Pro 1 | MHM | STEP | The Design of the Proverbs. This introduction explains why the book of Proverbs was written. Some people think it was added by the one who collected the book, like Ezra, but it is more likely that Solomon himself wrote it. Solomon tells us his purpose at the start, so that he would stay focused on teaching wisdom. This book aims to help all people live wisely and well. v. 1 : The proverbs in this book were written by Solomon. His name means “peaceable,” and both his character and his rule reflected this peacefulness. Unlike his father David, who wrote prayers during difficult times, Solomon wrote instructions for living during peaceful times. He was the son of David, and he benefited from a good upbringing and many prayers for him (1 Kings 11:12; Psalm 72:1 ). Solomon was also king of Israel, respected for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:30; 10:24 ). His wise sayings were inspired by God, and he taught not just his own people but all who would listen. In this way, Solomon is also a picture of Christ, who is called “the Son of David” and who spoke in parables and proverbs.

‏ Proverbs 1

The Design of the Proverbs.

This introduction explains why the book of Proverbs was written. Some people think it was added by the one who collected the book, like Ezra, but it is more likely that Solomon himself wrote it. Solomon tells us his purpose at the start, so that he would stay focused on teaching wisdom. This book aims to help all people live wisely and well.

v. 1: The proverbs in this book were written by Solomon. His name means “peaceable,” and both his character and his rule reflected this peacefulness. Unlike his father David, who wrote prayers during difficult times, Solomon wrote instructions for living during peaceful times. He was the son of David, and he benefited from a good upbringing and many prayers for him (1 Kings 11:12; Psalm 72:1 ^a). Solomon was also king of Israel, respected for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:30; 10:24 ^b). His wise sayings were inspired by God, and he taught not just his own people but all who would listen. In this way, Solomon is also a picture of Christ, who is called “the Son of David” and who spoke in parables and proverbs.

v. 2–4: Solomon wrote these proverbs so that people could learn wisdom and instruction. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding (Proverbs 1:2 ^c). This book helps us understand what is right and wrong, and teaches us how to make good choices. It gives instruction in justice, judgment, and fairness (Proverbs 1:3 ^d). The proverbs are especially useful for people who are simple or young, helping them gain knowledge and good judgment (Proverbs 1:4 ^e). Youth is the best time to learn, and these wise sayings can help guide young people to make good decisions in life.

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v. 5–6: The proverbs are not only for beginners, but also for those who are already wise. A wise man will hear and increase in learning (Proverbs 1:5 ^f). Even the wisest person should keep learning and growing in understanding. This book helps people become good counselors and able to explain deep truths. It teaches us to understand riddles and difficult sayings, so we can see the true meaning behind wise words (Proverbs 1:6 ^g). The more we learn from God’s Word, the better we can help ourselves and others live wisely and well.

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Parental Admonitions.

Solomon begins his teaching by giving two important rules for young people: fear God and honor your parents. These are the foundations for a good and wise life. Respect for God and for parents is the starting point for learning and living well.

v. 7: Solomon says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge . This means that respecting and honoring God is the most important part of true knowledge. If we want to learn and grow in wisdom, we must start by fearing God. Those who do not respect God, called “fools,” despise wisdom and instruction. They do not care about God’s ways and do not want to learn what is right. True wisdom always begins with a right attitude toward God (John 7:17 ^h).

v. 8–9: Solomon also tells young people to listen to their parents. My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother (Proverbs 1:8 ⁱ). Parents are given the job of teaching and guiding their children. Children should accept and remember their parents’ advice, even when they grow older. Following the good lessons of parents will be like a beautiful crown on your head and a chain around your neck (Proverbs 1:9 ^j). This means that obeying God and your parents will bring you honor and respect, which is more valuable than riches or fancy jewelry.

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Parental Admonitions.

Solomon gives another important rule for young people: stay away from bad company. He warns that nothing destroys a good life faster than joining with those who do evil. This advice helps protect us from being led astray and teaches us to be careful about the friends we choose.

v. 10: Solomon says, My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent . Sinners will try to tempt others with kind words and promises of fun or gain. But their goal is to lead people into sin. If you do not agree with them, they cannot make you do wrong. This is the same warning Peter gave: Save yourselves from this crooked generation (Acts 2:40 ^k).

v. 11–14: Solomon shows how bad people try to trick others. They say, Come with us… let us all have one purse (Proverbs 1:11, 14 ^l). They tempt others to join in violence and stealing, promising quick riches and excitement. They talk about hurting the innocent and taking what is not theirs (Proverbs 1:12–13 ^m). But what they call “precious substance” is really empty and worthless, especially when gained by evil.

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v. 15–16: Solomon warns, My son, do not walk in the way with them; keep your foot from their path (Proverbs 1:15 ⁿ). Wicked people rush to do wrong and are eager to hurt others (Proverbs 1:16 ^o). Sinful ways are like a downhill path: the longer someone stays in them, the faster they go toward trouble and harm.

