We are continuing with the teaching that began three weeks ago, which centers on guiding a young man towards a sexually pure life. Our emphasis is again on Proverbs chapters 1 to 9.
We encourage you to review our previous posts if you haven’t read them, making it easier for you to follow today’s post. In our last post, we concluded by discussing the topic of the fear of God as addressed in Proverbs 1:7. Continuing from where we left off, let’s now delve into Proverbs 1:1-7.
“1The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:1-7 ESV
As evident, verse 1 focuses on the author of the Book of Proverbs. Moving from verse 2 to 6, the author explains the purpose and benefits of this wisdom book, Proverbs. The initial benefit highlighted in this wisdom book is “To know wisdom and instruction.”
The wisdom book, Proverbs, primarily instructs the young man on acquiring wisdom and instruction. In this context, “knowing” implies the act of receiving and internalizing ‘wisdom and instruction.’ Additionally, in the second part of verse 7, it emphasizes that “fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
In shaping the life of a young man, wisdom guides him to choose wisdom over foolishness. The young man’s willingness and readiness to receive wisdom and instruction becomes evident as he journeys through his pilgrimage in this side of heaven.
When the young man rejects the teachings of wisdom, it signifies his disdain and refusal towards wisdom and instruction. The reason behind this is his misguided belief that he is intelligent and fashionable, despite being a fool.
The wisdom book, Proverbs, initiates the young man’s instruction by laying the foundation of wisdom and knowledge, which is fundamentally rooted in the fear of God. The sage explicitly states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge/wisdom.” Without commencing from the fear of God, a young man will remain unfamiliar with wisdom and knowledge regardless of any academic credentials he later able to acquire.
By the way, knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. Knowledge entails the accumulation of information, whereas wisdom involves understanding how and when to effectively utilize the information one possesses.
Therefore, the beginning of wisdom is rooted in the fear of God. As Charles Bridges (1794-1869) puts it, the fear of God is described as “that affectionate reverence by which the child of God humbly and carefully submits to his Father’s law.” Consequently, the fear of God manifests in the young man’s life when he willingly aligns his will and desires with the will of God.
It is undeniable that one cannot accurately and genuinely fear God unless they know who God is. Knowing God and the nature of God is dependent upon knowing, reading, and studying the word of God. As the young man engages in reading and studying the word of God, he acquaints himself with the character of God. This knowledge leads him to recognize the appropriateness and righteousness, even the blessing, of fearing a God who possesses omniscience, is the wellspring of all knowledge and wisdom, and governs every aspect of his life and the universe. Consequently, this knowledge of God which comes from the word of God fills the young man with the truth and grace of God (John 1:1, 14), empowering and equipping him to obediently submit to God.
King David said,
“I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV
David discovers the inclination to obey God through the reading, studying, and meditating on the word of God. Additionally, David finds guidance for obedience within the very word of God. The word of God, which he contemplates and preserves in his heart, serves as a safeguard, preventing David from sinning against God.
Isn’t this truly beautiful!
Submission to the will of God is the exclusive means by which we demonstrate our fear of God; there is no other alternative means. The author of the Book of Hebrews conveys this message regarding Jesus Christ:
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence [his fear of God].” Hebrews 5:7 ESV
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7 NIV
Jesus’ reverence for God is evident through Christ’s complete submission to His Father’s will. This practical demonstration emphasizes that professing “I fear God” holds no validity without actively engaging in the will of God and surrendering oneself to it.
A young man may pursue education and attain various credentials in diverse professions, but lacking the fear of God earns him the designation of “a fool” according to the Bible. This implies a person with diminished morality, low confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline.
As a young man learns from wisdom how to be wise, he remains open to learning and receiving wisdom and instruction, recognizing the limitations in his knowledge across various aspects of life. If he rejects wisdom, he embraces folly.
Explore the subsequent verses to observe how the word of God draws comparisons and contrasts between the wise and the fool:
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 ESV
“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.” Proverbs 14:16 ESV
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26 ESV
Parents of young boys play a significant role in instilling the fear of God by guiding them on how to listen and obey. They provide straightforward instructions for obedience, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience. Additionally, parents acknowledge and reward positive manners and behaviors exhibited by their boys.
As boys reach an age where they can read, comprehend, and study the Bible, they swiftly grasp the principles of living in the fear of God. Consequently, it becomes crucial for parents to instill the practice of obedience in young boys from an early age. This responsibility is bestowed upon parents by God, and it is not delegated to daycares, babysitters, schools, or churches- – – Contd. ///