DRINK Devotional Method: The Beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 1)

Today, we turn to Proverbs chapter 1 to lay the foundation of wisdom. This chapter reveals the purpose of the entire book: to know wisdom and instruction, to receive understanding, and to fear the LORD. It reminds us that true knowledge doesn’t begin with intellect, but with reverence toward God. It is a call to hear, receive, and obey divine instruction so we can walk rightly in a world full of seductive voices and destructive choices.

D – Devotional Reading

Proverbs 1 (KJV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

R – Reflection

This chapter boldly introduces me to the essential truth of spiritual growth: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (v.7). That is where I must start—not with my own wisdom, but with humble reverence for God. The world may offer knowledge, but without the fear of God, it becomes empty, prideful, and even dangerous.

The chapter also warns me of the voices that cry out every day—enticing, tempting, and deceiving. Sinners still entice (v.10). Greed still destroys (v.19). And yet, wisdom also cries out in the streets (v.20). She is not silent. Her voice is full of truth, conviction, and love, calling me to walk in the safety of obedience (v.33).

I – Instruction

God calls me to:

• Start everything with the fear of the LORD (v.7)

• Hear instruction from godly sources (v.8)

• Refuse the enticement of sinners (v.10)

• Turn at His reproof (v.23)

• Hearken unto wisdom and dwell safely (v.33)

These are not mere suggestions—they are life-preserving commands. If I reject them, I invite disaster. If I receive them, I gain life, peace, and security in Him.

N – Now Live It

Today, I must begin again—not with my plans or opinions, but with God's. I will take time to listen, truly listen, to God’s Word before I listen to the world. I will guard my heart from enticing voices, and honor the instruction from the Lord even when it corrects me. I will ask myself: Am I responding to wisdom’s call, or am I tuning her out?

Today, i will intentionally choose humility. Before making decisions, big or small, pause and ask: "Does this align with the wisdom found in God's Word?" 

K – Kneel in Prayer

Father, thank You for the voice of wisdom and for calling me to fear You above all. Forgive me for the times I have despised instruction or been careless with Your truth. Help me walk today in reverence and attentiveness to Your Word. Let me not be like the foolish who reject You, but rather one who hearkens, learns, and lives in Your safety. Teach me to begin each day with the fear of the LORD. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If this devotion has encouraged you, consider reading our Proverbs 2 Devotion.

What is DRINK Devotional Method?

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with the scripture:

• • D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (Preferably at least 1 chapter).

  • R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

  • I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

  • N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown.

  • K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you’re just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

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