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Proverbs 1:1-4:27<\/strong><\/span> Today we begin the book of Proverbs! The author of the majority of the Proverbs was King Solomon, the son of King David. This means that most of the Proverbs were written in the 10th century B.C. when Israel was a united kingdom. It may be that the Proverbs were not officially compiled together as a book until the 6th century B.C.\u00a0 Agur son of Jakeh, King Lemuel, and \u201cwisemen\u201d were the other authors of the Proverbs.\u00a0 Bob Deffinbaugh, Th.M., with bible.org has a wonderful Introduction to Proverbs <\/strong><\/span>at this link<\/span><\/strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0 Below is an image of King Solomon dictating his wise maxims, the Proverbs:<\/span><\/p>\n Today we read in Proverbs chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 a great overview of why we should read and study the Proverbs: \u201cThe purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Do you want wisdom?\u00a0 Do you want discipline in your life?\u00a0 Do you want to do what is right, just and fair?\u00a0 Do you want purpose for your life?\u00a0 \u00a0Do you believe this journey through the Bible in 2011 will move you forward in these areas?\u00a0 Will you cling to the wisdom of the Proverbs this year?<\/span><\/p>\n Proverbs chapter 1 verse 7 is basically the mission statement for the entire book of Proverbs! \u201cFear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 What does this proverb say to you?\u00a0 Do you believe we should fear God?\u00a0 Bible commentaries define this fear of God as \u201ca loving reverence for God that includes submission to his Lordship and to the commands of his words.\u201d\u00a0 Do you believe that fear of God is the beginning of knowledge in our lives?\u00a0 Will you embrace wisdom and discipline in your life?\u00a0 Will you make wisdom and discipline top priorities in your life in this new year?<\/span><\/p>\n Proverbs chapter 1 verses 17 and 18 teach us this today: \u201cWhen a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away.\u00a0 But not these people! They set an ambush for themselves; they booby-trap their own lives!\u201d<\/em> I think these verses basically say that birds are smarter than those who conspire to do harm to others \u2013 Are you with me on this thought??\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 Speaking of smart birds and one who conspires to do harm to another\u2026:<\/span><\/p>\n Proverbs 1:23 is beautiful to think about: \u201cCome here and listen to me! I\u2019ll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.\u201d <\/em>Do you want the spirit of wisdom this year?\u00a0 Do you want to be wise?\u00a0 Do you believe studying the Bible can give you the spirit of wisdom? Will you pray to God for the spirit of wisdom in this new year?<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Proverbs titled \u201cThe Two Ways\u201d<\/strong> is at this link.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong>\u00a0 Our readings in Proverbs 1:8-33 remind me of the Casting Crowns song \u201cSlow Fade:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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