Read the book "Counsel of King Solomon. From the series "Secrets from the Book"" online in full - Valery Kasym - MyBook
book of wisdom
There are three books in the Bible that are called the books of wisdom and they talk about wisdom: the Book of the Proverbs of Solomon, the Book of Ecclesiastes the Preacher, and the Book of Job. All books of wisdom are special and edifying. I love the book Proverbs of Solomon. I reread this book at every opportunity to acquire wisdom and act prudently and wisely. Some theologians refer to Wisdom in the Proverbs of Solomon as a young teacher. She teaches how to live successfully and blessedly in this world. The book reveals three thousand of the wisest sayings of Solomon and 1005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). McDonald's comments use an interesting quote from Derek Kidner about the essence of this book: “This is not a portrait album or a book about good manners: it offers us the key to life. The examples of behavior that she demonstrates are evaluated by one criterion, which can be summarized by the question: “Is this wisdom or stupidity?” If you are interested in wisdom, then the Proverbs of Solomon is just the book that will make you wiser in this world.
Who is the author?
The main author of this book is Solomon, the wisest king who ever reigned on earth (1:1; 10:1; 25:1). Some of the chapters are written by Agur (30:1) and Lemuel (31:1). The following is written about Solomon's wisdom: “And God gave Solomon wisdom, and a very great understanding, and a vast mind, like the sand on the seashore. And the wisdom of Solomon was higher than the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was wiser than all men…” (1 Kings 4:29-31). There are opinions that the kings Agur and Lemuel are pseudonyms of Solomon. The parables, collected in a separate book, are Solomon's general observations of how the life of people on earth works. But, of course, there are exceptions.
Purpose of writing
The purpose of writing the Book of Proverbs - open and understandable - is to teach wisdom and live wisely. The book of Proverbs consists mainly of proverbs, aphorisms, wise parables and poetry. The Hebrew title of the book is Mishlei (plural from mashal). In essence, this means “parables”, “comparisons”, “metaphorical speech”, i.e. a visual representation of life rules through comparisons and examples from everyday reality. The key theme is the wisdom of God's people. Key personalities are Solomon, Agur and Lemuel. Unfortunately, exact time the writing of this book is unknown. There are suggestions that the first 24 chapters were written in the days of Hezekiah. In 25:1, we learn that Hezekiah's men added subsequent chapters: And these are the parables of Solomon, which were collected by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah." the final edition of this book appeared no earlier than 700 BC. Solomon's original sayings may date back to 900 BC.
Key verses
There are so many amazing verses in this book that it is difficult to select which of the 31 chapters of this book are key. I offer some of them.
Proverbs 9:10 “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”.
Proverbs 3:5 « Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. . »
Proverbs 4:23 « Above all things, keep your heart, for from it are the fountains of life.”
Proverbs 16:5 « Commit your deeds to the Lord, and your undertakings will be accomplished.”
Proverbs 22:6 « Instruct the young man at the beginning of his path: he will not deviate from it when he is old.»
Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who trust in Him.»
Summary
The book of the Proverbs of Solomon characterizes the acquisition and preservation of wisdom: the path to wisdom, calls and warnings to young people and old people, the beginning of wisdom, warnings against foolishness. Knowledge is simply a collection of various facts, but wisdom is the ability to see people, actions, and situations as God sees them. As Solomon asked for nothing more than wisdom, God granted his request far beyond his imagination and thoughts. He became the wisest man ever to live on earth. “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (9:10). Basically for successful life on earth, two principles must be followed: to honor God in awe of Him and to understand people. Solomon reveals to us three types of people: naive, wise and stupid. By studying and acquiring wisdom, we will learn to distinguish the characters of people. So, during the time to navigate how to behave with them. With the wise it is easy and interesting. With stupid ones - beware of their stupidity and not follow a stupid example, advice, deed. With the naive - with sympathy and understanding. The world is in desperate need of acquiring wisdom. But only in Christ can we find the right answer. He reveals and gives us His wisdom, which leads to life and prosperity. His wisdom is redemption from death and destruction. “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths ” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The parables of Solomon are divided into the most different topics: About the Lord, about wealth, about success, about raising children, about marriage, about family, about women, about the wicked, about the righteous, about wealth, about reputation, about pride, about humility, and of course, about wisdom and stupidity . Chapters 1-9 are written by a father instructing a young son. Chapters 10-29 make up the main part and are a collection of parables addressed to various areas life like general education. The last two chapters were written by Agur and Lemuel. As mentioned above, these people may have been pseudonyms for Solomon. It can be seen that Agur and Lemuel were also afraid of God, and these chapters complement the wise advice to the rest of the chapters and the book of Proverbs as a whole.
How to apply wisdom in practice?
The wisest book of Solomon's Proverbs, written more than three thousand years ago, contains an invaluable treasure of wisdom for all generations on earth throughout all past, present and future centuries. Once at work, going up to a colleague, I said how over the years I feel that my soul does not age. He replied: “It is so with you. And I feel old.” “In that case, wisdom is acquired from you,” I replied. "Well no! What are you talking about? I still do so many stupid things. There can be no question of any wisdom,” the colleague objected. I tried to convince him. It was useless. Then I thought how by rejecting God, a person voluntarily rejects God's wisdom. What a pity! But God offers wisdom to everyone! Scripture says simply and clearly: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives freely to all and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, not at all doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. Let such a person not think to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:5-7). King Solomon did not ask God for anything other than wisdom. This request was pleasing to God and He rewarded young King Solomon with wisdom. And what about you? Do you wish to be wise? Perhaps, as my colleague, reject wisdom voluntarily. However, I suggest you take a look at some of the pearls of God's wisdom in the parables of Solomon.
- Learn the golden rules of behavior and manners. Be wise. Be decent. Simple and accessible. Study exactly God's commandments in the Bible. Follow Solomon's advice. Devote a lot of time for this in the study of the Holy Scriptures. "Learn the rules of prudence, justice, judgment and rightness"(Proverbs 1:3).
- God has the beginning of wisdom. God-fearing reverence for the all-wise God is wisdom. Recognize His power and majesty in your daily personal life. Solomon explains beautifully how to gain wisdom from God. In sincere prayer, ask God for wisdom. He will answer you through the Holy Scriptures, through God's revelation from above, or through the instructions of elder brothers and sisters in Christ. The right choice in life depends on your decision. “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; [good understanding in all who are led by him; and reverence for God is the beginning of understanding;] fools only despise wisdom and instruction.(Proverbs 1:7)
- Learn how to properly manage your property. Heed Solomon's advice. Trust the Lord for what He gives us. Distribute to Him a portion of your wealth and it will be a great blessing. “Honor the Lord with your wealth, the first fruits of all your harvests” (Proverbs 3:9).
- The acquisition of wisdom is the greatest achievement in the life of every person. That a wise man who dedicated their lives to the Lord. The Lord is our protection from every kind of evil and at all times. « Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words and do not deviate from them. Don't leave wisdom and it will protect you ." (Proverbs 4:5-6) .
- The most important wealth in life is caring for the purity of the heart. This will lead to prosperity. “More than anything you keep, keep your heart, because from it are the fountains of life” (Proverbs 5:23) .
- Many parables speak of the importance of children's obedience to their parents, vigilance, prudence, knowledge, and protecting oneself from immorality. : "My son! Pay attention to my wisdom, and incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and that your mouth may preserve knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1-2). "My son! Keep your father's commandment and do not reject your mother's instruction" (Proverbs 6:20). "My son! Keep my words and hide my commandments with you. So that they guard you from the wife of another, from a stranger who softens her words .. ”(Proverbs 7: 1, 5) .
- The acquisition and study of Wisdom is above all earthly treasures, above gold and silver and other precious stones. Wisdom contains the meaning of life and life itself. “Receive my teaching, not silver; knowledge is better than choice gold; For wisdom is better than pearls, and nothing that you desire can compare with it.” (Proverbs 8:10-11).
