We know who wrote the Book of Proverbs; verse 1 says they are the “proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel.” But who are they written FOR? Verses 4 & 5 give us the answer:

Verse 4 says “to give prudence to the NAIVE, to the YOUTH knowledge and discretion.” So the Proverbs were given to the young, and to those who are inexperienced in life, in order to give them direction.

But the target audience is not limited to these. Verse 5 then goes on to say: “a WISE MAN will hear and increase in learning, and a MAN OF UNDERSTANDING will acquire wise counsel.” So Proverbs is not only for the naive youth, it is also for older and wiser people, who, if they truly ARE so, will want to INCREASE their wisdom, not “sit pat” as if they know it all!

Proverbs is good news for whichever type of person you are: you do not have to remain in your current state of wisdom. You CAN “receive instruction” (:3) which can give you wise counsel, and change your life choices for the better. And the way you do it? By paying attention to the scriptures! May we each hear our Heavenly Father’s voice calling to us to meet Him daily in His word for wisdom and direction: “Hear, my son, your Father’s instruction”! (:8)