07.10.08
Biblical Wisdom (Second Discussion)
The Application of the Proverbs - Exhortation to Fear God
Chapter 1, VV 7-9 are exhortations to fear God and obey parents. Solomon reveals that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 
Fearing God is essential or indispensable to understanding relationships, love, and the very reason for our existence because it is wisdom we can only acquire from our Creator. God, as our heavenly Father, in love proclaims each God fearing person His own, and that through His Word and Holy Spirit, will teach and instruct them. Instructions of God fearing parents, then, are true expressions of love; Obedience to parent’s nurturing and instruction is reciprocating that love and obeying the fifth commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother”.
Plainly stated in these verses is the fact that fools despise wisdom and instruction. We are urged to not spurn the teachings of our elders, nor throw off tried and true tradition, nor go our own way ignoring all consequences as if they are unreal, invalid or only happen to others. To learn we must be submissive and yield to those with wisdom. Throughout much of the Book of Proverbs we are taught that humility and submission are products of love and respect.
Finally, in verse 9 of this chapter, we are made aware that the wisdom we acquire will be reflected in our lives as “an ornament of grace”.
Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Pro 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Pro 1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
