Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Proverbs 1:1-7 (ESV)
The Beginning of Knowledge
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
What grips you in this prologue to the book of Proverbs?
Holy God, You know all things that were, that are, and yet to come. In Your wisdom, you created the intricacies of the immense universe and at the same time, You wove together the intricacies of my body and mind. Thank You for giving me a mind and the free will to use it. Thank You for sharing pieces of wisdom and instruction in this book of Proverbs. From this book, I can learn what is right, honest, and fair. To respect and obey You is the beginning of knowledge. It starts with You! So many in society do not respect and obey You and their lack of wisdom and foolish behavior is evident and hurting many. Help me to not be foolish and reject Your wisdom and good advice. Increase my wisdom to listen to Your words and help me to learn and understand the proverbs, sayings, riddles as well as words of wisdom. In all things let my love for You and the resulting wisdom from Your Word be evident in my behavior so that I can help guide and heal hurting people. Help me lead them to You so that they too can know the wisdom of Your Word. Thank You for the gift of Your Word and Your Spirit who makes Your Word come alive in my life. Amen