May 29

The proverbs of Solomon. — Prov 1:1

Solomon learned a great deal by experience. He put all the resources of this world to the test to see just what they would do for man. His proverbs are not, therefore, mere bits of theory, like many wise words we see; they were all wrought out in the crucible of actual experience.

Some of his words mark dangers: “Don’t turn this way!” Some of them point to the safe path: “This is the way!” Whatever he found in life he set down here for the benefit of those who would come after.

It is wonderful, too, at how many points these proverbs touch life, and how intensely practical they are. To ponder them and to follow their instruction is to live well and grandly.

It is wonderful also that while Solomon himself wandered so far from God, there is not in all his writings a single word that excuses his sins. Everywhere he points away from the wrong path and to the right.