6 March Proverbs 1
- Werner Jansen van rensburg
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Start With God
Proverbs 1 introduces the purpose of the book: to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding. It encourages the pursuit of knowledge, warning against ignoring instruction. The chapter stresses the importance of fearing the Lord as the foundation of wisdom. It also cautions against joining with those who entice others into evil schemes, highlighting the consequences of such actions. Wisdom is personified, calling out to be heard, but warns that those who reject it will face ruin. In our quest for knowledge and understanding, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available to us. Yet, as Proverbs 1:7 (MSG) reminds us, true wisdom begins with God. “Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning”.
Many people possess vast knowledge, yet miss what truly matters. Jesus made it unmistakably clear: it's not about how much you know, but about knowing Him. A personal relationship with Jesus is what holds ultimate significance. Without that, all other knowledge falls short. In John 5:39-40 (MSG), Jesus rebukes those who study the Scriptures diligently, thinking they will find eternal life, but miss the most critical truth—the Scriptures point to Him. "You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want." Despite their devotion to knowledge, they failed to grasp the most important part: a relationship with Jesus, the very source of life they sought.
Similarly, Proverbs 9:10 (CEVDCI) tells us, "Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God." True wisdom doesn’t come from mere knowledge, but from a personal relationship with God. Knowing Him is where all wisdom starts. Without this foundation, all learning is incomplete, no matter how vast. The Core Message The core message here is clear: it's not about how much you know, but who you know—God Himself. Refusing to learn from God leaves us lost, exposed to failure, and ultimately, cut off from the true life He offers. As Proverbs 1:28-30 (NLT) warns, "When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them." Ignoring God’s wisdom leads to peril. But God graciously extends an invitation for us to learn from Him.
Proverbs 1:33 (NLT) promises, "But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm." God’s wisdom offers peace and protection to those who seek it. As Charles Stanley said, “The Bible reveals the Father’s overall plan for the world and provides general guidelines for life. But how can we know His specific plans for us? Listening to God is essential to walking with God.” Listening to His voice, through Scripture and in prayer, is crucial for navigating life according to His will.
The Amplified Bible reinforces this in Proverbs 1:7 (AMP): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge ; But arrogant fools despise wisdom and instruction and self-discipline." Without the reverence of God, we lack the foundation for real wisdom, becoming like fools who dismiss discipline and understanding.
Saint Augustine once said, “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” It is in knowing and loving God that we find life’s highest fulfilment. James 4:8 (TLB) sums it up perfectly: “And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him.” God desires us to know Him, and in that relationship, we find peace, wisdom, and life itself.