We have begun looking through the book of Proverbs. And we have seen a few introductory thoughts as we began. We looked at some of the historical background to this book and other such things. Today we will look at the first few verses of this great book God has given to us.
The author of these proverbs is listed in the very first verse: Solomon, King of Israel, son of David. This statement of authorship gives credibility to the reader. Knowing that Solomon was the wisest man, it would be only fitting to listen to what he has to say. In order to learn about something, we have to listen to those who are wiser in that subject. If I want to be a nuclear physicist, I need to listen to the experts of that field. The fact is that Solomon wrote these proverbs, but the real Author, is God. He wrote this book, gave Solomon the words, and thoughts. Proverbs is inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:21).
The reason for this book, and what I want to focus on is from v2-6. The goal is that we know wisdom, and learn. That we would understand the things taught to us. Solomon wants his son specifically as we will see later one, but all of us, to be wise, to understand right from wrong, and sound judgment in all our doings. Solomon is speaking from much experience, and with so many different struggles he had, now he relays a message of warning. Solomon says that wise men listen, and watch for traps that others have fallen into.
As we read through even the first 6 verses we realize that Solomon's desire was that no one follow his steps of disobedience and idolatry. Solomon wanted his son to really understand what was going to be taught to him. God, who inspired this book desires the same for us, that we would not fall into Satan's traps. He has laid out many temptations and trials before us that we can avoid with wisdom. If we focus on God, and His wisdom, and if we learn from this book we will grow closer to Christ. Jesus Himself said that He was wisdom (Luke 7:35) The wiser we are the closer to Christ we become. Wisdom is so important, for every day of our lives we come to decisions, and choices, and it is up to us to make the right choice. As this world becomes worse and worse the decisions become harder, so wisdom is necessary.
- Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton
The author of these proverbs is listed in the very first verse: Solomon, King of Israel, son of David. This statement of authorship gives credibility to the reader. Knowing that Solomon was the wisest man, it would be only fitting to listen to what he has to say. In order to learn about something, we have to listen to those who are wiser in that subject. If I want to be a nuclear physicist, I need to listen to the experts of that field. The fact is that Solomon wrote these proverbs, but the real Author, is God. He wrote this book, gave Solomon the words, and thoughts. Proverbs is inspired by God (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:21).
The reason for this book, and what I want to focus on is from v2-6. The goal is that we know wisdom, and learn. That we would understand the things taught to us. Solomon wants his son specifically as we will see later one, but all of us, to be wise, to understand right from wrong, and sound judgment in all our doings. Solomon is speaking from much experience, and with so many different struggles he had, now he relays a message of warning. Solomon says that wise men listen, and watch for traps that others have fallen into.
As we read through even the first 6 verses we realize that Solomon's desire was that no one follow his steps of disobedience and idolatry. Solomon wanted his son to really understand what was going to be taught to him. God, who inspired this book desires the same for us, that we would not fall into Satan's traps. He has laid out many temptations and trials before us that we can avoid with wisdom. If we focus on God, and His wisdom, and if we learn from this book we will grow closer to Christ. Jesus Himself said that He was wisdom (Luke 7:35) The wiser we are the closer to Christ we become. Wisdom is so important, for every day of our lives we come to decisions, and choices, and it is up to us to make the right choice. As this world becomes worse and worse the decisions become harder, so wisdom is necessary.
- Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton