symbol of the whole book,” and we heartily agree with this. Also, the alternative reading in the American Standard Version is most appropriate, "The fear of Jehovah is the chief part of wisdom." As Adam Clarke stated it, "No man can ever become truly wise, who does not begin with God, the fountain of wisdom; and he whose mind is influenced by the fear and love of God will learn more in a month than others will in a year.”

"The fear of Jehovah" (Proverbs 1:7). This is not a reference to abject craven fear, or terror, but to the awesome respect, honor, and deference to God and his will which automatically come to every mind that contemplates the omnipotence, glory, and holiness of Almighty God. "This expression is found fourteen times in Proverbs.”

Other scriptures where similar thoughts are written include: Isaiah 11:2-3; Psalms 2:11; Job 28:28; and Proverbs 8:13.

Proverbs 1:1. A “proverb” is a wise saying. Solomon (the author of all the book except the final chapters) was famous for the proverbs that he spoke—and he spoke 3,000 of them (1 Kings 4:32), which is more than we have in this book. “Solomon is the first of the sacred writers whose name stands at the head of his “works” (“Clarke”). Because the first 9 chapters of the book are extended material (chiefly on wisdom) rather than short sayings, though the title of the book is “Proverbs”, Proverbs 10:1 is where the actual “sayings” themselves begin (note that verse). Solomon was David’s son by Bathsheba, who had been the wife of Uriah (Matthew 1:6). He became king of Israel during his father’s final days of infirmity even though his brother Adonijah (Adonijah had a different mother than Solomon) had tried to beat him out of the kingship (1 Kings 1:5-40).

Proverbs 1:2. The purpose of this divine book is spelled out in a series of infinitives. “Wisdom” is the goal, and “instruction” is the method of gaining it. The end-result is that the listener himself will be able “to discern the words of understanding” by having this divine wisdom laid up in his mind and heart.

Proverbs 1:3. The instruction to be given was to teach “wise dealing” (wisdom and prudence), “righteousness” (not show how to “beat somebody out of what was rightfully his”), and “justice and equity” (what is fair and honest). Oh, that all our education were bent on making men right, honest, and upright and not merely to make them richer by whatever means they may follow to become such!

Proverbs 1:4. Sayings (whether Biblical sayings or otherwise) are made by older, wiser people who have been over many of the roads of life and who desire to pass on portions of their knowledge to the younger and to the lesser experienced. Actually, then, when one knows, quotes, and follows time-honored sayings, he is actually speaking and being guided by a knowledge superior to that which he would know on his own.

Proverbs 1:5. This verse goes a step farther: it shows that the wise and experienced also profit by the wisdom and sayings of others. Nobody is a first-hand expert in all fields so that he cannot profit by the wisdom of others in those fields in which he has not the opportunity to turn his special attention. But even if he has, he may still profit by the wisdom couched in such sayings of others. In fact, it is the wise who are always seeking to advance their knowledge, and a wise man is a joy to teach: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:9).

Proverbs 1:6. We live in a world where figures of speech, informed comparisons, big and technical words, etc. are often heard. If we are not posted in the understanding and handling of such, we can draw wrong conclusions, misuse words, and in general betray our ignorance. Thus, Proverbs 26:7; Proverbs 26:9 both speak of a “parable in the mouth of fools”. The Bible also employs the parabolic in its teachings (“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old”—Psalms 78:2). Jesus spoke many things in parables and at times used language that confounded His hearers. Even the disciples were able to grasp the meaning of other forms of expression more readily: “Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no dark saying” (John 16:29). Prophecy (especially the book of Revelation) is written in such a way that one needs a good knowledge of history to understand its symbols and predictions. Peter acknowledges that Paul’s writings contain “some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest” (2 Peter 3:16).

Proverbs 1:7. We might say that this verse contains the first actual proverb or saying in the book, and it rightfully begins where the whole Bible itself begins—with God (Jehovah). “The fear of the Lord signifies that religious reverence which every intelligent being owes to his Creator...No man can ever become truly wise who does not begin with God” (“Clarke”). Other like passages of the fear of Jehovah as the beginning of wisdom: Proverbs 9:10; Psalms 111:10; Job 28:28. The implied contrast within our verse is that the “foolish” do not “fear” Jehovah and, therefore, “despise wisdom and instruction.” Note Proverbs 1:1 for the connection between “wisdom” and “instruction”. Those who do not fear come to despise. 2 Peter 2:10 shows this: “...despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities.” Special instructions, both in the Old and New Testaments, grow out of this fact: “Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words” (Proverbs 23:9): “Neither cast your pearls before swine, lest haply they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6).

