We start a new book today, Proverbs. It was written by David’s son Solomon as instruction on listening and doing what is wise. King Solomon wrote the first 6 verses as a reason why it is important to listen to wisdom and to gain knowledge. Solomon wanted to teach, his son and those that read this what to learn from his failures and not having to fail themselves.

Know Wisdom and Instruction.

In verse 2 we see that the purpose of Proverbs is to receive wisdom and instruction; to be able to handle wise dealings in righteousness, justice, and equity. It was to give knowledge and discretion to the youth too. Proverbs is so relevant for us today, we can learn many wise things from this book but more importantly grow closer to the Lord through true knowledge and wisdom.

The first instruction that Solomon wrote to his son was to listen to the words of his father and mother and how precious they are. They are like graceful garland or pendants on your neck, which is something you can wear and be proud of (vs 8-9). The second instruction was to stay away from those that want you to sin. In psalm 1 we read that the man who stays away from those that sin is happy or blessed.

How important is it that you choose your friends wisely. We all have peers but we can choose who we hang out with and who we listen to. Solomon was instructing his son to choose wisely with those he hangs out with. If someone is encouraging you to sin, they are not helping you. They are bringing you down spiritually and also may inflict harm upon you. In 2nd Corinthians 6:14, Paul was encouraging the Corinthian church to choose who it was hanging out with. They were to not be unequally yoked together with a non-believer. This would mean do not choose your best friend whom you do everything with to be a non believer.  Proverbs 27:17 says, As iron sharpens iron, let one man sharpen another. We should choose those that would help us become stronger, more efficient Christians than someone that would bring us down spiritually.

I could recall different stories of middle schoolers that have gotten themselves in trouble by hanging out with the wrong people. It did not just happen, it was small compromises that led up to getting into serious trouble. Be warned and encouraged to seek friends that love the Lord. As Solomon wrote that these people that want you to sin, their result is not good and actually bad.