The Way
Wisdom Calls at the Gate
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
Story
My son, come out to the city gate with me today. The sun has only just come up, and already the elders are sitting on the stone benches by the gate hearing cases, and the traders are setting out their stalls. Even in all this noise, I want you to hold on to one thing and keep it in your heart. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Listen closely. Wisdom cries aloud in the street; she raises her voice in the squares. She calls out at the head of the noisy streets, and at the entrance of the city gates she speaks her words. How long, you simple ones, will you love being simple? Turn back at my rebuke. See, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
Wisdom is not hidden away deep in the mountains. She is calling you right here at this gate, where people buy and sell, quarrel and come to be judged. My son, hear your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a graceful garland on your head and a chain of gold around your neck.
Walk this scene on the map →Sayings
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
How long, you simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will mockers delight in mocking and fools hate knowledge? Turn back at my rebuke. See, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
My son, hear your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a graceful garland on your head and a chain of gold around your neck.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Prov 1:1–33
Background
In ancient Israel the city gate was a passageway, a marketplace and a court of law all at once. The elders sat at the gate to hear cases and give judgment (Ruth 4:1–2; Prov 31:23). Proverbs pictures Wisdom as a woman crying out at this crowded entrance to the city (Prov 1:20–21; 8:1–3).
Pause and Reflect
Am I avoiding the truth because I don't want to hear it?