Proverbs 1:1-19, The Book for All Ages!

January 4, Proverbs 1:1-19

Ephesians 6:13; Colossians 3:20 “Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom.”

The Book for All Ages!

To whom are these proverbs mainly addressed? In other words, what is the relationship between Solomon and his “audience”? There are fifteen exhortations to my son in chapters 1-7, and seven more in other chapters. My sons or my children appear four times, all from Solomon. This suggests that the proverbs are from “fathers to sons” rather than from “teachers to disciples,” as some would have them.

1. The Hearth-Stone: The setting seems to favour the home. A family gathered around the hearthstone at even, when the work of the day ended, was once the centre of family life. Here parents helped mould the impressionable minds of their children. The fact that instruction was also given by “mothers” supports this impression (1:8, 6:20, 23:19, 22, 26, 31:1-2). God is the “author” of the family institution. “God gives parents rank next after Himself. Filial love stands near, and leans on godliness” (Arnot). “The purpose of these exhortations is to set before the son the theology of the two ways: reject folly and pursue wisdom” (Willmington). “My children,” heed this counsel while young and build on these sound life-principles.
2. The Heart-Stay: Where do females fit in? Women didn’t have a high position in the ancient, and even the not-so-ancient world. Most decisions were made for men and by men. It was sons who were tempted by prostitutes. It was men who borrowed, lent, or spent the money, wisely or unwisely. It was men who sat in the gate as judges. Yet, the Bible has ever given honour to women, and this is evident in Proverbs. “Children” (b^enim) is the plural of “son” (ben), and often includes all children, male and female (Genesis 3:16, Exodus 21:5). A ben-adam is a “son of Adam” and equals “humanity,” obviously including females. There are references to the fair woman (14:1). Such a woman is called the queen of the household, her husband’s crown the “heart” and “stay” of the home. One finding “a wife finds a good thing” (18:22). Man is to “rejoice in the wife of his youth” (5:18). He is to call “wisdom” his “sister” (7:4). All the children, male and female, must be taught that the way of “virtue” is the right way. Is there any nobler tribute to women in any literature than that given at the close of this book?
3. The Home- Secured: Let all who read Proverbs today guard against those who would exploit the home and the family. Since many women now control money, let them heed the teachings found here on management and wise investing, and see the godly family as the training-ground for all their children. “A good wife and health are a man’s best wealth,” and, “A good name is better than a girdle of gold.” “Help us, O Lord, our homes to make, Thy Holy Spirit’s dwelling place” (A.F. Bayley).

Thought: “Holiness begins at home and sanctification at the sink.”

Prayer: “Lord, make me a son or daughter that never hurts my parents.