Proverbs 1:1
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel
As a child growing up in Scotland I was taken into care by the local authorities (after I had run away from the family home several times). I grew up not really having a strong understanding of who I was, where I fitted, and what my purpose might be. Therefore kindness made a huge impression on me. I also remember being in one foster carer’s home overnight where I experienced the feelings that go with being accepted and loved.
That night I cried myself to sleep. I think I realised that there was something missing. I knew I would be leaving that house in the morning. However, I wanted to somehow hold on to the security that I had experienced in feeling loved or at least accepted.
So relationship is at the heart of Proverbs. The word “son” appears 49 times in this one book. Here in the very first line, we can see that relationship is also at the heart of the writer’s life. The father and son/daughter relationship is the key premise in Proverbs!
KNOWLEDGE
Understanding our position with God is at the heart of wisdom. Solomon knew who he was, he also understood the sonship role. Therefore even although in later years he made some poor decisions, he was for a time the wisest man who ever lived. Proverbs continually return to the theme of sonship. Just as with Adam, and then also with Christ, the relationship is at the heart of wisdom. Wisdom leads us to great decisions daily.
P.S. Sometimes too many cooks do spoil the broth!
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live? The word “son” appears 4720 times in the Old Testament. It is pronounced as “ben” in Hebrew. It is translated in scripture in the ESV into the following English words, heir, member of a household, children, Israelites, grandchildren, descendants, people of Israel, daughter, and specific names of Israel’s tribes. Relationship is the centrepiece of Proverbs.
The unstated question in this verse is to the reader. That happens to be you. God is whispering to you through these timeless pages. He wants to have a meaningful relationship with you. However, the power of invitation sits with you.
WISDOM
How would you describe your sonship today, with your earthly and Heavenly Father?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT
“Includer” is a beautiful Relationship Strength – you love creating a sense of belonging for others, drawing out their ideas and thoughts as part of the journey. Your internal radar is always seeking wisdom in others. Diversity brings the best out in you. You can develop great judgement in knowing which voices are credible. Then recognise the need for one-on-one times that are fruitful. Keep true relationships at the heart of your life and be aware that not everybody has to be involved in everything.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – [the applied wisdom of wellness is a child of love, king over all our struggles with God]
Prayer – Father, help me to understand better my relationship with you and how from that place, I can develop better relationships with my family and friends.
Love the introduction as belonging and been accepted is a big part of our searching and it’s what God brings to us.
Jesus is also King of everything with him we have victory
Wisdom big part of proverbs and something we always wish to have and take the right decision
My relationship with Jesus?
I feel overwhelmed by the Love, miracles and revelations that I have received from just putting my hearth towards him searching for him, loving who He is and looking at His wonderful majesty and at the same time still trying to be accepted and understood by others.
King of Struggles
Only with Jesus I found victory every time I try on my own I fail.
So thank you for reinforcing and reminding us that only with Jesus we can.
Blessings and Amen!
“Understanding our position with God is at the heart of wisdom.” What a huge thought … love this – especially helpful with the business breakthrough thought
Love this mate.
“Relationship is at the heart of wisdom, and leads us to great decisions daily.”
This really stuck out to me. I think it’s so important to understand whose we are and just how much freedom that holds. For me personally I find that it’s in the times I remember whose I am, I’m able to live in such a way that reflects my Father. Who I am, the decisions I make are all essentially a product of the way I was raised and the relationships I have with the people around me. If these were to be negative I could only imagine that life would look a whole lot different. So grateful to be reminded of this importance.
Thanks for sharing this 34 days of Proverbs with me. The topic of ‘relationship’ resonates and come very timely in my season of grief. It’s been 7 months now since my husband of 33 years went home to be with the Lord.
Through the lonely days and nights, God never fail to show up and comfort me with His words.
Just like this morning, I woke up to Isaiah 54:10. I took it as God’s little love note that He slipped under my pillow. He knew that when I wake up, it’s Him that Id seek first.
Where do I turn to, anyway. HE is my most secure foundation, the very Rock on whom I stand. There is no relationship that can be compared.
“For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, My love won’t walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace wont’t fall apart.” The GOD who has compassion on you says so.” Is54:10
Very encouraging, great to hear your testimony!! Thx for sharing, bringing Jesus’s love to life! 😍
The Proverbs of Solomon = Jesus came from the line of David
Son of = We are the children of God
David = Faith
King of = We are Royalty who preaches the good news
Israel = we all fall short
The children of Christ walk in confidence and preach the word with wisdom but know that I’m with you even with struggle times.
My Sonship with God at the moment holds a sense of entitlement. Entitlement in society is used as a “ bad word “ .
