The Book of Proverbs is about gaining wisdom, that is, acquiring the knowledge and resources to live life wisely, or as some might say, “skillfully.” The problem we all face is trying to live a “godly” life in a “ungodly” world. That’s why the purpose of Proverbs is to provide us with detailed instructions to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life, guiding us to develop good relationships with God, parents, children, neighbors, and the government.

While the priests of Israel taught the Law; the prophets communicated God’s Word; and the sages (or elders) gave wise counsel to the people. Proverbs provided the practical application of godly wisdom to specific human problems. Most of the Book was written by David’s son, Solomon, who used a combination of poetry, parables, searching questions, short stories, and wise maxims to provide his readers with memorable “common sense” lessons that we need to handle a wide variety of life’s challenges. No one was better qualified to present these “life lessons” than Solomon. Why is this?

After the passing of his father David, God approached Solomon and asked him to reveal what he desired more than anything else in life. Although he could have asked for power, riches, and fame (which he received from God), he simply asked for “wisdom.” Let’s look at the dialogue, first Solomon’s request,

“Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours” (I Kings 3:9)?

Solomon’s request pleased God, and He responded by saying,

Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked for riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for discernment to understand justice, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you nor shall one like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked for, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you in all your days” (1 Kings 3:10-13).

Lest we completely miss it, I’d like us to notice something – In replying to Solomon’s request, God said, “Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart…” (1 Kings 3:12). Please notice that the source of Solomon’s “wise and discerning heart” was God Himself. In short, God changes hearts and gives wisdom to all who ask for it. It cannot be earned, but only received as a gift. This is made clear in the New Testament, as the Apostle James says,

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously…” (James 1:5).

Because Solomon asked for wisdom above all other things, God granted it to him, even to the degree that people from foreign lands came to hear him speak. And that’s why Solomon brought prosperity and glory to Israel until his later years when he walked away from his own wisdom forgetting that true wisdom must be lived out in obeying his own godly principles, not just knowing them.

The most important “proverb” in the book is this,

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Pr. 9:10).

Although the Hebrew word for “fear” can mean literal “fear,” it is usually understood as “respect” or “reverence.” In other words, if we really desire wisdom in all of our words, actions, and decisions, we must  begin by “reverencing” God. And how do we do that? We simply choose to “honor” Him in every part of our lives. Jesus pointed us to the greatest commandment of all,

“Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, …and you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk. 12:30-31).

In short, this is how we “reverence” or “honor” God — By loving Him with our whole being and others as we love ourselves. Many people like to jump past the first commandment to the second, that is, to “love others.” Why? Because loving God requires humility, and most people resist giving up their pride, acknowledging their need for and dependence upon God. And so, if we want to gain wisdom, we must begin by loving God above all other affections, and to do it with all of our being. And then we can reach out to love others. And that’s precisely what the Book of Proverbs teaches us!

If you desire wisdom so that you can live a meaningful and productive life, then ask God for it. And as you ask, be sure that you are “honoring” Him in every aspect of your life. Is there anything keeping you from doing that? Simply humble yourself before God and ask for wisdom. He will give it to you abundantly.