January 1, 2024

How to Get Godly Wisdom

Proverbs 1

Blake Holmes
Monday's Devo

January 1, 2024

Monday's Devo

January 1, 2024

Monday's Devo

January 1, 2024

Monday's Devo

January 1, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely: God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1

The Beginning of Knowledge

1 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 Enticement of Sinners

8  Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
    and forsake not your mother's teaching,
9  for they are a graceful garland for your head
    and pendants for your neck.
10  My son, if sinners entice you,
    do not consent.
11  If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
    let us ambush the innocent without reason;
12  like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13  we shall find all precious goods,
    we shall fill our houses with plunder;
14  throw in your lot among us;
    we will all have one purse”—
15  my son, do not walk in the way with them;
    hold back your foot from their paths,
16  for their feet run to evil,
    and they make haste to shed blood.
17  For in vain is a net spread
    in the sight of any bird,
18  but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
    they set an ambush for their own lives.
19  Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
    it takes away the life of its possessors.

The Call of Wisdom

20  Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
    in the markets she raises her voice;
21  at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
    at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22  “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
23  If you turn at my reproof, 1 1:23 Or Will you turn away at my reproof?
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
    I will make my words known to you.
24  Because I have called and you refused to listen,
    have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25  because you have ignored all my counsel
    and would have none of my reproof,
26  I also will laugh at your calamity;
    I will mock when terror strikes you,
27  when terror strikes you like a storm
    and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
    when distress and anguish come upon you.
28  Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29  Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30  would have none of my counsel
    and despised all my reproof,
31  therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
    and have their fill of their own devices.
32  For the simple are killed by their turning away,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33  but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
    and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Footnotes

[1] 1:23 Or Will you turn away at my reproof?
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 1:2–6 These verses give the purpose and benefit of the book: it instills wisdom in the reader. The wisdom offered here is practical (instruction in wise dealing), intellectual (increase in learning), moral (righteousness, justice, and equity), and inquiring (to understand a proverb and . . . riddles). It is for all people, whether they are naive and untaught (the simple . . . the youth) or already experienced (let the wise hear).

Study Notes

1:1–7 Title, Goal, and Motto. After the title (v. 1), there is an introduction that describes the goal of the whole book (vv. 2–6) and the motto that underlies every instruction in the book (v. 7).

Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. This is the core truth of the book: the quest for wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (see 9:10 and Ps. 111:10). “Knowledge” and “wisdom” are closely tied together in Proverbs. “Knowledge” tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God. “Wisdom” is an acquired skill in the art of godly living. “Fear of the LORD” means to respect, obey, and worship only God (see Deut. 4:10). Pursuing wisdom by fearing the Lord distinguishes the biblical search for knowledge and wisdom from that of the surrounding cultures. Submission to the Lord is key to the attainment of real understanding (see Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10). By using the covenant name “the LORD” in preference to the more generic “God,” this verse shows that truth is found through Israel’s God alone. In addition, the verse asserts that fools despise wisdom and instruction, thus contrasting the two ways of wisdom and folly. This contrast dominates the entire book.

Study Notes

Prov. 1:8 your father’s instruction . . . your mother’s teaching. The training in wisdom referred to in Proverbs includes instruction in the home by parents (see also 6:20; 23:22; 31:26).

Study Notes

Prov. 1:17–19 A bird that sees a fowler spreading a net is aware of the trap and will flee the danger rather than take the bait. However, those who seek to trap the innocent overlook the fact that they are setting an ambush for their own lives.

Study Notes

Prov. 1:31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way. A person’s actions both reveal the state of the heart and also help to shape a person’s character. Those who refuse to listen to Wisdom’s correction walk in a way that will ultimately produce calamity, terror, and destruction for their own lives. For a similar description of the two paths and their ends, see Jer. 6:16–19.

Study Notes

Prov. 1:20–33 Wisdom is personified here as a woman. She is pictured appealing to simple ones, scoffers, and fools to pay attention to her words. Wisdom speaks in a way that recalls the words of the Lord (e.g., I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you, v. 23).

S3:001 Proverbs 1

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Dive Deeper | Proverbs 1

The phrase "the fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 1:7) confuses many of us. The idea of fearing the Lord conflicts with what we imagine God to be like. The Lord is our shepherd (Psalm 23:1), our protector (Psalm 18:1-3), and our comfort (Psalm 71:21). So, what does it mean to "fear the Lord"?

To "fear the Lord" is to rightly know and revere Him for who He is.

