My goal for this mini-study is to ponder one verse from a chapter of Proverbs each day. However, when I read this chapter, it all seemed to be connected, like one long letter. Because of this, I decided I’d just jot down a few of my thoughts.

Proverbs chapter one begins with these words:

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;  To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

We have a simple outline here.

• Title – The Proverbs
• Author – Solomon, son of David, king of Israel
• Purpose – That the reader may gain wisdom, instruction, understanding, justice, judgment and equity
• Audience – The simple, or the youthful

We see that chapter two also is giving instruction also, in particular, to the son:

 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Chapter two tells us that by seeking wisdom, we can gain understanding, righteousness, judgment and equity (verse 9). We can have discretion (verse 11) and protection from evil men and strange women. (verses 12 and 16).

The “evil man” is one who knows what is right, but refuses to live righteously. (verse 13) The strange woman, as described in verse 16, is a flatterer. She desires to use others to satisfy her own sensual longings. She, like the evil man, has been taught what is right, but rejects that path. (verse 17)

This chapter closes with the warning as to what will happen to both the one who lives according to wisdom, and those one who does not:

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. (verses 21 -22)

I do the best I can to train my daughters and sons to live righteously. They have heard the Gospel, the Bible stories and Christian songs. They go witnessing and memorize scripture. But only God can change their hearts. This chapter convicted me today to pray more, because my good works are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) I need God’s help to point them to the Cross;  I need Him to do reveal Himself to them. (Luke 10:22) I pray that He will do just that.