Verses 1-9

Pro 1:1-9

The purpose of the proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-9):

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel” (Proverbs 1:1). As stated in the introduction, a proverb is a maxim (truisms), comparison, noting likenesses in things unlike. The book begins by identifying its author; i.e., Solomon the son of king David.

“To know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding” (Proverbs 1:2). By the examination of comparisons or parallels through instruction one gains understanding and wisdom. The one who engages in the pursuit of wisdom through proverbs sharpens his understanding in matters of riddles, enigmas, and dark sayings (cf. Proverbs 1:6). The sharpening of one’s understanding is "discernment" (i.e., the ability to differentiate or distinguish between things). The wise will differentiate between right and wrong.

“To receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness and justice and equity” (Proverbs 1:3). The proverbs of Solomon deal in wisdom, instruction, and discernment. The wise will "receive" and the foolish shall reject "instruction." The instruction is in "righteousness" and therefore forms the thinking in a right direction. The instruction is in "justice" and therefore helps us form just judgments upon not only ourselves but our fellow man. The instruction is in "equity" and therefore teaches the wise to be fair and impartial in judgments. Let all look to the facts alongside the word of God for proper judgments and not allow emotionalism to cloud one’s judgment.

“To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion:” (Proverbs 1:4). The word “simple” is defined as “the foolish, silly, one who allows him self to be easily persuaded or led astray.”¹ The word “simple” is found 18 times in Proverbs and six other times in the entire Bible. “Prudence” (phronesis) = “a minding to do so and so, purpose, intention... thoughtfulness, prudence” (LS 872). The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word as, “careful management... the capacity for judging in advance the probable results of one’s actions” (AHD 998). The prudent is cautious and careful in all his dealings. The simple are easily carried away with every wind of doctrine (Cf. Romans 16:18-19). The proverbs are therefore designed to sharpen the mind of the simple through knowledge and discretion. The young man who gains wisdom will be careful and cautious when any teaching is brought his way. He will be cautious and careful when making a decision to do this or that.

The word “that” always indicates purpose. Solomon records that the purpose of a proverb is that “the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; and that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels” (Proverbs 1:5). Godliness is an education process (Cf. Isaiah 54:13; John 6:44; Ephesians 4:20-22). Understanding through education leads one to “attain unto sound counsels.” “To explain, to make to understand: one who is caused to understand or who lets himself be informed, and thus an intelligent person – that is one who may gain by means of these proverbs.”² “Literally, the power to ‘steer’ his course rightly on the dangerous seas of life.”

“To understand a proverb, and a figure, the words of the wise, and their dark sayings” (Proverbs 1:6). Herein we see another purpose of studying the proverbs. One gains a habit of thinking on a higher plain. The mind is thus bent to seek out understanding. That which one seeks to understand is the words of the wise, figures, enigmas or dark sayings that have spiritual meanings.

“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). Fear = “feminine of 3373; fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence:--X dreadful, X exceedingly, fear (-fulness)” (Strong’s). Those who fear God are those who reverentially fear Him because He is the Potentate King of kings (see 1 Timothy 6:15). Fear is evidenced in man through obedience to God’s commands (see Deuteronomy 5:29; Deuteronomy 6:1-3; Titus 3:8; 1 Peter 1:17). To fear is to be aware of the fierce anger and wrath of God against law breakers (Deuteronomy 19:19-21; 1 Timothy 5:20; Revelation 14). Moses (see Deuteronomy 9:19), David (2 Samuel 6:9), early Christians (Acts 9:31), and Paul (2 Corinthians 5:11) had this fear. The Bible paints an obvious picture of the error of not possessing such fear (see Numb. 12:1, 7-8; 2 Samuel 1:14; Jeremiah 5:22-24). Fear caries with it the idea of reverential submission to those in positions that deem honor (see Romans 13:7).

To "despise" is “a primitive root; to disrespect:--contemn, despise, X utterly” (Strong’s). The Greek equivalent is kataphroneo which is defined as “to think in disparagement of; to contemn, scorn, despise, to slight... disregard” (Moulton 222). This is the disposition of the false teacher (see 2 Peter 2:10) and obviously the founding principle for all who have trouble submitting to God’s laws or the laws of man.

