Good morning,
The book of Proverbs is about wisdom. It is Solomon, King of Israel, instructing his son. Wisdom means how to live wise or skillfully.
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:1-6)
This week we will look at the purpose for the book of Proverbs in chapter 1:1-6.
The Proverbs of Solomon (v1)
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;”
The author of Proverbs is Solomon. Solomon takes the life lessons God has taught him and teaches his son.
To know (v2)
“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;”
Solomon wants his son to know wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Wisdom, skill to live life successfully. Instruction, moral discipline of one’s life, not to classroom instruction. Understanding, capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most, and what does not matter at all.
As we reflect on our lives, do we know God’s wisdom, instruction, and understanding? We must take the time to learn God’s word. His wisdom, instruction, and understanding are found in the pages of Scriptures.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
The only way “To know…” is to read and study God’s word.
Are we willing to commit ourselves to reading and study of God’s word?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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