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Prologue: Purpose and Theme
Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against Enticement
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
Proverbs 1:1-33
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Prologue: Purpose and Theme
Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against Enticement
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
Text:
Proverbs 1:1-33,
1. The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2. for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of
insight;
3. for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right
and just and fair;
4. for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to
the young5. let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning
get guidance6. for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles
of the wise.
7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools
despise wisdom and discipline.
8. Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake
your mother's teaching.
9. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn
your neck.
10. My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
11. If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's
blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;
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12. let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who
go down to the pit;
13. we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with
plunder;
14. throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"15. my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
16. for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
17. How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
18. These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only
themselves!
19. Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away
the lives of those who get it.
20. Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the
public squares;
21. at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of
the city she makes her speech:
22. "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How
long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
23. If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my
heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
24. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed
when I stretched out my hand,
25. since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
26. I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity
overtakes you27. when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps
over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm
you.
28. "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look
for me but will not find me.
29. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the
LORD,
30. since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31. they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of
their schemes.
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32. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the
complacency of fools will destroy them;
33. but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease,
without fear of harm." (NIV)
Introduction:
I. According to Coffman, in chapter 1 we have:
A. the title and purpose of Proverbs.
1. Proverbs 1:1-7, The proverbs of Solomon son of David,
king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for
understanding words of insight; for acquiring a
disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just
and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge
and discretion to the young- let the wise listen and add to
their learning, and let the discerning get guidance- for
understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and
riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
(NIV)
B. the admonition to heed parental instruction.
1. Proverbs 1:8-9, Listen, my son, to your father's
instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to
adorn your neck. (NIV)
C. the necessity of avoiding evil companions.
1. Proverbs 1:10-19, My son, if sinners entice you, do not
give in to them. If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie
in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless
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soul; let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole,
like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of
valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; throw in
your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"- my
son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their
paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed
blood. How useless to spread a net in full view of all the
birds! These men lie in wait for their own blood; they
waylay only themselves! Such is the end of all who go
after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who
get it. (NIV)
D. warnings by which wisdom cries aloud to all men.
1. Proverbs 1:20-31, Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she
raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the
noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she
makes her speech: "How long will you simple ones love
your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in
mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded
to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you
and made my thoughts known to you. But since you
rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I
stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice
and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at
your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes youwhen calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster
sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and
trouble overwhelm you. "Then they will call to me but I
will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the
LORD, since they would not accept my advice and
spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. (NIV)
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Commentary:
Prologue: Purpose and Theme
Proverbs 1:1, The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
(NIV)
I. Verse 1 identifies the author of these particular proverbs as Solomon
who was son of David, king if Israel.
A. “Solomon collected, encouraged the collection of, and wrote
proverbs.” (Bland)
1. 1 Kings 4:29-34, God gave Solomon wisdom and very
great insight, and a breadth of understanding as
measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's
wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the
East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was
wiser than any other man, including Ethan the
Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons
of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding
nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs
numbered a thousand and five. He described plant life,
from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of
walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles
and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's
wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard
of his wisdom. (NIV)
2. Solomon clearly did not write all the Book of Proverbs
because other authors are named within the book.
a. Proverbs 22:17, Pay attention and listen to the
sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
(NIV)
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b. Proverbs 24:23, These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good: (NIV)
c. Proverbs 30:1, The sayings of Agur son of
Jakeh—an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to
Ithiel and to Ucal: (NIV)
d. Proverbs 31:1, The sayings of King Lemuel—an
oracle his mother taught him: (NIV)
II. The Pulpit Commentary states, “the proverbial or parabolic form of
teaching was a recognized mode of instruction among the Hebrews, and
in the Christian church is recommended by St. Clement of Alexandria.”