Solomon defines the "foolish" one in Ecclesiastes as one who is so far removed from reverential and fearful respect of God’s laws that he doesn’t even know that he is in sin (Ecclesiastes 5:1).

The sinful disregard the things of God and thereby are opposed to knowledge and wisdom. "Wisdom" ( Greek / sophia) = “knowledge of, acquaintance with a thing... sound judgment, intelligence, practical wisdom, such as was attributed to the Seven Wise men” (LS 737). Moulton defines the word as, "Practical wisdom, prudence, superior knowledge and enlightenment (see Colossians 2:23)... Christian enlightenment (see 1 Corinthians 12:8 etc.)" (Moulton 371).

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck" (Proverbs 1:8-9). Children are to learn very early in life what respect, honor, and fear is all about. Young people are to be taught, by their father and mother, to honor and fear those to whom honor and fear is due. Children who will not honor their father and their mother will certainly dishonor the name of Jehovah God and all others who are due honor (Ephesians 6:1-2). Such early principles of respect, reverence, and honor to those in authority will serve as "a chaplet of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck." The young man or woman who listens, learns, and makes reverence respect and honor to those in authority a part of their moral character will be likened unto one with a crown and jewels about the neck (the moral character is examined here - see 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:4-5).

Verses 8-9

Pro 1:8-9

Proverbs 1:8-9

COMMAND TO HEED PARENTAL INSTRUCTIONS

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father,

And forsake not the law of thy mother:

For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head,

And chains about thy neck."

Ephesians 6:1-4 incorporates this proverb into the gospel of the Son of God; and any society that tolerates and encourages the disrespectful and disobedient behavior of children toward their parents will invariably reap bitter fruits of it. The sacred promise of God himself to obedient children is length of life and a condition of well-being. Despite the fact that "Time and chance happen unto all men," many a man, including this writer, can bear witness of God’s truth in these magnificent promises.

"A chaplet ... and chains about thy neck" (Proverbs 1:9). "To the Israelite’s mind, no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland around the head, or the gold chain around the neck, worn by kings and their favorites (Genesis 41:42; Daniel 5:29).” The meaning of this is that there is a loving grace that rests upon respectful and obedient children which is comparable to the highest honor that even kings may pay to their favorites.

Proverbs 1:8. Though Solomon had many wives and concubines (700 of the first and 300 of the second—1 Kings 11:3), and we consequently assume numerous sons, it is a surprising fact that we know the name of only one of his sons (Rehoboam, who succeeded him on the throne in Jerusalem). It is likely that the material presented in Proverbs that says, “My son” (this verse: Proverbs 1:15, Proverbs 2:1; Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 3:11; etc.), was originally Solomon’s material to his son Rehobaom. However, the expression, “My sons” (plural), occurs four times in the book (Proverbs 4:1; Proverbs 5:7; Proverbs 7:24; Proverbs 8:32), in which we have Solomon’s teaching to all of his sons. Solomon employed “my son” in two noticeable ways: to begin with a section to make the teaching more personal to the son (as in Proverbs 1:15; Proverbs 6:3; and others. When he uses the expression to begin a section of material, he usually tells what listening to his instruction will mean to his life (see Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 4:10; and others) before actually proceeding to present the section of material. One final thought on our verse: Both parents have important parts in a child’s rearing—the “instruction of thy father”, the “law of thy mother”. In far too many homes the instruction and rearing of the children becomes the responsibility of but one instead of both, or the mother does the instructing, but the father is the disciplinarian who lays down the “law.”

Proverbs 1:9. A chaplet is a wreath or garland that the victor wore on his head. When Joseph was promoted to a ruler in Egypt, they “put a gold chain about his neck”, he rode in Egypt’s “second chariot”, and they cried before him, “Bow the knee” (Genesis 41:43). Following the sound teachings of the father would bring the son to great dignity as well as give a beauty to his life. The elements of good character are likened to spiritual ornaments. Women particularly are warned in physical charm: “Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing of jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4). See 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Proverbs 3:22.