In his classic work The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer writes: "All the problems of heaven and earth, though they were to confront us together and at once, would be nothing compared with the overwhelming problem of God: That He is; what He is like; and what we as moral beings must do about Him." 

This statement captures the idea behind Solomon's plea to his children to fear the Lord and obey His instructions. Like any good parent, Solomon wanted the best for his children and longed for them to know and follow God.

When my kids were younger, I remember telling them, "God's way is the best way." I wanted to instill in them the idea that God's Word was not only true but beneficial. The wise obey the Lord's instructions despite what their hearts may desire or the world may promise. Of course, like all of us, they often learned the hard way and experienced the consequences of disobedience. 

Even now, as an adult who has walked with the Lord for many years, I need the reminder that "God's way is the best way." I need to turn down the noise of my flesh and worldly temptations, which attempt to drown out wisdom's call, and to follow the Lord's counsel. Otherwise, I will stray from the good the Lord desires for me to experience. 

The challenge facing each of us today is to trust that the Lord always has our best interests in mind and to know that His commands are for our protection and flourishing. When we truly believe this, we will better understand Him and experience the blessing of what it means to "fear the Lord."

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to "fear the Lord"? How does this idea influence your view of God?

2. What keeps you from believing that "God's way is the best way"?

3. What is the best counsel you received from your parents?

4. What counsel do you hope to pass on to your children? 

5. Read about Solomon's life in 1 Kings 1-11. Did he follow his own advice? What led to his success? His downfall?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

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Carlos Sepulveda

Amen and amen!! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
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Lindsey Driscoll

Q1. I think about trusting Gods commands, decrees, and laws- Deut 6, his teaching revealed through his son Heb 1 , and his work through the Holy Spirit - John 16 as fearing the Lord. Constantly trusting that his way is good as a perfect father. Over the past year I have found myself coming to God saying “I don’t think your way is good. But I know you are and I will trust you. change my heart to see your way is good.” Q4. I hope to pass on the understanding to my kids at a young age that choosing Gods way, righteousness, will truly Go well with them because God is a loving, just, perfect, holy God.
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Magdalena Iovescu

I was angry at God for a long time, because He didn't do things as I wanted to and expected. A conscious (and very hard) choice (v.29) to trust that God has my best in mind, even when my limited human mind said otherwise, took care of a lot of emotional burdens, and opened up a new life for me. Fear of God means for me to put Him in His proper place as Sovereign over every aspect of my life, and let go of desire to have Him help with my plans, but to pray that I change until the puzzle of my life fits into His plan instead.
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Hugh Stephenson

Good morning, Blake! How wonderful it is to see you leading off The Journey for the year! It’s even more special given the decision-making tool you put together from the Proverbs, “Should I”. It has been a HUGE blessing to me and Amy. I am thankful that it’s included in The Journey Journal this year. Thank you for a great devo. It’s a copy and paste reminder of how much I need God’s wisdom. Q1. Fear the LORD? It’s hard to add anything to the plain admonition of the text- Verse1 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” With knowledge I can be taught to apply it to gain wisdom- “2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,” More below… Q2. Nothing keeps me from believing God’s way is the best way…because I tried all the others, (Matthew 7:13-14). Q3. Best counsel from parents? “Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything”. Q4. Best counsel to kids? “Know God, Know peace. No God, No peace” Q5. I have loved Solomon’s story as a great example of what a Godly King can do when he walks with God. I’m taught that every day I have a choice to serve Him or serve self. It’s sad for me to read how Solomon chose foolishly. The lesson for me is that no one is safe from Satan’s temptations; even the wisest man who ever lived.
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Hugh Stephenson

