Proverbs 9:10-18
Q.1. What makes fear the beginning of wisdom? Why is it crucial to know God, in order to gain understanding? What are the benefits of wisdom? Why is it foolish to scoff at wisdom? – (Prov.9:10-12)
Whoever we fear and regard, will largely determine the direction of our lives. That is because we tend to agree with, submit to, follow, and obey the ones we fear. Solomon observed that it is – the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom (Prov.9:10). Fallen man is foolish and considers life from a temporal point of view. Wisdom helps us to view life from God’s point of view. Solomon also declared that – the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Prov.9:10). Knowledge without knowing the Lord tends to puff up a person. A person who regards God, will keep a lowly perspective on his/her knowledge (1 Cor.8:1). True wisdom prevents a person from cutting his/her life short by engaging in destructive activities (Eph.6:1-3; 1 Pet.3:10-12). Those who are wise in their own eyes will scoff at wisdom and will pay the price of such folly (Prov.9:11-12).
Q.2. How do immoral women operate? Why did Solomon conclude that they were naïve? What is their attraction? What is the destiny of those who follow immorality? – (Prov.9:13-18)
Immoral women exploit lust and inexperience in others, in order to lure the immature into their web (Prov.9:14-16). Solomon described such women as – naïve and knowing nothing … of true value (Prov.9:13). He added that these women will push boundaries and are boisterous and reckless (Prov.9:13). They use the fleshly notion that – Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant (Prov.9:17). However, Solomon advocated Godly caution. Solomon defined the terms and conditions of use and concluded that participants do – … not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol (Prov.9:18).