What does Proverbs 1:1 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Verse one introduces both the book as a whole and chapters1-9 in particular. [source][source]

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Context Summary

Notice the perfect balance of each clause, and the duplication of the one thought in the two clauses of each verse.

Wisdom as used in this book is more than intellectual learning or cleverness. It represents a moral quality, the result of a pure and a true life. We are conscious that many simple-minded people, who have little enough book-learning, are remarkable for sagacious advice, insight into character, the wise reading of events, an intuitive knowledge-all based on the fear of God. The headlines of Scotch copy-books used to be taken from this book. Certain it is that the young who ponder and practice these maxims can hardly fail of a successful career. [source]

Chapter Summary: Proverbs 1

¹  The use of the proverbs
⁷  An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word
¹⁰  to avoid the enticing of sinners
²⁰  Wisdom complains of her contempt
²⁴  She threatens her contemners