Proverbs 1
The book of proverbs is regarded as one of the "wisdom" books, they are attributed to King Solomon, son of David, who, if you recall, asked God for wisdom.
The stated aim of the proverbs is to gain wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight and how to live prudently, doing what is right, just and fair.
To teach prudence to the gullible (a footnote suggests that the word "simple" means gullible or easily led, with little moral compass)
To teach knowledge and discretion to the young and to add the the learning of the wise, and guidance to the discerning.
Something for everybody here I think.
Now we get probably the most famous verse in the book of Proverbs.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge"
Fear of God is Theophobia or Zeusaphobia, is this what the Bible says? Theophobia is the beginning of knowledge?
I don't think so - phobias tend to be irrational (or semi rational)fears ranging from Pogonophobia (fear of beards) to Logizomechanophobia (Fear of computers) from Ablutophobia (Fear of washing or bathing) to Zoophobia (Fear of animals).
Should we be afraid of God? I don't think that this is what is meant? I'm an engineer and design thermal equipment that could be lethal if it is not properly operated and looked after.
With this equipment we have to respect it, understand the risks and take steps to ensure that we and others are safe. The same applies to other things that are all around us - fire and electricity to name but two.
In engineering we have things like risk assessments and HAZOP (Hazardous Operations) where we take a look at what could possibly go wrong, what the effects would be, and how we can reduce or eliminate the threat.
I respect the hazards of the equipment I design, but it does not mean that I am particularly nervous standing next to it while it is operating
In this case Fear of the LORD is not theophobia, but respect.
Meanwhile fools (or those with loose or no moral character) despise wisdom and instruction (they probably don't even read the manual!) - if it comes to that, I often don't either!
The middle section of the chapter is advice to not ignore wise and sage advice, don't follow wicked and sinful people who are out to make themselves rich at the expense of others.
The end of the chapter is titled Wisdom's rebuke
Wisdom is not something to seek in solitude - she shouts out from the rooftops and the city square.
Those who are wise listen and learn.
Those who refuse wisdom lose out and eventually come to rack and ruin.
The book of proverbs is regarded as one of the "wisdom" books, they are attributed to King Solomon, son of David, who, if you recall, asked God for wisdom.
The stated aim of the proverbs is to gain wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight and how to live prudently, doing what is right, just and fair.
To teach prudence to the gullible (a footnote suggests that the word "simple" means gullible or easily led, with little moral compass)
To teach knowledge and discretion to the young and to add the the learning of the wise, and guidance to the discerning.
Something for everybody here I think.
Now we get probably the most famous verse in the book of Proverbs.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge"
Fear of God is Theophobia or Zeusaphobia, is this what the Bible says? Theophobia is the beginning of knowledge?
I don't think so - phobias tend to be irrational (or semi rational)fears ranging from Pogonophobia (fear of beards) to Logizomechanophobia (Fear of computers) from Ablutophobia (Fear of washing or bathing) to Zoophobia (Fear of animals).
With this equipment we have to respect it, understand the risks and take steps to ensure that we and others are safe. The same applies to other things that are all around us - fire and electricity to name but two.
In engineering we have things like risk assessments and HAZOP (Hazardous Operations) where we take a look at what could possibly go wrong, what the effects would be, and how we can reduce or eliminate the threat.
I respect the hazards of the equipment I design, but it does not mean that I am particularly nervous standing next to it while it is operating
In this case Fear of the LORD is not theophobia, but respect.
Meanwhile fools (or those with loose or no moral character) despise wisdom and instruction (they probably don't even read the manual!) - if it comes to that, I often don't either!
The middle section of the chapter is advice to not ignore wise and sage advice, don't follow wicked and sinful people who are out to make themselves rich at the expense of others.
The end of the chapter is titled Wisdom's rebuke
Wisdom is not something to seek in solitude - she shouts out from the rooftops and the city square.
Those who are wise listen and learn.
Those who refuse wisdom lose out and eventually come to rack and ruin.
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