A Family Legacy Stands on Wisdom’s Shoulders

Proverbs 25:
1. These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

Here is what appears to be only a historical statement. Can we gain any insight from it concerning an enduring Family Legacy? Yes we can. Hezekiah was a descendent of Solomon. Solomon’s proverbs were part of his legacy to Hezekiah, but many of these proverbs, beginning in this chapter, were not made available to the people until almost 300 years later under Hezekiah. In fact, Hezekiah was responsible for a major reformation in Judah after his wicked father, Ahaz, died.

“Now . . . Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah . . . Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign . . . And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it . . . He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth:” (2 Kings 18:1-7a)

Hezekiah’s reformation was based on restoring and obeying the Word of God. This is why it was important to him to make these proverbs of Solomon known. Perhaps you have heard that a midget can see farther than a giant when he stands on the shoulders of the giant. Even so we can see farther than our fathers when we stand on their shoulders. But what do we do when our fathers are not godly, as in Hezekiah’s case? We must stand on the word of God like Hezekiah. But what do we do when we have a godly father like David? We must still stand on the word of God and not our father’s wisdom. Here is what David himself said.

“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalm 119:99)

Does this mean David disregarded the teaching of his father and teachers? No. But if they were wise teachers they directed him to God’s word, just like Solomon did.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

So here is the foundation for a continuing Family Legacy. We must stand on the shoulders of God’s Wisdom, His Word.