Proverbs 1:2, for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; (NIV)
I. These proverbs are designed to enable the readers to:
A. attain (to know) wisdom . . .
1. “Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge aright.” (McGee
via Coffman)
2. “ . . . wisdom is the Divine science by which men are
enabled to discern their best end and to know how to pursue
it by the most proper means.” (Adam Clarke via Coffman)
3. 1 Corinthians 1:30, It is because of him that you are in
Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—
that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
(NIV)
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4. The point is not simply to know facts, but to apply the
godly principles of good judgment in our lives.
Note: Synonyms of wisdom are discipline, instruction, prudence
knowledge, and discretion. (See Bland)
B. attain discipline (instruction) . . .
1. Information gained by instruction, teaching and selfcontrol, discipline are preliminary to wisdom.
a. Proverbs 4:13, Hold on to instruction, do not
let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. (NIV)
b. Proverbs 23:23, Buy the truth and do not sell
it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
(NIV)
c. Proverbs 3:11, My son, do not despise the
LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
(NIV)
d. Hebrews 12:5, And you have forgotten that
word of encouragement that addresses you as
sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's
discipline, and do not lose heart when he
rebukes you, (NIV)
C. to understand words of insight.
1. “That is, to comprehend the utterances which proceed from
intelligence, and give expression to it,” The Pulpit
Commentary reads.
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2. We are by wisdom enabled to understand, discern between
right and wrong. (See Pulpit Commentary)
Proverbs 1:3, for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing
what is right and just and fair; (NIV)
I. The proverbial instructions were designed to enable the reader to
acquire a disciplined and prudent life and to learn to do what is right,
just and fair (straight), honest in speech andjudgment.
A. Proverbs 2:9, Then you will understand what is right and
just and fair—every good path. (NIV)
B. The person who lives in keeping with these principles can be
said to be wise.
C. Wisdom has much to do with a person’s relationship with
others. (Bland)
D. The results of these proverbs are justice, judgment and equity,
fairness.
1. Psalm 17:2, May my vindication come from you; may
your eyes see what is right. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:4, for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and
discretion to the young- (NIV)
I. Prudence (subtilty, shrewdness) to the simple.
A. Coffman wrote that “prudence is a quality of wisdom that takes
into account the future consequences of one’s behavior.”
1. Foresight and forethought are synonyms of prudence,
Coffman noted.
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2. Proverbs 22:3, A prudent man sees danger and takes
refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. (NIV)
3. The kind of subtilty, shrewdness produced by wisdom are
used to produce positive and wholesome results. (See The
Pulpit Commentary)
a. Proverbs 27:12, The prudent see danger and take
refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
(NIV)
b. Proverbs 14:18, The simple inherit folly, but the
prudent are crowned with knowledge. (NIV)
A. The simple, foolish are those who are opposite of a moral man.
1. The term simple is used fourteen (14) times in the book of
Proverbs.
2. The simple are sinners, wicked, evil, corrupt people, not
those who are limited in their intellectual ability to learn.
II. Knowledge and discretion to the young.
A. Knowledge can include all kinds of information, but in Proverbs
the word refers to how to live beneficially in a right relationship
with God.
B. Discretion is that quality of wisdom which has respect for what
is desirable and appropriate.
1. Coffman also stated discretion considers the feelings and
circumstances of others.
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Note: The objectives stated in these first verses of chapter 1 are
repeated, Bland observed, in Proverbs 9:7-10, "Whoever corrects a
mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and
he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach
a righteous man and he will add to his learning. "The fear of the
LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One
is understanding. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:5, let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the
discerning get guidance- (NIV)
I. let the wise listen, hear, and add to their learning.
A. “Learning,” Coffman observed, “implies the ability to execute,
practice, or apply information.”
1. Learning is more than theoretical information.
2. Wisdom can be increased.
a. Proverbs 16:23, A wise man's heart guides his
mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (NIV)
b. Proverbs 9:9, Instruct a wise man and he will be
wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add
to his learning. (NIV)
c. Matthew 13:12, Whoever has will be given more,
and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not
have, even what he has will be taken from him.
