June 7, 2020, Proverbs 1 – ISSL Reflections

I.
Beginning this week and for the following three weeks we will be reading passages from the Book of Proverbs in the Hebrew Scripture.

This week we start by reading the first chapter of the book. Many see this first chapter (and most especially the first seven verses) as an introduction to the entire book.

As we begin I am going to break apart these 33 verses into three sections. First, verses 1 – 7 which set the stage for how wisdom in some of its aspects can be considered and the value of such wisdom. Second, verses 8 – 19 which instruct a “child” to consider the instruction and teaching offered by their father and mother. And, third, verses 20 – 33, which personify Wisdom as something of a “street preacher” standing on a busy corner crying out to be heard over the crowd.

I invite you to still yourself for a moment or two and then to slowly read these verses and pay attention to how Wisdom calls to you.

II.
Proverbs 1 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

For learning about wisdom and instruction,
for understanding words of insight,

for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;

to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—

let the wise also hear and gain in learning,
and the discerning acquire skill,

to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:8-19

Hear, my child, your father’s instruction,
and do not reject your mother’s teaching;

for they are a fair garland for your head,
and pendants for your neck.

My child, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.

If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
let us wantonly ambush the innocent;

like Sheol let us swallow them alive
and whole, like those who go down to the Pit.

We shall find all kinds of costly things;
we shall fill our houses with booty.

Throw in your lot among us;
we will all have one purse”—

my child, do not walk in their way,
keep your foot from their paths;

for their feet run to evil,
and they hurry to shed blood.

For in vain is the net baited
while the bird is looking on;

yet they lie in wait—to kill themselves!
and set an ambush—for their own lives!

Such is the end of all who are greedy for gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom cries out in the street;
in the squares she raises her voice.

At the busiest corner she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?

Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
I will make my words known to you.

Because I have called and you refused,
have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,

and because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,

I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when panic strikes you,

when panic strikes you like a storm,
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.

Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,

would have none of my counsel,
and despised all my reproof,

therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way
and be sated with their own devices.

For waywardness kills the simple,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;

but those who listen to me will be secure
and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

III.
How is wisdom described in this passage? What constitutes Wisdom? By how many different names or aspects is Wisdom referenced?

One section of the chapter speaks in the voice of a father and mother offering instruction for their child. Who has offered you Wisdom, instruction and teaching? Probably others in addition to a father or mother? Who has been your instructor and mentor? Who do you now trust to mentor you?

And what about this description of Wisdom crying out on the street corner? What do you make of that? Is this the proper place for Wisdom to offer advice? Does Wisdom get a hearing in such places?

Mull over the passage a while, turn over these questions in your mind and spirit and we’ll get back together later.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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