Proverbs Primer

This message takes us on a journey into the heart of biblical wisdom, centering on Solomon's famous prayer for wisdom in 1 Chronicles 1. When God appeared to Solomon and offered him anything he desired, the young king didn't ask for wealth, power, or long life—he asked for wisdom to lead God's people. What's remarkable is that God was so pleased with this request that He granted not only wisdom but also riches, honor, and possessions beyond measure. This raises a profound question for us today: when we pray for wisdom, are we truly seeking it, or are we simply hoping it will fall into our laps? The sermon draws a powerful parallel using Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam,' where God stretches out fully while Adam barely lifts a finger. Are we like Adam, passively waiting, or are we actively reaching toward God's wisdom? The message challenges us to examine our prayer life—are we praying within God's will, as Solomon did, or are we wasting spiritual energy on requests God has already answered in His Word? Most importantly, we're reminded that the book of Proverbs exists as Solomon's gift to us—31 chapters of concentrated wisdom from the wisest person who ever lived. By committing to read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to each day of the month, we can immerse ourselves in God's wisdom 12 times a year. This isn't about intellectual knowledge alone; it's about gaining prudence, justice, equity, and the ability to navigate life's complexities with divine insight.