Guided by Wisdom - Proverbs 1:1-7
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Where are you going?
Where are you going?
I’m not asking about just eternity, and by all means I hope we are all going to the same place for eternity, but in this life, where are you going?
In my last sermon, I talked about how in Genesis, God asked Adam, “Where are you?” And in Job, God asked Satan, “Where have you been?”
It was not because God didn’t know where they were, He asked them, because He wanted them to think about where they were.
What are you doing? Where have you been? And where are you going?
Also, who—or what—is guiding you?
Whether we realize it or not, every one of us is being guided by something and we all need direction or a guide to help us get where we want to go.
Last week, Pastor Chris quoted French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (An-twan duh saint ex peh-ree) who said:
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
Meaning that direction without guidance gets us nowhere.
Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, said:
If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”
Are you going where God is calling you, or are you going your own way?
Who do you turn to for Wisdom?
Who do you turn to for Wisdom?
The first and most obvious answer should be God and His Word.
Other good sources are our parents. Our pastor. Our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In my BC days—before Christ—my dad was my “go-to man” for wisdom.
Like many young men, I did not know what I wanted to do after high school or with my life.
I knew I didn’t want to go into debt with student loans, and I didn’t have a career in mind. I needed to make a decision.
After talking with an army recruiter, I decided to join the military.
The first thing I did was tell my dad.
He said, “Son, if you’re going to join the military, I recommend you join the Air Force. They take better care of their people.”
I told him that I was thinking about joining the reserves.
He said, “Son, if you’re going to join the Air Force, I recommend you go active duty. You get the same benefits, plus a full-time job.
I told him, “Hey dad, I’m thinking about being stationed in Illinois or Ohio, that way I could stay close to home.”
He said, “Son, if your going to do this, I recommend you try overseas bases. You’re young, go see the world.”
I took his advice—every step of the way.
And by listening to him, I spent my first twelve years overseas, living in or visiting many different countries.
When he passed, I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. I was lost. Until God made His presence known to me.
When we look at the Book of Proverbs, we need to see it as a young adult going to their father for advice and wisdom.
My earthly father wanted the absolute best for me; how much more, does our heavenly Father want what is best for us?
Proverbs tells us that wisdom begins the same way my journey did—by trusting the voice of a father who loves us and knows the way.
Intro to Series
Intro to Series
January for us will be a month of Proverbs
Let’s Dig into the Book of Proverbs
Let’s Dig into the Book of Proverbs
Who is the author?
Ch. 1-29, written by Solomon.
Son of King David and Bathsheba
Ch. 25-29, collected by King Hezekiah.
Ch. 30 by Agur.
Ch. 31 by King Lemuel.
When was it written?
Solomon reigned 970-931 BC
Hezekiah reigned 716-687 BC
The collections were likely finalized sometime in 6th century BC.
We must understand the genre of the book we are reading.
The Book of Proverbs belongs to the Wisdom Literature genre.
Job: Wisdom amid suffering.
Ecclesiastes: Wisdom amid meaninglessness.
Proverbs: Wisdom for ordered daily life.
It contains practical wisdom for daily life.
These are principles for living, not law and not prophecy.
Proverbs are general truths.
They usually lead to certain outcomes—but they are not absolute guarantees.
They are designed to be portable and memorable.
A proverb is essentially a wise principle or practical teaching designed to guide people.
Proverbs show us the general rule of life, but the rest of Scripture reminds us that life is lived in a fallen world, and that there are exceptions to the rule.
For example, Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
While it is very likely that children raised up in the church will continue to be in the church, we all know that there are some that turn away.
It is not automatically the fault of their parents nor is it a failure of the church.
This proverb is not a guarantee that every child raised in a godly home will never rebel.
If it were, Proverbs would contradict of wisdom books like Job, Ecclesiastes—and even our own lived experience.
Judas Iscariot who had the greatest teacher, the greatest leader, and the greatest pastor that ever lived. He followed God Himself. He heard the truth, saw miracles, and yet he still turned away from God.
Judas’ failure was not a lack of instruction, but a refusal to submit to the truth he knew.
Scripture is clear: God calls, God offers grace, and God saves—but people are still responsible for how they respond.
This is a hard truth. Some reject wisdom, and Book of Proverbs tells us that choices have consequences.
