Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

A sweet Saturday morning to all of you!

Some years back, a dear minister friend of ours mentioned that it was a good idea to read a proverb a day (from the book of Proverbs), not only because you'd read a book of the Bible in a month but this particular book contains much helpful advice for daily living. In the book of Proverbs, you can find guidance for money matters, moral issues, work ethics, the fear of the Lord, and how to strengthen friendships, etc.

So, this month of August, I felt inspired to blog about a chapter of Proverbs each day. I wanted a catchy title for this month and finally decided on - Perusing the Proverbs (perusing means "to read or examine, typically with great care.") Join me on this journey as we read, study and comment on the book of Proverbs, one chapter per day!

In the first chapter of Proverbs, if we break the chapter down according to topics, I feel that the first nine verses expound on the subject of wisdom, the fear of the Lord, and the blessing of receiving instruction. If we will be wise people of God, we will increase in learning throughout our lives and a teachable spirit will add beauty to us, as well.

Verses 10-19 give us a vivid description of the bloodthirstiness of sinners, and strong admonition to refrain from following such individuals.

In verses 20-23, we are introduced to the voice and cry of wisdom which pleads with the simple and scorners to heed her call. Why would anyone reject wisdom when the reward for cherishing this virtue is to have the spirit poured unto us and wisdom's own words shown to us?

Verses 24-33 carry us through the rest of the chapter with the disturbing sentence to all who reject counsel, reproof, and have no fear of the Lord. How sad to think that because of wrong choices, many will call upon the Lord at some point only to find God silent! The end result for rebellion is to be filled with one's own devices and not the ways of the Lord. The last verse gives us hope that if we hearken to the Lord, we will dwell safely and be free from the fear of evil.

I hope you've enjoyed this first perusal of Proverbs! I have enjoyed it, and look forward to tomorrow's spoonful.

Until then, be wise for with wisdom comes great reward. See you tomorrow, Lord willing........