These are the proverbs
The term "proverbs" refers to short, pithy sayings that express general truths or practical precepts. In the biblical context, proverbs are often seen as divinely inspired wisdom meant to guide moral and ethical behavior. The Book of Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, which also includes Job, Ecclesiastes, and some Psalms. These writings focus on the practical application of divine wisdom in daily life. Proverbs are not just for intellectual understanding but are intended to be lived out, reflecting a life aligned with God's will.

of Solomon
Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is traditionally credited as the primary author of the Book of Proverbs. Known for his wisdom, Solomon's reign is often considered a golden age in Israel's history. His wisdom was a gift from God, as described in 1 Kings 3:5-14, where Solomon asked for an understanding heart to govern the people. Solomon's wisdom was renowned throughout the ancient world, attracting leaders and scholars to his court. The proverbs attributed to him reflect a deep understanding of human nature and the principles of godly living.

son of David
David, the second king of Israel, was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His reign established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. David's legacy is significant in biblical history, as he was promised an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16), which Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1). Solomon, as David's son, inherited not only the throne but also the responsibility to uphold the covenantal promises made to David. This lineage underscores the continuity of God's plan through the Davidic line.

king of Israel
Solomon's role as king of Israel places him in a position of authority and responsibility over God's chosen people. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him to focus on building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for Israel. As king, Solomon's proverbs carry the weight of royal authority and divine wisdom, intended to instruct not only his contemporaries but also future generations. The title "king of Israel" also connects Solomon to the broader narrative of Israel's history, from the patriarchs to the united monarchy, and ultimately to the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, Solomon is traditionally credited with writing the majority of the Book of Proverbs. His reign is often seen as a time of peace and prosperity for Israel.

2. David
The second king of Israel and father of Solomon, David is a central figure in the Bible, known for his heart for God, his psalms, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. During Solomon's reign, Israel was a united kingdom and experienced significant growth and influence.The Value of Wisdom
Proverbs begins by establishing the importance of wisdom, a theme that runs throughout the book. As believers, we are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who is the source of all true understanding.

Legacy and Influence
Solomon's wisdom and writings have had a lasting impact on both religious and secular thought. This reminds us of the importance of leaving a godly legacy through our words and actions.

The Role of Leadership
As king, Solomon's wisdom was crucial for leading Israel. This highlights the importance of wise and godly leadership in all areas of life, whether in the home, church, or community.

The Fear of the Lord
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the fear of the Lord is a foundational theme in Proverbs. It is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, guiding us in righteous living.1.--INTRODUCTION DESCRIBING THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK (Proverbs 1:1-6).

(1) Proverbs.--For the various senses of the Hebrew m?sh?l thus translated, see Introduction.

Solomon.--The absolute quiet and prosperity of the reign of Solomon (the man of peace), as described in 1Kings 4:20, sqq., would naturally be conducive to the growth of a sententious philosophy; whereas the constant wars and dangerous life of David had called forth the impassioned eloquence of the Psalms.

Verse 1. - The proverbs of Solomon. The word which is here translated "proverbs" is the original mishle (מִשְׁלֵי), the construct case of mashal (מָשָׁל), which, again, is derived from the verb mashal (מָשַׁל), signifying

(1) "to make like," "to assimilate," and

(2) "to have dominion" (Gesenius).

The radical signification of mashal is "comparison" or "similitude," and in this sense it is applied generally to the utterances of the wise. In Numbers 23:7, 8 it is used of the prophetic predictions of Balaam; certain didactic psalms, e.g. Psalm 49:5 and Psalm 78:2, are so designated, and in Job (Job 27:1 and Job 29:1) it describes the sententious discourses of wise men. While all these come under the generic term of m'shalim, though few or no comparisons are found in them, we find the term mashal sometimes used of what are proverbs in the sense of popular sayings. Compare "Therefore it became a proverb (מָשָׁל), Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:12); and see also other instances in Ezekiel 16:4 and Ezekiel 18:2. In this sense it is also found in the collection before us. The predominant idea of the term, however, is that of comparison or similitude, and as such it is better represented by the Greek παραβολή (from παραβάλλω, "to set or place side by side"), literally, a placing beside, or comparison, than by παροιμία, "a byword," or "a trite wayside saying," though in the Greek of the synoptic Gospels παροιμία is equivalent to παραβολή. The English word "proverb" insufficiently renders the wider scope of meaning conveyed in the Hebrew mashal, and is not quite accurately rendered here, since of proverbs in our ordinary signification of that word there are comparatively few in this collection. The Hebrew word here means "maxims," "aphorisms," "wise counsels." Of Solomon. Most modern commentators (Delitzsch, Zockler, Fuerst, Stuart, Plumptre, etc.), while attributing, in a greater or less degree, the authorship of the book to Solomon, regard the insertion of his name in the title as indicating rather that he is the dominant spirit among those wise men of his age, some of whose sayings are here incorporated with his own. King of Israel, as forming the second hemistich of the verse, goes with "Solomon," and not "David." This is indicated in the Authorized Version by the position of the comma. The Arabic Version omits allusion to David, and reads, "Proverbia, nempe documenta Salomonis sapientis, qui regnavit super filios Israel." The proverbial or parabolic form of teaching was a recognized mode of instruction among the Hebrews, and in the Christian Church is recommended by St. Clement of Alexandria ('Strom.,' lib. 11, init.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

The proverbs
מִ֭שְׁלֵי (miš·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4912: A pithy maxim, a simile

of Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of David,
דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

king
מֶ֝֗לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel:
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son (Prov. Pro Pr)