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“The Introduction of Wisdom (Proverbs 1)”
The Introduction Of Wisdom (Proverbs 1)
Wade Webster
When a person thinks of wisdom, they naturally think of Solomon. Solomon, the wisest man of the Old Testament period, was endowed with wisdom by the all-wise God that he served (I Kings 4:29). Much of the wisdom that he was given is recorded in the inspired book of Proverbs. It is in this book, and in the first chapter particularly, that Solomon introduces us to wisdom.
First, we are introduced to the IMPORTANCE of wisdom (vs. 1-6). The importance of wisdom is seen in several ways in these opening verses. (1) Solomon states that the proverbs were written that man might know wisdom (1:1-2). Certainly, wisdom must be extremely important for a book to be written to encourage men to know it. (2) The importance of wisdom is seen in the words that Solomon uses in connection with it. He uses such words as "instruction," "understanding," "justice," "judgment," "knowledge," and "discretion," in connection with wisdom. In the book, Solomon stresses the importance of each of these words. Of the word "instruction" which is used twice in stressing the importance of wisdom, Solomon said, "Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life" (Prov. 4:13; cf. 10:17; 23:23). The word "understanding" is also used in connection with wisdom. In stressing its' importance, Solomon said, "...with all thy getting get understanding" (Prov. 4:7; cf. 16:16, 22; 19:8; 23:23). Of the words "justice" and "judgment" he said, "To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice" (Prov. 21:3). Likewise, he uses the word "knowledge" to stress the importance of wisdom. Of knowledge, Solomon said, "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold" (Prov. 8:10; cf. 24:4, 14). Of the word "discretion" Solomon said, "Discretion shall preserve thee..." (Prov. 2:11). Since the importance of each of these words is stressed by Solomon, the importance of wisdom is multiplied because it is used in connection with each of them. (3) The importance of wisdom is also seen in the fact that the words "wisdom" and "wise" occur five times in the first six verses. From the outset of the book, Solomon wants to impress us with the importance of wisdom.
Second, we are introduced to the INCEPTION of wisdom (vs. 7-19). Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7; cf. 9:10; Psa. 111:10). Solomon says that wisdom begins with the proper attitude toward God - reverence. When a man has the proper reverence for God, he is then ready to receive the wisdom that God gives. Solomon wrote, "The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility" (Prov. 15:33; Job 28:28; Psa. 25:12; 112:1). It is for this reason that Solomon would later say that the whole duty of man is summed up in fearing God and keeping His commandments (Eccl. 12:13). In the context of Proverbs 1, Solomon is addressing a young man, possibly, his own son. Three times he uses the expression, "my son" (1:8, 10, 15) to address the young man, who by reason of age, has not yet reached the level of wisdom that he needs. No doubt, he is trying to emphasize the importance of fearing God at an early age so that this young man can attain the wisdom that he needs to face the problems of youth. Often, young people are grown before they possess the wisdom that they needed years before (Eccl. 12:1). By gaining this wisdom in their youth, they will learn the lessons that their parents are trying to teach them and avoid things that could ruin their lives (Prov. 1:8-19).
Third, we are introduced to the INVITATION of wisdom (vs. 20-33). In the context, Solomon pictures wisdom as a lovely lady crying out to men (1:20). Solomon says that she cries "without," "in the streets," "in the chief places of the concourse," "in the opening of the gates," and "in the city"(1:20-21). These places represent all the areas of society. The rich and the poor, the small and the great, the servant and the master are all called to seek wisdom. No man is without a need for her. She blesses the lives of all those who possess her and follow her. It is also important to notice that wisdom cries for men to seek her (1:20, 24). No one is forced to seek wisdom. Man is left to make the choice. Sadly, Solomon points out that many men will not seek wisdom although she is calling out to them (Prov. 1:22-25). Those who reject wisdom have no one to blame but themselves when calamity comes (1:26-32). However, those who accept wisdom will "dwell safely, and be quiet from fear of evil" (1:33).
In this chapter, we have seen the importance of wisdom, the inception of wisdom, and the invitation of wisdom. With this understanding of wisdom, we need to ask the Lord for wisdom (Jam. 1:5).