(NIV)
II. Let the discerning (man of understanding) get (attain unto) guidance
(wise counsels) –
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A. Proverbs 11:14, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but
many advisers make victory sure. (NIV)
B. Proverbs 12:5, The plans of the righteous are just, but the
advice of the wicked is deceitful. (NIV)
C. Proverbs 20:18, Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage
war, obtain guidance. (NIV)
D. Proverbs 24:6, for waging war you need guidance, and for
victory many advisers. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:6, for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings
and riddles of the wise. (NIV)
I. Wisdom enables its possessors to understand (interpret) proverbs and
parables and the sayings (words) and riddles of the wise.
A. Bland wrote, “A proverbs is a short sentence consisting of two
parallel lines . . . and serves to impact moral instruction to youth.”
B. While there are no true riddles in the Book of Proverbs
although chapters 25-27 contain proverbs with riddle-like qualities
in which the first line using some type of analogy and the second
line specifying the reference.” (Bland)
1. Riddles (enigmas) should help those seeking wisdom to
improve their reasoning skills.
C. The wise are those who collected and preserved wisdom.
(Bland)
1. Proverbs 22:17, Pay attention and listen to the sayings
of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, (NIV)
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2. Proverbs 24:23, These also are sayings of the wise: To
show partiality in judging is not good: (NIV)
D. the words of the wise and their dark sayings can be understood
by the prudent.
1. Proverbs 22:17, Pay attention and listen to the sayings
of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, (NIV)
2. Ecclesiastes 12:11, The words of the wise are like
goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded
nails—given by one Shepherd. (NIV)
3. Psalm 78:2, I will open my mouth in parables, I will
utter hidden things, things from of old- (NIV)
Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (NIV)
I. The fear of the Lord is the beginning (origin or initial part) of
knowledge (the chief, best part of wisdom), . . .
A. Around this principle the entire book of Proverbs revolves.
(Deane via Coffman)
1. Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding. (NIV)
B. Wisdom, ultimate knowledge is founded on the fear of the Lord.
1. Psalm 111:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good
understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV)
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C. “The fear of the Lord (Jehovah)” is a phrase found fourteen
times in the book of Proverbs.
D. Scriptures:
1. Isaiah 11:2-3, The Spirit of the LORD will rest on
him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the
Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge
and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the
fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with
his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; (NIV)
2. Psalm 2:11, Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with
trembling. (NIV)
3. Job 28:28, And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—
that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'"
(NIV)
4. Proverbs 8:13, To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate
pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
(NIV)
5. Proverbs 1:29, Since they hated knowledge and did not
choose to fear the LORD, (NIV)
6. Proverbs 2:5, then you will understand the fear of the
LORD and find the knowledge of God. (NIV)
7. Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding. (NIV)
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8. Proverbs 10:27, The fear of the LORD adds length to
life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. (NIV)
9. Proverbs 14:26, 27, He who fears the LORD has a
secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man
from the snares of death. (NIV)
10. Proverbs 15:16, 33, Better a little with the fear of the
LORD than great wealth with turmoil. The fear of the
LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before
honor. (NIV)
11. Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is
atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids
evil. (NIV)
12. Proverbs 19:23, The fear of the LORD leads to life:
Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (NIV)
13. Proverbs 22:4, Humility and the fear of the LORD
bring wealth and honor and life. (NIV)
14. Proverbs 23:17, Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. (NIV)
E. Bland wrote that wisdom carries with it the qualities of
humility, love faithfulness and a concern for a relationship with
God.
1. The fear of Lord . . . is not just the beginning of point
for attaining wisdom; it is its essence. (Bland)
2. Deuteronomy 10:12-13, And now, O Israel, what
does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the
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LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him,
to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and
with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's
commands and decrees that I am giving you today for
your own good? (NIV)
3. Job 28:28, And he said to man, 'The fear of the
Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is
understanding.'" (NIV)
4. Proverbs 24:21, Fear the LORD and the king, my
son, and do not join with the rebellious, (NIV)
II. But fools despise wisdom and discipline (instruction).
A. Bland wrote, “The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs,
and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote one who is
morally deficient.”
