Proverbs | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

PROVERBS 1

THE FEAR OF GOD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

In 1 Kings 3, God told Solomon to ask for anything he desired, and Solomon chose wisdom. God was pleased with this request and gave Solomon additional gifts of wealth and a long life. Solomon compiled many proverbs, or pieces of advice, to share his wisdom with the Israelites.

Solomon starts this book of wisdom literature by stating that the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. Solomon encourages those who are already wise to continue pursuing wisdom and increasing their understanding. Solomon believes that the pursuit of wisdom is wise in itself and that only fools despise wisdom, instruction, and knowledge.

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are written as a father advising his son. The father first instructs the son to listen to the teaching of his parents, avoid being enticed by sinners, and flee from greed and unjust gain. Of course, this wisdom also applies to the current reader as well.

Throughout Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman. Solomon encourages readers to listen to the voice of wisdom and seek knowledge before calamity strikes. The wise woman says that the foolish will eat the fruit of their way, a potential reference to when Eve ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 3. Wisdom is warning us to choose God’s way over our own.

The chapter ends by saying that whoever listens to wisdom will dwell securely and be at ease, without dread of disaster. Solomon believes that listening to God’s Word not only brings wisdom but also understanding and peace.

STUDY QUESTIONS

• Read 1 Kings 3:4-14. What did Solomon choose as his request from God? What did God give him in addition to his request?
• Throughout the Proverbs, the wise are compared to the foolish and the simple. How is foolishness different thansimple-mindedness?
• Read Proverbs 1:7. What does the author say is the beginning of knowledge? Why would this be a prerequisite for gaining wisdom?
• Read Proverbs 1:32-33. How does wisdom often lead to experiencing less dread and more peace?