March 14, 2019 · 00:04:16
I hope that everyone is doing well today. Welcome to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at time. Today we’re starting Mishlei, perek aleph. Before we begin, it should be noted that there are many Hebrew words for wisdom and understanding. I’m hoping that through these classes the subtle meanings of these words will be explained. At times I will clarify what these words signify, but often I will be using words like “wisdom” and “understanding” in a more general and broad sense. The perek opens with Shlomo’s purpose in writing Mishlei, which was to make known the words of the wise. Intelligent people will be able to bring their wisdom to the next level of understanding, while the simple person will be able to gain knowledge and direction on how to live life. The ultimate purpose of the Sefer is to help us attain proper yiras Shamayim, fear of Heaven, thereby bringing us closer to Hashem. When we understand that everything in this world is a metaphor for our relationship with Hashem, we will be able to come close to Him no matter where we find ourselves in life. As we penetrate the deeper meaning behind our experiences, we can connect them to God. Shlomo gives advice to young children who are starting out their lives. It is proper for children to try to follow wisdom. The famous passuk of “Shma b’ni mussar avicha v’al titosh Toras imicha, listen my son, to the moral direction given to you by your father and don’t forsake the Torah teachings of your mother.” The Mefo