Proverbs
Nine One Five
#01
Proverbs 1:01 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
Many times, we don’t regard the introduction of the writer of a book, or more specifically, how he chooses to introduce himself. However, the choice to identify himself first, and foremost, as the son of David, tells us a great deal about the message of this book.
In Ecclesiastes Solomon identifies himself first as the preacher. This notes to us that Ecclesiastes is a well-studied sermon, a sermon wherein Solomon is proclaiming his findings to the reader. The book is his pulpit from which he preaches his message.
In Song of Solomon, he is merely Solomon because the rest of his identity is irrelevant to the book. It is the story of his first love and a statement of what marriage should be, while also illustrating Christ’s love for his church. In the Song of Solomon, his credentials do not matter. They do not make him a better husband, and so they are not given.
The Book of Proverbs is not just a list of wise sayings. It is the wisdom passed from a father to his son. In some ways, this is just as much David’s book as it is Solomon’s as noted by the common use of phrases such as “my son keep thy father’s commandments”.
This, however, introduces another aspect concerning the authorship of any book of scripture that we must remember when reading. We must always remember that the true author of scripture isn’t the one holding the pen, but the Holy Spirit. This fact makes these passages, where a father is speaking to his son, not just beautiful insights into the relationship of David and Solomon and Solomon to his sons; but more importantly, direct messages of advice from our Heavenly Father, to us.
Also interesting is the choice to convey His message in the form of Proverbs: wise little sayings, meant to advise us. Proverbs are not unique to scripture. We all old sayings such as: “the early bird gets the worm” or “slow and steady wins the race.”
Consider the word proverb, they are “pro” meaning good or positive, “verbs” meaning actions. Why did God choose to use this method to convey certain truths though? Perhaps this is the answer: God chose to use proverbs to give these truths because God choose to use Solomon to give these truths.
Consider this: God speaks through men, many times, from a platform where they are passionate. Why use David, Asaph, or the Sons of Korah to write psalms? Because all of these men were passionate about music, and God used their talents in this field of communication, to convey His message. Why are all the psalms, or songs, written by the sons of Korah seemingly focused only glorifying the House of God? Because that was their place of work, and their point of passionate service. For the same reason, most preachers seem to have hobbyhorses, certain subjects to which they dedicate themselves and thus excel in these areas when preaching.
According to 1st Kings 4:32, Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.” While this would indicate Solomon was a music lover, it also demonstrates that proverbs were a form of communication in which he specialized. The reason this is significant, is it shows God is willing to use our talents, when handed over to Him. God can use your art, He can use your skills, He can use your talents, He can use your personality, He can use you!
In Ecclesiastes Solomon identifies himself first as the preacher. This notes to us that Ecclesiastes is a well-studied sermon, a sermon wherein Solomon is proclaiming his findings to the reader. The book is his pulpit from which he preaches his message.
In Song of Solomon, he is merely Solomon because the rest of his identity is irrelevant to the book. It is the story of his first love and a statement of what marriage should be, while also illustrating Christ’s love for his church. In the Song of Solomon, his credentials do not matter. They do not make him a better husband, and so they are not given.
The Book of Proverbs is not just a list of wise sayings. It is the wisdom passed from a father to his son. In some ways, this is just as much David’s book as it is Solomon’s as noted by the common use of phrases such as “my son keep thy father’s commandments”.
This, however, introduces another aspect concerning the authorship of any book of scripture that we must remember when reading. We must always remember that the true author of scripture isn’t the one holding the pen, but the Holy Spirit. This fact makes these passages, where a father is speaking to his son, not just beautiful insights into the relationship of David and Solomon and Solomon to his sons; but more importantly, direct messages of advice from our Heavenly Father, to us.
Also interesting is the choice to convey His message in the form of Proverbs: wise little sayings, meant to advise us. Proverbs are not unique to scripture. We all old sayings such as: “the early bird gets the worm” or “slow and steady wins the race.”
Consider the word proverb, they are “pro” meaning good or positive, “verbs” meaning actions. Why did God choose to use this method to convey certain truths though? Perhaps this is the answer: God chose to use proverbs to give these truths because God choose to use Solomon to give these truths.
Consider this: God speaks through men, many times, from a platform where they are passionate. Why use David, Asaph, or the Sons of Korah to write psalms? Because all of these men were passionate about music, and God used their talents in this field of communication, to convey His message. Why are all the psalms, or songs, written by the sons of Korah seemingly focused only glorifying the House of God? Because that was their place of work, and their point of passionate service. For the same reason, most preachers seem to have hobbyhorses, certain subjects to which they dedicate themselves and thus excel in these areas when preaching.
According to 1st Kings 4:32, Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.” While this would indicate Solomon was a music lover, it also demonstrates that proverbs were a form of communication in which he specialized. The reason this is significant, is it shows God is willing to use our talents, when handed over to Him. God can use your art, He can use your skills, He can use your talents, He can use your personality, He can use you!