Proverbs 1:1-2 (ESV)
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
The book of Proverbs begins with its title: “The proverbs of Solomon.” Solomon was the last king to reign over the entire nation of Israel, taking the seat of his father, King David. Scripture reveals that Solomon was “wiser than all other men” (1 Kings 4:31). Unlike most texts from the ancient Near East, the book of Proverbs addresses no specific audience because it applies to all of God’s people. The first declared aim of Proverbs is “to know wisdom and instruction.” Among other contexts, the Hebrew verb “to know” is used both of Adam “knowing” his wife Eve and God’s “knowing” or choosing Abraham. The verb carries far more force than merely agreeing with or understanding facts. Wisdom comes through putting knowledge into practice. The word translated “instruction” includes the concept of correction. If we want to be wise, we must humbly submit ourselves to God, our highest authority, and align our thinking and behavior with his truth. Are you prepared to change? Will you determine to be more teachable this year than ever before? Ask God to reveal your heart and give you the courage and strength necessary to do whatever he asks as you choose to spend the year seeking his wisdom.