1. Proverbs 1:32, For the waywardness of the simple will
kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
(NIV)
2. Proverbs 8:5, You who are simple, gain prudence; you
who are foolish, gain understanding. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 9:16, "Let all who are simple come in here!"
she says to those who lack judgment. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 14:18, The simple inherit folly, but the
prudent are crowned with knowledge. (NIV)
B. The Pulpit Commentary speaks of these fools as perverse,
incorrigible and unwilling to know God.
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1. Proverbs 27:22, Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove
his folly from him. (NIV)
2. Jeremiah 4:22, "My people are fools; they do not know
me. They are senseless children; they have no
understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know
not how to do good." (NIV)
Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against Enticement
Proverbs 1:8, Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not
forsake your mother's teaching. (NIV)
I. Listen, my son (child’s) to our father’s instruction . . .
A. Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is
the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well
with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (NIV)
B. Proverbs 6:20-22, My son, keep your father's commands
and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon
your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you
walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over
you; when you awake, they will speak to you. (NIV)
Note: Bland wrote the Proverbs 1:8-19 is the first of the instructional
poems in Proverbs 1-9 and consists of Warnings Against Gangs.
II. and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
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Proverbs 1:9, They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain
to adorn your neck. (NIV)
I. They (paternal instruction and maternal teaching) will be a garland
(caplet) to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
A. The Israelites regarded the garland around the head and the gold
chain around the neck as worn by kings as the highest badger of
honor.
1. 1 Timothy 2: 9, 10, I also want women to dress
modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided
hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good
deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship
God. (NIV)
2. Genesis 41:42, Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from
his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in
robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
(NIV)
3. 1 Peter 3:3, 4, Your beauty should not come from
outward adornment, such as braided hair and the
wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it
should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's
sight. (NIV)
4. Daniel 5:29, Then at Belshazzar's command, Daniel
was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his
neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the
kingdom. (NIV)
5. Proverbs 4:9, She will set a garland of grace on your
head and present you with a crown of splendor." (NIV)
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B. Coffman wrote, “The meaning of this is that there is a loving
grace that rests upon respectful and obedient children which is
comparable to the highest honor that even kings may pay to their
favorites, better than crowns and diadems.
1. To succeed in any honorable endeavor, follow wisdom.
2. Rewards are great for the wise.
Proverbs 1:10, My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
(NIV)
I. “My son, if sinners (criminals, felons) entice you, do not (consent)
give in to them.”
A. Sinners (peccantes) refers to generic wrongdoers.
1. Ephesians 5:11, Have nothing to do with the fruitless
deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (NIV)
2. Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God, (NIV)
3. Psalm 26:9, Do not take away my soul along with
sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, (NIV)
B. “Do not let sinners lead you astray.” (The Pulpit Commentary)
C. Sinners (peccatores), the terms used here, refers to those who
sin knowingly, habitually, willfully and maliciously who are given
over entirely to iniquity. (Coffman)
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D. Parents here instruct their son not to involve himself with felons
and criminal activity and to realize that daily decisions of life can
indeed lead to destruction. (See Bland)
1. There appears to be a recognition by the parents that their
son was in danger of departing from the way in which he had
been reared. (Bland.)
Proverbs 1:11, If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for
someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul; (NIV)
I. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait (in ambush) for
someone’s blood, let’s waylay (to rob or murder) some harmless soul;”
A. The appeal here, Coffman observed, is that of the gang to
belong.
B. This need to belong can be used by honorable organizations
including churches to make all members feel really secure, that
they truly belong.
C. Bland observed that the appeal of the gang included the offer of
adventure, easy money, camaraderie and a life of fun.
