Proverbs 1:8-19

Enticement of Sinners

Proverbs 1:7 NASB95

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Proverbs 1:7–9)

I. Let them have regard to God as their supreme.1. He lays down this truth, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (v. 7); it is the principal part of knowledge ; it is the head of knowledge; that is, (1.) Of all things that are to be known this is most evident, that God is to be feared, to be reverenced, served, and worshipped; this is so the beginning of knowledge that those know nothing who do not know this

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Proverbs 1:7–9

In order to the attaining of all useful knowledge this is most necessary, that we fear God; we are not qualified to profit by the instructions that are given us unless our minds be possessed with a holy reverence of God, and every thought within us be brought into obedience to him

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Proverbs 1:7–9

To confirm this truth, that an eye to God must both direct and quicken all our pursuits of knowledge, he observes, Fools (atheists, who have no regard to God) despise wisdom and instruction; having no dread at all of God’s wrath, nor any desire of his favour, they will not give you thanks for telling them what they may do to escape his wrath and obtain his favour. Those who say to the Almighty, Depart from us, who are so far from fearing him that they set him at defiance, can excite no surprise if they desire not the knowledge of his ways, but despise that instruction. Note, Those are fools who do not fear God and value the scriptures; and though they may pretend to be admirers of wit they are really strangers and enemies to wisdom.

Proverbs 1:8–19 (NASB95)

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit; We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil; Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse,” My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood. Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs ((1) First Exhortation (1:8–19))

Proverbs does not begin its instruction with vague or usefulness information but with a simple and straightforward appeal to take notice and reject association with criminals.

Holman Concise Bible Commentary Solomon’s Discourses (1:8–9:18)

The teacher warns the young man not to abandon the teachings of father and mother for the sake of lawless companions. Those who accept this kind of peer pressure are on their way to death. Wisdom herself calls on all to learn of her. Those who reject the call have no excuse when disaster strikes.

James 4:4 (NASB95)

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

1 Corinthians 5:9–12 (NASB95)

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?.

1 Peter 4:4–6 (NKJV)

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs ((1) First Exhortation (1:8–19))

From the beginning, this book is grounded in the lives and problems of real people. Apparently in ancient Israel, no less than in the modern world, the friendships, easy money, and feeling of empowerment offered by gangs/by bad friendships were and are strong temptation to the young man who felt overwhelmed by the difficulties of the life he confronts every day. The lesson for the modern church, that it should clearly and directly address real life and real temptations, is evident and we must be made aware to the circle of friends and company we keep

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (1) First Exhortation (1:8–19)

Verses 8–9 are an introductory appeal to the young man to stay on the right path. Verse 8 is an admonition, and v. 9 a promise of reward if the admonition is heeded.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (1) First Exhortation (1:8–19)

The heart of the warning is that crime is self-destructive

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (1) First Exhortation (1:8–19)

Verse 17 is confusing as translated in the NIV and most versions. Even if one is willing to admit that a bird is intelligent enough to recognize the purpose of a trap when it sees it (which is doubtful), the proverb has no point in context. In addition, the Hebrew cannot sustain the translation “spread a net.” The line is best rendered, “In the eyes of a bird, the net is strewn [with grain] for no reason.” In other words, the bird does not see any connection between the net and what is scattered on it; he just sees food that is free for the taking. In the process he is trapped and killed. In the same way, the gang cannot see the connection between their acts of robbery and the fate that entraps them.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs ((1) First Exhortation (1:8–19))

In vv. 18–19 the teacher brings his point home: the gang members/bad company are really ambushing themselves. The very reverse of their proposal in v. 11 has come about. Also, v. 19 concludes, it will ever be that way.