Today I bring you words and thoughts of encouragement from Proverbs 1:1-9

Pr 1:1 The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction,
and to discern wise counsel.
3 To receive moral instruction in skillful living,
in righteousness, justice, and equity.
4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive,
and a discerning plan to the young person.
5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction,
and let the discerning acquire guidance!)
6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable,
the sayings of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father,
and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.
9 For they will be like an elegant garland on your head,
and like pendants around your neck.

Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Pr 1:1-9). Biblical Studies Press.

Heard a message from someone today who suggested spending time with the book of Proverbs as it will give you a foundation for your walk of faith.

Well I cracked it open wondering what he meant. I did not have to read far to get my answer. Book of Proverbs states quite clearly its purpose in the first chapter. "To learn wisdom and moral instruction, and to discern wise counsel."

I have read the book of Proverbs many times now. This is the first time I have so clearly observed the introduction.

As I get older, I catch myself doing what Proverbs does. It gives advice to the youth. So I guess Proverbs as well as being a guide of wisdom, is a road map to show us how to pass on the wisdom we have obtained as we have learned it the hard way.

Our first piece of instruction here is "Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge" Pretty hard to argue that one. I am not sure that using the word fear conveys the thought the way we use the word fear now. Awe might be a better word but it too may not convey the full meaning.

Then we are to listen for the wisdom of our mom and dad. When you are young that is not always easy, but generally they are trying to keep us from stubbing our toes as good as they did.

So I think that pastor is right. Read the Proverbs and discern and glean the wisdom.

Amen

Music Encouragement (tba)