Proverbs 1:1-4 – Proverbs
We are going to look at Proverbs for a few weeks. The notes will be taken from a commentary on Proverbs by Charles Bridges, edited for brevity and clarity. The book of Proverbs begins by telling us who wrote it – Solomon. Solomon is a man of wisdom because he prays for wisdom. When he becomes the new king of Israel, God speaks to him in the night and asks him what he would like from God. Instead of asking for good health, riches, or victory over his enemies, things most kings of the time would have asked for, Solomon asks for wisdom. God is pleased with Solomon’s request and gives him not only great wisdom but many other blessings beside. So, one of the first lessons of Proverbs is that God is happy to give His people wisdom when they ask for it.
Solomon’s wisdom is legendary throughout the world. On top of that, he is the son of David, the man after God’s own heart, and the King of Israel, God’s chosen people. All of which means his words deserve our respect and attention. But the book of Proverbs is more than Solomon’s words and opinions. It is God’s Word, God’s Opinion, God’s Instructions for men and women. In other words, this is God speaking to you, so pay attention.
The purpose of Proverbs is to teach wisdom. But what is wisdom? What is knowledge? What is understanding? Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom all build on each other. We can know in our heads what God teaches – we may know, for example, that the fifth commandment says we should honour our parents. Understanding the fifth commandment, though, is realising the practical implications of this in our life. But wisdom is actually doing it. Wisdom is knowing and living the way God wants you to live.
Questions
- How can we be wise?
- What is wisdom?
Prayer Points
- Pray for wisdom in your life.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.