However, for myself that word doesn’t mean I can do what ever I want and I will still recieve blessing. Or does it ?
We spend so much time telling others “ it’s not because of what you done or who you are , it’s because of who HE IS”
But yet we use the word “ entitlement “ in contexts that surround selfishness and ignorance.
For me , sonship is knowing my God has my back regardless of what I do but developing a deep love for him makes me want to make him proud . Just like a kid riding his bike and saying “ look dad , no hands “.
Understanding he loves me reschedules drives my motivation to keep making him proud . To make him proud , I can be more obedient and intentional on hearing him. If I am those two things , my life will be spirit led and I’ll be where I am supposed to be .
I recently lost my father and even though I knew it was coming and I knew I had my final fair well while he was still in an understanding place, when the moment came a strange feeling of loss, of being orphaned came upon me. At that moment my solace was my Heavenly Father was with me in the Holy Spirit and that my dad was in His presence.
I remember the pride and tears in his eyes a couple of years earlier when his first great grandson to carry the family name was born and his middle name is my dads. It was as if the knowledge that his name would live on was extra special to him, it meant something to know that maybe somehow he would be remembered.
Solomon, son of David, King of Israel! Both were kings and both were special and this is exactly how God sees us, His children. Mick, son of God, King of all! How special it is to know that not only am I saved but that my Heavenly Father calls me son! I am not just accepted, I am family, I am loved, I am special, I am worthy!
Purpose, identity, and a place in the family. These hallmarks of sonship are alluded to in the first paragraph. It’s sad that not all people experience them, especially little kids. Good on you, Allan. That was a touching illustration of what you’re communicating.
Relationship with the father is key, this intamacy will lead to understanding & knowledge (wisdom) and help us understand who he is and who he says we are so we can navigate and be victorious through all of life’s situations.
I love that idea of our position with God and its significance – the sonship role! This idea is orchestrated throughout the entire bible as we see and is such a beautiful motif.
I love the AUV as well – puts it into a new perspective!
I admire the openness in the opening paragraph this gives me confidence to express.. and not be ashamed or scared to expose our past then you’re able to push past it and ….repair ..
Right voice right time … Who to bring in when
God allows all of theses… he listens but is also ware that he’s already seen our problems and is fixing them all in his own time … not our timing .
Looking forward to the next 33days
This means a lot to me. I grew up feeling abandoned and alone a lot of the time. I often struggle with self doubt and needing to belong. Reading this gives me such reassurance that I really am a beloved daughter of the King and therein lies my value, worth, confidence and position. From this “knowing” I can use my strengths to minister to others.
Thank you for sharing the journal,
The illustration and wisdom question for life make you think deeply present situation in your life. Relating to Gallup strength add another interesting dimensions and help me to relate to own strength too. Purposes of identity and relationships with Father in heaven, make me think not only my earthly father but my own identity and relationship as a father with my kids!!
Thank you and Blessings
Thanks Allan. Great to be going through Proverbs in detail and really looking forward to sharing along the way. Just thinking about my relationship with my Heavenly Father, it’s a new journey in a way. Time spent in the word reveals so much more of who He is and what the gospel really is. I feel secure in my relationship with Him now. Hoping this study will add to this journey. My earthly father….well my dad and I have always clashed, but I think with my relationship with my Heavenly Father changing, my heart for my dad has changed. We get along the best we ever have now, but I think that has come with me just loving him and showing him more respect and understanding.
I love this! I always grew up with an incredible father. Yet, I still don’t think I 100% knew my position as a son. But I love how even in the ‘struggle’ we rest assured that He has us. Love the imagery and guidance the passage shows between the two.
Thanks Allan – this is great!
This relationship, that you have identified at the heart of Proverbs speaks to me of Solomon’s absolute confidence in identity.
The sonship / relationship seems to me to have given Solomon such a strong understanding of, and sense of, his own identity (he knew who he was, and knowledge being the beginning of wisdom speaks to me to the wisdom of Solomon) and a bit of an insight into (potentially) some of the roots of this wisdom? Identity?
Thanks Allan.
Lovely thoughts Pst Allan.
Thinking relationally is my take home.
It’s interesting how the book of Proverbs is referred to as the book of wisdom and how you shared ‘Understanding our position with God is at the heart of wisdom’. For people that may have never heard of the word or concept of sonship until now, there’s so much power and freedom from knowing your value, position and how loved you are that this is what the world is searching for. As my understanding of sonship through my faith journey has developed my reverence for God and His Word has grown. From this relationship I’ve been overwhelmed by the love, freedom and power from it.
I also enjoyed the coaching insight and business breakthrough sections, found it very practical.
