Solomon speaks of how he carefully arranged the proverbs that he taught, having studied and thought through them.

I thought it interesting that Solomon sought words to delight. I would hope for pure wisdom, not entertainment. What did that add or take away from Proverbs, I wonder, seeking to delight. Our worship services today can seek to delight, and I think the church has lost some things because of it.

Solomon is hoping his words will goad you along. I hope mine will too. I know I can tend to poke and prod with my words. I’m wanting to stir you up. I’m wanting to encourage you onward in the upward climb in Christ Jesus. We’re going on or we’re slipping back. Stagnation isn’t a thing in Christ. That doesn’t mean constant toil and strain. He leads us beside still waters and MAKES us lie down in green pastures. But even in those times we’re set towards Jesus. We look to Him and seek to learn from Him and get to know Him better. He’s an infinite God. We can always be getting to know Him. It will never be a stale relationship.

Solomon acknowledges that his wise sayings come from one Shepherd. I seek our Shepherd for my words as well. I seek to honor Him by not speaking my own words. If my words give life to you, it’s because there is Life in them. The source of Life was the source of the words.

Solomon points out that there is no end to making books. I would agree with his warning to “beware” of what goes beyond. Any book telling you how-to instead of encouraging you to go to God and learn from Him, to pray and seek Him in His word, is steering you the wrong way.

Finally, Solomon, after his continued rant of the meaninglessness of all in this life, comes to a wise conclusion. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

There’s the sum of life and what’s important. We could also say that as, “fear God, love God.” Don’t lose either and you’ll be satisfied in this life and in eternity.