STUDY QUESTIONS - Proverbs 1:1-9

1. Compile background information on Solomon besides the 2 things mentioned in Proverbs 1:1.

2. What other books of the Bible did Solomon write?

3. The first purpose of Proverbs is to help one know ............. (Proverbs 1:2-6).

4. What is the meaning of “discern” (Proverbs 1:2)?

5. What is meant by “wise dealing” (Proverbs 1:3)?

6. What is the meaning of “equity” (Proverbs 1:3)?

7. What does “prudence” mean (Proverbs 1:4)?

8. What would be the purpose of Proverbs to one who is already wise (Proverbs 1:5)?

9. What is meant by “dark sayings” (Proverbs 1:6)?

10. What is the first proverb (or wise saying) in the book Proverbs 1:7?

11. What in Proverbs 1:8 shows that mothers should join fathers in laying down the law to their children?

12. What was a “chaplet” (Proverbs 1:9)?

13. What New Testament passages also describe virtues as ornaments (Proverbs 1:9)?

Verses 10-19

Pro 1:10-19

Have no fellowship with those who despise

Authority, wisdom, and Instruction (Proverbs 1:10-19):

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, come with us, let us lay wait for blood; let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause; let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, and whole, as those that go down into the pit; we shall find all precious substance; we shall fill our houses with spoil; Thou shalt cast thy lot among us; we will all have one purse:" (Proverbs 1:10-14). The scriptures warn of making friends with or sharing in the sins of the wicked who despise the authorized word of Jehovah God (see 1 Corinthians 15:33). To the mind of the wise (those instructed in the ways of righteousness and who have not despised the wise instruction of their father and mother) such words are foolishness and there is to be no desire for such conduct or company.

"My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. for in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: and these lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; it takes away the life of the owners thereof" (Proverbs 1:15-19). Notice that Solomon speaks to his listeners as though he were our father giving instructions to us as sons. Any father in his right mind would warn his children not to follow the paths of the evil (Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:22; Revelation 18:4). Wicked men have a hardened desire for money and such will do ungodly things to obtain it (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Verses 20-33

Pro 1:20-33

Wisdom calls unto the Simple yet she is Rejected

(Proverbs 1:20-33):

"Wisdom cries aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the broad places; she cries in the chief place of concourse; at the entrance of the gates, in the city, she utters her words:" (Proverbs 1:20-21). Wisdom (sound judgment, forethought, insight, enlightenment) is personified as one who cries out to people in the street, broad places, places of business, and all over the city. Wisdom is at men’s grasp yet so many refuse to use her. She cries to be used and made a part of man’s life yet many reject her.

"How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And scoffers delight them in scoffing, and fools hate knowledge? turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you; I will make known my words unto you" (Proverbs 1:22-23). Again, the "simple ones" are those who are foolish, silly, one who easily allows himself to be led astray by the wicked (see Proverbs 1:4). Notice that such men "love simplicity, delight in scoffing, and hate knowledge." Jeremiah said, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jeremiah 5:31). Wisdom begs and pleads with men to consider her instruction so that she may be a part of their character and help them.

"Because I have called, and ye have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man hath regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:" (Proverbs 1:24-25). No man or woman may exclaim, "But wisdom did not knock at my door... invite me to her council, or desired to be a part of my life." Wisdom, through Jehovah’s precepts, has always been a part of man’s make up and a part of God’s divine revelation. People reject it because it is not what they want in this life. The prophet Isaiah records, "I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, that walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts;" (Isaiah 65:2).

"I also will laugh in the day of your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes; when your fears comes as a storm, and your calamity comes on as a whilrwind; when distress and anguish come upon you. Then will they call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of Jehovah. They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof" (Proverbs 1:24-30). Those who harden their hearts against Jehovah God in that they despise dominion, knowledge, and instruction will not find Jehovah when they need Him most. Those who live opposed to Jehovah’s laws are depicted as hating knowledge, lacking in fear toward Jehovah, those who reject the Lord’s counsel, and despise all correction. Herein is a rebellious selfish person who does not understand the big picture of life. He sees only what is in front of his eyes for the immediate gratification of the flesh.

"Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, and the careless ease of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell securely, and shall be quiet without fear of evil" (Proverbs 1:31-33). The hardhearted shall go to their grave with their own devices and own ways of doing things. Said men reject the authorized instructions and guidance of the Holy Spirit for their own ways and devices. Later Solomon writes, " The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel" (Proverbs 12:15).

Solomon begins the Proverbs by identifying both the wise and foolish. Wisdom is identified as being sound in judgment, having insight and understanding. The wise are prudent (cautious and careful), discerning (differentiate between things like good and evil), receive instructions from divine revelation, father, and mother, and fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:4-9). The fool, on the other hand, despises wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 1:30). The fool is irritated at instruction because his love is directed toward simplicity. The fool scoffs at and hates knowledge (Proverbs 1:22). Both the wise and the foolish shall "eat the fruit of their ways."