Introducing The Proverbs

Introduction – Proverbs 1:1-4

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 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.

There is no subject and verb as such in this statement. We simply have a declaration of who is writing and what their intent is. However, we should not disregard these words considering they lay the foundation for all that follows.

The majority of the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon. It would help us to remember a few things about this character when approaching his divinely inspired works.

First, Solomon was a good king for most of his reign, but his legacy was tarnished by his prolific polygamy which eventually led to idolatry. For his sin God divided the nation of Israel (I Kings 11:11) but remember that his judgment was so great because he had been given so much – And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice… (I Kings 11:9) The Lord dealt harshly with Solomon because he had fallen away from his own teachings. He built altars for Ashtaroth after he had built a house for the Lord and, so, his judgment was without mercy. Despite these things, the works of Solomon have still been given by inspiration and preserved for our benefit. I fear that many people throw out the teachings of Solomon because of the sins he committed in his old age. Do not do this. Do not read the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or the Song of Songs with disdain in your heart but listen to the wisdom of a man gifted by God and who was purposed for so much more than he is remembered by.

Second, understand that to believe, understand, and proclaim truth is one thing, but to live it out is a different thing entirely. When restoring a brother who is “overtaken in a fault, even the most spiritual of men need to possess “the spirit of meekness” lest they “also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) No man is above another and the greatest preacher still has his secret lusts that he must crucify. Every man can become a Solomon. Every man can become a Judas. We must cling to truth.

Third, considering Solomon himself, he was a man of meek nobility. He did not promote himself to the throne but waited for his day. He was not the man of war as his father was. His name literally means “peace” or “peacable.” The Lord gave Solomon to David so that he could “be a man of rest” and told him that he would build the Temple for the Lord. (I Chronicles 22:7-10)

Fourthly, when given the opportunity to ask for his heart’s desire, he requested of God the wisdom necessary to rule his kingdom well. He considered the needs of others above his own wealth or comfort and sought the means to be just. This is the nature of the man God used to pen the principles of wisdom.

Solomon was the son of David: the man after God’s own heart. His heritage gives more reason to consider his works. He saw the example of his father and, for many years, followed in those righteous footsteps.

Finally, Solomon was the king of Israel and had been promoted to this position by Divine order. “And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.”

This statement also has for us the author’s intent. Why did he write these proverbs?

First, the Proverbs are given for us to know wisdom (technical skill, experience) and instruction (discipline, training, chastisement).

Second, they are given so that we may perceive the words of understanding. The key to this phrase is the word “perceive.” Perception requires presentation. In other words, you cannot perceive something if it is not present to be perceived. It deals with “apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind.” Something must exist in order for it to be perceived. This indicates to us that understanding is not something to be created and shaped to our fancies or desires. Understanding is a real, solid, tangible thing to be sensed, analyzed, and perceived. The Proverbs present us with the evidences of wisdom for us to consider.

Thirdly, this book is intended to give us the means to receive instruction. Reception is different from perception in that a person may perceive something only to avoid or deny it. If we only perceive understanding but we do not go on to embrace it then we are none the wiser. If we do not receive what we perceive than we are fools, indeed.

The various means through which instruction is given is worth noting:

Wisdom – understanding/comprehension. God wants us to “get it.” He wants us to grasp the principles of knowledge.

Justice – Accuracy. Precision in truth matters. The question is not only do we understand, but did we understand the thing in the right way. It does no good to understand the steps to solving a problem if you arrive at the wrong answer.

Judgment – Decision, specifically in a legal sense. There are decisions to be made every day. God’s desire is for us to be a decided people. “Choose you this day…” (Joshua 24:15) “How long halt ye between two opinions…” (I Kings 18:21) The word “judgment” has liturgical implications meaning that what decision we make will impact our life and the lives of others down the road.

Equity – Order, fairness, integrity, truth. God is a God of order. Everything He does is with purpose. We should emulate this characteristic. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:40) He is also a God of consistency. “For I am the LORD, I change not…” (Malachi 3:6) If our purpose fluctuates then it is meaningless. Integrity, fairness, and truth are all constants. There is no inconsistency nor unfairness with wisdom.

Fourth, the Proverbs are intended to give subtilty (cunning or craftiness) to the simple (naïve.) In other words, if we will take to heart the lessons of the Proverbs, it will equip us to be experienced and skilled in the matters of life. The next statement is similar: “to the young man knowledge and discretion.” The term “knowledge” deals with “ability or discernment” and “discretion” has to do with “prudence or advisement.”

To put it simply, The Proverbs exist to give us experience without having to learn through trial and error. If we would just listen to what the Lord is teaching us then we will save ourselves a lot of needless heartache.