- Wisdom is not wordy and edifying. There is always something to learn. “Sin is not avoided in verbosity, but he who restrains his mouth is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19).
- Do you want to have a blessed family? Study Solomon's parables carefully before marriage and in marriage. You will gain wisdom and invaluable advice: “A wise woman will build her house, but a foolish woman will destroy it with her own hands.” (Proverbs 14:1). “Who will find a virtuous wife? Its price is higher than pearls. (Proverbs 31:10).
Read the Bible, meditate on God's commandments, parables and the wise advice of Solomon, be wise and prudent in God!
"I promised - do it! It is better not to promise than to promise and not fulfill."He who digs a hole will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone up, to that he will return"
“Anger is cruel, rage is indomitable; but who can resist jealousy?
“And sometimes the heart hurts with laughter, and the end of joy is sadness”
"Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba". Fresco by Piero della Francesca, Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo
“Someone sprinkles generously, and more is added to him; while the other is thrifty beyond measure, and yet grows poorer”
“Whoever keeps his mouth, he guards his soul, and whoever opens his mouth wide, that is in trouble”
"A wise woman builds her house, but a foolish woman destroys it with her own hands"
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins"
King Solomon in old age. Engraving by Gustave Doré
“Better a pinch with peace than a handful with labor and vexation of the spirit”
“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, and he who loves wealth will not benefit from it. And this is vanity!”
"There is no man who has power over the wind - and there is no power over the hour of death, and there is no vacation in the war, and the wickedness of the wicked will not help out"
“There is a time for everything, and a time for every thing under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to destroy, and a time to build; a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to hug, and a time to avoid hugging; time to seek, and time to lose; a time to save, and a time to throw; a time to tear apart, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace"
© Valery Aleksandrovich Kasym, 2018
ISBN 978-5-4490-2573-9
Created with the intelligent publishing system Ridero
Dedicated to my dear and beloved brother Yuri!
“I really miss you, dear brother!”
Introduction
“There is nothing new under the sun,” said King Solomon, the richest man on earth.
As in those ancient times, during the reign of King Solomon, so now, people are experiencing problems in the financial sphere, they are in poverty and suffer defeats in their lives. And the main reason for this is the lack of knowledge.
God gave mankind Great Book- The Bible, which contains His wisdom and guidance for life, applying which we can be successful and victorious, both in the financial sphere and in other areas of life.
Today, many would like to get a mentors (business coaches) - a millionaire or a billionaire ... But not everyone succeeds and not everyone succeeds ...
King Solomon's advice has changed the financial situation of many people and it can help you too, dear friend!
Listen to the advice of someone who is truly trustworthy and has proven these principles in his life.
King Solomon's Counsel is the second book in the Secrets from the Book series, where main character, Yuri, who experienced constant financial difficulties and received no answers in the church, turned to God for help. And God answered by sending the main character to the richest and wisest mentor on earth - King Solomon.
Prologue
Yuri woke up from the fact that his legs seemed to be heated by a blowtorch.
Opening his eyes, he clutched himself in surprise and incomprehension - he suddenly found himself lying on bare stones under the scorching sun, which was already high at its zenith and mercilessly hot ... Looking at himself, he saw that he was wearing some kind of hoodie, which worn in the east in ancient times. “What is this…? what are the jokes?"
Yura's legs were bare and already completely reddened from the sun ...
- Where I am? He rubbed his legs with both hands. - Ahh! .. It was hot, however! ..
Yura stood up and looked around. He found himself on a slight rise not far from the road that ran over the hill. It was a clear, sunny day. Prickly bushes grew nearby, the names of which were also unknown to our hero. Looking around, he saw ancient city surrounded by stone walls around the perimeter. In the center of the city stood Solomon's Temple...
– Jerusalem?!
Yes, Yuri knew it for sure! Although he has never been to the city of the world, he has seen it more than once in photographs and videos.
For about five minutes, Yura stood and admired the wonderful view. Yes, it was truly a beautiful picture! The majestic temple of Solomon towered on the mountain and was clearly visible from afar.
