Monday · 2026-09-07

The daily devotional for Ammon Hasson, an endowed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for today, Monday, September 7, 2026.

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Proverbs 1–4: Begin by seeking wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

Scripture Reading

• Proverbs 1 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/1?lang=eng)
• Proverbs 2 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/2?lang=eng)
• Proverbs 3 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/3?lang=eng)
• Proverbs 4 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/prov/4?lang=eng)

Historical and Narrative Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, mostly attributed to King Solomon, though it is considered a library of Israelite wisdom literature gathered over centuries. It falls within the genre of Old Testament "wisdom literature," which explores practical questions about living a faithful life. Chapters 1–9, including today's reading, often employ the imagery of a father dispensing wisdom to his son, or children, to teach about the nature of knowledge, the meaning of life, and the path to success. The overarching message of Proverbs is that true wisdom stems from devotion to God and leads to a fulfilling and honorable life. A central theme is that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), meaning a profound respect mingled with love for God.

Reflective Questions

1. Proverbs 3:5–6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." How does fully trusting in the Lord with our entire heart differ from merely acknowledging Him, and in what specific areas of your life are you currently seeking His direction rather than relying solely on your own understanding?
2. Proverbs 4 emphasizes guarding our hearts and seeking wisdom as "the principal thing" (Proverbs 4:7). What daily practices can you implement or strengthen to diligently seek and retain divine wisdom, ensuring it guides your decisions and actions, and how can this protect your heart from the "paths of the wicked"?

Closing Tying Insight

Proverbs 1–4 lays a foundational invitation to embrace wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord and calls for a complete trust in Him. This wisdom is not just intellectual assent but a profound commitment of the heart that allows God to direct our lives. As we actively seek this divine wisdom and faithfully apply its principles, we align our will with His, inviting His guiding hand in all our endeavors. Today, let us focus on intentionally seeking and hearkening to the Lord's counsel by studying His word and praying for discernment, thereby demonstrating our trust in Him to direct our paths.