Proverbs 1 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 1

After the inscription, which gives the title of the book, and describes the author by his name, descent, and dignity, Proverbs 1:1, follows the scope and design of it, which is to teach men wisdom and knowledge; even such as are simple and foolish, and particularly young men; nay, hereby wise men may grow wiser, and attain to an higher degree of learning, Proverbs 1:2; and the "first" doctrine taught in it is the fear of the Lord, or devotion to God; which is the beginning of knowledge, though despised by fools, Proverbs 1:7. The next is obedience to parents; whose instructions, attended to, are more ornamental than chains of gold, Proverbs 1:8. And then follows a dissuasive from bad company; in which the arguments made use of by wicked men to draw in others with them, and the danger of compliance, are most strongly and beautifully represented, Proverbs 1:10. When Wisdom, who is the instructor and teacher throughout the whole, is introduced as calling upon the simple and the scorners to leave their sins and turn to her, with a promise of the Spirit to them, Proverbs 1:20; but they slighting and rejecting her call, are threatened with just and irrevocable rum and destruction, Proverbs 1:24. And the chapter is closed with a promise of safety and rest to those that hearken to her, Proverbs 1:33.