Sunday, September 1, 2013

Proverbs 1: September 2013

We return to the first chapter of Proverbs. The opening chapter establishes Solomon’s authorship and commends wisdom to the reader. I do not exactly where I come down with Solomon’s authorship: did he write all of the proverbs in Proverbs or are some proverbs in Proverbs proverbs that he knew from others and therefore recorded in Proverbs?

 

My belief in the Divine Inspiration of Scripture makes this a secondary question: all that is present is intended by, and protected by, the Sovereign God of all. One can take Proverbs 1:1’s “Of Solomon” legitimately either way. Some of the book, one is hard-pressed to think Solomon wrote it himself. Either that, or he forgot it later. Especially the parts about women.

 

Proverbs 1:9 reminds us the value of wisdom. It is not merely a private value, but is visible just like fine jewelry. What should we pursue? The wisdom. Let that decorate our whole life.

 

Proverbs 1:19 points out that violence is not a smart way to achieve gain in this world. One may have short-term benefits, but it will ultimately destroy you. I wonder how this should be considered by those who spend time entertaining through violence.

 

Proverbs 1:29 tells us that Solomon saw no disconnect between knowledge, wisdom, and fear of God. This is abundantly evident here, and should be remembered by us all. Knowledge ought to strengthen our faith, and it is not to be feared.

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