b 142:1 Unknown musical term.

a 144:14 Hebrew meaning of this verse uncertain.

b 145:1 Psalm 145 is a poem in Hebrew alphabetical order.

a 148:14 Or "given his people strength."

Introduction to PROVERBS.

This book is a collection of wise sayings based on observation of everyday life. Much of the advice is aimed at young men from prosperous, influential families, men who someday will inherit land and judge disputes and perhaps even rule the nation. These proverbs tell them how to choose a good wife, warn them to avoid prostitutes and adulteresses, encourage them to develop virtues such as honesty, hard work, and humility, and-above all-urge them to seek wisdom.

The proverbs come from various sources and authors, including Solomon, king of Israel and Judah in the tenth century BC, known far and wide for his great wisdom (see, for example, 1 Kings 10:23-24). Many of the sayings are presented as words of counsel from father to son. This is ironic, since Solomon's own son and heir, Rehoboam, foolishly ignored his father's advisers and showed no concern for the poor. As a result, he lost half of his father's kingdom (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10).

The proverbs can't be skimmed but have to be read one at a time, slowly and thoughtfully. Their aim, says the introduction, is to build character: to produce wisdom, discipline, understanding, insight, knowledge, foresight, growth, and direction. A tall order for the young men to whom they are addressed, though perhaps not as daunting as the description of the ideal wife provided in Proverbs 31:10-31.

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Wisdom is personified as a woman who calls out to all, offering understanding, long life, riches, and honor. This Wisdom is more than human. Wisdom was present with God at creation: "By Wisdom Yahweh laid the foundation of the earth" (3:19). In a beautiful song about God's eternal wisdom, she sings: "When he set up the heavens, I was there" (8:22-31). Wisdom is life giving: "Whoever finds me finds life" (8:35). Paul may have been thinking about the book of Proverbs when he wrote that Christ is "God's wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:24).

How can we respond to Wisdom's invitation? "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10)-not fear as in terror, but as in awe, respect, and reverence. When we honor God as the Creator, we learn to seek his wisdom in the world around us, even in the common events of our daily lives.

Key Names of God in Proverbs Yah, Yahweh LORD El, Elohim, Eloah God Migdal-Oz Strong Tower PROVERBS.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10.

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20.

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30.

31.

The Reasons for Proverbs 1 1 The proverbs of Solomon, David's son who was king of Israel, given 2 to grasp wisdom and discipline, to understand deep thoughts, 3 to acquire the discipline of wise behavior- righteousness and justice and fairness- 4 to give insight to gullible people, to give knowledge and foresight to the young- 5 a wise person will listen and continue to learn, and an understanding person will gain direction- 6 to understand a proverb and a clever saying, the words of wise people and their riddles.

7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge.

Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Listen to Wisdom 8 My son, listen to your father's discipline, and do not neglect your mother's teachings, 9 because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head and a golden chain around your neck.

10 My son, if sinners lure you, do not go along.

11 If they say, "Come with us.

Let's set an ambush to kill someone.

Let's hide to ambush innocent people for fun.

12 We'll swallow them alive like the grave, like those in good health who go into the pit.

13 We'll find all kinds of valuable possessions.

We'll fill our homes with stolen goods.

14 Join us.

We'll split the loot equally."

15 My son, do not follow them in their way.

Do not even set foot on their path, 16 because they rush to do evil and hurry to shed blood.

17 It does no good to spread a net within the sight of any bird.

18 But these people set an ambush for their own murder.

They go into hiding only to lose their lives.

19 This is what happens to everyone who is greedy for unjust gain.

Greed takes away his life.

20 Wisdom sings her song in the streets.

In the public squares she raises her voice.

21 At the corners of noisy streets she calls out.

At the entrances to the city she speaks her words, 22 "How long will you gullible people love being so gullible?

How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking?

How long will you fools hate knowledge?

23 "Turn to me when I warn you.

I will generously pour out my spirit for you.

I will make my words known to you.

24 "I called, and you refused to listen.

I stretched out my hands to you, and no one paid attention.

25 You ignored all my advice.

You did not want me to warn you.

26 I will laugh at your calamity.

I will make fun of you when panic strikes you, 27 when panic strikes you like a violent storm, when calamity strikes you like a wind storm, when trouble and anguish come to you.

28 "They will call to me at that time, but I will not answer.

They will look for me, but they will not find me, 29 because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of Yahweh .

30 They refused my advice.

They despised my every warning.

31 They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle.

They will be stuffed with their own schemes.

32 "Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away.

Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference.

33 But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster."

The Benefit of Wisdom 2 1 My son, if you take my words to heart and treasure my commands within you, 2 if you pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind reach for understanding, 3 if indeed you call out for insight, if you ask aloud for understanding, 4 if you search for wisdom as if it were money and hunt for it as if it were hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh and you will find the knowledge of Elohim.

6 Yahweh gives wisdom.

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He has reserved priceless wisdom for decent people.

He is a Magen for those who walk in integrity 8 in order to guard those on paths of justice and to watch over the way of his godly ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair- every good course in life.

10 Wisdom will come into your heart.

Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

11 Foresight will protect you.

Understanding will guard you.

12 Wisdom will save you from the way of evil, from the person who speaks devious things, 13 from those who abandon the paths of righteousness to walk the ways of darkness, 14 from those who enjoy doing evil, from those who find joy in the deviousness of evil.

15 Their paths are crooked.

Their ways are devious.

16 Wisdom will also save you from an adulterous woman, from a loose woman with her smooth talk, 17 who leaves her husband, the closest friend of her youth, and forgets her marriage vows to her Elohim .

18 Her house sinks down to death.

Her ways lead to the souls of the dead.

19 None who have sex with her come back.

Nor do they ever reach the paths of life.

20 So walk in the way of good people and stay on the paths of righteous people.

21 Decent people will live in the land.

People of integrity will remain in it.

22 But wicked people will be cut off from the land and treacherous people will be torna from it.

Using Wisdom 3 1 My son, do not forget my teachings, and keep my commands in mind, 2 because they will bring you long life, good years, and peace.

3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you.

Fasten them around your neck.

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of Elohim and humanity.

5 Trust Yahweh with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.a 7 Do not consider yourself wise.

Fear Yahweh, and turn away from evil.

8 Then your body will be healed, and your bones will have nourishment.

9 Honor Yahweh with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income.b 10 Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.

11 Do not reject the discipline of Yahweh, my son, and do not resent his warning, 12 because Yahweh warns the one he loves, even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.