.1:1-7.

Back to Contents

Prov 1:1-9:18 THE VALUE OF WISDOM

Purpose of the book (Prov 1:1-7)

The instruction given in the book of Proverbs aims at producing wisdom. This wisdom involves not only growth in knowledge, but also the ability to use that knowledge in discerning what is right and true, then acting accordingly. It calls for training and discipline.

The result will be purity in personal behaviour and justice in dealings with others (Prov 1:1-3).

Although this wisdom is available to the young and immature, even the wise and experienced have need of it.

Proverbs help develop the mind as people think out their meanings. These meanings are sometimes expressed in figures of speech, other times plainly; sometimes with humour, other times with irony. But the guiding principle in searching for true wisdom is a respectful relationship with the holy God (Prov 1:4-7).