Proverbs 1: The Foundation of Wisdom

The Quest for Wisdom: A Proverb a Day to Light the Way

Proverbs 1: The Foundation of Wisdom

Proverbs 1

(WEB - World English Bible)

1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man—
5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel;
6 to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching;
9 for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent.
11 If they say, "Come with us. Let’s lie in wait for blood. Let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.
12 Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
13 We’ll find all valuable wealth. We’ll fill our houses with plunder.
14 You shall cast your lot among us. We’ll all have one purse."
15 My son, don’t walk on the path with them. Keep your foot from their path,
16 for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.
17 For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird;
18 but these lay in wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.

20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares.
21 She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:
22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you.
24 Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
25 but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof;
26 I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you,
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come on you.

28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me,
29 because they hated knowledge, and didn’t choose the fear of Yahweh.
30 They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes.
32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm."

Summary

Proverbs 1 explains the purpose of wisdom and lays the foundation for everything that follows. Solomon teaches that true knowledge starts with fearing Yahweh (v.7). This verse serves as the foundation for the entire book. This doesn't mean being afraid of God—it means respecting, trusting, and submitting to His wisdom over our own.

I used to struggle with understanding what it meant to "fear the Lord." It always sounded like I was supposed to be afraid of God, which didn’t make sense. But then I came across this idea:

Fear might simply mean not doing the wrong thing.

That clicked for me. I always try to do the right thing in life, even when I’m not actively thinking about God.

Think about it. If you truly fear breaking the law, you won’t speed recklessly, kill, or steal. In the same way, fearing the Lord means living with the awareness that our choices have consequences—both in this life and before God.

If more people had that kind of fear—the kind that stops them from doing wrong—society would be transformed. This kind of fear isn’t about terror; it’s about deep respect for God that leads to wise choices.

The chapter also warns about following sinful people, especially those who promise quick wealth, power, or success through dishonest means (v.10-19). Solomon makes it clear that their own sin will lead to their downfall (v.18-19), warning against peer pressure and temptation.

Many fall into sin not by intention but by association. This verse reminds us to stand firm against wrongful influences.

Most people don’t plan to do wrong, but they slowly compromise their values by following the wrong crowd. This is why Proverbs warns us to choose our friends wisely—because their influence can shape our destiny.

Lastly, Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out in the streets (v.20-33), pleading with people to listen before it’s too late. Those who ignore wisdom will suffer the consequences of their choices, but those who embrace wisdom will live securely (v.33).

How Does This Apply Today?

Ignoring wisdom leads to destruction (v.24-31).

A clear example is the 2008 financial crisis. Many ignored wise financial principles, chasing fast money through risky investments, only for everything to collapse. Just like Solomon warned, greed led to ruin.

Surrounding yourself with the wrong people brings disaster (v.10-19).

Look at high-profile scandals—business leaders, celebrities, or politicians who fell hard because they trusted corrupt friends and advisors. The wrong circle can destroy everything.

Wisdom is available, but most people ignore it (v.20-22).

The Bible, history, and even personal experience provide wisdom, yet people repeat the same mistakes.

Just like Proverbs says, wisdom is calling, but are we listening?

Listening to wisdom early prevents unnecessary suffering.

Closing Prayer

"Lord, help me to seek wisdom daily and listen when You call. Keep me from foolish decisions and surround me with Godly influences. Teach me to fear You above all else, to walk in Your truth, and honor You in my decisions. Amen."