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v. 17–19: Solomon explains that even birds avoid obvious danger, but foolish people walk right into it. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird (Proverbs 1:17 ^p). Yet sinners ignore the clear warning and set traps that end up hurting themselves. Those who chase after dishonest gain will lose their lives in the end (Proverbs 1:18–19 ^q). It is foolish to risk everything for money or pleasure, because these things can destroy both body and soul.

Solomon uses the example of robbers, but his warning applies to all temptations—like drunkenness or other sinful pleasures. When others try to pull you into any kind of evil, do not agree with them. Stay far away so you do not share in their downfall.

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Wisdom Calls Out in the Streets

In this section, Solomon describes wisdom as a person who calls out publicly, inviting everyone to listen and learn. He wants us to see that God’s wisdom is not hidden or secret. Instead, it is available to all who are willing to hear and accept it. Wisdom warns us of the dangers of ignoring God’s instruction and urges us to make wise choices before it is too late.

v. 20: Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she utters her voice in the markets . Wisdom is here described as a woman calling out loudly where many people are. She wants everyone to hear her advice—not just the rich or powerful, but all people in everyday life. This means that God’s wisdom is not hidden or difficult to find. Anyone who wants to can listen to it.

v. 21: She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words . Wisdom is not quiet or shy. She goes to the busiest places in the city, like the gates where people meet and make important decisions. She speaks her message to everyone, showing that God wants all people to know His truth and live wisely.

v. 22: How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? . Wisdom asks why some people do not want to learn. She speaks to three groups: those who are simple (naive or easily fooled), those who make fun of wisdom, and those who hate knowledge. She warns that it is foolish to ignore advice and refuse to learn from God. God wants us to listen and not be stubborn.

v. 23: Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you . Wisdom invites people to change their ways when she corrects them. If they listen and turn away from foolishness, she promises to give them understanding and show them the right way to live. God offers His Spirit and teaching to everyone who is willing to listen and obey.

God’s Call Rejected

v. 24: Because I have called and you refused; I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded .

Here, Wisdom—ultimately Christ himself—speaks as the one who has repeatedly called out to people, offering guidance and help. God reaches out in many ways: through conscience, reason, government, and especially through His Word. Yet, people often ignore or outright refuse His call. The “stretched out hand” shows God’s willingness to save and help, but many turn away, either carelessly or stubbornly, preferring their own ways over God’s wisdom.

Despising God’s Counsel

v. 25: But you have set at nought all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof .

God not only warns but also lovingly counsels people to do better. Yet, many treat His advice as worthless and reject His correction as if it were beneath them. This attitude shows pride and spiritual blindness. Those who refuse to listen to God’s counsel and correction are setting themselves up for ruin.

v. 26: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes .

When people continually reject God’s wisdom, a time comes when disaster strikes. Then, God says He will “laugh” at their calamity—not out of cruelty, but to show that those who mocked His counsel will themselves become objects of ridicule. Persistent rejection of mercy leads to a point where God’s compassion is withdrawn, and justice is satisfied.

v. 27: When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you .

Those who ignore God’s warnings will eventually face overwhelming trouble—like a sudden storm or a whirlwind. Fear, distress, and anguish will overtake them, leaving no escape. The very things they refused to fear—God’s warnings—will be replaced by far greater terrors.

v. 28: Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me .

There comes a time when it is too late to seek God’s help. Those who ignored His call will desperately cry out in their trouble, but God will not answer. This is a solemn warning: the opportunity for mercy does not last forever. Those who reject God when He calls may find themselves rejected when they finally seek Him.

v. 29: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord .

The reason for this judgment is clear: people hated true knowledge and refused to honor God. They did not want to be told the truth about themselves or to submit to God’s authority. Rejecting the “fear of the Lord” is at the heart of all spiritual ruin.

Despising Counsel and Correction

v. 30: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof .

This repeats the charge: people not only ignored God’s advice but actively despised it. They treated God’s warnings as insults or jokes. Such stubbornness marks a person for destruction, for they have closed their hearts to the only wisdom that can save them.

v. 31: Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices .

Those who reject God’s wisdom will suffer the consequences of their own choices. Sin naturally leads to misery. People who insist on their own way will eventually be “filled” with the bitter results of their decisions. In the end, they have only themselves to blame.

v. 32: For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them .

Turning away from God may seem safe or even prosperous for a time, but it leads to ruin. The “ease” and success of fools only make their downfall more certain and severe. Prosperity without God hardens the heart and blinds people to their true danger.

v. 33: But whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil (Proverbs 1:33 ^r).

In contrast to those who reject wisdom, anyone who listens and obeys God will live in safety and peace. They will be protected from real harm and free from the fear of evil. Submitting to God’s wisdom is the only sure way to lasting security and inner calm, both in this life and the next.