Proverbs 19:20-29

III. INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO SOLOMON

CHAPTER 19:20-29

Beginning with the twentieth verse of chapter 19 the personal address begins again and we read repeatedly the phrase “My son” up to the twenty-fifth chapter. This section corresponds therefore with the first nine Chapter s, containing the instructions which Solomon received from the Lord and which he records in these Chapter s.

Once more there is the call, like in the opening Chapter s, to hear, to give attention. “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” The Lord knew beforehand what “the latter end” of Solomon would be. The wise man who warned against the fool, the backslider, the unjust and the man who forsakes counsel and the Lord, himself illustrates the truths given in these proverbs by turning away from the Lord. Alas! he did not hear counsel, and therefore instead of being wise in his latter days he became a fool. The truth expressed in Proverbs 19:22 was Solomon's portion as long as the fear of the Lord governed his conduct. He was satisfied, had peace and prosperity; but when he no longer feared the Lord, evil came upon his kingdom and it was divided. “Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou has not kept My covenant and My statutes which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant” 1 Kings 11:11).