Early in my sobriety and recovery, (about 2014), I was talking with a long-time client who is retired from a very successful business career and who has a wonderful and god-fearing family. He is revered and respected throughout Dallas. One of the recommendations he gave me was to read one chapter of Proverbs each day; on the 1st read Proverbs 1 etc. It was a transformational experience. What I discovered was that I typified the “fool”. There are lots of great teachings in the links below and elsewhere but the one I like is from the ESV SB Notes - -“Fools are people who are ignorant of truth because they're dull and stubborn. Their problem isn't a low IQ or poor education; their problem is a lack of spiritual desire to seek and find God's wisdom. Fools enjoy their foolishness but don't know how foolish they are! The outlook of fools is purely materialistic and humanistic. They hate knowledge and have no interest in things eternal." OUCH! ————————————- From the notes- “Proverbs states its theme right at the book’s beginning (1:1–7): its goal is to describe and instill “wisdom” in God’s people, a wisdom that is founded in the “fear of the LORD” and that works out covenant life in the practical details of everyday situations and relationships.” “Fear” in this passage is “iyr’â; morally- reverence, respect, reverence, piety”. I like the term “reverential awe”. Even so, sometimes it’s appropriate to be terrified. “There are no atheists in foxholes.” Among the most important truths I have been taught is that proverbs are not the same as promises. They can be linked to promises such as Proverbs 3:5-6. Also, they can reflect truths such as Proverbs 14:12. But care is to be taken with proverbs such as Proverbs 22:6. That said, the single most important truth is that fear leads to wisdom; and wisdom leads to a life that can be directly linked to blessings. For me, it’s the way to actual promises- Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28-30, and John 15:10-11. In the Prodigal Ministry we strive to equip our participants with Biblical knowledge that they can use to educate their prodigals, whether their prodigal be child, spouse, parents, sibling, or whatever. The Book of Proverbs are a key tool. Sadly, it’s an uphill battle for the participants. In a roundabout way its linked to Chris’s great message from Sunday, (paraphrasing), -Learn and live because the others way is really painful.
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Hugh Stephenson

Got Questions has a great list of questions about Proverbs https://www.gotquestions.org/questions-about-Proverbs.html A sample - Wisdom Literature - https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-literature.html Here’s a closing quotation- “Wisdom literature deals with how to live well. Those who want to maintain harmonious relationships with friends, family, and God; who wish to avoid foolish mistakes in everyday life; or who desire to raise their children in the fear of the Lord will turn to the wisdom literature of the Bible for advice.” On the fear of the Lord in 1:7 - https://www.gotquestions.org/fear-Lord-beginning-wisdom.html Part of the intro - “In the Bible, the word translated “fear” can mean several things. It can refer to the terror one feels in a frightening situation (Deuteronomy 2:25). It can mean “respect” in the way a servant fears his master and serves him faithfully (Joshua 24:14). Fear can also denote the reverence or awe a person feels in the presence of greatness (Isaiah 6:5). The fear of the Lord is a combination of all of these.” How are wisdom and knowledge different? - https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-knowledge.html From their intro - “Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. One can be knowledgeable without being wise.” I’d risk defining “knowledge” as “information”. When a person knows, or is taught, or learns how to apply it, knowledge goes from information to the foundation for “transformation”. What is a “fool”? https://www.gotquestions.org/fool-Proverbs.html Closing quotation - “Because God has infinite wisdom, the person who neglects God will naturally miss out on wisdom—he will become a fool. A fool is anyone who does not follow the warnings and commands of God. A fool lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, does not desire to avoid sin, and brags about his sinful actions.” Lastly, the Bible Project has some GREAT teachings on proverbs. Here is a link and a list- https://bibleproject.com/search/#?cludoquery=proverbs&cludopage=1&cludoinputtype=standard
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Jason Cromwell

The one thing I disagree with Solomon is: I personally have never known "Wisdom to Shout." In my life anger shouts, being irrational shouts. I have always found Wisdom to be a gentle whisper that you have to tune your ears and tune your heart into to hear it. To me "To fear God", as a Christian, is to understand that your righteousness comes from Jesus Finished Work and not because of anything we have done.
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Sue Bohlin

BLAKE! Good morning, Happy New Year, and THANK YOU for this wonderful devo! I read Proverbs 1 in the context of having just met with someone whose husband has blown up their lives with a foolish, fleshly, criminal choice. Apparently MY "next faithful step" is walking with my friend through the debris field of consequences. When she said that her husband has never feared the Lord, I was struck by how this the root of so MANY problems. I read today how Lady Wisdom basically says, "If you don't listen to me and follow through, you're gonna be in a world of hurt." Oh man. Is that the truth, or WHAT??!! "God's way is the best way" needs to be tattooed to the backs of our eyelids so we see it every time we close our eyes!
MS

