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Proverbs 1-4, 15-16, 22, 31; Ecclesiastes 1-3, 11-12

“He Shall Direct Thy Paths”

September 7 - September 13

Monday, September 7

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quote

Different from but related to the fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28) or “the fear of the Lord” (Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6; Isaiah 11:2–3). Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. But how can anything associated with fear be edifying or spiritually helpful? The righteous fear I am attempting to describe encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand. Thus, godly fear grows out of a correct understanding of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, a willingness to submit our will to His will, and a knowledge that every man and woman will be accountable for his or her own sins in the Day of Judgment. As the scriptures certify, godly fear “is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), “the instruction of wisdom” (Proverbs 15:33), a “strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26), and “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27).

David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” April 2015 General Conference

commentaries

Proverbs 1:1-9

<h1>Proverbs 1</h1> <h2>1:1–9</h2> The Proverbs have been traditionally attributed, in part, to Solomon due to multiple references in the book to his wisdom.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> In this literature, wisdom is understood through its moral dimensions and involves an active and a passive approach. It begins with a willingness to perceive, receive, hear, and understand. The phrase “dark sayings” in verse 6 should be understood as something that is difficult to interpret—that is, something like a riddle. Fear in the context of verse 7 can be understood as reverence. In other words, reverence to the Lord is the beginning of the pursuit of divine attributes. In this pursuit the family is foundational. If one does not despise learning, wisdom will be worn like an ornament—a perceived blessing.   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> 1 Kings 3:5–15; 4:29–34; 5:12; 10:1–9; 11:41. Author: Noé Correa General Editor: Taylor Halverson Associate Editor: Morgan Tanner Senior Editor: Sarah Whitney Johnson Assistant Editor: Verlanne Johnson ScripturePlus Design: Jasmin Gimenez Rappleye

Old Testament Minute: Proverbs by BMC

Proverbs 1:10-19

<h2>1:10–19</h2> Wisdom is connected to our sphere of influence. In this section, a father counsels his son to stay away from those who have wickedness on their minds. Three times the sinful invitations are worded as a “let us” phrase. The sinners have already included the son in the group, which is indicated by the pronoun “us.” Sin befriends and entices to be part of wickedness. The father is wise, counseling his son not to follow in the sinners’ path. This can either mean to avoid their lifestyle or to literally not walk with them or accompany them. Both implications can be true. Even if the son promises to not participate with the sinners, walking with them would only make the temptation more desirable. A man of God was thus tempted: “Come home with me, and eat bread” (1 Kings 13:15).

Old Testament Minute: Proverbs by BMC

Proverbs 1:20-23

<h2>1:20–23</h2> Wisdom is often portrayed as a woman—Lady Wisdom, as she is occasionally called. Wisdom’s presence could be anywhere: in the streets, the places of commotion, and by the gates.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> With father and mother mentioned in verse 8 and the author taking the role of father, Lady Wisdom is portrayed as a mother figure, giving instructions to the reader.   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Another woman is portrayed in similar places. Asherah, the mother goddess of Canaan, was found at places of commotion and by the gates (2 Kings 23:4–9; Proverbs 8:1–3, 22–25). Both Lady Wisdom and Asherah had bread to offer (2 Kings 23:9; Proverbs 9:5). The root letters for the word translated as “blessed,” found throughout Proverbs, are the same root letters for the name Asherah (see, for example, Proverbs 8:32). In the original, most ancient form of these proverbs, Lady Wisdom may have been a representation of Asherah. Author: Noé Correa General Editor: Taylor Halverson Associate Editor: Morgan Tanner Senior Editor: Sarah Whitney Johnson Assistant Editor: Verlanne Johnson ScripturePlus Design: Jasmin Gimenez Rappleye

