"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not lay aside the instruction of your mother;
For they shall be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck."
-Proverbs 1:7-9
Proverbs is filled with Enigma.
Enigma: Function: noun
Etymology: Latin aenigma, from Greek ainigmat-, ainigma, from ainissesthai to speak in riddles, from ainos fable
1 : an obscure speech or writing
2 : something hard to understand or explain
3 : an inscrutable or mysterious person
Synonyms: "Mystery"
Proverbs is filled to the brim with these...
It is filled with sayings and instructions that have meanings layered so thick that as one's experience grows and wisdom is accumulated, these proverbs begin to unfold in new ways, with deeper meanings and greater importance. But even for those who are just beginning to grow in wisdom all of these proverbs have first and foremost, a straightforward meaning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge.
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge."
A hefty statement, this is.
The word "fear" used here is often understood to mean, "reverence, or respect," and indeed, this is part of the meaning, but this word does have the meaning of "fear, especially of an awesome or terrifying thing," and "holy fear." The image being presented here and reinforced throughout the writings of Proverbs is of a great lord who knows the inclinations of our hearts, the intent of our actions, and the thoughts of our minds. This great lord cares for those under him, but will not hesitate to rebuke and discipline both those he loves (to lead them in righteous ways) those who are dishonest (to warn them and to stop them), and has not qualms harshly disciplining fools (as the only way to get through!).
This understanding is the first step on our way to knowledge... the same kind of knowledge delineated in Proverbs 1:4; meaning knowledge, perception, skill, discernment, understanding, and wisdom
"But fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Here is the first time the word "fool" appears in these proverbs. Obviously, the word means "to be foolish" or "to be lacking in judgment or prudence" ... but it also has another meaning. It comes from a word meaning, "to be perverse." So this word can be read, "those perverse who lack judgement or prudence."
"But perverse people despise wisdom and instruction."
The word "despise" here means, "to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant."
Also, the word "instruction" here means, "discipline, chastening, and correction," with the implication being that these come from someone who actually has the wisdom and knowledge to discipline, chasten and correct.
So fools, or the perverse, find it contemptible to be disciplined, corrected, or chastened, and consider attempts to do so insignificant.
Proverbs was written in a culture where it was the responsibility of the parents to pass down the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of the previous generations of their family. The father and mother would continually instruct in both words and actions, and would give their children all that they knew.
But the word "father" means more than just this... It does not mean only "the one who gave birth," but the "up-bringer" or "nourisher" or "master" or "teacher." Just as while the word "mother" often means just that, it also has a secondary... more poetic meaning of, "her who bestows benefits on others."
So while this indeed has a straightforward meaning of, "Hear, listen, obey, and remember the wisdom and instructions given by parents," it also has a deeper meaning to be explored.
You see, the word translated here as "instruction" is the same as in the verse before this, meaning, "discipline, chastening, and correction."
Young one, hear, listen to, respect, and take to heart the instructions and corrections of wisdom of those who raise you, who provide for you, who you have chosen to let be your teachers, and if you are a servant, if your master chooses to correct you, listen! Hear the corrections and discipline of the righteous men in your life!
Young one, don't forsake the laws your mother set for you!
Apparently the writer understood very well the desire and inclination to split off of how we were instructed when we begin to feel independent. So much so, that this proverb was placed at the very beginning of the book of Proverbs, right behind "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," so that even the most simple, foolish, or young who don't have the self-control or ability to make it far in the writings would at least read this!
"For they shall be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck."
The words here for "graceful ornament" are more accurately stated as "A wreath of grace and favor," while the word "chains" actually means, "necklace, or pendant."
So, "they shall be a wreath of grace and favor upon your head, and a necklace or pendant about your neck." In other words, the wisdom, counsel, rules, and instructions of the men and women of God in your life will bring grace, favor, and honor to you. Don't forsake them!
Proverbs is full of things difficult to understand, but at least the beginning is straightforward... if not easy.
Those who fear and respect the Lord are on their way to knowledge, perception, skill, discernment, understanding, and wisdom.
Those who are foolish and perverse despise being corrected, chastened, and disciplined by those wiser than them, and any attempts are considered insignificant to them.
Do not forsake the wisdom and rules of those elder men and women of God in your lives, for they will bring you grace and favor!
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement, and equity.
For giving to the simple ones; Prudence.
For giving to the young ones; Knowledge and Discretion.
A wise man will hear and learn more.
A man of understanding will attain wise counsel.
To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles."
It seems that any who wish to gain wisdom and a life of goodness would take these proverbs to heart.
It seems that only a fool would do otherwise.
-I
-Me
-David
-Suave'
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