Proverbs 1:1-6

Insights from Matthew Henry on Proverbs 1:1-6 (emphasis added) :)

Solomon: Son of David, author of Proverbs.

All the earth sought to Solomon to hear his wisdom, which excelled all men's. Every word he said had weight in it.

I wish I could say this about myself. Instead I constantly find myself speaking only to say something completely ignorant or beside the point. "Silence is wisdom" or "Poor Caitlin" are commonly heard phrases after I have spoken. I hope to learn from our friend Solomon and apply the principles found in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment that it may give grace to those who hear"

In these he was divinely inspired.
For what end they were written (v. 2-4),

not to gain a reputation to the author, or strengthen his interest among his subjects,

He didn't speak so that people would like him-- guilty
but for the use and benefit of all that in every age and place will govern themselves by these dictates and study them closely.
To form right notions of things, and to possess our minds with clear and distinct ideas of them, that we may know wisdom and instruction, that wisdom which is got by instruction, by divine revelation,

may know both how to speak and act wisely ourselves and to give instruction to others.

Not only do we have the tools (Scripture) to know how to live ourselves but we are also competent to teach others how to live! You don't have to be of a certain age or status, or grade, or gender to teach others the Bible. God has given us His Spirit and ANYONE who possesses Him has the knowledge and ability to counsel and teach.

"That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument...See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ" Col 2:2, 8

To distinguish, between truth and falsehood, good and evil.^ They are of use to all, but are designed especially for the simple, to give subtlety to them; for the young people, to give them knowledge and discretion.
Here is not only milk for babes, but strong meat for strong men.
Even wise men must hear, and not think themselves too wise to learn.
A wise man is sensible of his own defects. As long as we live we should strive to increase in all useful learning.
It is a credit to religion when men of honesty are men of sense; all good people therefore should aim to be intelligent, and run to and fro, take pains in the use of means, that their knowledge may be increased.

If you want to read the whole thing go to http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc3.xx.ii.html