What is a worldview?

A dictionary definition: "A collection of attitudes, values, stories, and expectations about the world around us, which inform (influence) our every thought and action."

• It is a philosophy of life. A conception of the world.


• It is a perspective about the essence and meaning of the universe, the physical world, and the world of people.


• It is the accumulation of ethics and values for an individual person, as well as for collective society as a whole.


• It is how you interpret what's going on in the world and what should be going on in the world - a sense of order of how things are and how they should be.

Multiple thousands of worldviews exist. They can be found in the formal systems of belief in religion, philosophy, science, and political science. Untold worldviews exist in the hearts and minds of individuals. Some do not think that they have a world view, but they do. It is expressed in various art forms, or simply by the way they live and talk. A true view of life and the world must begin with God and His word. "In the beginning God…" The Bible starts with an already-existing, always existing sovereign God. Everything else comes after that. So should our thinking about the meaning, purpose, and essence of life.

This series cannot develop a complete world view. We are gleaning from the Book of Proverbs to gain important building blocks and to see some of the facets of a Biblical worldview. Once discovered, these principles from many of the proverbs will help form and sustain a good outlook on life. It has been suggested that the thirty-one chapters of the Book of Proverbs allows us to read one chapter a day, completing the book in one month. Repeat this process each month and you will be fortified against the influence of Satan and this world.

Our Scripture Reading (Proverbs 30:1-6) shows us that a good worldview must begin with a humble attitude before God and that we should reverently search for absolute truth in God's word - the Bible. More details of this will be given later. Meanwhile, let us notice that much of our previous gleanings from the Book of Proverbs has a lot to offer as we construct a good worldview.

How do some of our previous studies in the Book of Proverbs apply to our worldview?

The Fear of the Lord - Reverence for God is foundational to knowing truth and handling it wisely. Truth is not mere academics. To profitably pursue truth is to pursue Him who is truth. See Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 14:27; 15:16-17; 21:30; John 14:6; Colossians 2:1-3.

Fools and Foolishness - Since there is an absolute standard for truth (God and His word), there is also an absolute standard for discerning that which is false and foolish. See Proverbs 1:7; 3:35; 10:14; 14:16-18; 15:14; 17:24; 19:1-3.

Pride and Humility - Since there is an absolute standard for truth, and for discerning that which is false and foolish, we look inwardly and see the danger of pride and the need for humility before God. See Proverbs 3:34; 11:2; 15:33; 16:5, 18-19; 21:4; 22:4; 29:23.

Mothers & Fathers - Considering God as a Father, and considering His commandment to love and respect our parents, we should be followers of God as dear children. We should show general love and respect for those who are godly and elderly. See Proverbs 1:8; 19:26; 20:20; 23:22; 28:24; 30:17 cp. Proverbs 5:1-13; 16:31; Ephesians 5:1, 21; 6:1-3; I Peter 5:5-6.

God and Country - God's kingdom and the human authority, under which He has placed us, deserve respect and submission in the proper order of God first, man second. The following Scriptures are for both the citizen and for those who exercise authority. See Proverbs 14:28, 31-35; 20:28; 21:1-8; 16:13-15; 20:26 (NKJV, NIV, NASV); 22:11; 25:1-7; 29:4, 14 ("king" may be associated with other kinds of rulers, for constitutions, and for other systems of law.) cp. Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13:1-8; I Timothy 2:1-5.

The Tongue - Words are a powerful force in the world. They can be a power, used of God for truth and blessing. They can be a power, used of Satan, for lies, deception, manipulation, and destruction. We will all give an account to God for our words. See Proverbs 4:24; 8:12-13; 10:19-20, 32; 11:9, 11-14; 12:13-22; 15:2; 18:21; 21:23; 26:28 cp. Matthew 12:33-37.

A Productive Life - Life is a precious gift of God. Time is a precious commodity which is either used well, or wasted. We must avoid slothfulness and be diligent people. The gift we've received needs to be given back to God for His blessing and use. We will all give an account for the way we have used our lives. See Proverbs 6:6-11; 27:23-27; 10:4-5; 13:11; 14:23; 18:9; 21:5; 23:4-5; 24:30-34; 28:19-20 cp. Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 12:13-21; John 6:27-29; I Timothy 6:17-19.

See also Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

• Note: the judgment of those who die without Christ - Revelation 20:11-15.


• Note: the judgment of those who die in the faith of Christ - John 5:24; Romans 8:1-4; I Corinthians 3:9-15; Revelation 14:13.