The Book of Proverbs is one of the most known books in the Bible and for good reason; it contains the knowledge required for a fulfilling life with God. The book is written by Solomon, the son of David, and other authors specifically mentioned. There are 31 proverbs total and we felt like it would be beautiful to spend a month reading and reflecting on these beautiful chapters together.

The first nine chapters of Proverbs contain the wise lessons of Solomon. Proverbs 1 begins with an introduction into what one can expect to learn from the Proverbs. Solomon tells us that there are four types of people: the simple, the young, the wise, and the intelligent. He explains that different types of people will gain different things from the Proverbs.

“These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance”

Proverbs 1:4-5 NLT

The first message in Proverbs can’t be any clearer: “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Learn from the mistakes made by fools, and pray we don’t make the same.

Verses 8-19 instruct us to listen to our parents at all times, and to turn your back on sinners. There are many examples of sinners trying to lure the reader into trouble and every time the writer is telling us to stay away from those sinners. Burn these verses into your memory banks because when you find yourself in troubling situations, these will be useful against Satan.

Chapter 1 ends with the story of an analogy where wisdom is likened to a woman. It seems like her children do not obey her and she is yelling to everyone in the marketplace. She wants to teach them but they have refused her wisdom. She is looking for a judge to bring down punishment on her children because they are simple and foolish. It appears they receive punishment.

Reading this, we feel like Wisdom’s children. We can be wise, or refuse the wisdom. Sometimes, we all fall, and sin by refuting the wisdom that God has abundantly given us. Everybody does evil things. But, afterwards, do we turn to Jesus for forgiveness like the wise, or do we continue the pattern?