Allan your commentary along with the scripture of Proverbs 1 has helped me to read further into the scripture alone. Quite often we read the passage and take from it the principle meaning or message eg this passage relates to making good choices and listening for wisdom as she calls to you and the consequences there of. But when you described the Father Son (sonship relationship) you open our understanding to more of what our Heavenly Father wants us to understand. “Our position with God is at the heart of wisdom” our identity in Him ,(son or daughter of the King of Kings ) who it is that has ownership over us (the grace upon our head and pendants for your neck ) bring us back to realise the position we hold as a Son and that wisdom is ours (freely given to us if we will ask ) BECAUSE we are loved by God we are His child . And what God fearing parent doesn’t want to cover and bless their children with wisdom to do life well. Amen .
Also using the gallop blurb was so beneficial. It totally related and we great further insight to understanding wisdom and was just so true when we seek wisdom we must seek out credible voices and developing fruitful relationships so important. God breathed words to accompany the scripture today .
Thank you Allen
Allan your commentary along with the scripture of Proverbs 1 has helped me to read further into the scripture alone. Quite often we read the passage and take from it the principle meaning or message eg this passage relates to making good choices and listening for wisdom as she calls to you and the consequences there of. But when you described the Father Son (sonship relationship) you open our understanding to more of what our Heavenly Father wants us to understand. “Our position with God is at the heart of wisdom” our identity in Him ,(son or daughter of the King of Kings ) who it is that has ownership over us (the grace upon our head and pendants for your neck ) bring us back to realise the position we hold as a Son and that wisdom is ours (freely given to us if we will ask ) BECAUSE we are loved by God we are His child . And what God fearing parent doesn’t want to cover and bless their children with wisdom to do life well. Amen .
Also using the gallop blurb was so beneficial. It totally related and we great further insight to understanding wisdom and was just so true when we seek wisdom we must seek out credible voices and developing fruitful relationships so important.
It has made me think about my earthy father a different way and given me another layer of honour toward him. God breathed words to accompany the scripture today .
Thank you Allen
Brilliant reminder of how Relationship both as Sons and Daughters of God and how we interact with others in day to day business can weave beauty into the tapestry of life and strength into business decisions. Thank you
Relationship is akin to bonding. From the start we bond with our parents. Then friends, relatives, children, work colleagues, husband and wive relationships etc. Without God’s love and presence in these relationships it’s like I am an empty vessel. I feel blessed that at a very late stage in my life I experienced that special bond with God. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of seeing things, relationships and life itself. I’m grateful. Thank you Jesus.
Allan your commentary along with the scripture of Proverbs 1 has helped me to read further into the scripture alone. Quite often we read the passage and take from it the principle meaning or message eg this passage relates to making good choices and listening for wisdom as she calls to you and the consequences there of. But when you described the Father Son (sonship relationship) you open our understanding to more of what our Heavenly Father wants us to understand. “Our position with God is at the heart of wisdom” our identity in Him ,(son or daughter of the King of Kings ) who it is that has ownership over us (the grace upon our head and pendants for your neck ) bring us back to realise the position we hold as a Son and that wisdom is ours (freely given to us if we will ask ) BECAUSE we are loved by God and as his children he so desires for us to walk in wisdom. And what Responsible parent doesn’t want to cover and bless their children with wisdom to do life well. Amen .
Also using the gallop blurb was so beneficial. It totally related and was great further insight to understanding wisdom and was just so true when we seek wisdom we must seek out credible voices and developing fruitful relationships so important.
It has made me think about my earthly father in a different way and given me another layer of respect and honour toward him. God breathed words to accompany the scripture today .
Thank you Allen
“The hidden treasures of wisdom lies within God’s word”
This season of my life has me in a place that I never imagined I will be,
But I have felt the unfailing love of a loving father.
Who’s love for me is unconditional.♥️
That his faithful promises are true🙏
I am assured every day that in an ever-changing world,God remains faithful and unchanged,
I take comfort in knowing that “i am the daughter of a great king”
That I am always loved by him,
His love endures and his love never fails 🤍🤍
This was very interesting to me and I actually had to read it over because I felt somewhat confused initially with how it linked to Proverbs 1:1
I never really looked at the theme on sonship and relationship as explained by you Allan although it was insightful.
What spoke out to me was to first know your identity and have an awareness of the relationships that impact your life. These are important and affect how you position yourself.
Love how you’ve broken the parts into sections. And incorporated the Strengths Coaching and Business thought. Would have liked it towards the end as for me it broke the flow of what I was reading. Look forward to reading more of the Wisdom from Proverbs.
Great reminder of the importance of identity. It is one of the most essential things we must learn in order to gain any sort of wisdom that is worthwhile, who am I in Christ?
