Every building must begin with a foundation. And even before that foundation is laid, there must be plans drawn up – a blueprint. This blueprint must consider and abide by the known laws of physics. Granted, buildings are built today that defy what was once known about physics, as inventive minds have stretched boundaries and explored options. New materials have been invented, and new ways of accomplishing things. But still, the natural laws of physics apply, and because God created them, they will not change. And He is the only one who can operate outside those laws.

I think of these concepts in light of my desire to build a life of wisdom. As created beings, we must begin with the original blueprint designed by our Creator, and trust His wisdom if want to enjoy the truly blessed life He longs to give us during our time on this earth. Proverbs 1-4 explains the plan and helps us begin to lay a good foundation for this life of wisdom.

We will see many of the same principles repeated throughout these first four chapters, but today, let’s just look at chapter one.

As we mentioned, 1:1 reveals who wrote it (Solomon). The next few verses are encouraging, for they tell us who will benefit from this wisdom. It’s not for a certain select group, but for people in all stages of maturity, knowledge, and understanding. It offers prudence for the naïve, knowledge and discretion to the youth, learning for the wise man, and wise counsel for the man of understanding. Whether you think you “know a lot” or are completely ignorant of God’s ways and wisdom, this book is written for you!

In one succinct verse, Solomon gives us the blueprint, the plan God designed before the world existed.

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Solomon repeats this phrase, “fear of the Lord,” fourteen times throughout the book. If we want to be wise, we must lay all our preconceived notions, ideas, thoughts, theology, and any knowledge we may have gained aside and instead build on this truth: God exists, He is Lord, and He is to be feared. To fear God (yir’âi) is to reverence and respect Him with a holy fear. It is to acknowledge His righteous authority and power over all that exists and bow down to Him as the one true God, possessing all knowledge. It is to surrender our lives, knowing His ways and His commands are the only truly wise way to live.

At this point, all of us have to decide if we will be the person who fears the Lord or chooses unwisely. As the psalmist says, The fool has said in his heart, there is no God (Psalm 14:1).

In verses 8-32, Solomon gives us his first piece of advice and tells us what will happen if we choose to ignore it.

In essence, Solomon’s advice to those who are encouraged to turn away from God’s ways and reject His wisdom is to JUST SAY NO.

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

If they say, “Come with us…Throw in your lot with us…

My son, do not walk in the way with them.

Keep your feet from their path…

That’s pretty simple advice, isn’t it? How practical for both the young and the old. Peer pressure is a real thing. We imitate the values of the people with whom we spend time.

Solomon reminds us that this is not rocket science. God has not hidden His ways. Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square. He created us with a conscience, and He has set eternity in our hearts. We understand innately that some things are right, and others are wrong. We have no excuse for rejecting God’s wisdom.

Romans 1:18-20 – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Just as there are two choices (fear of the Lord or say there is no God), there are two outcomes.

Proverbs 1:29-31, 28 – Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices. … Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me.

God will let those who willingly reject His wisdom suffer the consequences of their decisions. These verses do not say that if we turn, repent, and seek God He will not answer or hide from us. This is speaking of wisdom. We will get to the place where we simply cannot figure out what is wrong with our lives. We will try and try and try to “do” better, or “be” better, but it will slip from our grasp. Until we return to the foundation, to fear the Lord, wisdom will escape us.

Thankfully, God is there to teach us and show us what to do and how to live, if we only turn to Him.

Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you … He who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil (1:23,33).

So what’s today’s takeaway?

How’s life working for you? Are you experiencing the blessing of walking in God’s ways, building your life on the firm foundation of the fear of the Lord? Or are you lost in your own counsel, eating the fruit of your own ways, not knowing how to change who you are, or what you do?

Accept God’s loving and kind invitation. Turn to Him, and He will pour out His Spirit, and make His words known to you.