A KING’S MANIFESTO  –  Proverbs 1:1-7   –  4-28-24

If Biblical wisdom can be defined as the communicable attribute of God equipping his people with skills for the art of godly living, then the book of Proverbs reveals this aspect of God’s nature according to a 4-part structure. Chapters 1-7 open the book with extended admonitions and teachings to the classic student of wisdom. These addresses often begin with: “my son”. Chapters 8-9 follow with poetic descriptions of wisdom personified. Chapters 10-29 are a collection of Solomon’s one sentence sayings. These are the brief, insightful aphorisms Proverbs is perhaps most known for. Chapters 30 & 31 cite additional authors and close the book with personified ideals including the model student of wisdom and the virtuous woman. Consider the biographical context of the book of proverbs. Facing the extraordinary demands of his calling, Solomon is moved to seek divine wisdom I Kings 3:9 “give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people…”. The need for wisdom as king of Israel would involve: 1. The ability to judge court cases at the most trying level. 2. Commissioning the construction of the house of God and institution of temple worship. 3. Maintaining international relations in the generation following his father‘s dominant military successes. 4. Stewardship of Israel’s fortunes via domestic policy. 5. Maintaining messianic family line as an heir and administrator of the covenant of David. 6. Equipping the next king to assume the throne. Today’s sermon begins with the introductory prologue of Proverbs which states the theme and purpose of the book – a public declaration of intent – a king’s manifesto.