Proverbs 1:1

KJV

¶ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

KJV (with Strong's)

The proverbs {H4912} of Solomon {H8010} the son {H1121} of David {H1732}, king {H4428} of Israel {H3478};

Complete Jewish Bible

The proverbs of Shlomo the son of David, king of Isra'el,

Berean Standard Bible

These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel,

American Standard Version

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:1 serves as the foundational superscription for the entire book, immediately identifying its primary author, King Solomon, and his royal lineage. This concise verse establishes the authoritative source and historical context for the collection of divine wisdom that follows, signaling to the reader that the subsequent teachings are not merely human insights but divinely inspired principles intended to guide individuals and the nation of Israel in righteous living and the pursuit of true wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:1 stands as the formal introduction to the Book of Proverbs, setting the stage for the diverse collection of wisdom literature that follows. It functions as a title or superscription, immediately informing the reader about the nature of the content ("The proverbs") and its primary human author ("Solomon the son of David, king of Israel"). This opening verse is crucial because it frames the entire book, indicating that the subsequent chapters are not random sayings but a curated body of wisdom attributed to a specific, divinely appointed king renowned for his sagacity. The verses immediately following ([Proverbs 1:2-6](/proverbs/1-2 "Proverbs 1:2-6 - The Purpose of Proverbs")) then elaborate on the purpose of these proverbs, explaining that they are for gaining wisdom, instruction, understanding, and righteous living, thus establishing the book's didactic intent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon, identified in this verse, reigned over Israel during its Golden Age (c. 970-931 BC), a period marked by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing. His kingdom stretched from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt, a vast dominion that brought him into contact with many cultures and their wisdom traditions. Solomon's reputation for wisdom was legendary, attracting dignitaries from distant lands, such as the Queen of Sheba, who came to test him with hard questions ([1 Kings 10:1-10](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")). This era of stability provided the ideal environment for the compilation and composition of wisdom literature, as people had the leisure and resources to pursue intellectual and spiritual development. The mention of "king of Israel" underscores the national and governmental significance of this wisdom, which was intended not only for individual guidance but also for the just administration of the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it establishes **Authorship and Authority**, attributing the proverbs to Solomon, a figure whose wisdom was a direct gift from God ([1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). This attribution lends immense credibility and divine authority to the collection, indicating that these are not merely human insights but divinely inspired principles for life. Secondly, it highlights the **Royal and Davidic Lineage**, connecting Solomon to his father, David, and implicitly to the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), which promised an enduring dynasty. This connection emphasizes that true wisdom is integral to righteous governance and the well-being of God's chosen nation. Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Wisdom's Divine Source**, as Solomon's wisdom was renowned precisely because it was God-given, setting the stage for the book's overarching message that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverbs (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** Apparently from a root suggesting superiority in mental action, this term properly refers to a pithy maxim, usually of a metaphorical nature. It encompasses various forms of wise sayings, parables, riddles, or comparisons, conveying truth or moral instruction concisely, frequently through analogy or contrast. The plural form (as used here) indicates a collection of such sayings.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root _bânâh_ (to build), this term denotes a son as a builder of the family name. In its widest sense, it can refer to literal and figurative relationships, including grandson, subject, or even a quality or condition. Here, it explicitly establishes Solomon's direct lineage from David, emphasizing his rightful place in the royal succession.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Derived from the verb _mâlakh_ (to reign), this word simply means a monarch or ruler. Its inclusion here highlights Solomon's supreme authority and position within Israel, indicating that the wisdom contained in the book is not merely personal advice but principles applicable to governance, national life, and the ordering of society under divine rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The proverbs of Solomon":** This initial phrase immediately identifies the genre of the book—a collection of wise sayings—and attributes its primary authorship to King Solomon. This attribution is crucial for establishing the authority and source of the wisdom contained within.
* **"the son of David":** This phrase further specifies Solomon's identity by linking him to his renowned father, King David. This connection emphasizes Solomon's royal lineage and his place within the divinely chosen dynasty, reinforcing the legitimacy and importance of his wisdom.
* **"king of Israel":** This final descriptive clause solidifies Solomon's position as the reigning monarch over the united kingdom of Israel. It signifies that the wisdom presented is not just for personal edification but also holds national and governmental significance, intended to guide the people and their leaders in righteous conduct and the establishment of a just society.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:1 employs several literary devices to establish its authority and context. The most prominent is **Superscription**, which functions as a title or heading for the entire work, immediately informing the reader of its content and authorship. This is a common feature in ancient Near Eastern literature, lending formality and weight to the text. The use of **Apposition** is also evident, where "the son of David" and "king of Israel" are phrases placed next to "Solomon" to further describe and identify him, adding layers of context and significance to his person. This concise, declarative statement also exhibits **Conciseness**, packing a significant amount of information—genre, author, lineage, and royal status—into a single, impactful verse, characteristic of wisdom literature's direct approach to conveying truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:1, by identifying Solomon as the author, immediately grounds the book in the theological tradition of God-given wisdom. Solomon's wisdom was not self-generated but a divine gift, a response to his humble request for discernment to govern God's people ([1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). This establishes a crucial theological premise: true wisdom originates with God. The connection to David further links this wisdom to the covenantal promises made to Israel's greatest king, suggesting that righteous living and wise governance are integral to God's plan for His people. The book, therefore, is presented as a divinely sanctioned guide for navigating life in a way that honors God and promotes flourishing within His covenant community.

