SSL 1 - Proverbs 1:7-19 - CHARTED WATERS
INTRODUCTION: Solomon, king of Israel, is the principal writer of Proverbs and would have written them around 900 B.C. Solomon ruled the nation of Israel for 40 years, and during his reign, he brought peace and wealth to the nation, built palaces and the great Temple of God, and it was a time when the people learned arts, sciences, and music. A proverb can be defined as a short saying that expresses a universal truth for practical, righteous living. The term "Proverb" comes from the Hebrew root word (mashal) meaning "to be like" and are commonly referred to as "wise sayings," providing numerous comparisons that illustrate how simple concepts can represent the fundamental truths of life. The concept behind a proverb is to present wisdom in a compact, memorable format. Knowledge is nothing more than the accumulation of raw facts, but wisdom is the ability to see people, events, and situations as God sees them. Think of as seeing the world through God's lens. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and illustrious, but also in the common, everyday situations we face. No topic seemed to escape Solomon's attention and include themes like personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and personal godliness.
CONTEXT OF TODAY'S LESSON: Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book, states plainly who wrote the book-Solomon--,to whom it was written-his children, and the source of his inspiration-God. Prov. 1:1-7 outlines the four distinct ''to'' statements, or purpose statements of the book of Proverbs. This section culminates with the truth that the only source of true wisdom is God Himself. The stated purpose of the book of Proverbs is to recognize wise instruction and apply knowledge rightly. We skip the first seven verses, except v.:5, which I'll read it to you now: "A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel" - This is the starting place for all of us: the great virtue that the Book of Proverbs seek to ingrain in us is teachability, the willingness to grow in wisdom no matter how old are far along in life we are. I don't know about you, but I've still got a lot to learn.
Read Prov. 1: 7- THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
v. 7a: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;." - This verse forms the cornerstone for the entire Book. This is where the quest for wisdom begins. The use of "fear" in this context isn't meant to imply fright or terror but points to a sense of extreme respect, reverence, awe, and love for God. A loving reverence for God is one that includes submission to His lordship over our lives and to the commands of His Word. The concepts of "knowledge and "wisdom" are closely tied together in Proverbs. "Knowledge" tends to focus on a correct understanding of the world and ourselves in it-that's the purpose of education-while "wisdom" is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, and applying knowledge righty is what Solomon refers to as skill in the art of godly living. The reason that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom is that the skills of godly living begin with an attitude of humility and reverence before God, as our Maker and our Redeemer.
v. 7b: "Fools despise wisdom and instruction" - This is the antithesis, the opposite of wisdom, and is a teaching tool Solomon uses throughout the Book. A person who dislikes and avoids wisdom
squarely fits the definition of a fool. We've all encountered people like this, yes?
SOLOMON SAYS 1: Knowledge is simply the accumulation of basic facts, but wisdom is the ability to see people, events, and situations as God sees them. The concepts of "knowledge and "wisdom" are closely tied together in Proverbs. "Knowledge" tends to focus on a correct understanding of the world and ourselves in it-that's the purpose of education-while "wisdom" is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, and applying knowledge righty is what Solomon refers to as skill in the art of godly living. The reason that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom is that the skills of godly living begin with an attitude of humility and reverence before God, as our Maker and our Redeemer.
Context of vv. 8-19: These are sayings are a warning against foolishness and the enticement of sinful behavior. Solomon begins this warning by appealing to his children to honor their parents' teaching. As any parent knows, it's usually best to define and describe a negative behavior before telling them what the consequences for that behavior will be. The examples he uses might seem extreme, but Solomon's intention is to point the reader to an obvious conclusion.
Read Prov. 1:8-9 - HEAR MY INSTRUCTION
8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, And do not forsake your mother's teaching;
9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, And ornaments about your neck.
v. 8: "Hear, my son, your father's instruction, And do not forsake your mother's teaching" - The preface, "my son," begins the first of ten similar conversations in which the father appeals to the son to listen to his guidance and choose wisdom over foolishness. Because the mother is present, this verse clearly begins the first section with the idea that the training in wisdom covered in this Book starts with instruction in the home by the father and the mother, as opposed to a school or classroom. Indeed, Ex. 20:12 commands sons and daughters to honor their mother and father. This goes beyond rote obedience and embraces the ideas of showing respect and appreciation. Paul reiterated this principle when he said: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH" (Gal. 6:1-3).
v. 9: "Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, And ornaments about your neck" - The custom of adorning yourself with flowers (ladies mostly) or jewelry really hasn't changed much in thousands of years. Here, Solomon likens the instructions of parents to an item of adornment and beautification with the idea that they should be seen (by children) as treasures, rather than arbitrary rules or restrictions. Like fine jewelry, the instructions of parents are often obtained at great cost-learned through often hard experience and passed-on from generation to generation; and those who actively apply the wisdom of their parents will see it reflected in their lives: other people who will notice their wise choices, wise behavior, and wise words. This book is also a primer for parents. The greatest gift a parent can give a child is the foundation of wisdom grounded upon good moral teaching, using the Bible as the primary guidebook.
