Introduction

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions attributed primarily to King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, who reigned over Israel in the 10th century BC. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, a gift from God, as described in 1 Kings 3:5-14. The Proverbs are part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and are classified as wisdom literature. They offer practical guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to God, emphasizing moral integrity, the fear of the Lord, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Authorship and Composition

While Solomon is credited with the majority of the Proverbs, the book itself acknowledges contributions from other sources. Proverbs 1:1 introduces the collection as "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel." However, later sections, such as Proverbs 22:17-24:34, are attributed to "the sayings of the wise," and Proverbs 30 and 31 are attributed to Agur and King Lemuel, respectively. Despite these additional contributors, Solomon's influence is predominant, and his reputation as a wise ruler lends authority to the text.

Structure and Themes

The Book of Proverbs is structured into several distinct sections:

1. Proverbs 1-9: This section serves as an introduction, emphasizing the value of wisdom and the importance of fearing the Lord. It includes extended discourses on wisdom, personified as a woman calling out to the simple and the foolish. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

2. Proverbs 10-22:16: Known as the "Proverbs of Solomon," this section contains short, pithy sayings that cover a wide range of topics, including honesty, diligence, speech, and relationships. These proverbs often contrast the righteous with the wicked, the wise with the foolish.

3. Proverbs 22:17-24:34: This collection, sometimes referred to as "The Sayings of the Wise," offers further insights into righteous living and the pursuit of wisdom.

4. Proverbs 25-29: These chapters are attributed to Solomon but were compiled by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah. They continue the themes of wisdom and righteousness, with a focus on leadership and justice.

5. Proverbs 30: Attributed to Agur, this chapter includes numerical sayings and reflections on human limitations and the divine.

6. Proverbs 31: The first part of this chapter contains the sayings of King Lemuel, taught to him by his mother, offering advice on leadership and the dangers of indulgence. The latter part, Proverbs 31:10-31, is an acrostic poem describing the virtues of a noble wife.

Key Themes

· The Fear of the Lord: Central to the Proverbs is the concept that true wisdom begins with reverence for God. This theme is reiterated throughout the book, underscoring the belief that moral and ethical living is rooted in a relationship with the divine.

· Wisdom and Folly: The Proverbs draw a sharp distinction between wisdom and folly, often personifying them as women who call out to humanity. Wisdom leads to life and prosperity, while folly leads to destruction.

· Righteousness and Wickedness: The text frequently contrasts the outcomes of righteous living with those of wickedness, promoting virtues such as honesty, integrity, and humility.

· Practical Living: The Proverbs provide guidance on various aspects of daily life, including family, work, speech, and relationships. They emphasize the importance of discipline, diligence, and self-control.

Significance in Christian Thought

For Christians, the Book of Proverbs is a source of timeless wisdom that complements the teachings of the New Testament. It is often seen as a practical guide for living a life that reflects the character of Christ. The emphasis on wisdom, moral integrity, and the fear of the Lord resonates with the Christian call to holiness and discipleship. The Proverbs continue to be a valuable resource for personal reflection, teaching, and spiritual growth.Proverbs 1:1
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
Nave's Topical Index

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

Solomon's Reign.
... It is a collection of proverbs or rather several collections. Some were written
by Solomon, collected by him from the wise sayings of others and still others ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... The individual proverbs confirm the general conclusion that they ... of subjects, qualities
in which Solomon was sadly ... Many are written from the point of view of a ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

Use of the Old Testament by the First Christian Writers, and by ...
... come Ezra first and second, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Canticles ... by "for this
also is written";(129) the book ... as speaking in it through Solomon;(132) and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter v use of the.htm

'A Greater than Solomon'
... II. The Teacher. Solomon was traditionally regarded as the author of much of
the Book of Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes was written as by him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a greater than solomon.htm

Different Passages from the Writings of Solomon against Accidie.
... to cloak their idleness, saying that it is written, "Labour not ... which that wise woman
in the Proverbs, who was ... 993] Of this evil of idleness Solomon thus makes ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxi different passages from.htm

Solomon's Words, "The Lord Created Me," Etc. ...
... Solomon's words, "The Lord created Me," etc., mean that Christ's Incarnation was ...
there is a way of wickedness; for it is written: "And see ... [2194] Proverbs 8:22 ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii solomons words the.htm

The Poetical Books.
... next five chapters (xxv.-xxix.) have for their caption this sentence: "These also
are proverbs of Solomon ... It could not have been written by Solomon, any more ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ...
... But the things which are not written in the canon of the ... three books which it is
evident are Solomon's and held ... Yet what we read in the Proverbs of impious men ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of davids reign and.htm

To those who Say that the Enjoyment of the Good Things we Look for ...
... will again consist in meat and drink, because it is written that by ... when he says,
"Delight thou in the Lord [1675] ," and Solomon, when he ... [1671] Proverbs 9:5. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xix to those who say.htm

Who May be Said to Walk Without Spot; Damnable and Venial Sins.
... Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.' [1443] To
the same effect it is written in Solomon: The Lord ... [1444] Proverbs 11:20. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter ix 20 who may be.htm

Questions about Proverbs | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Proverbs - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Was some of Proverbs copied from the Instruction of Amenemope? | GotQuestions.org

Proverbs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus