Proverbs 1:7

When you learned English, you started with easy words. When you learn any subject, you must start with easy lessons. The first lesson in wisdom is that we must respect God. He made everything. He is greater than we are. We must give honour to him.

A person who does not know God may be clever. He may have many skills. We can learn many things from him. Such a person lacks something important. He has learnt many lessons. But he has missed the first lesson. Wisdom begins when a person respects God. We should try to show a better way to this person.

The opposite of a wise person is a fool. (You would offend a person, if you called him a fool.)

A fool intends to do evil things. A simple person does evil things, because he does not know wisdom. But a fool does evil things, because he hates wisdom.

We want to show God’s way to such people. But this is difficult. Jesus said, ‘Do not give valuable things to pigs’ (Matthew 7:6). Wisdom is valuable. Sometimes we must leave a fool to be foolish. A pig does not appreciate things that are valuable to us. A fool does not appreciate the value of wisdom.

We can learn from the mistakes of fools. We must not copy their mistakes.

A fool hates wisdom and discipline. If we are wise, we shall love wisdom and discipline.

v8 My son, listen to your father!

Do not forget your mother’s words.

v9 Wear them like a crown for your head or a chain for your neck.

v10 My son, if evil men tempt you, do not give in to them!

v11 They might say, ‘Come with us! We shall attack an innocent man. v12 We shall destroy him. We will be as cruel as hell to that man. v13 We shall take his riches. His wealth will belong to us. v14 Join us! We shall share everything.’

v15 My son, do not listen to them! Do not follow them!

v16 They are quick to do wrong deeds. They do not hesitate to kill innocent men.

v17 You cannot set a trap for birds whilst they watch you.

v18 These thieves attack only themselves.

v19 In the end, a thief will destroy himself. His evil plan will cause his own death.