12.06.23
‘A Word to the Wise’
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel (Proverbs 1:1)
The first nine chapters of the Book of Proverbs, authored by Solomon, are easy to study because they are organized. You can outline them because there is a flow of thought. This is in contrast to chapters 10-29 which feature an assortment of proverbs in somewhat random order.
We begin in chapter one as Solomon is writing to his son Rehoboam. His main point to him is that wisdom is the key to life. Our focus today is on the fist six verses of chapter one.
Solomon begins, as seen in our opening text, by identifying himself as the son of David. He was not David’s eldest son, but he was his choice son. You might remember the palace intrigue that surrounded the life of David, mainly because of his adultery with Bath-Sheba. Solomon was the second son of Bath-Sheba by David. It is amazing to see how God worked by His grace even in the midst of a twisted situation.
Solomon also identifies himself as the king of Israel. His forty-year reign was characterized by peace and prosperity. Notably, he accomplished the building of the Temple in Jerusalem according to God’s plan and will.
His reign began on a high note. When God appeared to him and asked him what he desired, he chose wisdom above all other things. God gave him wisdom, but also wealth, power, and peace.
Sadly, his reign ended on a very low note. His many wives, several of them married for political alliances, had stolen away his heart. He had allowed them to worship their false gods. He failed to fully love the LORD his God. He likely wrote these proverbs in the middle years of his life, but tragically in the end, he did not follow his own advice.
Verse 8 tells us that Solomon is writing to his son. Likely, this is Rehoboam who is being groomed to take the throne following Solomon’s death. Thus, this book is of primary value and application to young people.
Verses 2-4 tell us why these proverbs were being written and compiled. The primary reason is to offer wisdom. Wisdom is an important attribute of God, and He is the only source of true wisdom. Later, we will see the Lord Jesus Christ personified as Wisdom in chapter eight.
Knowledge and instruction precede wisdom. Proper and true information, often through instruction, must first be gathered. Once the knowledge is at hand and comprehended, then the application begins. Wisdom is the practical application, the discerning use of knowledge;
True wisdom is found in God’s Word. The instruction comes via the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, the proper use of that instruction, comes from a proper walk with God.
Solomon is also writing to provoke thought (6). Proverbial teaching gets under our skin and causes us to think. Solomon will use several techniques to spur our thinking, including: humor (11:22), paradox (26:4, 5), and common sense (18:9)
To urge perfection is a third goal for Solomon (5). The word ‘counsel’ refers to pulling a rope, as in guiding a ship. Once we begin to grasp wisdom, it can be the governor for the boat of our life.
The key message of the book is found in verse 7- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This we will plan to discuss next time.