Proverbs 4:1-27 A Father’s Words

Solomon is passing to his son instruction that he gained while a son of David. These words are passed down from our Heavenly Father to us, His children.

I was curious to know if Solomon was an only child, or at least the only surviving child of David and Bathsheba. This is because of verse three where he says he was “the only one in the sight of my mother” (verse 3b). He actually had three other brothers and who knows how many sisters, as they are not always listed in the bible. We learn this from 1 Chronicles 3:5 where it lists the children of Bathsheba. It appears that the time Solomon was speaking of was before his brother’s births or he was his mother’s favorite and received special treatment from both his parents. Did David try and teach his other children these lessons? Were their mothers receptive? Did he only recognize the need of teaching these lessons strongly when his other children were grown?

Solomon never forgot these lessons from his father. He carried them throughout his life. He was only 20 when he became king and even though his father was there to advise him, he still felt inadequate to the job. Two years under David’s guidance didn’t puff him up. He was still desperate for guidance and when God offered him whatever he wanted, Solomon immediately asked for wisdom. He had truly learned its value.

Solomon now instructs his son, possibly sons, to seek that same gift. It is believed that Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs during his middle age years, 40-50. (At least that is what I found through Google.) Who knows how old his sons were when they received this instruction. Did he teach them at a ‘tender age’? Or were they already established in their ways before he sat down to share his instruction with them?

What kind of father was Solomon? We know he was a wise king but was he a wise father too? David had a disconnect in his life. Most of his children did NOT follow the Lord’s will. Two of them tried to steal the kingdom right out from under him. Too late he learned of the benefit of teaching your children to love the Lord and search after wisdom. Is it possible that only Solomon took these lessons to heart? It is also possible that the other mothers withheld their sons from such teachings. We don’t know but it appears that Solomon was the only one to seek after wisdom.

Twice, David told Solomon to “Get wisdom; get insight” (verses 5a & 7b). It was that important to him that Solomon understand. Solomon, likewise, tells us that he has taught his son the same lessons. He is hoping, and probably praying, that his son(s) took the lessons to heart as well as he did.

God has left the same instructions for us to find and follow. Solomon’s words are meant for our ears as well for they come from the father. That is where we stand today. Sitting at the Father’s feet, listening to His lessons.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” (verse 7). Just seeking after wisdom is wise. That’s where we all have to start. And it is not enough just having “knowledge” or even wisdom. You need to understand when, where, and how to apply it. I had a pastor that used to say this about education; “Get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the lid.” Problem is, knowledge sitting in a ‘can’ does no one any good. It has to be put to use or it is wasted time. And it fades without use. I know a LOT of mine has.

Father God, I ask You right now for Your wisdom to fill me from top to bottom. Give me understanding to employ Your wisdom with love and accuracy. I desire wisdom for how it will help me with others as well as improving my life. I need it every day! Thank You for the measure of it You have already given me. I will keep searching for more of it, at Your feet.