D. Scriptures:
1. Psalm 94:21, They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death. (NIV)
2. Micah 7:2, The godly have been swept from the land;
not one upright man remains. All men lie in wait to shed
blood; each hunts his brother with a net. (NIV)
3. 1 Samuel 19:5, He took his life in his hands when he
killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for
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all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would
you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing
him for no reason?" (NIV)
4. 1 Samuel 25:31, my master will not have on his
conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or
of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has
brought my master success, remember your servant."
(NIV)
5. Psalm 35:19, Let not those gloat over me who are my
enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without
reason maliciously wink the eye. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:12, let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole,
like those who go down to the pit; (NIV)
I. “let’s swallow them alive, (quickly kill them0, like the grave (Sheol),
and whole (living), like those who go down to the pit;”
A. Numbers 16:30-33, But if the LORD brings about something
totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them,
with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive
into the grave, then you will know that these men have treated
the LORD with contempt." As soon as he finished saying all
this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened
its mouth and swallowed them, with their households and all
Korah's men and all their possessions. They went down alive
into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed
over them, and they perished and were gone from the
community. (NIV)
B. Psalm 55:15, Let death take my enemies by surprise; let
them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodging among
them. (NIV)
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C. Psalm 124:3, when their anger flared against us, They would
have swallowed us alive; (NIV)
D. Proverbs 27:20, Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
and neither are the eyes of man. (NIV)
E. Proverbs 30:15, "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!'
they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four
that never say, 'Enough!': (NIV)
F. Psalm 28:1, The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. (NIV)
G. Psalm 30:4, Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name. (NIV)
H. Psalm 88:4, I am counted among those who go down to the
pit; I am like a man without strength. (NIV)
I. Psalm 143:7, Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go
down to the pit. (NIV)
J. Isaiah 38:18, For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot
sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for
your faithfulness. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:13, we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our
houses with plunder; (NIV)
I. Sinners continue their enticement by saying, “Come with us and we
will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder”
(booty, spoil).
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A. We will get rich by robbing the innocent.
1. Genesis 49:27, "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the
morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides
the plunder." (NIV)
2. Exodus 15:9, "The enemy boasted, 'I will pursue, I will
overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself
on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy
them.' (NIV)
Proverbs 1:14, throw in your lot with us, and we will share a
common purse"- (NIV)
I. Become one of us (cast in thy lot among us), a sworn brother, and you
will equally share in all the spoil, whatever we steal.
A. The foolish person who accepts this kind of enticement to join a
gang is surrendering to the devil himself!
B. The enticement is to join as a full fraternity brother and share
equally in all the proceeds of their crime
Proverbs 1:15, my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on
their paths; (NIV)
I. The parents urged their son not to go along with the gang nor to walk
in their evil paths.
A. Proverbs 4:14, Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men. (NIV)
B. Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in
the seat of mockers. (NIV)
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C. Psalm 22:25, From you comes the theme of my praise in the
great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my
vows. (NIV)
D. Psalm 119:101, I have kept my feet from every evil path so
that I might obey your word. (NIV)
E. Jeremiah 14:10, This is what the LORD says about this
people: "They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain
their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; he will now
remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins."
(NIV)
F. Psalm 25:4, Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your
paths; (NIV)
Proverbs 1:16, for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed
blood. (NIV)
I. The parents begged their son not to rush into sin nor to be swift to
shed blood.
A. There are serious long term consequences for seeking short
term instant gratification. (See Bland)
B. Isaiah 59:7, Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed
innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and
destruction mark their ways. (NIV)
C. Romans 3:12-18, All have turned away, they have together
become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even
one." "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice
deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." "Their mouths
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are full of cursing and bitterness." "Their feet are swift to shed
blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace
they do not know." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
(NIV)
Proverbs 1:17, How useless to spread a net in full view of all the
birds! (NIV)
I. It is useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
A. “Even a bird can look after its own interest better than those
fools who blindly enter such a fellowship with the wicked.”
