As Solomon ends the introduction, he lays a foundation that all other Proverbs will be based upon: “the fear of the Lord.” This is a theme that will be repeated often throughout the Book of Proverbs. In addition, Solomon encourages us to listen to instruction and advice. These two concepts are crucial to gaining wisdom.
Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction” (WEB).
The fear of the Lord is the key to attaining knowledge. Contrary to what many say, the word fear used here is not merely a word that means to respect and reverence. These are included but it also has the element of being frightened and scared. The fear of God keeps us on the right path. In Exodus 20, He purposefully scared the Israelites with thunder, lightening, the sound of a trumpet, and a smoking mountain (cf. Ex. 20:18-19). The reason is given in Exodus 20:20, “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” Fear is part of God’s discipline and training. Consider how we raise our children. We might instill fear in our children by saying “NO!” sharply and swatting our child’s hand when they reach for a hot pan. The reason: we want to keep them from hurting themselves. Later, they will transition from fear to love (cf. 1 John 4:18). The fear of God starts us on the path to loving God.
If you don’t know God and respect the fact that someday He will judge you, then you will do whatever you want. This is why fools despise wisdom and instruction—they do not fear the Lord. Since they do not fear the Lord, they are unreceptive to His teachings. Men like Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawking are very intelligent men, but they will never be wise because they do not fear God. According to this verse, they are a fools.
We cannot be on the path to wisdom without realizing that we must live our lives according to God’s will. He is the source of wisdom and His way is the path of wisdom.
Proverbs 1:8-9—“My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching; for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.” Parents (both fathers and mothers) have the responsibility for training their children. The best training and instructions in the world, however, will do no good if we will not listen and obey them. Solomon is encouraging his son and us to listen to his teachings. He is recording the some of the best advice in the world, but we must pay attention. In addition, we should recognize the importance of listening to our parent’s advice. When we listen and obey wise advice we will have beautifully adorned lives.
We need to fear and hear. We need to recognize God’s place in our lives as Counselor, Commander, and Judge and we need to hear and obey what He says.
By Jeremy Sprouse
Jeremy has been married to Erynn since August 1999. They are blessed with six children: Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn. Jeremy preaches for the Patrick St. church of Christ in Dublin, TX and is the author of To Train Up a Knight.
Knights of The Father 