Read Proverbs 1.
Solomon had been divinely gifted by God with unusual wisdom and understanding.
As he laid the foundation for this book, he set forth three lessons that
will determine one's success in life. These literally separate a fool
from those who are truly wise.
1. Reverence for the LORD. (v.7)
Holding the God of heaven in high regard is the beginning. Without a
sense of awe for Him and accountability to Him, one will make life choices that
ultimately lead to self-destruction. When a person understands this first
lesson, they will hunger to know what God has said and desire to please Him in
all they do.
2. Respect for parents. (vv.8-9)
A child is Biblically charged by God to honor and obey parents. It is the
responsibility of parents to teach their children to love God and to know right
from wrong. The godly disciplines of the father and the precepts of the mother
are never to be cast aside. When grown and on their own, a child is no
longer living under the obedience of parents, but the requirement to honor them
and their words is lifelong.
3. Resistance of wrong friends. (vv.10-19)
Perhaps nothing is more influential on a person's life development and world
view that than those closest to them. Peer pressure, at any age, can sway
one's thinking and responses. Spending time with the wrong people will
only result in mischief and sin. Here is the evaluation question in order
to choose a true friend. Have they learned the first two lessons above?
If not, our commission is to be a godly influence on them but not allow
them to be an influence on us. No one can grow in their faith being
alone. We need to be taught. We need wise models to follow.
We need interaction with wise friends on a regular basis to maintain a
life full of wise choices.
Wisdom for life is immediately available. It is written down for us in
this book.
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