(Coffman)
B. “The gang members have less sense than a bird that is clever
enough to stay out of a fowler’s net.” (Bland)
C. Clarke wrote, “The wicked are represented as lurking privily for
the innocent. It is in this way alone that they can hope to destroy
them and take their substance . . . it would be vain to spread the net
in the sight of those birds which men wish to ensnare. Attend to
my counsels, and they shall never be able to ensnare you.”
Proverbs 1:18, These men lie in wait for their own blood; they
waylay only themselves! (NIV)
I. These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only
themselves.”
A. The wicked hurt themselves more than anyone else.
B. God’s judgment awaits the wicked, but this does not keep
sinners from following their evil ways.
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C. “These thugs are so enslaved by their appetite that they throw
caution to the wind and walk resolutely to their own death.”
(Bland)
1. These sinners were not as smart as birds.
2. Proverbs 7:22-23, All at once he followed her like an ox
going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an
arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little
knowing it will cost him his life. (NIV)
D. The fools by their own action destroy themselves.
Proverbs 1:19, Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it
takes away the lives of those who get it. (NIV)
I. The parents beg their son not to head the enticement of sinners
because it would lead to the death of all who walk in the way of fools.
A. Ultimately the decision was the son’s! (Bland)
B. A covetous man who heeds the “enticement of sinners”
becomes a murderer because of his greed. (Clarke)
1. Unjust gain is expensive.
2. Proverbs 28:16, A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but
he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life. (NIV)
3. Isaiah 33:15, 16, He who walks righteously and speaks
what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps
his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against
plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating
evil- this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose
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refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be
supplied, and water will not fail him. (NIV)
4. Psalm 31:13, For I hear the slander of many; there is
terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to
take my life. (NIV)
5. 1 Timothy 6:10, For the love of money is a root of all
kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have
wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with
many griefs. (NIV)
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
Note: Personified Wisdom is the speaker in 1:20-33. Wisdom here
focuses on an attitude rather than action. Wisdom appears to be
speaking to “an imaginary audience of fools expecting the youth will
hear the warning and take heed.” (Bland)
Proverbs 1:20, 21, Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her
voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries
out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: (NIV)
I. Wisdom declares (crieth out) her message publicly for all to hear.
A. Those who heard Wisdom speak were impressed with the fact
that they were facing a life and death matter. (Bland)
B. Notice that Wisdom takes an active role in seeking to influence
the youth, those being tempted by foolishness. (Bland)
1. Wisdom is not simply passive.
C. Wisdom speaks loudly, publicly in the:
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1. streets
2. public squares
3. on noisy streets
4. in city gates
D. Wisdom wants to be heard!
II. This battle between Wisdom and foolishness rages in families around
the world, in market places, in university classrooms in the judiciary, in
legislative halls and executive offices, in corporate boardrooms and, yes,
in individual hearts!
A. Wisdom speaks honestly and plainly while the foolish use
seducing language.
B. The foolish want their voice heard everywhere also.
C. The conflict will rage unto time is no more!
Proverbs 1:22, "How long will you simple ones love your simple
ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate
knowledge? (NIV)
I. Wisdom asks,
A. How long will you simple (gullible scorners) ones love your
seduced and deceived way? (See Clarke)
1. Proverbs 29:8, Mockers stir up a city, but wise men
turn away anger. (NIV)
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2. Proverbs 17:10, A rebuke impresses a man of
discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 26:3, 4, A whip for the horse, a halter for the
donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Do not answer a
fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
(NIV)
B. How long will scorners, mockers (arrogant unteachable, know it
all people) delight in mockery?
1. Proverbs 9:7-8, "Whoever corrects a mocker invites
insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do
not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise
man and he will love you. (NIV)
2. Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit
in the seat of mockers. (NIV)
3. “Mockers hold all things in derision.”
