1The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2to know wisdom and instruction;
to discern the words of understanding;
3to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young man—
5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel;
6to understand a proverb and parables,
the words and riddles of the wise.
7The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge,
but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
In I Kings 3 Solomon asks God to give him wisdom so he can rule well. God grants Solomon’s request. The majority of Proverbs is wisdom and guidance that Solomon had gathered together and then passed on for the benefit of others.
The book of Proverbs starts with a fathers advice, it ends with a mothers advice and the middle is a collection of wisdom sayings to help guide the reader in how to live.
Wisdom itself is more than knowledge it’s about having the sense to apply what we know to how we live. It gives us the skills to live well in the world as God would want us to live.
The book of Proverbs addresses every aspect of life, work, generosity, justice, sexual purity, family life and even how to be a good neighbour are all discussed in proverbs. God invites us to learn, gain maturity and live in wisdom. He wants us to know how to live wisely for him in this world.
Proverbs chapter one reminds us the the beginning of wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord. This means that we acknowledge God as sovereign, we give him reverence and honour in all we do. As we honour God so wisdom begins and practical living is worked out under his guidance. James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom we should ask God who gives generously. Proverbs 1 reminds us that as we ask for wisdom we also acknowledge the need to put God first.