Proverbs 1:1

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 1:1 serves as the foundational opening to the entire Book of Proverbs, immediately establishing its authorship and historical context. This concise verse sets the stage for a collection of divine wisdom intended to guide individuals in righteous living.

Context

This verse identifies the primary author as Solomon, the son of David, who reigned as king over Israel from approximately 970-931 BC. Solomon was renowned throughout the ancient world for his exceptional wisdom, a gift he specifically requested from God to govern His people (see 1 Kings 3:9). His reign was a period of great peace and prosperity for Israel, making him an ideal figure to compile and compose such a book of practical wisdom. The mention of his father, David, connects Solomon's wisdom to the lineage of Israel's greatest king and the Davidic covenant, emphasizing the divine endorsement of his rule and wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Authorship and Authority: The verse clearly attributes the "proverbs" to Solomon, lending significant authority and credibility to the counsel that follows. It signals that this is not merely human advice but wisdom from a divinely appointed king.
  • Wisdom's Source: By identifying Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom, the verse implicitly points to God as the ultimate source of the insights contained within the book.
  • Royal and National Significance: Solomon's title, "king of Israel," indicates that these proverbs are not just for private individuals but also foundational principles for the governance and well-being of a nation, reflecting God's order for society.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "proverbs" is mishlei (מִשְׁלֵי). This term broadly refers to various forms of wise sayings, parables, riddles, or comparisons. It suggests a concise, often poetic, statement that conveys truth or moral instruction, frequently through analogy or contrast. The plural form indicates a collection of such sayings.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:1 serves as an invitation to engage with profound, divinely inspired wisdom. It assures the reader that the forthcoming instructions are not arbitrary but come from a place of unparalleled insight and authority. For contemporary readers, it underscores that biblical wisdom, though ancient, is timeless and applicable to all areas of life—personal conduct, relationships, ethics, and even leadership. It encourages us to approach the book with an open mind, ready to learn and apply its principles for a life pleasing to God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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