Proverbs 1:1 (NET): The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
Authorship:
In verse one, we learn that the author of chapter one of Proverbs is King Solomon. This was David’s son who offered a pleasing sacrifice to God in 1 Kings 3:5-14. As a result, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered to give Solomon whatever he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom, and God said that he would give him honor and wealth as well :
” 8 Your servant stands among your chosen people; they are a great nation that is too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 God said to him, “Because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions, and not for long life, or riches, or vengeance on your enemies, 12 I grant your request, and give you a wise and discerning mind superior to that of anyone who has preceded or will succeed you. 13 Furthermore, I am giving you what you did not request – riches and honor so that you will be the greatest king of your generation. 14 If you follow my instructions by obeying my rules and regulations, just as your father David did, then I will grant you long life.”
We notice in the above passage, several biblical facts.
A) Solomon offered a large sacrifice to God.
B) God appeared to Solomon in a dream.
C) God offered to give Solomon whatever he asked.
D) Solomon stated that the Israelites were God’s chosen people.
D) Solomon stated that the Israelites were too large to count.
E) Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge between good and evil.
F) God was pleased since Solomon didn’t ask for wealth, long life, or vengeance.
G) God promised to give Solomon wealth, to make Solomon the greatest king of his generation, and to give him long life if he kept his commandments.
Solomon asks for an understanding heart to lead God’s chosen people, the people of Israel. He wanted to discern what was best for such a large group of people. The New English translation translates the request of Solomon as a ‘discerning mind’. These words literally mean understanding heart in 1 King 3:9. The rendering of ‘judicial decisions’ seems to restrict the scope of the wisdom prayed for by Solomon. It is true that the wisdom Solomon requested involved judicial decisions since the request was within the context of leading a people and a king judges his people in civil suits, etc.; however, this wisdom seems to also matters of diplomacy between states, war, economic, civil, and moral life as well.
When did Solomon become wise?
I think that this is an interesting question since in 1 Kings 2:9 King David calls Solomon a wise man and asks him to kill Shimei son of Gera. So, it would seem that Solomon displayed wisdom prior to the blessing of God in chapter 3. The question is an interesting one because it seems to suggest a more detailed understanding of Solomon’s person. He wasn’t a foolish man who prayed for wisdom. No. The scripture indicates that he was thought wise by his father before he even prayed for wisdom. Indeed, Solomon’s prayer was wise, for he asked God for the gift of wisdom which resulted in God rewarding Solomon with wealth and honor. Thus, a valid question for biblical research would be the mode or method by which God granted Solomon wisdom. Did God cultivate wisdom in Solomon prior to his prayer? Was this gift observed and remarked upon by King David? Scripture would seem to suggest a positive answer to such questions.
Purpose
Proverbs 1:2 (NET): “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young– 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
In verses 2-7 above, we learn something of the purpose of the Solomon’s teachings. He notes the following goals:
- To acquire wisdom and discipline
- To understand insightful speech
- To receive moral education
- To give wisdom to those who lack it.
To accomplish these aims, the reader should:
- The Wise should listen and add to their learning
- Those who have an understanding should receive further guidance in understanding proverbs, riddles, and parables.
- Reverence of God is the beginning of wisdom.
Implications:
First, there are connections between wisdom, here defined, and one’s belief in God. One cannot reverence in what they do not believe. Thus, the biblical notion of an atheist as a fool is illuminated. King David wrote,
“For the music director; by David. Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right (Psalms 14:1, NET).”
Verse two indicates that the knowledge of God is an earmark of wisdom.
“The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race, to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God (Psalms 14:2, NET).”
This contrast between the fool and the wise revolves around their acknowledgement of God’s existence and quest for God. Further, Solomon identifies a fear of the Lord as the beginning to such knowledge. This fear has God as its object and acknowledge God’s power and rule as a judge. Those who live without a fear of judgement are generally careless about what they do. They neither fear men or God and are willing to make choices as their hearts see fit. They do what they want to do and have no fear of the consequences of their actions. Rightly, verse 7 describes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge. It is a reverence for God’s holiness that leads the sons and daughters of man to want to please Him and not be destroyed. The latter portion of verse 7 states that fools despise wisdom and instruction. The fool despises that which pulls him away from his unrestrained will. The fool hates that which gives him pause or a reason to think before they act. The knowledge of God becomes a chain on his unfettered lusts and will. Note, a reverence for God is the beginning of knowledge, but this knowledge largely affects our outer actions. We become careful what we do, but may struggle with what we say, and be completely effete controlling our hearts, the seat of our passions. It is the fear of God that sanctifies us outwardly, but the knowledge of His goodness that leads to our conversion: “Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? (Romans, 2:4, NET)” . This fear of God is the beginning of wisdom since it cannot cultivate a love for God only a dredding of His power and judgement. It promotes a tendency to hide those sins of the heart, and to display an outward righteousness. This outward holiness tends toward self-righteousness and self-deceit if one forgets that God’s sees not as men see. He doesn’t look at the exterior alone; God looks at the heart.