Last year we reviewed each of the 150 divisions of the Book of Psalms. Praise the Lord! I pray that the blessings of the Psalms linger in your heart and mind.
We used the poetry of the Psalms, prayers, bible studies, commentaries, mediations and music to gain a better understanding of the law (paradigm) of God in the context of human struggle and human awe of God as Creator, Redeemer and Comforter. I can summarise the Psalms in two phrases: “Praise God” and “In God we Trust”. True wisdom leads us to fear God, in other words, trust God and reverence Him for his loving counsel to us. We will learn about the will of our Heavenly Father as we focus Divine Wisdom in the Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. I pray that we “hear and increase in learning” by meditating on His Word.
Overview | Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 1: 1-7 (NKJV)
The Beginning of Knowledge
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To [a]perceive the words of understanding,
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4 To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel,
6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Reflection
The opening verses outline the purpose for reading and applying the Book of Proverbs to your life:
- To know wisdom and instruction,
- To perceive the words of understanding,
- To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity;
- To obtain prudence, knowledge and discretion
The result of this pursuit will result in:
- increased learning
- having access to wise counsel
The main lesson to be learnt is:
The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
Prayer Focus
- Heavenly Father, teach me the beginning of knowledge.
- Give me a teachable, humble spirit
- May I trust in your wise counsel
- I open my heart and mind to receive instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity
Upward Ever... 