The Proverbs
of Solomon the Son of David,
King of Israel; Proverbs 1:1.
PART ONE
By Pastor F. M. Riley
September 22, 2017

Introduction
      This inspired book is a collection of  proverbs; that is, "wise sayings," most of which likely came from Solomon himself, since the Bible itself declares Solomon to be the wisest man who had ever lived up to the time he reigned as king over Israel.  While much of the book is made up of these "wise sayings," the book also contains parables, questions, short stories illustrating common sense, and also God's perspective on various subjects.  Let's study.......
The Purpose of the Book
     "To know wisdom and instruction: to perceive the words of understanding;
     To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
     To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion," Proverbs 1:2-4.  
     Before proceeding into the "wise sayings" contained in this book, Solomon set forth the purpose for the book.  This book was inspired of God, using Solomon as the writer, to help God's people "to know [learn]    wisdom and instruction," and to be able to discern "the words of understanding."  
     Obviously the book contains instruction in wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity.  This latter word, "equity," simply means knowing how to  do what is right in any situation, regardless of whether there is a law covering that situation or not.   God's people should seek to learn to just do what is right, if they truly want the blessings of the Lord God upon their life.
     This is exactly what 1:4 means when it speaks of "subtilty."  In other words, to teach the ability to reason, or even gain foresight and discretion to those who will study these "wise sayings" and take them  to heart.
The Benefits of the Book
     "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
     To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings," Proverbs 1:5-6.
     Before really getting into these "wise sayings" set forth in this book, Solomon first assured those who will seriously study it, that they will reap great benefits from their studies.  In studying this book, those who will seriously "hear" what the book has to say, by  taking heed to what is written in this book, will "increase learning," and will "attain unto wise counsels."  
     And they will also gain the knowledge to "understand a proverb," and how to "interpret" what they are reading.  In addition they will be enabled to understand "the words of the wise, and their dark sayings."  
     This latter phrase is speaking of those in the world system, primarily the politicians of the world, who in their wicked pride,  think themselves to be wiser than others of mankind, and who plot and plan how to rule over other men, and "run the world."  When I read this Scripture, I never fail to think of the New World Order crowd, who are even now planning to set up a one-world government in the near future.
And significantly, it is only dedicated true believers who really understand "the dark sayings"  of these self appointed "wise" men,  and the suffering and death, that their plans will bring upon mankind left behind on the earth following the rapture of all true believers to glory.    
The Foundation of the Book
     "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction," Proverbs 1:7.
     After presenting the purpose and benefits of studying the "wise sayings" in this book, Solomon then assures the reader that this entire book is based upon his own "fear of the Lord," and that such "a fear of the Lord" is exactly where sound "knowledge" begins.  Unless one has a true "fear of the Lord" [belief in the Lord's reality and respect for His power], there is no way they are going to believe His Word, and without believing what His Word says, then the Word of God is of no benefit to them.  Compare Psalm 14:1, 53:1, and Hebrews 11:6.     
     But Solomon also points out that all who may read this book will not receive a blessing from it, for "fools despise wisdom and instruction."   If any reader has ever wondered why the Bible is hated by so many people in the world today, here is your answer.  
Solomon's "Wise Sayings" Begin
With the Young      
     "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of they mother:
    For they shall be an ornament of grace unto they head, and chains about thy neck," 1:8-9.   
     Then beginning in 1:8, and continuing on throughout the entire book,   Solomon admonishes the reader, like a father admonishes his son, to  "hear the instruction" of their father and to "forsake not the law" [teaching] of their mother.  
     It is at this exact point in one's life, when children are still  young and impressionable, when respect for truth and righteousness can be instilled in the mind and heart of the child.  If a young child grows up, having no respect for their parents, they will grow into adults having no respect for any authority figure.  Read Solomon's admonition to parents in 22:6, and if you are a parent, take heed!  It is only  by truly hearing the Word, that one can apply it to their heart and life, Romans 10:17.  
     Notice that this is the very first of these proverbs or "wise sayings" which are recorded in the Book of Proverbs.  In other words, Solomon was led of the Lord to begin this book, where life actually begins, as a young child, and then proceeds into more weighty subjects for adults and the elderly.  "But wisdom is justified of all her children," Luke 7:35.
A Warning to All
     "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not," 1:10.
     I am not printing out the full passage, due to lack of space.  Our readers should  carefully read Proverbs 1:10-19, which is a warning about keeping company with evil companions.  
     I feel that these Scriptures describe modern "Communism" to the very letter, and well expose the unadulterated evil which it has brought upon mankind.  
     The doctrine or teaching of Communism as a form of government began with the shedding of the blood of the Russian people by Vladimir Lenin and his followers in 1917, and it has never ended, 1:11-12.  Right to this present day, the evil of Communism is still being imposed upon millions of people by war, or  at the point of a gun.  And everywhere Communism is imposed, hundreds or thousands of people die attempting to resist it.
     At the root of this evil, just as Solomon wrote, is a lust for material gain on the part of a few who would be rulers over those they conquer, 1:13-19.   Compare 1 Timothy 6:10, and take heed to Solomon's warning.  
The Appeal of Wisdom
     "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:," 1:20.
     Again this entire passage dealing with "wisdom" is set forth in 1:20-33.  This is a highly important passage, with some real insight into end-time Bible prophecy, and should be carefully studied by our readers.  
      It is commonly assumed by mankind that the Lord God can be ignored, and a person can live their life exactly as they choose without any of this "God business" bothering them.  I suggest a very careful reading of 1:24-32.  
     Folks, Almighty God will not be ignored by His own creation.  You can believe this, or you can learn it the hard way.  The choice is yours!   
     Yet in 1:33 the Lord God gives one of His "precious promises" to those who will "hearken unto Me;" a promise of dwelling safely and being "quiet from fear of evil."  Glory to God!  Praise the Lord!
Conclusion
     What a life of joy and blessing the Lord God will give to anyone who will take heed to His Word, and give to Him the place of honor and glory
that He rightly deserves in their life.  
     My prayer is that every reader has been truly saved by the never failing grace of God, Ephesians 2:8-10.  I want to meet every reader in glory when our Lord comes to receive us to Himself, John 14:2-3.  Please don't disappoint me.  If any reader is unsaved, or has any doubts about their salvation, please read, believe, and act upon John 3:3-7, 3:16-18, 5:24, 14:6, Acts 4:12, 16:30-31, Romans 10:8-13, and Ephesians 2:8-10.  If any reader needs help, please contact me.  By the grace of God, I do know Him who is "the way" to salvation and eternal life, and I am eager to share His "faith" with our readers.  
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     Permission is granted to any true believer, or Bible believing Christian ministry, to reproduce this study to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.  
     The last few weeks have been extremely hard on this old man.  By the grace of God, I have survived a cold and severe flu, and am still here doing what I can to reach others for Christ.  I truly thank each of you dear folks for your prayers for me, and for the gifts some send from time to time.  Thank you so very much.  
     Please address all questions, comments, and correspondence to me at: Pastor F. M. Riley, 14275 County Road 8120, Rolla, Missouri 65401.  
     I do have extreme signal problems with my cell phone, due to my location, but those who would like to speak with me should call me at:
573-202-0491.  If you don't get through on the first attempt, just keep trying.  
     May our gracious Lord God bless every reader is my prayer.  
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