The Proverbs of Solomon

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 1:1-7. The book of Proverbs was primarily written by Solomon, the son of King David. It is thought that Solomon collected these proverbs to pass down to his son to help him learn wisdom from his experiences.

This book is filled with words of wisdom and instruction to help those who read it to acquire a disciplined and wise life. It is meant to help us learn to do what is right, just, and fair.

The Proverbs were used by fathers in the Old Testament days to help teach their children knowledge and discretion. The wise were to listen to the words of Proverbs and add their own experiences as they taught their children. It was used to give guidance and understanding concerning the proverbs and parables – the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Proverbs are not the same as promises. Proverbs are general observations made by wise men. They may not always prove to be true in your situation, but generally are true. A promise is a particular obligation from a certain person.

Sometimes people take the Proverbs out of context and try to use them as promises of God. We need to remember that this is not how they are intended as we study the book of Proverbs.

In Old Testament times it was primarily the father’s duty to instruct the children in the Torah and the ways of God. They were to pass down the knowledge of God’s Word from generation to generation.

As parents it is our responsibility to teach our children about the Bible and how to live a good, godly life. That doesn’t mean that they are always going to listen and abide by everything we teach them, but it is our duty to make sure they know right from wrong.

Proverbs 10:1 tells us, “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.”

My favorite verse from this passage is Proverbs 1:7 which says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

This means submission to the will of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Fools are those who reject wisdom and discipline.

The word fool is used in Proverbs and other places in the Old Testament of the Bible to mean one who lacks morals.

Daily Bible Reading:

Proverbs 1:1-7

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Things to think about:

• What are some of the things we will learn from the book of Proverbs?
• What was the primary use of the book of Proverbs in Old Testament days?
• What does the Scripture say about the fear of the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we read this Scripture and study the book of Proverbs help us to learn the lessons of this book. Help us to learn to be wise, disciplined and to have discretion in the decisions we make in life. Help us to always do what is right, just, and fair. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

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

– Proverbs 1:7

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