Wisdom Lessons Epilogue
Reflective Reading: 10:1
Today’s lesson is the conclusion to the Wisdom lessons in Proverbs 1-9. In the beginning of our study, we read in Proverbs 1:1, The Proverbs of Solomon. Now, in Proverbs 10:1, the concluding statement begins with, The Proverbs of Solomon. At this point, your newly acquired biblical theology skills should be on high alert! Sure enough, this divinely designed framing device is drawing our attention to something significant. Let’s dig in.
1:1 The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel.
10:1 The Proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. (Emphasis added)
First, both the introduction and the conclusion include the concept of sonship. In chapter one, Solomon is presented as the son of David, while in chapter 10 we see how the son relates to both his father and mother. In chapter one, Solomon is presented as a son and king while in chapter 10 Solomon presents the son as wise or foolish. What does all this mean?
In God’s creative design, he has framed all 12 Wisdom lessons between these two statements—The Proverbs of Solomon. He also highlighted the important themes that he wants his readers to note: Son, King, Wisdom, Folly, Father, and Mother.
This one verse brings all 12 Wisdom lessons together as they now culminate into this final statement—A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. The son has heard all of the 12 Wisdom lessons. Depending upon how well he was willing to obey his father’s correction and regard his mother’s teaching, he will be either a wise or foolish son.
How knowledgeably did he choose? How wisely did he discern? Depending on his final choices he, and he alone, will be able to enjoy the blessing of making his father proud or ashamed of him, or bear the burden of knowing he is a deep sorrow to his mother.
It is worth noting that the introductory statement places sonship before kingship—son of David, king of Israel. The reason that sonship is mentioned before kingship is to show that the best preparation for becoming a king is being a wise son.
The order of father and mother in the conclusion is also important. The happy father is mentioned first and the burdened mother is mentioned last. God is so creative! One of the major themes of the Wisdom lessons was correction, the word appearing 14 times in chapters 1-9. In chapter 1:8 we read:
My son, obey the correction of thy father, and neglect not the Torah of thy mother:
Children cannot grow in knowledge, wisdom, and discernment unless they first submit to correction, thus the reason the father is mentioned first. A son who heeds correction is a son who will become wise. When he thus grows in wisdom, he will hold fast to his mother’s teaching, giving blessing and joy to both parents throughout the course of his life.
I wonder what would happen if schools, churches, and families taught these 12 lessons to their children? Actually, I don’t wonder—I know what would happen! A revival of epic proportions would break out! If we taught our children the 12 lessons of Wisdom, there would be a difference both now and for eternity. The question, then, is: are your teachings (or lack thereof), raising a wise son or a fool?
Thank you so much for joining me these past 12 weeks. This has been quite the journey! If you enjoyed these lessons, then you will love our next series on The Giant Killer, told by Masters Guild Professor, and my long-time friend, Colin Smith. Stay tuned!
Want to review older lessons? Visit markhamby.net to read any of the 12 Wisdom Lessons from this series. Thirsty for more? The contents of these lessons will soon be in book form! Already, my team and I are hard at work crafting the Wisdom Lessons into a book for you to enjoy. We are so excited for what God has done and will continue to do with His lessons of Wisdom.
Looking forward,
Dr. Mark Hamby
Recommended Reading and Listening:
Fathers and mothers, many years ago I raised my children, and now I would like to help you! If I could do it all over again, these resources would be an essential part of our family life. Pop some popcorn this weekend and start reading or listening to these very powerful life-transforming stories!
My highest recommendation is to start with our ‘best for’ collections:
Illustrated Collection (Ages 2-5)
Fireside Collection (Ages 6-11)
Renaissance Collection (Ages 9-14)
Classic Collection (Ages 12-99)
Epic Collection (Ages 12-99)
Audiobook Bundle (All Ages, mp3 only)
Lamplighter Theatre Collection (All Ages)