Context is Everything
Context is Everything
In most books of the Bible, we must closely examine the surrounding verses. Proverbs is a little different—not because context doesn’t matter, but because each proverb often stands on its own.
We still need to understand the context on how the verse fits in the whole Book of Proverbs and the context in which the verse fits within the entire Bible.
Proverbs are context-light, but not context free.
When we look at a Bible verse, we need understand the context of it before we try to apply it.
Philippians 4:13 is a great example of this.
“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
The common misuse of this verse is the idea that we can accomplish any goal we set for ourselves.
When we look at the surround verses, the whole chapter, and the Book of Philippians, we can see that this verse is clearly talking about being content and enduring hardship.
So, when we look at each proverb in the Book of Proverbs, know that if we remove context, Proverbs become slogans.
But when we read them within their biblical and theological context, they become wisdom that shapes our lives.
Context is Everything!
The Purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-7)
The Purpose of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1-7)
Please turn to your Bibles to Proverbs 1:1-7.
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
For learning wisdom and discipline;
for understanding insightful sayings;
for receiving prudent instruction
in righteousness, justice, and integrity;
for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced,
knowledge and discretion to a young man—
let a wise person listen and increase learning,
and let a discerning person obtain guidance—
for understanding a proverb or a parable,
the words of the wise, and their riddles.
The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and discipline.
1. Wisdom Must Be Learned (1:1–4)
1. Wisdom Must Be Learned (1:1–4)
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
Solomon is traditionally considered the wisest man to have ever lived, except Jesus.
A story found in 1 Kings 3 shows us where Solomon received his wisdom.
The Lord appears to Solomon in a dream and asks Solomon what he wants.
Solomon humbly requests from God that he wants above all things—Wisdom.
God was pleased with Solomon’s request and promised him wealth and honor—and a long life if he walked in obedience.
For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings;
V. 1 names the source, v. 2 explains why this book exists.
The Hebrew word, mûsār (moo-sar), here can be translated as either “discipline,” “instruction,” or “correction.” The goal is to guide or develop someone toward godly character—not punishment.
CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1
Wisdom
Philosophy simply means “love of wisdom” and it is a fascinating subject.
The type of wisdom we are talking about here in the Book of Proverbs, I mentioned a little bit ago, is biblical wisdom and it is different than secular wisdom.
Secular wisdom begins with human reason—biblical wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD.
for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity;
In the ANE, wisdom instruction was aimed at forming character.
There was heavy emphasis on moral conduct, social responsibility, and faithfulness to communal and divine standards.
“For receiving” means that wisdom must be intentionally accepted.
“Prudent instruction” means a skillful guidance toward maturity.
Prudence is skill or cleverness
This cleverness is guided by
Righteousness which is agreeing with what God says. Living in alignment with the standards of God.
Justice, which is restoring to what is right. Fairness in decisions and the treatment of others.
Integrity, doing what is right. Moral straightness.
Wisdom’s goal is moral transformation.
Jesus perfectly embodies righteousness, justice, and integrity.
Through Christ, believers are transformed to reflect God’s character.
for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man—
The inexperienced are people who are naive, the untrained, and typically young people.
They lack shrewdness, or common sense.
Knowledge is collected, memorized information.
CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1
Knowledge is the tool; wisdom is the workman.
Knowledge is having the information (the what). Wisdom is the ability on how to use that information (the how, when, and why).
God’s wisdom is accessible and teachable, not innate.
God’s guidance forms character and prepares one to live rightly in society.
This is why mentorship and discipleship are so important, because it fulfills the biblical model of transmitting wisdom to the inexperienced.
There is a lot of wisdom in this room. Is it being passed on?
Is there someone you are mentoring? Is there someone you are discipling?
Wisdom does not come on its own, it must be learned.
2. Wisdom Grows by Listening (1:5–6)
2. Wisdom Grows by Listening (1:5–6)
let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance—
To be wise, is to keep listening and to keep learning.
“Listen” here implies more than just hearing, but to be obedient to what is being said.
“Guidance” often had navigational imagery, implying life as a path requiring direction.
Proverbs 1:5 teaches that wisdom is proven not by how much one knows, but by one’s continued pursuit of instruction. The truly wise never outgrow the need for guidance.
