Nothing to Fear
Reflective Reading: Proverbs 1
As we wrap up the topic of friendship, we will segue back into our study on Proverbs. To briefly review, Proverbs 1–6 introduces four main characters: the simple, the knowledgeable youth, the wise man who grows in learning, and the discerning man who surrounds himself with wise counsel.
Each of these characters is presented sequentially with the simple being the least mature. True to his name, the simple is characteristically simple-minded, thoughtless, easily enticed, gullible, and naïve. On a humorous note, the Hebrew word for simple carries the idea of fathead. Throughout our series on Proverbs, we’ll see that the simple person always has a choice to make: Who will he become?
However, not all of his influencers are good. In chapter one, two negative characters enter the scene: the fool and the mocker. If left to his own nature, the simple man will be attracted to these enticing characters and their twisted ways. If held under the influence of his father’s teaching, he will be attracted to the character of the knowledgeable, wise, and discerning.
Ultimately, the direction chosen by the simple will depend on his response to the first three wisdom lessons presented in chapter 1. What are these wisdom lessons? Look for the ‘my son’ statements. The first is found in Proverbs 1:8–9:
1. My son, obey the correction of your father and don’t neglect the teaching of your mother.
Notice the primary roles of the father and mother: correction and teaching. It is imperative that father and mother follow God’s prescribed roles of parenting. Mothers are to have the primary role of teaching their children while the father is away at work, and when the father returns, he is to enforce and reinforce the teaching of his spouse. There’s much more to be said, but the general idea is apparent.
The next wisdom lesson is found in Proverbs 1:10–19:
2. My son, choose your friends wisely—‘If sinners entice you, don’t consent.’
God warns us to stay away from so-called friends who are greedy for gain and take advantage of weaker people. These wisdom lessons are for all ages, but their original intent is to teach young children how to navigate life skillfully when they become men and women. As such, Solomon uses the art of story to creatively communicate his illustration to younger listeners.
In verse 17 we see a trap set in plain sight, with the intent to catch a bird. Logically, the bird would have to be blind to walk into such an obvious trap. But that is exactly God’s point! When we hang around ‘friends’ who are preoccupied with their selfish greedy goals and as a result trample on others, we become blind to the pitfalls that will ultimately destroy us.
The third wisdom lesson carries what I believe to be the weightiest of all the wisdom lessons. In fact, this lesson is repeated 12 times in the first nine chapters. The third wisdom lesson begins in verse 23 and comes in the form of a question and command to the simple:
3. How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will mockers delight in their mocking, and how long will fools hate knowledge? Turn at my reproof and behold, I will pour out my spirit to you and make my words known to you.
In order for the simple, mockers, and fools to change, they must reflect on the direction they are heading and ponder the question that is posed to them: How long? How long do you want to stay this way? God is ready and able at any time to pour out His Spirit and make His words known to anyone who is willing to ‘turn’ from their own ways and call upon the name of the LORD. No one needs to stay as they are.
The reason that so many do not turn and receive God’s life-transforming power is because of the second part of this wisdom lesson: Turn at my reproof. Accepting and receiving reproof is not easy for anyone. However, if a child learns the first wisdom lesson by obeying the correction of his father when he begins to stray from his mother’s teaching, then he will be prepared for more severe corrections, or ‘reproof,’ when he is older. I cannot stress how important this wisdom lesson is. Heeding the correction of his father prepares a child to respect the authorities God places in his life. The reproofs of an employer, a friend, or a spouse may one day strengthen a marriage, help a person to keep a job, or live a life of victory rather than defeat and depression.
Sadly, those who will not heed correction and reproof will experience disastrous, irreversible consequences. See Proverbs 1:24-32:
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
But all is not negative. Wisdom lesson three brings a positive note to end the father’s teaching: but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without fear of evil.
The ending theme, that there will be nothing to fear for those who heed wisdom’s teaching, beautifully frames the main theme of the fear of the LORD (1:7). When we submit to the correction and teaching of our father and mother, choose our friends wisely, and heed correction and reproof with a humble spirit, we will make decisions in life that are influenced by the fear of the Lord rather than the fear of man.
And that’s what Proverbs chapter one is all about.
Recommended Reading:
· Proverbs 1-9
