Book of Proverbs

Proverbs is packed with God's wisdom, and what's more, these short sayings are easy to understand and apply to your life.

Many of the eternal truths in the Bible have to be carefully mined, like gold deep underground. The book of Proverbs, however, is like a mountain stream littered with nuggets, just waiting to be picked up.

Proverbs fall into an ancient category called "wisdom literature." Other examples of wisdom literature in the Bible include the books of Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon in the Old Testament, and James in the New Testament. Some psalms are also characterized as wisdom psalms.

Like the rest of the Bible, Proverbs points to God's plan of salvation, but perhaps more subtly. This book showed the Israelites the right way to live, God's way. As they put this wisdom to use, they would have demonstrated qualities of Jesus Christ toward each other as well as setting an example for the Gentiles around them.

The book of Proverbs has much to teach Christians today. Its timeless wisdom helps us avoid trouble, observe the Golden Rule, and honor God with our life.

Author of the Book of Proverbs

King Solomon, famous for his wisdom, is credited as one of the authors of Proverbs. Other contributors include a group of men called "The Wise," Agur, and King Lemuel.

Date Written

Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

Audience

Proverbs has several audiences. It is addressed to parents for instruction to their children. The book also applies to young men and women who are seeking wisdom, and finally, it supplies practical advice for today's Bible readers who want to live a godly life.

Landscape of Proverbs

Although Proverbs was written in Israel thousands of years ago, its wisdom is applicable to any culture at any time.

Themes in Proverbs

Every person can have right relationships with God and others by following the timeless advice in Proverbs. Its many themes cover work, money, marriage, friendship, family life, perseverance, and pleasing God.

Key Characters

The "characters" in Proverbs are types of people we can learn from: wise people, fools, simple folk, and the wicked. They are used in these short sayings to point out behavior we should avoid or imitate.

Key Verses

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NIV)

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. (NIV)

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (NIV)

Outline of the Book of Proverbs

• Benefits of wisdom and warnings against adultery and folly - Proverbs 1:1-9:18.
• Wise advice for all people - Proverbs 10:1-24:34.
• Wise advice for leaders - Proverbs 25:1-31:31.