Solomon was the author of the book of Proverbs. Because God had given Solomon great wisdom and understanding, we can begin to understand the wisdom and knowledge contained in this book.
If we trace back to the life of Solomon in the two books of Kings and Chronicles, we see how he gained all this wisdom.. King David under the ruling hand of God, appointed Solomon to supersede him as King. Once Solomon was in office, God spoke to him in the night (2 Chronicles 1: 7) and asked him for whatever he wished. Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding to rule God’s people well. God honoured Solomon’s request by granting him great wisdom and understanding far exceeding the wisdom of any one living on the earth at that time.
One of the key words in the book is WISDOM based on knowledge and experience. He tells us in Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. He then continues in Proverbs 2:6 by saying: -For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Our relationship with the Lord, seeking guidance and understanding with Him is the foundation for gaining true wisdom.
We learn that we need to ask the Lord for help and guidance in every thing and every circumstance for in Proverbs 3:1 we read :- My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2:for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. 3:Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4:Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5:Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6:in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7:Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
As we seek to follow in the steps of the Lord we need to be on our guard as to what we say as in Proverbs 5:1. My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2:that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3:For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4:but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5:Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.6:She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
Our lifestyle is most important and becomes a benefit to us as well as others. In Proverbs 11:17 we read :- A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. 18:The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19:The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death. 20:The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. We will never be perfect in this life but to live a blameless life is honouring to God.
Solomon tells us how to handle our money in Proverbs 3:9 for he says: - Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; 10:then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. How important it is to thank the Lord for his constant provisions by giving Him the first fruits of your labour. In turn the amount you give can be used to help those who serve the Lord full time, in turn going to work in increasing God’s kingdom.
The reward of having wisdom is described in Proverbs 3:13. Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, 14:for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15:She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16:Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour.
Further studies to this book will be given at a later date.
