A great deal of the world's wisdom is contained in proverbs. But it must be allowed that some of the world's proverbs are faulty and imperfect, and therefore unsafe rules for a Christian to follow. The proverbs of Solomon are all good and holy in their tendency. How could they be otherwise, proceeding as they do from the good and Holy Spirit of God?
I. The book commences with the "fear of the Lord" as the root of the whole matter. Everything else without this is of no avail. If we have not learned to acknowledge God, to set Him before us, to be in His fear, we know nothing yet as we ought to know it. (1) The fear of God will urge us to a profitable study of the Holy Scriptures. (2) The fear of God will especially influence us in our devotions. (3) The fear of God will bring us to the business of the day in the right frame of mind to carry it on. (4) The fear of God will enable us to bear the trials and disappointments of life. (5) In the last trial of all, in the hour of death, we shall assuredly reap the fruit of having lived in the fear of the Lord, for then we shall have nothing else to fear.
II. Another proverb addresses itself especially to the young: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." The dutiful son, the loving daughter, are characters that find favour in the sight of God and man. If the young would have the Lord's favour, they must seek it in the paths of duty and obedience; and there, by God's grace, they shall find it.
III. "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." In other words, avoid bad company. Take care that your pleasures are innocent pleasures; take care that they are such as do not leave a sting behind.
J. Edmunds, Sixty Sermons,p. 414.
Reference: Proverbs 1:6. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven,1st series, p. 15.