"But how did I get here"? - Yuri began to strain his brain, hoping to remember how the last evening ended ...
“Yesterday I went to bed and…” – then he remembered how a mysterious stranger told him in a dream that he would help and send him to the best financial mentor…
"Maybe I'm all dreaming?" Yura pinched himself to check if this was a dream...
"Ai"! - No, it was not a dream.
"What's the outfit? Well, fashion, however, was before ... "
Yuri stretched the edges of the cape to the sides, and examined it with a not very pleased physiognomy.
On his feet were sandals… leather.
"Okay! It's better than nothing! And what should I do now? Where to go"?
Instinctively, Yura lay down on the ground...
"Ai"!! - one large thorn dug into his palm, which, apparently, fell off a plant that grew just a couple of meters from the place where our daredevil lay down ...
Pulling out the thorn, Yura began to observe the road along which people were already approaching ...
The procession was already very close: two carts drawn by a pair of oxen, and foot travelers, some of whom walked, some near the cart, and some a little behind ... They were mostly middle-aged people. Several women with small children were sitting in carts, and adult men and several young guys were walking nearby ... Yura figured that there were all of them, somewhere around twenty or thirty people ... They all excitedly spoke to each other in a language he understood! It was, of course, very amazing! After all, Yura had never learned Hebrew, but now he understood everything word for word.
Yura lay hidden behind the bushes, trying not to make a sound, and attentively watched the procession, listening to their words.
- God!!! - Yura's heart almost jumped out of his chest from fear and surprise ...
Someone behind him lightly kicked him on the leg…
- Why are you lying here? Are you okay? Are you feeling well? At this time, it is easy to get sunstroke no headwear...
Yura, whose insides went cold with fear and surprise, slowly turning his head, saw behind him a young guy who was smiling and looking at him.
Yuri looked around him, thinking, maybe it’s not him that they are addressing ...
But there was no one else around him.
- What is your name? the stranger asked.
Here Yura hesitated a little ...
- Me? I'm this, how's it? - as if on purpose, Yura forgot all the Israeli names, - I'm Simon from Haifa! - the first thing that came to mind, he blurted out in Hebrew.
“Simon from Haifa?” Why are you lying here? Are you a Philistine spy? joked the stranger.
Seeing that Yura was speechless, because he simply did not know what to think of, and seeing his physiognomy, the stranger laughed ...
Yura got up, cut off his robe and looked at his interlocutor. It was a young man, about the same age as him. He had curly brown hair and large brown eyes. He was dressed in the same hoodie as our hero.
“I am Simon from Haifa, I arrived in Jerusalem to take wisdom lessons from King Solomon himself!” - Yuri answered and was surprised by what was said ...
- And I am Agur, the son of Jacob! And if you want to hear the teachings of King Solomon, then you must hurry ... We, by the way, - Agur pointed to a group of people who were heading to Jerusalem, - are also going to listen to the king, and if you wish, you can come with us!
- Yes, sure! It would be great!! - Yuri was very happy with this offer and the unexpected turn of events ...
- Then let's go! and they hurried after the rest of the travelers, who had already surged ahead, heading for the city of peace.
They were approaching Jerusalem.
- God! This is the golden gate! - Wow!! - Yura was unable to hide his admiration! They passed through the famous golden gates of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem was full of people. Here merchants offered a variety of goods, from exquisite incense to silk ...
- Yes, this is not Privoz and not Seventh Kilometer *!
Thousands of people thronged the square, some trying to sell something, others trying to buy.
Who was not there: spice merchants, and jewelry, and artisans selling their products ...
Simon, don't leave! - shouted to Yuri his new friend, - hurry up, otherwise we will be late!
Yuri saw that he had lagged far behind and almost mingled with the crowd on the market square ... I made my way through the crowd, he caught up with Agur.
- I've never seen anything like it!
Are you new to the market? Agur asked with a smile.
“No, why not…” Yura hesitated…
"Here, you weirdo!" Agur gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder, and they followed the rest of the travelers...
