The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "proverbs" here actually carries a broader meaning than just short, catchy sayings; it refers to comparisons and maxims, encompassing longer instructive pieces as well. Attributing them to Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, wasn't just about authorship, but also highlighted his immense wisdom and God-given authority, making his counsel especially weighty for those who would read these words.
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse kicks off the entire book of Proverbs, immediately establishing its source and authority as the wise sayings of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. The introductory chapters, including this verse, serve to lay the groundwork for the wisdom that follows, setting the stage for the book's purpose: to impart instruction, understanding, and discernment. The surrounding verses will delve into why this wisdom is so crucial and the consequences of ignoring it.
The word 'proverb' can bring to mind simple rhymes or common sayings. But the original Hebrew word here means so much more!
The Hebrew word translated as 'proverb' (mashal) carries a much richer meaning than our English word suggests.
Beyond Simple Sayings
Why is Solomon, son of David, specifically named? It wasn't just to add his famous name; his unique position and reign set the stage for this wisdom.
Solomon's identity as 'son of David, king of Israel' is more than just a family tree and title. It signals a unique confluence of factors that made him the ideal vessel for this collection of wisdom.
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A Reign of Peace and Prosperity
His name alone was a powerful recommendation, but the context of his peaceful, God-blessed kingdom and his divinely-given wisdom made him the perfect figurehead for a book dedicated to life's most important lessons.
Understand the original words
mashal · Hebrew Noun
Short, pithy sayings that distill moral truth, observation, or divine wisdom into memorable forms to guide practical living.
This passage directly states that Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs, highlighting his prolific authorship of this genre and setting the stage for this collection.
2 Chronicles 1:10This verse shows Solomon asking God for wisdom and understanding to govern, directly linking his kingship with the pursuit and application of the kind of wisdom found in Proverbs.
Matthew 12:42Jesus refers to himself as 'something greater than Solomon' and mentions that the Queen of the South came to hear his wisdom, implicitly connecting his teachings to the wisdom attributed to Solomon and indicating a fulfillment.
1 Corinthians 1:24This verse calls Christ the 'power of God and the wisdom of God,' drawing a parallel between Christ and the divinely inspired wisdom exemplified by Solomon, the author introduced in Proverbs 1:1.
Ecclesiastes 1:1This verse also identifies 'the words of the Preacher, son of David, in Jerusalem,' underscoring the Solomonic authorship of another wisdom book and reinforcing the context of royal wisdom literature.
clarkeProverbs 1:1: "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;"
The proverbs of Solomon - For the meaning of the word proverb, see the introduction; and the dissertation upon parabolical writing at the end of the notes on Matthew 13 :Solomon is the first of the sacred writers whose name stands at the head of his works.
pooleProverbs 1:1: "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;"
The use of the proverbs, Pro 1:1-6 . An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word, Pro 1:7 . The glory of those children that obey the instruction of their parents, Pro 1:8,9 . A caution against yielding to enticing sinners, Pro 1:10 . The contrivance, Pro 1:11,12 , arguments, and invitation of these sinners, Pro 1:13,14 . Reasons against complying with them, Pro 1:15-19 . Wisdom's call to repentance, Pro 1:20-22 . He…
The word "proverbs" here actually carries a broader meaning than just short, catchy sayings; it refers to comparisons and maxims, encompassing longer instructive pieces as well. Attributing them to Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, wasn't just about authorship, but also highlighted his immense wisdom and God-given authority, making his counsel especially weighty for those who would read these words.
This verse kicks off the entire book of Proverbs, immediately establishing its source and authority as the wise sayings of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. The introductory chapters, including this verse, serve to lay the groundwork for the wisdom that follows, setting the stage for the book's purpose: to impart instruction, understanding, and discernment. The surrounding verses will delve into why this wisdom is so crucial and the consequences of ignoring it.
This verse kicks off the entire book of Proverbs, immediately establishing its source and authority as the wise sayings of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. The introductory chapters, including this verse, serve to lay the groundwork for the wisdom that follows, setting the stage for the book's purpose: to impart instruction, understanding, and discernment. The surrounding verses will delve into why this wisdom is so crucial and the consequences of ignoring it.
"The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:" — The word "proverbs" here actually carries a broader meaning than just short, catchy sayings; it refers to comparisons and maxims, encompassing longer instructive pieces as well. Attributing them to S…
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Last reviewed October 2026