This is a series which is installed every Friday, focusing on the Proverbs.  Undertaken  for another blog,  I intend to re-post these – ultimately finishing  what was begun.  The beginning of Proverbs explains their purpose – starting with the greeting:

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

The next five verses lay out the purpose:

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

The essence of the Book of Proverbs is the teaching of moral and ethical principals. The peculiarity of this Book is that it is largely given over to teaching by contrasts. It has 31 chapters, 915 verses, 15,043 words.

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The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverb 1:7

One can possess great intelligence – yet still be completely lacking in wisdom. IQ is an inherited ability, but wisdom comes from God. Without the fear of God – there can be no great wisdom – only man’s corruptible wisdom.  Those that do what is right in their own eyes – are bereft of wisdom, because they do not fear God.  God is not our buddy, nor our “co-pilot.”  He is the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Sovereign King, Holy and Righteous Judge,  Beautiful Savior,  and Creator of the Universe.

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28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

sage