Closely connected with what is introduced in the opening verses comes that which underlies all the instruction set forth in the book of Proverbs — “the fear of the Lord.” Later on “the fear of man” is mentioned by way of warning, and it is to be avoided for it “bringeth a snare” (chapter 29:25).
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” v. 7. All true knowledge, all moral knowledge, begins by giving God His true place. Nothing is right or true without that.
So this puts before us the parting of the ways — one leading to a path of blessing, and the other, the pathway of the fool. The term “fool” in the book of Proverbs carries with it the thought of one not only opposed to the instructions of the Lord, but one whose desire is to follow on in the path of the wicked. This closes the positive or development of good counsel by which the Proverbs are introduced.
The evil side is next considered. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” That which is first considered here is man’s desire for wealth, and his obtaining them through wrong and violence toward those around him. Here man is treated as fallen and sinful in his nature. He is under harmful influences, he is of this world and in it, but the book of Proverbs shows that there is a way of wisdom which can guide one safely through it.
The first influences are supposed to be from true natural relationships; that is, from father, mother and from the fear of the Lord. So we have the instruction of verse 8: “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”
In chapter 2 The Spirit of God turns from the sad end of those who treat the voice of wisdom with indifference and contempt, and shows how moral wisdom and right understanding are to be obtained. There must be the fear of the Lord and submission to His Word to be able to start the pathway of life aright. The Apostle Peter, in his instructions to the children of God, who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, tells them as newborn babes to desire the sincere milk of the word. (1 Pet. 2:1-41Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (1 Peter 2:1‑4).)
“If thou seekest her as silver.” There is an allusion here to that which has been found in all ages the pursuit of riches. In our day is it not this that is behind the ever increasing demands for higher compensations for service rendered? So here Solomon says if thou seekest wisdom with this same zeal, thou shalt understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Another characteristic of all ages has been the quest of education, the pride of position and the class distinctions which go with such attainments. We are not here attempting to decide the right or wrong of getting the education which our present society demands, in order to fit oneself to properly meet the responsibilities of life. We live in a very complex society in this constantly changing scene. But what is insisted on in the book of Proverbs is “the fear of the Lord.” He giveth wisdom, and out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. This is available to those who wait upon the Lord with purpose of heart and diligently search His Word.
ML 07/30/1961