Who is this Wise Guy? Proverbs 1:1

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: Proverbs 1:1

This first verse of proverbs is there to let us know who wrote this book.  It was Solomon, son of David, the king of Israel.  There is a reason why God chose this man instead of anyone else to write this book.  It is because of an encounter that he had with God at the start of his reign as the king of Israel.

In 1 Kings chatper 3 God appeared to Solomon in a dream.  During that encounter God told Solomon, "Ask what you wish Me to give you."  That is quite a question for a man to be asked.  If there was ever a moment when truly the sky was the limit - this was it.  What is even more interesting is the way that Solomon answered the question. 

Rather than asking for power or money or any of the other things that most men would ask - Solomon asked for wisdom with which to rule the people of God.  He confessed that he was just a child who was ascending the throne of a great people who could not be numbered or counted.  He grasped his need for wisdom and for understanding to discern between good and evil. 

This is why this book is filled with wisdom beyond any other written today.  It is because God, when He heard Solomon's request, was delighted with it.  God declared that He had given to Solomon a "wise and discerning heart . . ."  so that the following would be true.  "There has been no one like you before, nor shall one like you arise after you."  This was the way God answered Solomon's prayer request to the Lord. 

Proverbs is the wisdom of Solomon - but not just the wisdom of a man.  The reason this is such an amazing book filled with wisdom that has never been surpassed, is because it is the wisdom of God.  God is the One Who gave Solomon the discernment and wisdom so that he could write such a book.  So, as you approach this book remember two things. 

First, remember that the wisdom you are reading is the wisdom of God.  This is not what Solomon thinks - or has learned.  This is the wisdom of Almighty God that He placed within Solomon's heart.  Second, be reminded of Solomon's heart - and also remember the promise from James chapter 1 - if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives generously at all who ask, without finding fault - and it will be given to him.  Need wisdom - ask God!  He is more than willing to pour wisdom out on those who admit their lack and who turn to Him for it.