Brevity is the soul of wit; God’s proverbs are both witty and wise.

Proverbs 4

• This is what my father, your grandfather, taught me (vs 1-19)
• And that’s exactly what I’m saying to you, my son (vs 20-27)

Proverbs 5

• The “strange woman” was introduced in Proverbs 2:16-19).
• Her sinfully enticing ways are more closely examined here and in chapters 6 and 7 to follow.
• Adultery has always been sinful (Exodus 20:14).

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Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs (1 Kings 4:32).

The divinely inspired ones have been gathered into the book that we begin to study today.

Proverbs 1

• Education is not the answer to the world’s woes. Knowing God is the foundation of all wisdom. There are many educated fools. (vs 1-7)
• “My son” is addressed no fewer than 23 times in this book. What parent does not want his child to know God, to live right, to avoid hardship? (vs 8-19)
• Wisdom is often personified throughout Proverbs. Here we find that no matter where we go, we are always beckoned to seek wisdom so that we might avoid temptation and sin. (vs 20-33)

Proverbs 2

• Children rarely understand that parental rules based upon God’s Word are designed for the ultimate and eternal good of the child.
• Walking in God’s way, we shall avoid evil men (vs 12-15) and evil women (vs 16-19).
• Godly living is for society’s good also (vs 20-22).

Proverbs 3

• Don’t ever ” let your conscience be your guide.” It’s far better to let God “direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Some see Proverbs 3:9-10 as a contract for prosperity. If it is, then Proverbs 3:11-12 is the fine print of the contract.
• We marvel at life-long pursuits of health, wealth and fame. Solomon would have his son seek divine wisdom (vs 13-26).
• How we live among men indicates how closely we live to God (vs 27-35).

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I Kings 3

• Solomon loved the Lord but worshiped in high places (1 Kings 3:3).
• Solomon receives wisdom and understanding from God (vs 5-15; cf 2 Chronicles 1)
• Solomon demonstrates divine wisdom (vs 16-28)

I Kings 4

• Solomon’s officers (vs 1-19)
• Solomon’s rule (vs 20-28)
• Solomon’s wisdom (vs 29-24)

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God’s offer ( 2 Chronicles 1:7; Matthew 7:7)
Solomon did not ask for (2 Chronicles 1:11)

• riches
• wealth
• honor
• death for his enemies
• long life for himself

Solomon did ask for (1 Chronicles 1:10)

• wisdom
• knowledge

God gave Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:12)

• wisdom
• knowledge
• riches
• wealth
• honor

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