It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person than to listen to the song of fools,
In other words, constructive criticism is far better than flattery.
Do you want to hear the truth and grow from it — or hear only pleasant words and stay exactly where you are?
for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.
Proverbs and parables are closely related forms of wisdom literature—short, memorable sayings designed to teach truth through comparison and imagery.
They are wise sayings that teach valuable lessons.
Riddles are proverbs that are trickier and more difficult to understand.
Proverbs 1:6 teaches that wisdom literature trains readers not only what to think but how to think—developing discernment through engagement with complex, figurative truths.
In a world driven by instant gratification and instant answers, we often resist wrestling with difficult truths. Yet it is precisely this wrestling that deepens our spiritual maturity.
Wisdom grows by listening
3. Wisdom Begins with the Lord (1:7)
3. Wisdom Begins with the Lord (1:7)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Knowledge does not begin with intelligence, education, or experience—it begins with the fear of the Lord.
This foundational statement is echoed throughout scripture:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his instructions have good insight.
His praise endures forever.
He said to mankind,
“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.
And to turn from evil is understanding.”
When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 1:7, “...stands out as the motto...of the whole Book.”
(T. T. Perowne, The Proverbs with Introduction and Notes, The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1899), 41.)
It presents us with two postures that can be taken.
The one who is ready to listen and learn.
The one who arrogantly rejects it.
“Fear” in this verse, is not a fear like dread, but a childlike reverence of God. A deep respect for God.
“The fear of the LORD” is not running from God in terror, but standing before Him in awe.
“The Fear of the LORD” is connected to wisdom and understanding.
“The Fear of the LORD” is the foundation of acquiring true knowledge.
Not just intellectual, but spiritual and moral knowledge as well.
To not fear God, and to not revere Him, is foolish.
The “fools” mentioned here are those that reject God.
They are those that reject His ways.
Those who live according to their own understanding.
Those who live according to their own moral code.
Those who disregard God’s instructions.
Those who go their own path.
Proverbs 1:7 declares that all true knowledge begins with a right relationship to God.
Wisdom begins with the Lord.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.
God should always be the first one we turn to, when we need wisdom.
When you’re in a tough situation, ask God for wisdom.
When you’re in a trial, ask God for wisdom.
When you’re having trouble making a decision, ask God for wisdom.
Ask Him and He will help you navigate these things wisely.
Gospel Connection: The Path Made Perfect
Gospel Connection: The Path Made Perfect
Where Solomon’s wisdom pointed people toward godly living under God’s rule, Jesus embodies God’s wisdom.
In 1 Corinthians 1:24, it tells us that Jesus “is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Solomon was given wisdom, but Jesus is wisdom.
Solomon, under the inspiration of God, instructed us in the fear of the Lord, but Jesus was the perfect example of how to live it out.
Jesus always aimed to please His Father.
Who or what are you aiming toward?
Proverbs shows us the path of wisdom; Jesus is the path.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
I pray that we are all headed for the same ultimate destination—eternity with God.
I ask again, “Where are you going?”
What are you doing with the life that God gave you?
Are you living for the purpose that He gave you?
Do you know the purpose for which He created you?
God made us so that He could pour out His love on us.
He also made us to fulfill a specific purpose.
Are you obediently living to serve that purpose?
And if you do not know, the first place to go is simple: ask God.
Walking the Path of Wisdom
Walking the Path of Wisdom
The Book of Proverbs teaches us that wisdom is learned, grows through listening, and begins with the fear of the Lord.
If wisdom is a path, then the fear of the Lord is the starting point. If you miss the beginning, you’ll miss the destination.
God did not leave us in the dark, walking some wayward path.
We have His Word and His Spirit.
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
Wisdom is not just about knowing what to do—it’s about living under God’s rule, walking in His ways, and letting Him shape your life.
It’s about asking God for guidance when you don’t know the way.
It’s about listening, learning, and trusting Him daily.
The path of wisdom is open to all who will walk it. Solomon wrote it down for us. Jesus lived it for us. And the Spirit equips us to follow it today.
So as we leave today, don’t just think about wisdom—live it. Start with God. Fear Him. Listen to His instruction. Walk in His ways. And let the path of wisdom guide you to the ultimate destination: life with God, here and for eternity.
Memory Verse Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and discipline.
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