Words of Wisdom        

     
   If men of all nations came to listen to Solomon, we might be interested in what he said.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight,

and a breadth of understanding as measureless

as the sand on the seashore.

I Kings 29:4

   We list key words from Proverbs, chapters 1-3, to summarize Solomon's use of contrast. 

   The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Prov. 1:7.  Other words in chapter 1:

                  GOOD                                                      EVIL

understanding  insight  prudent  right         sinners  entice  plunder  sin   

just  fair  discretion  learning  discerning     ill-gotten gain  mockers  schemes

guidance  instruction  teaching  advice        disaster  distress  waywardness
rebuke  safety                                           complacency  troubles  

                   
                   

   For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Prov. 2:10.  Other words in chapter 2: 

victory  upright  shield  blameless                wicked  perverse  dark ways  evil

faithful  straight paths  covenant                 crooked  devious  adulteress

paths of life  righteous                                seductive  unfaithful 

   Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6  Other words in chapter 3: 

prosperity  truth  favor  health                      despise  resent  violent 

nourishment  honor  blessed  precious           envy  shame 

profitable  pleasant  peace  grace

sound judgment  confidence  humble