July 8 - An Introduction To Proverbs.

Who Was Solomon?
Proverbs 1:1
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;”
 
Solomon was born just after David’s repentance of his sin. His name means peaceable or quiet, which is often fruit of being wise.
 
2 Samuel 12:24
“And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.”
 
As the son of David, Solomon was the product of his father’s relationship with Bathsheba. He had several brothers that were older, but the Lord chose him as David’s successor to lead His people.
 
As the King of Israel, Solomon was given the opportunity to build the temple that his father desired. Such a task required great wisdom.
 
The Purpose Of The Proverbs
Proverbs 1:2-4
“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.”
 
We see four purposes of the Proverbs laid out within these verses.
To KNOW --- “wisdom and instruction”
To PERCEIVE  --- “words of understanding”
To RECEIVE --- “instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity”
To GIVE --- “subtilty to the simple, to young man knowledge and discretion”
 
In order to perceive things correctly, we must know what is right.
Likewise, in order for us to give, we must first receive.
 
This tells us it is wise to know, perceive, receive and give. Throughout the rest of the Book of Proverbs, we hear of how to do just that.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Chronicles 29  |  2 Thessalonians 1  |  Proverbs 8