Day 1 - The Beginning of Knowledge

Today's Reading is Proverbs 1:1-19 (NIV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 

2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; 

for understanding words of insight; 

3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, 

doing what is right and just and fair; 

4 for giving prudence to those who are 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, 

but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction 

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 

9 They are a garland to grace your head 

and a chain to adorn your neck. 

10 My son, if sinful men entice you, 

do not give in to them. 

11 If they say, “Come along with us; 

let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, 

let’s ambush some harmless soul; 

12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, 

and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 

13 we will get all sorts of valuable things 

and fill our houses with plunder; 

14 cast lots with us; 

we will all share the loot”— 

15 my son, do not go along with them, 

do not set foot on their paths; 

16 for their feet rush into evil, 

they are swift to shed blood. 

17 How useless to spread a net 

where every bird can see it! 

18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; 

they ambush only themselves! 

19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; 

it takes away the life of those who get it.

Questions to Consider about the Reading:

What is described as "the beginning of knowledge" in this passage, and why do you think this foundational principle is placed so early in Proverbs?

What characters or relationships are highlighted in this passage (father/son, wise/foolish, sinners/innocent), and how might these relationships apply to your life?

The passage warns against being enticed by those who seek unjust gain. What modern situations might this warning apply to in your life?

How does the imagery in verses 8-9 (garland for your head, pendants for your neck) help you understand the value of parental instruction?

How might these opening verses of Proverbs point us toward Jesus as the embodiment of God's wisdom?

What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?

Ending Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of wisdom found in your Word. As I begin this journey through Proverbs, help me to approach these verses not merely to gain information, but to grow in godly wisdom that transforms my life. Remind me that true wisdom begins with reverence for you. Guard my heart against the enticements of the world that promise quick gain but lead to destruction. Help me to recognize Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of your wisdom, the one in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are found. May your Spirit guide me as I read, reflect, and apply these ancient words to my daily life. Give me patience as I seek understanding, knowing that wisdom comes gradually like a marathon rather than a sprint. In Jesus' name, amen.