Danny Fourie

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge … Proverbs 1:7

In Gibeon we find a young man on his knees. He is King Solomon. He prays to God for wisdom to rule his kingdom. God gives him the wisdom in such a special way that the Wisdom of Solomon is considered proverbial to this day. With his very first administration of justice his wisdom is clear "Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other” (1 Kings 3:16-28).

In 1 Kings 4:29 we read: “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” We also read that Solomon created 3 000 proverbs and wrote more than 1 000 songs. Solomon’s reputation became known in the whole world at the time. Even the queen of Sheba heard of it and she visited him. In 1 Kings 10:7 she uttered the winged words: ‘Indeed, not even half was told me …’

The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in the Bible are from the pen of Solomon. Proverbs contains a treasure of wisdom that I want to linger on this month. It can be compared to a string of pearls, full of beautiful pearls. Sometimes in the form of metaphorical language, and sometimes directly aimed at the individual. The proverbs relate to everyday life. Solomon’s feet are firmly on the ground, while his heart gives evidence of the revelation of God. Remember God gave him this wisdom. He does not talk like a moralizer, but as a father who educates his daughter or son.

His proverbs touch every facet of life: marriage, family, the lives of young people, labour, handiwork, eat, drink, and many other situations. Solomon lets the light of God’s revelation shine on all these situations and guides the reader in this way on the road of life.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that deep down we know that the beginning of knowledge is to serve and obey you. As Solomon prayed for wisdom, we pray that we will make use of the wisdom in the Bible to live for you. Amen.