* [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")
* [2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:1, though brief, serves as a profound invitation to engage with divine wisdom. It calls us to recognize that the principles for a flourishing life are not arbitrary human constructs but are rooted in God's character and revealed through His chosen instruments. For the contemporary believer, this verse encourages a posture of humility and receptivity towards biblical truth. Just as Solomon's wisdom was a gift from God intended to guide a nation, so too are these proverbs a gift for us, offering timeless guidance for personal conduct, ethical decision-making, and navigating complex relationships. Approaching this book with the understanding that its source is ultimately divine wisdom, we are challenged to move beyond mere intellectual assent to active application, allowing these ancient truths to shape our daily choices and align our lives with God's righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing the author is Solomon, "king of Israel," influence your perception of the authority and relevance of the Book of Proverbs?**
* **In what ways do you seek wisdom in your own life, and do you primarily look to human or divine sources?**
* **How can acknowledging the divine origin of wisdom (even through human authors) deepen your commitment to applying biblical principles?**

### FAQ
**Why is Solomon's lineage (son of David) mentioned in Proverbs 1:1?**

Answer: The mention of Solomon's lineage as "the son of David" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes his royal legitimacy and connects him to the revered King David, Israel's most celebrated monarch. This linkage reinforces the authority of Solomon's proverbs, as his wisdom is implicitly tied to the divinely established Davidic dynasty and the covenant God made with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Secondly, it highlights the continuity of divine wisdom and leadership within Israel's monarchy, suggesting that the principles found in Proverbs are foundational for both individual and national well-being. It also sets the stage for the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, who embodies ultimate wisdom.

**What does "proverbs" (mishlei) mean in the context of this book?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "proverbs" is _mishlei_ (מִשְׁלֵי), derived from _mâshâl_ (H4912). This term is broader than simply short, pithy sayings. It encompasses various forms of wisdom literature, including parables, allegories, riddles, comparisons, and even longer discourses. In the context of the Book of Proverbs, it refers to a collection of concise, often poetic, statements that convey moral instruction, practical advice, and theological truth. These "proverbs" aim to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding, often through analogy, contrast, or direct admonition, guiding the reader toward righteous living and a deeper understanding of God's ways ([Proverbs 1:2-6](/proverbs/1-2 "Proverbs 1:2-6 - The Purpose of Proverbs")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:1, by introducing Solomon as the source of wisdom, subtly points forward to the ultimate and perfect embodiment of wisdom in Jesus Christ. While Solomon was renowned for his God-given wisdom, a gift he received to govern Israel ([1 Kings 3:9-12](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9-12 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")), Jesus is depicted as Wisdom personified, the very Word of God through whom all things were created ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). The Queen of Sheba traveled great distances to hear Solomon's wisdom ([1 Kings 10:1-10](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")), yet Jesus declared, "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon")). Just as Solomon was the "son of David" and king of Israel, Jesus is the true and eternal Son of David, the King of kings, whose kingdom is everlasting ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Son of David, King Forever")). The proverbs of Solomon offer practical guidance for life, but Christ Himself is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom")). Therefore, the introductory verse to Proverbs, by highlighting human wisdom, ultimately directs our gaze to the divine Wisdom fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one who perfectly fulfills all the wisdom that Solomon could only partially embody.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 10:1

¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Chronicles 28:5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

Ecclesiastes 1:1

¶ The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

Proverbs 25:1

¶ These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

1 Kings 2:12

¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

1 Kings 4:31

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.