Book of Proverbs

Author: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. His name appears in 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. We may also presume Solomon collected and edited proverbs other than his own, for Ecclesiastes 12:9 says, "And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge, yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs." Indeed, the Hebrew title Mishle Shelomoh is translated "Proverbs of Solomon."

Date of Writing: Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. During his reign as king, the nation of Israel reached its pinnacle spiritually, politically, culturally, and economically. As Israel's reputation soared, so did King Solomon's. Foreign dignitaries from the far reaches of the known world traveled great distances to hear the wise monarch speak (1 Kings 4:34).

Purpose of Writing: The purpose of the Book of Proverbs is revealed by its author in the opening verses of the first chapter: "To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion" (1:2-4).

Knowledge is nothing more than an accumulation of raw facts, but wisdom is the ability of seeing people, events, and situations as God sees them. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears as if no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

Key Verses: "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:5).

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

"Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth" (Proverbs 4:5).

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength" (Proverbs 8;13,14).

Brief Summary: Summarizing the Book of Proverbs is a bit difficult, for unlike many other books of Scripture, there is no particular plot or storyline found in its pages; likewise, there are no principal characters in the book. It is wisdom that takes center stage--a grand, divine wisdom that transcends the whole of history, peoples, and cultures. Even a perfunctory reading of this magnificent treasury reveals the pithy sayings of the wise King Solomon are as relevant today as they were some three thousand years ago.

Practical Application: There is an undeniable practicality found in this book, for sound and sensible answers to all manner of complex difficulties are found within its thirty-one chapters. Certainly, Proverbs is the greatest "How to" book ever written and those who have the good sense to take Solomon's lessons to heart will quickly discover godliness, prosperity, and contentment are theirs for the asking.

Recommended Resources: Proverbs NIV Application Commentary by Paul Koptak.
The Book of Proverbs, 2 Volumes: New International Commentary on the Old Testament by Bruce Waltke.
Holman Old Testament Commentary: Proverbs by Max Anders.

Related Topics:

Book of Esther

Book of Job

Book of Psalms

Book of Ecclesiastes

Song of Solomon