American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
Proverbs 1
1
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
Reference
Kingdom
1 Kings 2:12
Ecclesiastes 1:1
1 Chronicles 28:5
Proverbs 25:1
Parallel theme
Proverbs 10:1
Ecclesiastes 12:9
References Israel
1 Chronicles 22:9
5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain to wise counsels:
Reference
6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Reference
Darkness
Psalm 78:2
Psalm 49:4
Numbers 12:8
Parallel theme
Mark 4:11
Hebrews 5:14
Mark 4:34
Word
2 Peter 3:16
Ecclesiastes 12:11
7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Reference
Parallel theme
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Proverbs 18:2
Proverbs 1:22
Romans 1:28
Proverbs 15:5
References Lord
Job 28:28
Proverbs 9:10
Proverbs 15:33
10
My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.
Reference
Parallel theme
Ephesians 5:11
Proverbs 16:29
Proverbs 13:20
Romans 16:18
Deuteronomy 13:8
Psalm 50:18
Sin
Psalm 1:1
11
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privately for the innocent without cause:
Reference
12
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
Reference
13
We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
Reference
Parallel theme
Luke 12:15
14
Cast in your lot among us; let us all have one purse:
19
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which takes away the life of the owners thereof.
Reference
21
She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying,
Reference
22
How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Reference
Light
John 3:20
Parallel theme
Proverbs 1:29
Proverbs 5:12
Psalm 1:1
Revelation 22:17
Proverbs 21:11
2 Peter 3:3
Matthew 9:13
Luke 19:42
23
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make known my words to you.
Reference
Parallel theme
Ezekiel 33:11
Acts 3:19
Acts 26:20
Proverbs 12:1
Isaiah 45:8
Psalm 145:1
Spirit
Joel 2:28
Isaiah 32:15
Zechariah 12:10
Luke 11:13
24
Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Reference
27
When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes on you.
Reference
28
Then shall they call on me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Reference
31
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Reference
32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Reference
Summary of Proverbs 1
Proverbs 1 serves as the introduction and foundation for the entire Book of Proverbs. Before the book begins giving individual sayings about money, relationships, work, speech, family, friendship, discipline, and countless other areas of life, this chapter explains what wisdom is and why people need it.
The chapter begins by explaining that the proverbs are designed to teach wisdom, instruction, understanding, justice, judgment, and fairness. Wisdom is therefore much more than being intelligent. A person can know many facts and still make foolish decisions. Biblical wisdom is the ability to understand what is right and then live according to that understanding.
The central principle appears in verse 7: the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. In Proverbs, "fear" means reverence, respect, humility, and recognition of God's authority. A person cannot become truly wise while deliberately ignoring God.
The chapter then presents the relationship between parents and children. The father and mother instruct their child, showing that wisdom is meant to be passed from one generation to another. The young person is encouraged to listen because good instruction can protect him from serious mistakes.
A major warning follows. The young person is told not to join people who invite him into violence, robbery, greed, and criminal behavior. The temptation is presented realistically. The criminals promise friendship, money, excitement, and shared wealth. Their invitation sounds attractive, but their path leads toward destruction.
The father therefore gives an important principle: do not follow people simply because they offer belonging or financial rewards. The people around us can strongly influence our choices. Wisdom requires choosing companions carefully and being willing to walk away from destructive influences.
The chapter explains that the criminals eventually become trapped by their own actions. They intend to destroy others, but their greed and violence ultimately put themselves in danger. This introduces one of Proverbs' most important themes: actions have consequences.
The second major section of the chapter introduces Wisdom as a person. Wisdom is pictured as a woman standing in public places and calling out to everyone. She is not hidden. She is available to anyone willing to listen.
Wisdom asks how long people will continue rejecting her instruction. She calls the simple, mockers, and fools to change their ways. This shows that wisdom is not merely information that someone possesses. It requires a person's willingness to listen, accept correction, and change.
But some people refuse.
They ignore Wisdom's advice and reject correction even though they have been warned. Proverbs then describes what happens when disaster finally comes. The people who rejected wisdom call for help, but they have already chosen their path.
The point is not that God enjoys watching people suffer. Rather, the chapter teaches that repeatedly rejecting wise instruction eventually produces consequences that cannot easily be undone.
The final verses explain that these people rejected knowledge and refused to fear the LORD. Their problem is therefore deeper than making one bad decision. They have developed a pattern of refusing correction.
The chapter ends on a completely different note. Those who listen to Wisdom will live more securely and will not need to live in constant fear of sudden destruction.
This does not mean that wise people will never experience suffering, accidents, injustice, or hardship. Proverbs is teaching about the general direction and consequences of a person's choices. Wisdom helps people avoid many destructive paths and provides a stable foundation for life.
The overall progression of Proverbs 1 is:
purpose of wisdom ? fear of the LORD ? parental instruction ? warning about bad companions ? consequences of greed and violence ? Wisdom's public invitation ? rejection of correction ? consequences ? promise of security for those who listen.