Thanks Allan – i’m so looking forward to goi g on this Proverbs journey with you & getting a deeper insight into knowing our wise Heavenly Father as He speaks healing words of love tenderness & value into our thirsty hearts.
Thank you, Pastor Allan. I am a beloved daughter of God. Each one of us has been created unique. He has been there through good times and bad.
I pray for wisdom to listen to His voice and guide my children along the right path.
With faith I hold on to the promise that He will always love us, no matter what.
I love the thought of sonship and remembering who I am and what I have in God. I also loved reading about the Gallup strength includer as it is in my top 10 strengths and there was so much insight within what you said that really spoke to me. Allowing the right voices in at the right time and that too many opinions can ruin a good idea. Such a timely reminder for me in this season. 🙏🏼
I loved your opening. The concept of relationship being essential in a person feeling loved.
The topic of relationship with the father also resonates with me for many reasons. My earthly father passed away over a year ago and having relationship with my heavenly father has been my anchor.
Wow! Thanks for sharing. This reminds me of my identity with my maker.
And how important it is for me to have a personal relationship with my father in heaven, and my position as a daughter of God !
Thanks for writing this blog Allan, and thank you for sharing it with me. Reading your personal story at the start was powerful and moving.
When it came to the question for life, I actually paused to reflect before reading what’s next. While considering how I would describe my relationship with my earthly father and heavenly Father, I unravelled my thoughts, which left me a bit vulnerable. Then I continued reading and saw Gallup Strengths Coaching Insight – where I thought an encouraging word would have fit well after the question, just to uplift those who felt the question was a sensitive topic for them.
I love word studies and always find great insight from them. It was cool to see how much meaning is in the first verse of Proverbs.
Thank you Allan 🙂
Knowing my position allows me to pursue God with confidence to speak out the truth of which he has planted in me. Love that Solomon was confident with where he came from and who he belonged too! Its good to know who’s son i’am and to know the line of my identity…..God!
This is fantastic Allan. I really like how you wrote that Solomon knew who he was, and how he understood the sonship role. This is definitely An area where I have grown so much and growing still daily in my walk. It takes getting really vulnerable with Christ and trusting in him to allow a deep and personal relationship to flourish and become the person he has called us to be. That is Where wisdom plays a huge part in the choices we make in life.
What also stood out to me is that, “even in later years he made some poor decisions, even though he was for a time the wisest man who ever lived“.
Even the wisest man who lived, made some poor decisions. This shows us the importance of allowing the right people and council into our lives who we value enough to seek Healthy guidance and support from. God shows us the way to live well, Good friends Remind us when we are not being Christ like and could be living better. It’s wise to have the right people in our lives.
Such powerful yet simple wisdom. Relationship is the key to applying Wisdom. It provides the context from which we can live our lives within relative boundaries and gives us all a reference point from where we can always go back to as we journey through life. Love this thought!
Thank you for this Allan. Appreciated your introduction and openness about your story.
The identity of who I am and whose I am stands out. Identified. Had a loving childhood and a great relationship with my earthly father. Easier to relate to my Heavenly Father as I knew I was always loved.
Meaningful relationship is something that is missing in all religions except for the Jesus followers. That should make us significant, powerful, and confident that almighty God wants to have meaningful relationship with us.
Thank you for this Allan. We decided to do this as nighttime devotions including our 11 year old daughter. Today’s question under ‘Wisdom’ triggered an interesting conversation with her.
How would you describe your sonship today, with your earthly and Heavenly Father?
This question gave the opportunity for our 11 year old to ask questions of her grandfathers and our relationships with them while growing up.
Growing up, neither of us had the kind of relationship we now enjoy/ed with our earthly fathers (one of them has passed on)
Our daughter asked the question of how that relationship changed as we became adults, and this gave us the opportunity to talk to her about our Heavenly Father and how we grow in our relationship with Him.
So excited and looking forward to the many more godly conversations this devotional is going to trigger in the days ahead.
This is so encouraging for me Marielene – thank you!
I find it interesting that the context for much of the wisdom in the book of Proverbs is a Father-to-Son relationship. It highlights the importance of this relationship and the blessing of experiencing sonship, or simply knowing you are a child who is loved.
This reminds me of God’s promise inJeremiah 31.3’I have loved you with an everlasting love.; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you”.When I share this with young inmates in prison it resonates, as so many have not known stable or consistant love.
For many love has been conditional or temporary, so to hear that God’s love is deep,genuine ,unchanging and unconditional is a wonderful and often a lifechanging revelation.The power of HIS Love!.Thank you for sharing your own story Allan.