The Proverbs of Solomon: Hezekiah, ed.

I. Introduction: The Hezekiah Collection (25:1)

Proverbs 25:1 ESV

1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied

Context: Compiled by Hezekiah’s men (c. 700 BC), about 250 years after Solomon.

Hezekiah’s father was Ahaz who was a wicked king.

Hezekiah would have had to unlearn much of what his father taught him about ruling, and it seems likely that he sought wisdom from the Scriptures to do so.

Perhaps through his investigative efforts, he discovered another collection of Solomon’s writings which we have now in Proverbs 25-29.

Purpose: To preserve and reapply timeless wisdom for leadership and community life.

Focus: These chapters show how God’s wisdom works out in public life — in relationships, speech, justice, and leadership.

Big Idea: Wisdom governs life together — shaping how we relate, rule, and respond.

II. Proverbs 25–27 — Wisdom in Relationships and Restraint

Theme: Wisdom governs relationships through humility, restraint, and reliability.

A. Wisdom before rulers (25:2–7)

Proverbs 25:2–7 ESV

2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. 3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; 5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. 6 Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, 7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen

God’s glory is hidden wisdom; human glory is to seek understanding.

As we gain more knowledge, what we don’t know becomes more obvious to us.

Of course, God is omniscient. For example, man sought to understand the atom, but God created it. As a result of much study and investigation, man now knows some of what comprises the human body (DNA), but God is the designer of that blueprint.

Don’t exalt yourself before the powerful — humility precedes honor.

As far beyond full comprehension are the heavens and the earth, so is the human heart. We know the heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:9-10).

The importance of purifying the motives of the powerful (4-5)

Just like the impurities of silver need to be removed in order for it to be the shiny piece of metal we think of (v. 4), so a king must use his power to force all lawlessness to the surface so that they can be removed from society so they will not harm it.

Beware of self-assertion

There was a general understanding that there is to be a certain distance between the royal family and the subjects of the kingdom.

This was a word of caution to not take being in the king’s presence for granted. (v. 7)

Application: Wisdom teaches when to step forward and when to step back.

B. Wisdom in speech and self-control (25:8–28)

Handle disputes quietly (vv.8–10).

Proverbs 25:7–10 ESV

7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen 8 do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret, 10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.

A word fitly spoken is beautiful (v.11).

Proverbs 25:11 ESV

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Be patient and restrained — self-control is strength (v.28).

Proverbs 25:28 ESV

28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Application: The wise person uses words to build, not break.

C. Recognizing folly and laziness (26:1–16)

Admonishing a fool.

Proverbs 26:3 ESV

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

Don’t waste wisdom on those who despise it (26:4–5).

Proverbs 26:4–5 ESV

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Application: Learn to discern when words help and when silence is wise.

D. Deceit and friendship (26:17–28; 27:1–22)

The guile of fools

Proverbs 26:18–19 ESV

18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death 19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

Application: Real wisdom shows itself in faithful, honest relationships.

E. Stewardship and diligence (27:23–27)

Know the condition of your flocks; tend to your responsibilities.

Proverbs 27:23–27 ESV

23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, 24 for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? 25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, 26 the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. 27 There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.

Application: Wisdom is faithful in the ordinary details of life.

III. Proverbs 28–29 — Wisdom in Justice and Leadership

Theme: Wisdom upholds righteousness, integrity, and justice in society.

A. Righteousness vs. wickedness (28:1–14)

The wicked flee without cause, but the righteous are bold (28:1).

Proverbs 28:1 ESV

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Honesty and integrity bring stability (28:6).

Proverbs 28:6 ESV

6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

Application: A wise community is built on truth and justice.

B. The danger of greed and oppression (28:15–28)

Wicked rulers are like roaring lions (28:15-16).

Proverbs 28:15–16 ESV

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Application: Wisdom resists corruption and depends on God, not gain.

C. Leadership and justice (29:1–14)

Stubbornness leads to ruin (29:1).

Proverbs 29:1 ESV

1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

Righteous leaders bring joy; wicked rulers bring chaos (29:2).

Proverbs 29:2 ESV

2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Application: Good leadership flows from moral character and compassion.

D. Self-control, discipline, and correction (29:15–27)

Correction produces wisdom (29:15, 17).

Without vision (revelation), people perish (29:18).

Fear of man is a snare; trust in the Lord brings safety (29:25).

Proverbs 29:5 ESV

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Application: Wisdom anchors life in God’s Word and fear of Him.