Proverbs 1:1-9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

The first major section of Proverbs is chapters 1-9. These chapters are further broken down by theme into three subsections, the first of which is 1:10-3:35. Within this first major section, there are 13 discourses between father and son (teacher and pupil) that are designed to teach the son about the ways of this life. In the first three chapters of the book, there are 6 of these discourses, all of which are within the theme set by verse 7. I realize that in starting out this way, it might seem to you that I’m being a bit too technical… “Come on; let’s get to the good stuff!”

Don’t worry, there is plenty of good stuff right around the corner, but as always, the good stuff is a great deal more meaningful in context, and that is why I’m describing first of all the structure of the section.

The book opens with an introduction in verses 1-6, an introduction that explains what this book is all about, and yes, I would agree that it is largely self explanatory. Thus, since verse 7 sets our context, I’ll begin in earnest at that point. Much has been written about the word “fear” in this verse; what did he mean by “fear”?

The Hebrew word used here is yir’ah which means two things. First it means fear or terror, second it means reverent respect, and I suppose that the two fit together rather nicely: Approach God with reverent respect, or you could find yourself terrorized. It is important for us to bear in mind that this, like Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, was written by Solomon roughly 900 years before Christ, in a time when you could not approach the throne of God, for Man was cut off from His presence. For those of us living today in relationship with Jesus Christ, we might have a somewhat more difficult time relating to this concept than they did in the Old Testament, yet who among us would be so flippant as to be unable to understand the concept of reverent respect for God?

So then, this reverent respect is the beginning of wisdom, for with it comes the recognition that we are still answerable for our actions, and acting with wisdom in this life, as opposed to stupidity remains in our own best interests and is pleasing in His sight: This is our context.

Verses 8 and 9 urge the young to revere the wise teachings of their parents, or as we might say today, our role models who have attained wisdom and knowledge. These we are to consider blessings rather than burdens, for they teach us how to survive and flourish in a harsh world.

Thus, our author has set up the first of 13 discourses which begins in verse 10 and runs through verse 19, and interesting enough for our time, it deals with gangs… for there is nothing new under the sun.