The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon to his young adult son. Solomon’s
purpose in writing Proverbs was “that the generation to come might know them [God’s wonderful works]…that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (Ps. 78:6–7). Throughout the book, Solomon is fulfilling his covenantal duty as a father to teach his son wisdom and understanding (4:1–4). Since the covenant is central to the book, Proverbs is not merely a collection of good advice for success and happiness. Solomon is demonstrating to his son the way of life in the family of God (the way of wisdom) in contrast to the way of folly outside of God’s family. He is not merely concerned that his son becomes wealthy, has a good name, and avoids troublesome people. Solomon is concerned about his son’s
salvation.

In the opening verses of chapter 1, Solomon equates the simple with the young man (1:4). The simple person is one who lacks discernment, is easily influenced, and is easily led astray. You, as a young person, are vulnerable to the influence of the world. Therefore, your parents have an urgent calling to train you up in the way you should go (22:6). The whole book of Proverbs is meant as an exhortation to the young person to be wise, or as Ephesians 4:14 puts it, “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Solomon is very concerned for his son’s spiritual welfare, and he endeavors to teach him wisdom so that he finds his refuge in the Lord (18:10) from sinners who seek to entice him (1:10).

Later in chapter 1, Wisdom is personified and found crying in the streets with an important
message for young people: “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you” (1:23). Wisdom concludes her crying with, “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (1:33). Wisdom alsohas grave warnings for those who refuse her: “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer…For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD” (1:26–29). Reading this, we are tempted to be frightened and to think, “What if I don’t turn and hearken to wisdom? What if in a moment of sin I do not choose the fear of the Lord?” Lest we fall prey to those thoughts and despair of God’s mercy, a proper understanding of Wisdom’s identity is crucial as we read through Proverbs.

Our first hint is in chapter 2:6: “For the LORD giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh
knowledge and understanding.” Our next clue is in chapter 2:10–12: “When wisdom entereth into thine heart…discretion shall preserve thee…to deliver thee from the way of the evil man.” Our next clue is very revealing: “She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens” (3:18–19). So far our clues tell us that Wisdom proceeds from the mouth of the Lord; that Wisdom is by whom the Lord created the heavens and the earth; and that Wisdom is the one who enters hearts to preserve and deliver God’s children from evil. Our fourth and final clue is from chapter 8:22–31:

“The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth…When he prepared the heavens, I was there…Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.”

This passage confirms that Wisdom is eternal God and, more specifically, God who was
“brought forth.” Creator, Savior, Preserver, Eternal, Begotten, proceeds from the mouth of God (the Word)—Wisdom is Jesus Christ! That is why you do not need to be discouraged when you read through the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is not just a collection of good advice; the words in this book are life and grace to you (3:22), filled with the power to work salvation in your heart through the Holy Spirit (1:23). The gospel of Jesus Christ is the golden thread that runs through this “practical” book. As you read Proverbs, keep Christ and his gospel at the center of each vice and virtue, each promise, and each exhortation.

Rebekah is a wife and mother in the home. She attends Hope Protestant Reformed Church in Redlands, California, with her family. 

Originally published October 2022, Vol 81 No 10