Old Testament Minute: Proverbs by BMC

Proverbs 1:24-33

<h2>1:24–33</h2> Wisdom continues to speak as she declares that she cannot help if her counsel has been rejected. People reject her by refusing to listen, disregarding her words, and setting “at nought” her counsel. Wisdom’s response is to laugh and mock. By today’s standards, this behavior may appear odd. Yet it is completely in line with behavior found in ancient wisdom literature. Wisdom is a powerful tool that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Through the Spirit and by experience we can acquire knowledge, but that experience and knowledge will not be within reach if the Lord’s counsel has been rejected. Because wisdom ultimately comes from the Lord, the words of admonishment Lady Wisdom gives here are very similar to admonishment the Lord gives elsewhere. For example, “They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:7). Safety and protection come from the Lord’s wisdom. Author: Noé Correa General Editor: Taylor Halverson Associate Editor: Morgan Tanner Senior Editor: Sarah Whitney Johnson Assistant Editor: Verlanne Johnson ScripturePlus Design: Jasmin Gimenez Rappleye

Old Testament Minute: Proverbs by BMC

Proverbs 2:1-9

<h1>Proverbs 2</h1> <h2>2:1–9</h2> Lady Wisdom continues to speak. Seeking wisdom is an active endeavor. Words (teachings) and commandments must be received and kept sacred (hidden, as in verse 1). We must symbolically incline our ear to listen and apply our actions to attain understanding. Other necessary actions include crying unto the Lord, lifting up our voice, seeking and searching. This is completely in sync with the Lord’s commandments in this dispensation: “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). The Lord mentions “best books,” not limiting our study only to scripture or Church manuals. Today we can learn wisdom “by study and also by faith.” Leaders are always encouraging the Saints to be educated and instructed.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> This pursuit comes with blessings—being protected, guided, and preserved. In Proverbs 1:7, the reader is told that to fear “the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Now in chapter 2 the disciple is told to follow the previously given steps in preparation to “understand the fear of the Lord” (verse 5). It is important to recite commandments but more so to understand them and their application.   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> See Sarah Jane Weaver, “President Ballard to Latino Youth in Utah: ‘Get All the Education That You Can,’” Church News, June 8, 2022, <a href="https://thechurchnews.com/2022/6/8/23218462/president-ballard-to-latino-youth-in-utah-get-all-the-education-that-you-can">https://thechurchnews.com/2022/6/8/23218462/president-ballard-to-latino-youth-in-utah-get-all-the-education-that-you-can</a>. Author: Noé Correa General Editor: Taylor Halverson Associate Editor: Morgan Tanner Senior Editor: Sarah Whitney Johnson Assistant Editor: Verlanne Johnson ScripturePlus Design: Jasmin Gimenez Rappleye

Old Testament Minute: Proverbs by BMC

Proverbs 2:10-22

<h2>2:10–22</h2> Wisdom helps us perceive our surroundings, allowing us to gain knowledge in the form of situational awareness. Wisdom’s discretion and understanding will allow us to be in tune with the Spirit. Unfortunately, individuals who veer from the path are led to more drastic temptation. The adjective “strange” in the phrase “strange woman” from verse 16 is not defined. It may imply someone who is culturally different or perhaps who has followed the path of wickedness. Throughout Proverbs, Lady Wisdom will be contrasted with this strange woman, who is sometimes called Lady Folly.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> A Lady Folly of sorts has also been identified in Egyptian wisdom literature.<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a>   <a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> For Lady Folly, see Proverbs 2:16–19; 5:1–14; 6:20–35. For Lady Wisdom, see Proverbs 1:20–33; 3:13–18; 4:5–9; 8:1–36. For both, see Proverbs 7:1–4, 5–27; 9:1–6, 13–18. <a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> For example, see Instruction of Any and The Maxims of Ptahhotep. See also J. Scott Duval and J. Daniel Hays, eds., The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: BakerBooks, 2020), 462. Author: Noé Correa General Editor: Taylor Halverson Associate Editor: Morgan Tanner Senior Editor: Sarah Whitney Johnson Assistant Editor: Verlanne Johnson ScripturePlus Design: Jasmin Gimenez Rappleye

Old Testament Minute: Proverbs by BMC

Proverbs 1-4, 15-16, 22, 31; Ecclesiastes 1-3, 11-12

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scriptures

Proverbs 1:1-33

Proverbs 2:1-22

quote

What Is the Fear of the Lord?

commentaries

Proverbs 1:1-9

Proverbs 1:10-19

Proverbs 1:20-23

Proverbs 1:24-33

Proverbs 2:1-9

Proverbs 2:10-22

Scripture Central Media

Scripture Central

Scripture Central

Faith Insights with Tyler Griffin

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