Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)
Purpose and Theme
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.
This begins the Proverbs. These were collected, and in some cases written, by Solomon, the great king of Israel who was the wisest man who ever lived. The heart of wisdom is humility – the willingness to admit that other people know things that you don’t, and the grace to learn from them. In which situations have you been too stubborn to learn, and paid a price? God wants you to give up your stubborn need to do it your way and be in control, and to enjoy the easier, more joyful path of learning from others. Pray for the humility to not just see and admit your stubbornness, but also for the grace to let go of your need for control.