Session 1 · Ch 1 · Listening at the gates
Listening at the gates
What it means (summary)
Proverbs 1 introduces Proverbs as training for judgment and conduct. It teaches that wisdom begins with reverence toward the LORD, listens to instruction, refuses crooked invitations, and answers Wisdom’s public call at the gates where real decisions are made.
Scripture (KJV) with Explanation
Note: Always read these verses in your own Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. The summaries and explanations here are a supplemental guide and are generated with the help of technology; please weigh them against Scripture itself and wise counsel.
Proverbs 1:2–4
“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.”
Explanation: Proverbs exists to train you for clear judgment, fairness, and discretion, especially at the start of the journey.
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Explanation: Humble reverence is the doorway to learning; despising correction shuts that door.
Proverbs 1:8
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”
Explanation: Wisdom often arrives through trusted instruction—receive it and keep it.
Proverbs 1:10
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
Explanation: The first test is consent: say “no” to crooked invitations even when they sound profitable or fun.
Proverbs 1:20–21
“Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse,
in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,”
Explanation: Wisdom calls publicly—at the city gates where decisions are made. She is not hidden.
Proverbs 1:33
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”
Explanation: Listening to Wisdom yields safety and quiet—a settledness in a noisy world.
Bridge (Scripture → Practice)
These verses show wisdom at the gates. Reverence opens your ears, instruction shapes your path, consent decides which invitations you follow, and Wisdom’s call sounds where choices are made. Today’s practice is a one-breath pause at a real gate and a single sentence that builds up or sets a boundary.
Application (practice)
- Name one gate you will encounter today (inbox, meeting, message thread, a decision you must make).
- Pause one breath before deciding or replying and ask, “Will this build up?”
- If pressured, use one boundary sentence: “I’m not committing to that today.”
Action (SMART)
Before 6:00 p.m., use the pause once at a real gate and send one building sentence (or wait five minutes if not ready).
Examples:
- “Yes — Friday 5 p.m.”
- “No — out of scope; propose a change request for next sprint.”
- “I can’t decide now; I’ll confirm by 4 p.m.”
WIIFM
- Today: clearer replies and less stress by nightfall.
- Habit you’re training: pause → one fit line (listening and consent at the gate).
- Future you: fewer retractions, steadier trust, and calmer interactions at decision points.
- Roll-up: Speech (S) and Planning (P) toward our medallions.
- Tags: TH, S, P, FR.
Comparative Reinforcement
Aristotle reminds us that practical wisdom chooses the fitting response; one clear line is often exactly the right size and shape.
Right Speech teaches that words should be true, helpful, and timely; the pause creates the “timely” moment so your line can help rather than harm.
Socratic practice suggests a single honest question at the gate can reveal what actually needs to be said.
Evening Check
Pause used? Y/N · One building sentence sent? Y/N · Peace → 0 / 1 / 2