The Usefulness of Proverbs

Almost everyone has at some point in their respective life run across a verse that has been quoted to them or paraphrased from the Book of Proverbs. However, the actual study of these phrases and principles is often left to Preachers for Sunday morning sermons that the congregation sleepily follows along to and than never gives a second thought to as they argue over what to do for lunch that Sunday afternoon. My goal here is to attempt to penetrate the meaning behind these riddles and garner some amount of truth and wisdom all while enjoying a nicely warmed cup of Earl Grey tea. So let us begin: The book of proverbs we learn from the beginning was written by King Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel. The reason I begin here is that in any analysis of Biblical text we must first begin with a discussion of the author. However, I will fast forward through the book of Kings and his history to get the more critical factors. (For a review of Solomons, please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon ). I will attribute authorship to Solomon unless otherwise noted for in the later Proverbs there is still debate to the true authors, but more on that later. I'll conclude each post with the proverb to be discussed during the following post. Later this week, our discussion will focus on fear of the Lord and the meaning behind this phrase. Proverbs 1: 1-7 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;

3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;

4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-

5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-

6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.