Commentary)
(The Pulpit
C. How long will fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 1:23, If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have
poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
(NIV)
I. If you had responded to my (wisdom’s) (reproof) rebuke, I would have
poured out my (spirit) heart t you and made my (words) thoughts known
to you.
A. John 7:38-39, Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has
said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By
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this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were
later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given,
since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:24, But since you rejected me when I called and no one
gave heed when I stretched out my hand, (NIV)
I. Simple (foolish) mockers rejected wisdom’s overtures when it called
to them with outstretched hands.
A. Isaiah 66:4, so I also will choose harsh treatment for them
and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called,
no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil
in my sight and chose what displeases me." (NIV)
B. Jeremiah 7:13, While you were doing all these things,
declares the LORD, I spoke to you again and again, but you
did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:25, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept
my rebuke, (NIV)
I. The mockers had ignored all Wisdom’s advice and refused to accept
Wisdom’s rebuke.
Proverbs 1:26, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock
when calamity overtakes you- (NIV)
I. I will laugh at your disaster (calamity); I will mock when calamity
(fear) overtakes you.
A. Matthew 25:10, 30, "But while they were on their way to
buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were
ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door
was shut. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the
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darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
(NIV)
B. Wisdom has the last laugh!
C. Bland wrote, “To laugh is an expression of one’s superiority
and of confidence in one’s situation in life.”
1. Psalm 2:4, The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the
Lord scoffs at them. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 31:25, She is clothed with strength and
dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. (NIV)
Proverbs 1:27, when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when
disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble
overwhelm you.
I. When the foolish sinners are:
A. overtaken by calamity as by a storm (hurricane),
1. Proverbs 3:25, Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the
ruin that overtakes the wicked, (NIV)
2. Zephaniah 1:15, That day will be a day of wrath, a day
of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day
of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,
(NIV)
B. swept over by disaster as by a whirlwind (tornado, cyclone,
typhoon),
1. Zephaniah 1:15-18, That day will be a day of wrath, a
day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a
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day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and
blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the
fortified cities and against the corner towers. I will bring
distress on the people and they will walk like blind men,
because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood
will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth.
Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save
them on the day of the LORD's wrath. In the fire of his
jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will
make a sudden end of all who live in the earth." (NIV)
C. overwhelmed by distress and trouble.
II. Wisdom laughs at them as if to say, “I told you so!”
Proverbs 1:28, "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they
will look for me but will not find me. (NIV)
I. Wisdom has been speaking in the second person to the foolish
mockers. Now Wisdom speaks of the mockers in the third person as
“they”. (See Bland)
II. Mockers will call to Wisdom, but Wisdom will not answer.
III. Mockers will look for Wisdom, but would not find her (Wisdom).
A. Those who had shunned Wisdom now seek her diligently but
without success.
1. “The tables are turned.” (Bland)
2. Timing is important.
(Bland)
There is a point of no return.
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3. For example, the wicked fool murders the innocent and in
prison is awaiting execution.
4. Some things cannot be reversed.
Proverbs 1:29, 30, Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to
fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned
my rebuke, (NIV)
I. Since fools hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, . . .
A. Bland said the reasons fools rejected Wisdom were:
1. they hated knowledge.
2. they did not fear the Lord.
II. Since the mockers refused to accept Wisdom’s advice and spurned
Wisdom’s rebuke, . . .
III. There was a big price to pay!
Proverbs 1:31, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with
the fruit of their schemes. (NIV)
I. The wicked will reap what they sow . . .
A. Galatians 6:7, 8, Do not be deceived: God cannot be
mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to
please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction;
the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap
eternal life. (NIV)
B. Job 4:8, As I have observed, those who plow evil
and those who sow trouble reap it. (NIV)
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II. They will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their
schemes.
