to receive instruction in wise dealing,

    in righteousness, justice, and equity;

Proverbs 1:3 ESV

One of the goals of Proverbs is for the reader to receive instruction in a) wise dealing, b) in righteousness, c) in justice, and d) in equity. Here, Solomon indicates the importance of certain values. Below, we will look at righteousness.

Because true wisdom is connected to God, righteousness is an essential consideration. In the context of Proverbs, the writer repeatedly encourages the reader to pursue the path of wisdom, the destination of which is righteousness. For true wisdom is not business acumen or good people skills or seemingly having the right answer to every tough question, it is rightly understanding and responding to God, which is reflected in how we respond to situations and other people.

As one reads Proverbs, it is critical to keep righteousness in mind.

to receive instruction in wise dealing,

    in righteousness, justice, and equity

Proverbs 1:3 ESV

One of the goals of Proverbs is for the reader to receive instruction in a) wise dealing, b) in righteousness, c) in justice, and d) in equity. Here, Solomon indicates the importance of certain values. Below, we will look at wise dealing.

Wise dealing could be simplified as wisdom. Wisdom has to do with how we see life and the way we interact with others. Wisdom, though, isn’t simply knowing how not to get ripped off when buying a used car. Wise dealing has to do with understanding the circumstances of life. It has to do with understanding the other person and knowing how to interact properly with them, how to encourage, rebuke, edify, etc. People are not all the same, and must be approached wisely. I think that is what Hebrews 10:24 is getting at when it says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (ESV). “Consider” suggests a thoughtful approach to others. After all, we all have our own buttons. Wisdom knows how to push those buttons in a God honoring way.

In Proverbs 1:3, Solomon’s desire is that the reader will have a heart that is receptive to instruction in wisdom. By extension, Solomon’s desire is to provide that instruction through the remainder of this book.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have a heart that happily and easily receives instruction in wisdom.

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,

for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV

A couple questions:

1. Children, do you view your parents’ teaching in a positive light? Do you view them as adornments?
2. Parents, are your teachings worthy of being viewed as adornments?

What may be easily overlooked in these verses is the two-directional responsibility. Yes, children should listen to their parents. But, the parents are obligated to guide their children toward godliness, and not toward foolishness.

Colossians 3:20-21, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they become discouraged.”

“To know wisdom and instruction,

    to understand words of insight,”

Proverbs 1:1 ESV

Solomon begins this book with a purpose statement of several verses that concludes with 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

In 1:1, Solomon begins to outline the things that are to follow. That is to say, the goal of this book is represented in what is coming in the remainder of the book.

• To know wisdom and instruction.
• To understand words of insight.

If you are interested in gaining wisdom and instruction and in understanding words of insight, you are wise … so proceed to read to book. If you are not interested in those things, you are a fool … but, proceed to read the book anyway. Your heart may be persuaded to pursue wisdom.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

  fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

The book of Proverbs is dedicated to knowledge, the right kind of knowledge. That is to say wisdom and godliness. Note that the fool despises this kind of knowledge.

The remainder of the book provides a contrast between the righteous and the fool.