Michael Scaman

Pc 3:5,6 is in the context of this leading to it. There is not forgetting God's word and binding it on your neck and then trusting it and being led. Hearing a verse not in context may miss that. Let's play this out in RAP-ture. Rap your heart around this by Chatty Cool Gpt: Yo, listen up, let me drop some knowledge on the street, Lady Wisdom and Dane Folly, they both compete, Openly calling to the simple, it's a daily feat, Life's a game, we start simple, choose your seat. Wisdom and folly, like a crossroads in the city, Decide your path, it ain't gonna be pretty, We all start simple, ain't no shame in that, But in the end, you marry wisdom or folly, that's a fact. Lady Wisdom's like a queen, she's got the keys, To success and knowledge, she'll put your mind at ease, Dane Folly, on the other hand, she's a sly one, Leading you astray, making sure you ain't done. So, choose your side wisely, make your call, In this street-smart game, you gotta stand tall, It's a journey from simple to the wise, In the end, it's your choice, don't compromise. So.... we might listen to all this and agree But Provers is only proverbial success from one angle and wisdom is many faceted so we have Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Job (the proverbial wise man who suffers) A Rapp-ort of All Wisdom by Older N Wieser Guuy : Yo, gather 'round, let the OG speak, I'm the elder in the game, wisdom's what I seek, Proverbs drop jewels, but Job poster child of wisdom still felt the pain, Life's a rollercoaster, ain't nothing to gain. See, Solomon came through with love so divine, But you gotta be cautious, even Solomon's divided heart cross the line. The right way to love, it's a delicate art, Hold it close to your chest, protect your heart. Ecclesiastes spits truth, don't chase the wind, Satisfaction's elusive, a game you can't win, Chasing pleasures and treasures, it's a dead-end road, Find meaning in purpose, let your story unfold. Psalms teach us the rhythm, the right way to vibe, Feelings and thoughts, let 'em circulate, subscribe, Worship ain't just words, it's truth, heart with head combined, Connect with the divine, let your soul unwind. So here's the wisdom, wrapped in a rap, Proverbs, Job, Solomon, Ecclesiastes on the map, Psalms guide your feelings, thoughts, and devotion, In this life's journey, find answers in God and not your own potion.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 1:7 Proverbs 1:7 (NASB) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; >>>Fools despise wisdom and instruction.<<< The second half of this verse prophetically portends the rejection of the Messiah, the very embodiment of wisdom and instruction. (Jn 1:1-5,11; Jn 7:7; Jn 15:18-25) Re: Pr 1:14 Proverbs 1:14 (NASB) Throw in your lot with us, >>>We shall all have one purse,”<<< This verse sounds like socialism. Re: Pr 1:16 pp Isa 59:7, Rom 3:15 Re: Pr 1:24 Proverbs 1:24 (NASB) “Because >>>>I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention<<<; Again, we come to a verse which, in hindsight, seems prophetic. Its anthropomorphism portends the rejection of the Messiah. In short, the hand/arm of G-d is a type of the Despised Messiah (i.e. Yeshua, Jesus). See Ex 7:5; Isa 40:10; 52:10; 53:1; 59:1; Jn 12:38. Interestingly, the Hebrew for "arm" in Isa 52:10 and Isa 53:1 is "zeroa"...the same word used to refer to the lamb shank bone found on any Passover Seder plate today. cf. “…you were unwilling…” “…you would not have it…” in Mt 23:37; Lk 13:34 cf. “…no one esteemed him…” in Isa 53:3 Re: Pr 1:29-30 cf. Jn 5:39-47 Re: Pr 1:33 Proverbs 1:33 (NASB) “But >>>he who listens to me shall live securely<<< And will be at ease from the dread of evil.” cf. Hab 2:4b, Rom 1:17b
AL

Amy Lowther

1. To me it means I know I have work to do and I haven’t begun doing it yet though I know I should and the Lord does too. “Fearing the Lord” decreases with reading the Bible, listening to sermons, and applying what is learned in daily life. “Fearing the Lord” influences me to do a little bit of work each day so I do not fear anything. 2. Nothing. God works to have a relationship with each and everyone of us and loves us unconditionally. So for these reasons, “God’s way is the best way”. 3. The best counsel I have received from my birth parents is in regards to the value of initiating conversations. 4. If everything seems to be wrong, and no one seems to be helping you, look for God and pray to Him. God will be there for you. 5. Solomon followed his own advice in 1 Kings 1-11 and broke his covenant with the Lord. Following the Lord led Solomon to his success. Listening to his wives more than listening to the Lord led Solomon to his downfall. Blake - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made a good point in saying “The challenge facing each of us today is to trust that the Lord always has our best interests in mind”. When we read in the Bible, attend service on Sunday, and apply what we learn in daily life, we know the Lord has our best interests in mind and values each of us.