Having passed the market square, and then along one narrow street, they soon came to the royal square, which was spread out right in front of the Tsar's house.
It was already full of people, probably several thousand. People came from all over Israel to listen to wisdom and get advice from King Solomon himself!
After the king resolved the dispute between two women who claimed the same child, the fame of his wisdom spread far beyond the borders of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
I must say right away that there are much more of these principles, I took the most basic and repetitive ones. I believe that the wisest and richest person knew a lot about money management and multiplication! 😉
God - Give God
- Honor the Lord with your wealth, the first fruits of all your harvests. Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and new wine will overflow your wine presses.
Proverbs 3:9-10
The Lord in Jewish law commanded His people to give a tithe, that is, the first fruits of any profit. Since then agriculture was developed, they gave tithes of food, wine and meat.
Now, our profit is money. And giving at once a tenth to God and to His work, you fulfill the main law of abundance. God bless and protect the other 90% of your income! Checked! And Solomon was faithful in this!
Seek wisdom, not money
- because wisdom is more profitable than silver and brings more income than gold.
Proverbs 3:14
How did Solomon become the richest and most powerful man in the world? He asked God for wisdom and looked for it every day in every little thing: he watched nature, people, their words and deeds. Solomon always drew conclusions from everything he saw and learned, and put it into practice. Thus, acting wisely, both glory and wealth came to him! And they will come to you.
Help people
- Do not deny good to those who deserve it when it is in your power. Don't say to your neighbor: "Come back later, I'll give you tomorrow" when you have what he asks for.
Proverbs 3:27-28
When you have the opportunity to help - help! Help can be money, things, words, support, time. All that you can give to people when they really need it - do it without waiting for a better moment, because tomorrow you may not need help.
Today is your best chance to lend a helping hand and receive a blessing from the Creator!
- One gives generously, and all grow richer; the other is excessively frugal, but falls into need. A generous soul will be satiated; he who quenches the thirst of another will not thirst himself.
Proverbs 11:24-25
Also, don't be too attached to money, in itself it is just a means, not an end. May your soul be generous!
Be faithful
- Keep your path away from her, do not approach the doors of her house, so as not to give your honor to others, and to the ruthless ones of your years, so that strangers are not saturated with your wealth, and your work does not enrich someone else's house.
Proverbs 5:8-10
A very interesting principle. In Proverbs, Solomon talks a lot about fidelity, mainly marital fidelity, but this principle can be taken in relation to people and business.
When you are committed to something, you invest in it, you build brick by brick in some direction. When you spray yourself right and left, you squander your strength and property. Think about it. A very deep principle.
Do not be lazy
Solomon was not one of those Kings that lie in their chambers, spitting at the ceiling. He was constantly doing something, building, changing, equipping. And he knew that inaction is a direct path to poverty.
- You sleep a little, you doze a little, you lie down a little, hands folded, and poverty will come to you, like a vagabond, and need will overtake you, like a robber.
Proverbs 6:10-11 - Lazy hands lead to poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:4 - The one who cultivates his land will eat his fill, but the one who pursues empty dreams is not intelligent. From the fruit of his mouth, a person is saturated with goodness, and whoever works with his hands will also receive a reward. Proverbs 12:11, 14
Produce something. Don't expect things to change by themselves. Change starts with your actions! And financial well-being - even more so!
Learn!
- Prefer my guidance to silver, knowledge to the best gold, because wisdom is more precious than precious stones, and nothing you desire can compare with it. I have wealth and fame, strong prosperity and prosperity. My fruit is better than pure, best gold, and I give more than choice silver.
Proverbs 8:10-11, 18-19
Knowledge and self-development is the most valuable contribution a person can make. So it was in ancient times (only a select few could receive training), and so it is now.
Get new skills in the business that you like, learn languages, develop your personality in all areas - and believe me, your financial well-being will grow!
And, of course, everything you have is God's gift to your life. In fact, we have nothing of our own, but we are entrusted with something from above.
Love God, believe Him, thank Him - and the pantries of your life will be full of money, love and happiness!
