For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Read it in contextWisdom Calls Aloud
Start reading at Proverbs 1:20 (Proverbs 1:20 to Proverbs 1:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
1:20Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
1:21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
1:22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
1:23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
1:24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
1:25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
1:26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
1:27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
1:28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
1:30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
1:31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
1:32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
1:33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 1:1–9:18): The teacher or parent addresses a son or pupil; Wisdom and the opposing seductive voices are personified within the instruction. These speeches train hearers rather than narrate a gathering of every person used as an example. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Wisdom Calls Aloud. Read Proverbs 1:20 through Proverbs 1:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The book identifies more than one collection, including proverbs copied by Hezekiah's men. It does not give a date for the origin of every individual saying. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The instruction draws on household, workplace, city gate, court, and other everyday settings. Many sayings describe a general situation rather than one dated incident. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Wisdom Calls Aloud (Proverbs 1:20 to Proverbs 1:33).
Start reading at Proverbs 1:20. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament identifies Christ with the wisdom of God. Relating wisdom instruction to Him is a canonical connection; the personification of wisdom should not automatically be treated as a literal description of Christ's origin. See Proverbs 25:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice truthful speech, teachability, justice, diligence, and self-control. Read proverbial generalizations with their genre in view rather than as guarantees that ignore circumstance or the book's other sayings. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Extended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.