The chapter establishes several major principles that will appear repeatedly throughout Proverbs:
- True wisdom begins with reverence for God.
- Wise people are willing to learn and accept correction.
- Parents have an important responsibility to teach their children.
- - Friends and companions can strongly influence behavior.
- Greed can make destructive choices appear attractive.
- Actions eventually produce consequences.
- Wisdom is available, but people must choose to listen.
I- gnoring repeated warnings can lead to serious consequences.
Humility and teachability are characteristics of wisdom.
The central message of Proverbs 1 is therefore a choice between two paths. One path listens to God, accepts instruction, learns from correction, chooses good companions, and develops sound judgment. The other path rejects wisdom, follows harmful influences, pursues selfish desires, and eventually suffers the consequences.
The chapter begins by explaining why wisdom is necessary and ends by showing what happens when a person chooses to listen to it.
In simple terms, Proverbs 1 teaches:
Listen before you learn the hard way. Respect God, accept correction, choose your companions carefully, and do not allow greed or peer pressure to lead you onto a destructive path. Those who listen to wisdom build their lives on a much safer foundation.
The chapter begins by explaining that the proverbs are designed to teach wisdom, instruction, understanding, justice, judgment, and fairness. Wisdom is therefore much more than being intelligent. A person can know many facts and still make foolish decisions. Biblical wisdom is the ability to understand what is right and then live according to that understanding.
The central principle appears in verse 7: the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. In Proverbs, "fear" means reverence, respect, humility, and recognition of God's authority. A person cannot become truly wise while deliberately ignoring God.
The chapter then presents the relationship between parents and children. The father and mother instruct their child, showing that wisdom is meant to be passed from one generation to another. The young person is encouraged to listen because good instruction can protect him from serious mistakes.
A major warning follows. The young person is told not to join people who invite him into violence, robbery, greed, and criminal behavior. The temptation is presented realistically. The criminals promise friendship, money, excitement, and shared wealth. Their invitation sounds attractive, but their path leads toward destruction.
The father therefore gives an important principle: do not follow people simply because they offer belonging or financial rewards. The people around us can strongly influence our choices. Wisdom requires choosing companions carefully and being willing to walk away from destructive influences.
The chapter explains that the criminals eventually become trapped by their own actions. They intend to destroy others, but their greed and violence ultimately put themselves in danger. This introduces one of Proverbs' most important themes: actions have consequences.
The second major section of the chapter introduces Wisdom as a person. Wisdom is pictured as a woman standing in public places and calling out to everyone. She is not hidden. She is available to anyone willing to listen.
Wisdom asks how long people will continue rejecting her instruction. She calls the simple, mockers, and fools to change their ways. This shows that wisdom is not merely information that someone possesses. It requires a person's willingness to listen, accept correction, and change.
But some people refuse.
They ignore Wisdom's advice and reject correction even though they have been warned. Proverbs then describes what happens when disaster finally comes. The people who rejected wisdom call for help, but they have already chosen their path.
The point is not that God enjoys watching people suffer. Rather, the chapter teaches that repeatedly rejecting wise instruction eventually produces consequences that cannot easily be undone.
The final verses explain that these people rejected knowledge and refused to fear the LORD. Their problem is therefore deeper than making one bad decision. They have developed a pattern of refusing correction.
The chapter ends on a completely different note. Those who listen to Wisdom will live more securely and will not need to live in constant fear of sudden destruction.
This does not mean that wise people will never experience suffering, accidents, injustice, or hardship. Proverbs is teaching about the general direction and consequences of a person's choices. Wisdom helps people avoid many destructive paths and provides a stable foundation for life.
The overall progression of Proverbs 1 is:
purpose of wisdom ? fear of the LORD ? parental instruction ? warning about bad companions ? consequences of greed and violence ? Wisdom's public invitation ? rejection of correction ? consequences ? promise of security for those who listen.
The chapter establishes several major principles that will appear repeatedly throughout Proverbs:
- True wisdom begins with reverence for God.
- Wise people are willing to learn and accept correction.
- Parents have an important responsibility to teach their children.
- - Friends and companions can strongly influence behavior.
- Greed can make destructive choices appear attractive.
- Actions eventually produce consequences.
- Wisdom is available, but people must choose to listen.
I- gnoring repeated warnings can lead to serious consequences.
Humility and teachability are characteristics of wisdom.
The central message of Proverbs 1 is therefore a choice between two paths. One path listens to God, accepts instruction, learns from correction, chooses good companions, and develops sound judgment. The other path rejects wisdom, follows harmful influences, pursues selfish desires, and eventually suffers the consequences.
The chapter begins by explaining why wisdom is necessary and ends by showing what happens when a person chooses to listen to it.
In simple terms, Proverbs 1 teaches:
Listen before you learn the hard way. Respect God, accept correction, choose your companions carefully, and do not allow greed or peer pressure to lead you onto a destructive path. Those who listen to wisdom build their lives on a much safer foundation.