I am sure there is not one person that would say they don't want to be wiser. People claim to be wise, people act like they are wise, and some people wander through life making simple decisions that hurts them.
In history, we have a King that was consider the wisest King to ever live. His name is King Solomon. It was recorded that God visited him in a dream, and was willing to grant him one thing he desired. King Solomon humbly requested for wisdom and an understanding heart to lead God's people the children of Israel. See the introductory post for more information on this encounter or you can read I Kings 3:5-15.
King Solomon wise sayings were recorded for our benefit in the book of Proverbs. We can learn a lot from a wise person, and this is what we are going to do. Let's dig in.
The book of Proverbs starts off with an introductory statement that tells us who wrote the book and what is the purpose of this book. I will be using the English Standard Version for ease of reading, although at times I may quote the King James Version.
ESV Version
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
The Author
Let's look at each of these verses more in depth. Verse 1 is telling us the author is King Solomon - he is the son of David the most popular King to ever live for the children of Israel. Many people in his day would come to hear the wise sayings of King Solomon.
Queen of Sheeba traveled more than 1400 miles through the Arabia deserts on camels just to prove Solomon's wisdom. This trip would rough take 6 months round trip as camels could only travel up to 20 miles day. King Solomon did answer all of her hard questions, so I am certain you can say her trip was not in vain. You can read the full story in I King 10:1-13
The Purpose
The following verses tells us the purpose is to know wisdom (the quality or state of being wise), and instruction (discipline, correction, chastening) to understand words of insight vs.2
It is also written that we may receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity (uprightness) vs.3
It is written to give prudence (wise in practical affairs) to the simple (foolish), knowledge (discernment and understanding) and discretion (purpose, discretion) to the youth. vs.4
From the onset, we can determine that purpose has a strong pull for us to read on more. Also, we can conclude that this book is written to every single person that is willing to learn. If you are not willing to learn, or willing to be corrected then this book will do you no good.
A forewarning this book will challenge you - it does not apology - it simply written that if adhere to you. It will make you more wiser in your every day affairs.
Vs.5 continues with this statement, "A wise man will hear, and will increase in learning and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." KJV
It saying that a wise man will listen and obey as a result they will increase in more learning. A person of understanding shall attain to wise counsels (good advice)
The last purpose of to which it is written is to understand a proverb (parable),and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings (riddles, difficult question). vs.6
As we sum up the purpose of the book of Proverbs, I want us to reflect on a few questions.
Do you want to be more wise? Do you want to increase in learning? I am convinced that you do. In the next post, we will dive in to what the author says is the first step into being wise. Please join me for this incredible adventure as we look not to be simple ones passing by in this life, but we look to wise in all of our dealings.
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