Proverbs 1:7
Verse 7 contains one of four statements or purposes of Proverbs that serves as its cornerstone, asserting that true wisdom cannot come without reverent fear of God – not out of terror, but out of reverence for him as the source of wisdom and understanding.
Fear of God provides the foundation for moral instruction in matters of speech, discipline, religion and daily life – it unlocks Proverbs as a whole book! By contrast, fools shun wisdom and instruction; their moral corruption renders them incapable of making reasoned moral judgments (Proverbs 1:8-note); they refuse to learn from past errors and do not seek wisdom as an alternative source.
Proverbs 2:3
Like Proverbs chapter one, Proverbs 2 also emphasizes virtue and encourages us to live an ethical life. Here, the main themes include courage, integrity, wisdom and justice; additionally it warns us against living without integrity as this could have dire repercussions for ourselves and those we care for.
3a contains the phrase, “if thou callst for understanding.” This translation corresponds to traditional translation of am (Job 17:14). Additionally, this mgn of khvSHy appears elsewhere: in Psalms 52 and Proverbs 7; both forms conveying its same meaning.
Proverbs 3:6
Proverbs 3:6 is an iconic verse for many. It has inspired artwork and become a favorite slogan on tee shirts and mugs alike; displayed against scenic backgrounds; stamped onto bookmarks; and even used to glaze pottery! Not to mention being the source of numerous poems and songs!
Proverbs is an ancient book of wisdom from King Solomon to his son, providing guidance in life and health, longevity, wealth that exceeds material riches, guidance for living an excellent life and reaping reward far greater than societal status. Additionally, obedience and trusting God results in peace, security and good relationships as well as God’s blessing and honor for living righteously.
Acknowledging (Hu ad) comes from the root word that means to recognize. Acknowledging God means following his moral will as revealed to you.
Proverbs 4:6
This proverb begins with an appeal: “Listen, my children, and receive instruction; let wisdom protect your hearts.” This statement should not be seen as an order but as an invitation; similar to how a father may instruct his sons.
“Hear” can mean to pay close attention or give careful consideration, or it could indicate there is resistance from within a child that needs urgent appeals in order to overcome.
Wisdom and understanding are what bring life (4:1-4,5). This verse recalls earlier advice: “Above all else, guard your heart.” (UBS Helps for Translators) In all your gaining, acquire wisdom.) The Septuagint adds: “in all thy attaining acquire wisdom.” The Hebrew is very different: “Gather wisdom as you gather understanding.” The old MS. Bible contains even less space here – just two sentences! :”Gain wisdom with all you gettin.” (Beginynge of Wisdom).
Proverbs 5:6
(Proverbs 5:6 NASB)
Strength (03581) refers to physical or mental strength. Here it cautions a man against becoming vulnerable due to deceiving charms of an attractive stranger woman who may threaten his strength.
Solomon uses sexual imagery such as hind and doe to depict the grace and delicate beauty of one’s wife and urge men not to abandon their current spouses for another (cp Tabitha, Dorcas). Here, emphasis is placed on sexual satisfaction within marriage rather than indulgence in adultery.
Groan (5098) (naham) is used here to convey the depth of this sinner’s guilt and sorrow at having disobeyed Proverbs, thus having to pay the consequences of his failure. Furthermore, its usage echoes Job’s deep anguish when recalling his sufferings.
Proverbs 6:9
The book of Proverbs is often attributed to Solomon, King of Israel. The proverbs provide teachings and advice for living a righteous and wise life, including emphasising hard work while condemning laziness – Proverbs 6:9 serves as a warning of its consequences.
Sluggard () refers to someone lacking motivation and drive. This verse warns us that if we stay on our sofas too long, poverty will sneak up behind us like an intruder.
Sluggards share the same dictionary definition with “foolish men” (NIV) and those who “sow discord among brothers” (NKJV). Such individuals plot evil with perversity in their heart, sowing strife wherever they can. Their deceit often appears through subtle clues like winking an eyelid, nudging their foot forward or flickering their fingers to signal their misdeeds.
Proverbs 7:1
Solomon uses an arresting image of seductress to caution young men about sexual temptations which draw many young men in this chapter. His emphasis seems particularly on those that could tempt young men.
In this story, a woman dressed as a harlot waits patiently to seduce someone with her smooth tongue and seduction tactics. She can manipulate anyone into doing what she wishes with ease.
This episode highlights an important point from Proverbs: true wisdom cannot be gained without an awed fear of the Lord, as defined here: fear does not refer to terror but instead signifies reverence and an appreciation of consequences; such knowledge will help us avoid foolhardy ways and embrace true knowledge instead.
Proverbs 8:1
As this Sunday’s sermon and lessons explore wisdom in its feminine form, Proverbs 8 provides an excellent character study. Wisdom stands at a crossroads to make herself known to everyone living nearby; her presence makes an appeal that all should hear; while contrasted to another woman who represents foolishness and danger she is the epitome of attractiveness and safety.
As the poem progresses, her desirability and attractiveness increase with each passage, with references to her virtues, strength, sense of justice, and produce that is more valuable than gold. Additionally, God and humankind both find great delight in her.
On Trinity Sunday, one verse in particular may strike a chord: it asks “Doth not wisdom cry?” Jesus personified this wisdom as the Word of God in the New Testament and Paul made similar point when writing that God created heaven and earth through Jesus as his eternal Son revealed through Christ.
Proverbs 9:1
Wisdom in this chapter is personified as a woman who builds her home and prepares a banquet for those seeking understanding. She encourages them to join her and give up folly, thus showing them the way forward on life’s path.
People who heed wisdom’s invitation will find fulfillment (Proverbs 9:12). But those who reject godly counsel cannot settle for anything less than their own way and remain dedicated to their folly without receiving correction or altering it.
Knowledge in Proverbs 9:6 and Proverbs 1:7 uses the same phrase “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. This could indicate that Proverbs’ early chapters focus on seductresses who lure men away with seductive invitations – something common to biblical narrative.
Proverbs 10:1
Proverbs 10 is an extensive compilation of wisdom sayings. Some commentators view them arranged into pairs or sets of two-phrase single verse proverbs; however, understanding their interrelations is often complex and challenging; therefore this examination of proverbs will treat each as its own piece of advice.
This proverb presents two wicked men as examples, using contrast and comparison as its basis. An adversative “but” instead of the more usual coordinating “and” is used, and their respective damage caused to others or themselves is used as the comparison criteria; some crafty individuals cause real harm while others slander and gossip and cause only mild damage; the wise individual understands this difference while fools fail to see its significance and must therefore be punished harshly; it echoes Proverbs 3:14’s contrast between lion and serpent (Proverbs 3:14)