SOLOMON SAYS 2: Those who actively apply the wisdom of their parents will see it reflected in their lives. Others around them will be certain to notice their wise choices, wise behavior, and wise words. This book is also a primer for parents. The greatest gift a parent can give a child is the foundation of wisdom grounded upon good moral teaching, using the Bible as the primary guidebook.
Read Prov. 1:10-16 - ENTICEMENT TO SIN: THE THIEVES' PLAN
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 cause;
12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;
13 We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil;
14 Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse,"
15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,
16 For their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed blood.
v. 10: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent" - In Hebrew usage the second phrase would properly translate to "when sinners entice you, do not consent." As a first red flag, notice that the enticers are identified as "sinners," so because the child has had moral instruction, he or she should be aware that they're in the company of bad people. Second, the command "do not consent" in effect says, stop! Think about it! Don't go there! The child must understand that he or she is a free moral agent who can rightfully say "no" to sin, even if it is inviting. But the critical here point is that children must be taught this-it doesn't come to them naturally.
v. 11: "If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause" - Here we see Solomon using an extreme example. I mean, most people would say, "I'd never do anything like that!" But Solomon exaggerates in order to make his point clear: The correct response to evil temptations is not always this easy. Seeing them in an extreme example opens the door to less extreme examples-i.e., you wouldn't do that but what about this one, it's not as bad? In modern jargon, Solomon is talking about peer pressure-i.e., "Oh, come on, everybody's doing it." Peer pressure, young or old, is often a dangerous trap for those who lack the wisdom to say "no."
v. 12: "Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit" - In OT usage, "Sheol" refers to the place of the dead. This verse carries the theme of v. 11 to another level, to paraphrase: "we're going to kill them and send them to their graves as if they never existed." Using another exaggerated scenario, Solomon makes the point that these sinners have no shame for the harm that they cause to others. It also carries the idea that victims are people who had it coming to them anyway and only got what they deserved.
v. 13: "We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil" - This verse changes scenario, shifting the lure from violence to what you can gain out of it. Notice that the sinner now speaks of "precious wealth" and how you become enriched with it. The sinner has established that the victims are only getting what they deserve anyway and you'll simply be enriched in the process-and he makes seem so easy, a forgone conclusion. Many people who start with only the desire for riches have fallen into the trap of committing sins to enrich themselves further. People who do this typically justify their actions by saying "everybody's doing it" or "what I'm doing isn't so bad" or "isn't as bad as what a lot of others are doing," etc.
SOLOMON SAYS 3: Children must be taught to understand that they are free moral agents who can rightfully say "no" to sin, even if it is inviting-even if all their peers are doing it. The critical point in this is that we, as parents and grandparents, need to remember that children must be taught this-it doesn't come to them naturally.
v. 14: "Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse" - This kind of enticement to sin could be called the "sales tactic." The sinners here-thieves and murderers-present an extreme example that Solomon uses to make his point; however, on a lesser scale, a wise person should still know there's really no such thing as an honest "get rich quick scheme." But if you throw your lot in with hundreds of other people doing the same thing-that's the sales pitch-it must be okay, right? Wrong! This is the kind of lure that traps many unsuspecting people. Another aspect of this is to consider the source of the offer: Can you really trust the word of thieves and murderers to share the loot? On the lesser scale, people who try to lure you into get rich quick schemes are really no better.
v. 15: "My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path" - Here, Solomon directly confronts the challenge of v. 11, the invitation to sin. The point he makes is that sin must be rejected at the first temptation by refusing even to associate with people who will lead you into sin-that's the only wise choice to be made. The Psalmist expressed it this way: "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!" (Ps. 1:1). Notice that this man is blessed by God because he's wise enough to discern and reject the "counsel of the wicked," and stay clear of their sinful path. And parents and grandparents need to keep in mind that we are the role models! Who are our friends and close associates? Whom do we most closely socialize with? Our children notice these things. Are we doing anything that damages our witness to them? It's a tough job description.
v. 16: "For their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed blood' - Solomon's warning here refers back to vv. 11-14. The point he makes is that you should never associate yourself with evil company, because the kind of people who engage in evil actions will take you down with them. The idea here is "guilt by association." You might not be guilty of their sins, but if you're caught with them you will certainly suffer the penalty. Many young people have gotten themselves into serious trouble because they wanted to be included in a group. Again, Solomon presents an extreme example-i.e., people who "hasten to shed blood," murderers-but even on a lesser scale, the same principle applies: being enticed to smoke, drink, take drugs, look at pornography, sexual promiscuity, vandalism, shop-lifting, etc., all fit the category of evil behavior. All lead to the wide way and the path to destruction (Mt. 7:13).
SOLOMON SAYS 4: Many young people have gotten themselves into serious trouble because they wanted to be included in a group. Again, Solomon presents an extreme example-i.e., people who "hasten to shed blood," murderers-but even on a lesser scale, the same principle-peer pressure-applies: being enticed to smoke, drink, take drugs, look at pornography, sexual promiscuity, vandalism, shop-lifting, etc., all fit the category of evil behavior. It can happen to any family and can lead to ruined lives.
Read Prov. 1:17-19 - BEWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF FOOLISH ACTIONS
17 Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net, In the sight of any bird;
18 But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors.
v. 17: "Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net, In the sight of any bird" - This section of verses concludes Solomon's first "My son" appeal by contrasting the sensible actions of a wise person with the foolish actions of those who seek unjust gain. In this example, Solomon illustrates that even a bird with a brain the size of a peanut is smart enough to avoid a trap it sees the hunter setting up. Instead of getting itself trapped, the bird, perceiving the obvious danger, has the good sense to flee in the opposite direction as fast as its wings will carry it. The point Solomon makes is that if you let yourself be tempted to walk into an obvious danger-a hunter's trap-but think you will escape the consequences of your sinful actions, you are a fool, dumber than a bird! In a broader Biblical context, the hunter's trap can be seen as the net of God's judgment, from which there is no escape.
v.18: "But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives" - To paraphrase what Solomon is saying, people who conspire to kill others are speeding up their own death; and the traps they set for others will inescapably trap them. In the context of his future as a king, Solomon knew his son could be tempted by political conspiracies to steal wealth from others by murder. Solomon's point is that associating yourself with sinful people who are willing to murder others for selfish gain will inevitably lead to your own destruction. Trying to get ahead by defying God is the height of folly because all sin will be punished. You might recall the story of how Jezebel had Naboth killed in order to take possession of his vineyard for her husband Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-24). Here's how it ended: Jezebel was thrown out of a window, trampled by horses, then eaten by wild dogs (2 Kings 9:10).
v. 19: "So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors" - Here, Solomon is describing people motivated by greed-a person never satisfied with what he has and always want more and more. When greed takes over and dominates a man's life it makes him ruthless and heartless, having no shame over the harm and destruction he causes to others. Solomon's main point is that the willingness of a greedy man to destroy the life of others will ulti-mately consume and destroy his own life. The apostle Paul said this about it: "But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Tim. 6:9-10).
SOLOMON SAYS 5: The desire for too much stuff can kill you. When greed takes over and dominates a man's life, it will eventually consume and destroy him. This is a man who has ceded all control of his life to his desire to enrich himself, and no matter how much money or how many material possessions he amasses, he's never satisfied. Jesus explained this way: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mk. 8:36-38).
PRAYER: LORD GOD, as we approach this New Year, we have many things to be thankful for. We thank you that we live in peace in this nation. We thank you that we have a church where we can worship freely. We thank you that we have roofs over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food to eat. I pray for myself, and for those listening, that 2021 will be a prosperous year for us as individual Christians and as a body of believers. We have heard a lot of preaching and teaching from your Word about revival the past few months and Lord, I pray that we will honestly and steadfastly be doers of the word, and not just hearers who delude themselves. As we enter into this quarter on Solomon's great book on Proverbs, I pray, Father that You would help all of us-everyone-to have teachable Spirits. These proverbs are a hard thing, Lord-to learn to do everything Your way rather than our way and to see world around us as You actually, not the way we want it to be. As we study and learn these wise words, please help us incorporate them into the way we do things, even the small things that don't seem to matter very much. Also, as we learn to distinguish between wisdom and foolishness, we need to be burdened to share this information with younger people who haven't had the benefit of this learning. Finally, Lord, I pray that the Coronavirus pandemic and be ended and we will be able to gather together-in person-as a church. I ask all these things in the name of my blessed Savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN.
