Proverbs 1

This chapter opens the book of Proverbs. Because no chapter precedes it, it begins with a preface that gives the title and purpose of the entire book. It then presents the first part of the extended instruction, introduced by "My son," that runs through chapters 1–9.

Outline

• Verse 1 Title: "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel."
• Verses 2–6 The purpose of the book: to make known wisdom and instruction, to give understanding to the simple and the young, and to enable even the wise to increase in learning.
• Verse 7 The book's thematic statement: the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• Verses 8–9 The reader is urged not to forsake a father's instruction or a mother's law. Such teaching is like a crown upon the head and a gold chain about the neck.
• Verses 10–19 Even if sinners entice with "let us lay wait for blood" and "let us all have one purse," the reader is not to follow them. Their way, which seeks to swallow others up as Sheol does, in the end costs them their own lives.
• Verses 20–33 Wisdom cries aloud in the streets, in the public squares, and at the entrance of the city gates. She calls the simple, the scorners, and fools to turn back. Those who refuse her call will seek her when calamity comes but will not find her, while those who listen will dwell in safety.

Key Verses

• Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Here "fear" means reverent awe and honor. The verse is regarded as the theme of the whole book of Proverbs.
• Proverbs 1:8 "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." It is frequently cited in discussions of faith formation in the home.
• Proverbs 1:33 "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely." This is the promise that concludes Wisdom's cry.

People and Places

• Solomon: King of Israel, presented in the title as the author of the proverbs.
• David: Solomon's father, named in the title.
• Wisdom: Speaks as a personified figure from verse 20 onward. Because the Hebrew word for "wisdom" is a feminine noun, Wisdom is often pictured as a woman.
• City gates and public squares: Public places in ancient cities where legal cases were heard and business was conducted.

Points for Reflection

• Scope of the title: Proverbs also contains collections attributed to people other than Solomon (for example, chapters 30 and 31). Opinions therefore differ over whether the title in verse 1 refers to the whole book or only to the first collection.
• Personified Wisdom: Jewish tradition and many interpreters read the passages in which Wisdom speaks as a person as literary personification. In the Christian tradition, this chapter, together with chapter 8, is sometimes read in connection with Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:22–25, which calls Christ "the wisdom of God," is cited in support. Interpreters differ, however, on how direct this connection should be understood to be.
• "Spirit" in verse 23: The Korean Revised Version reads "나의 신" (na-ui sin, using an older Korean word for "spirit"), which the New Korean Revised Version revised to "나의 영" ("my spirit"). Some interpreters connect this with the Holy Spirit, while others understand it as Wisdom's thoughts and teaching.
• Parallel passages: Statements similar to verse 7 also appear in Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10, and Job 28:28.

In the Korean Church

Proverbs 1:7 is frequently quoted in sermons on faith formation and Christian education. Proverbs 1:8 is frequently quoted in sermons on faith formation in the home.