proverbs. The word “proverb” (Hebrew mashal) is also frequently translated “parable.” Its basic meaning is “pithy maxim,” also suggesting special insight and authority.

of Solomon. The sense here may be “proverbs for Solomon”&$151;that is, prepared specifically for him, perhaps by his father David. This contrasts with Proverbs 10:1&$151;“proverbs of Solomon”&$151;that is, proverbs either written or collected by him.

wisdom. The great theme of Proverbs is to know the true “wisdom.” The word itself occurs more in Proverbs than in any other book of the Bible. The same is true of the words “instruction” and “understanding” (Proverbs 1:2), “knowledge” and “discretion” (Proverbs 1:4), “learning” and “wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).

the instruction of wisdom. Seven mental attributes are mentioned in Proverbs 1:3-5. The Biblical meaning of these can be summarized roughly as follows:
(1) “Knowledge” (synonymous with “science”): awareness of facts.
(2) “Understanding:” comprehension of meaning and inter-relationships of facts.
(3) “Instruction” (same as “correction”): reception of knowledge and understanding.
(4) “Discretion” (i.e., “thought”): ingenuity in planning use of facts.
(5) “Learning:” absorption and retention of facts and their use.
(6) “Wisdom:” character; ability to use one's knowledge and understanding effectively in one's own life and in dealing with others.
(7) “Wise counsels:” ability to convey wisdom to others; good advice.

interpretation. This is not the usual word for “interpretation.” It is used elsewhere only in Habakkuk 2:6, where it is translated “taunting,” or “satirical.” This suggests that Proverbs may have sharp, sometimes sarcastic, implications in order to make a point more effectively. Proverbs may even take the form of “dark sayings”&$151;that is, “conundrums.”

beginning of knowledge. Not the end, or totality, of knowledge, but the beginning, without which other data are meaningless or even perverse. The fear of the Lord is also the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Note also Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10.

My son. In the first nine chapters of Proverbs there are seventeen specific “lessons” (Proverbs 1:8; 1:10; 1:15; 2:1; 3:1; 3:11; 3:21; 4:1; 4:10; 4:20; 5:1; 5:7; 6:1; 6:20; 7:1; 7:24; 8:32) each beginning with either “my son,” or “hear ye children,” always emphasizing the importance of heeding the words of the teachings.

thy father. Although there is a possibility that this first section of Proverbs (Proverbs 1-9) was written by David for Solomon, the general consensus of conservative scholars is that these instructions were written by Solomon mainly for his son Rehoboam. Even if they were written by David originally, Solomon would undoubtedly want to pass them on to his son. It is interesting and significant that, although Solomon had a multitude of wives and concubines, he had only one son and two daughters, so far as recorded at least. See Introduction to Song of Solomon. Although he frequently addresses a section to “my son” and occasionally to “ye children,” he never addresses a section to “my sons.” It does seem that he had only one son, Rehoboam, that he was writing to.

down into the pit. The “pit” is actually sheol, often translated “hell.”

she. “Wisdom” is frequently personified in the Proverbs as a wise and virtuous kinswoman, in contrast to the foolish and ungodly strange woman, or foreign woman (e.g., Proverbs 2:16).

my Spirit. Compare Joel 2:28, cited in Acts 2:17 as referring to God the Holy Spirit. Thus, “Wisdom” in Proverbs, though personified initially as a wise mother in Israel, is also clearly speaking of, and as, God Himself (Proverbs 8).

laugh at your calamity. Whether “kings of the earth” (Psalm 2:2, 4) or “simple ones” (Proverbs 1:22), those who rebel against Him or just scoff at Him and His words, will eventually encounter God's own derisive laughter as He faces them in judgment. Note also Psalm 37:12-13.