A. Hosea 11:7, My people are determined to turn from me.
Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt
them. (NIV)
B. Jeremiah 22:21, 22, I warned you when you felt secure, but
you said, 'I will not listen!' This has been your way from your
youth; you have not obeyed me. The wind will drive all your
shepherds away, and your allies will go into exile. Then you
will be ashamed and disgraced because of all your wickedness.
(NIV)
Proverbs 1:32, For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and
the complacency of fools will destroy them; (NIV)
I. The waywardness of the simple will kill them, . . .
II. The complacency of fools will destroy them.
III. All, including the simple and fools, will reap what they sow!
Proverbs 1:33, but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at
ease, without fear of harm." (NIV)
I. Whoever listens to, lives by wisdom will live in safety, be at ease and
fear no harm.
A. “What the just man has he got honestly; and he has the blessing
of God upon it. It is the reverse with the thief, the knave, the cheat
and the extortioner. “I’ll gotten, worse spent.’” (Clarke)
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Conclusion:
I. Life here and hereafter depend on the decisions we make along the
way!
II. We are at a crossroads. Wisdom and prudence are to the right. Sin,
mockery and foolishness are to the left. Which will you follow? Are
you sure?
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Questions
Proverbs 1:1-33
1. Who wrote the Book of Proverbs? Give reasons to support your
answer. ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. What are the purposes of the purposes of the Proverbs? (see verses 26.) _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. Define each principal word of your answer to question 2 above. ____
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
4. Contrast the wise and foolish as presented in verse 7. _____________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. Define wise and fool as presented in verses 5 and 7. ______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. Proverbs 1:8-19 is the ___________________ of ________________
______________ ______________ in ______________ 1-9 and consists
of ______________ ______________ ______________.
7. How big a problem are gangs in today’s society? ________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
8. Parental instructions are often in conflict with societal influences.
Give evidence that this is true. _________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
9. What can parents do to insure that their children do not depart from
the ways in which they have been reared? ________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
10. What was the significance of garlands and chains in ancient Israel? _
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
11. What are the garlands with which we should grace our heads? What
are the chains with which we should adorn our necks? ______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
12. “My ______________, if ______________ ______________ you,
do ______________ ______________ into them” (NIV)
13. What do sinners say to the young? (See verses 11-14.) __________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
14. Why would these approaches appeal to the young? ______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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15. “My ________________, do ______________ go along with them,
do ______________ set ______________ on their ______________; for
their ______________ ______________ into ______________, they are
______________ to ______________ ______________.” (NIV)
16. Define sinners as used in verse 10. __________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
17. Explain the illustration of the “net and the birds” in verse 17. How
does it apply to the subject at hand? _____________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
18. “These ______________ ______________ in ______________ for
their _________________ _________________; they ______________
______________ ________________! Such is the ______________ of
______________ who go after _________________ - ______________
______________; it takes away the ______________ of those who
______________ it.” (NIV)
19. Who is the speaker in verses 20-33? _________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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20. Where is this speaker’s voice heard? _________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
21. Define simple, mockers and fools as used in verse 22. ___________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
22. What would it take to get these simple, mockers and fools to change
their ways? ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
23. According to verses 24-25, did these people respond to Wisdom’s
overtures? _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
24. Because they refused Wisdom’s counsel, what would happen to the
simple, mockers and fools? ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
25. Is it ever too late to avoid calamity? If so, when? _______________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
26. “Since they __________________ _________________ and did not
______________ to ______________ the ______________, since they
would not ______________ my ______________ and ______________
my ______________, they will ______________ the ______________
of their ____________ and be ____________ with the ______________
of their ______________.” (NIV)
27. What will kill the simple and destroy fools? ___________________
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28. What will happen to anyone who listens to Wisdom and follows its
guidance? _________________________________________________
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29. What storms and whirlwinds overtake foolish sinners? ___________
__________________________________________________________
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Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor.
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.com
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30. We are at a crossroads. Will you follow wisdom or foolishness?
How have wise and foolish decisions affected your life? ____________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor.