Proverbs

What makes Proverbs special?

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. It was originally included in that part of the Hebrew Scriptures known as the Writings, which includes some other “wisdom” books, such as Ecclesiastes and Job. Along with Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes, Proverbs has traditionally been credited to Israel's wise king Solomon.

Why was Proverbs written?

Proverbs 1.1-7 introduces the entire book and provides some clear statements about the purpose of the book's many proverbs: “to teach wisdom and self-control, to learn what is right and honest and fair, and to gain knowledge and good sense.” Above all, true knowledge (or wisdom) is discovered in respecting and obeying the Lord, who is the source of wisdom (2.6). Proverbs also describes wisdom as a gift from God. All of God's followers have this “gift” and are encouraged to use it. Those who are “wise” understand the importance of treating others with fairness and justice; of being humble, loyal, and hard-working; of respecting parents and others in authority; and of showing concern for the poor and needy.

Like other wisdom books, Proverbs says little about the history, laws, or religious life of Israel. But it provides a picture of the kind of practical teaching and instruction done in families, schools, and the royal palace. Generally, the proverbs in this collection give an uncomplicated picture of life. Certain actions are shown as always producing certain results. A wise person is able to recognize the right decision ahead of time and choose the “path” that leads to blessing, happiness, and even wealth. The foolish person always chooses incorrectly and receives punishment. This is why, for example, the ancient Hebrew proverbs encourage parents to be strict in disciplining their children. Foolish and disobedient children who do not learn wisdom when they are young may grow up to be “foolish” adults. Other wisdom books, such as Job and Ecclesiastes, deal with the more complicated matter of why good people sometimes suffer while bad people, including fools and criminals, sometimes prosper.

What's the story behind the scene?

Proverbs is said to be a collection of wise sayings, primarily from Israel's King Solomon (1.1; 10.1; 25.1), who was known as a very wise man and the author of many wise sayings (1 Kgs 4.29-34). While a number of sayings in the book may have come from Solomon, other authors are quoted as well. The collection as we have it now probably was edited and put in its final form between three and four hundred years after Solomon died. A number of wise sayings probably came from a group known as Israel's “wise people” (Jer 18.18). They were teachers of practical wisdom and were familiar with similar kinds of wisdom writings found in the literature of Israel's neighbors. For example, the thirty wise sayings in Proverbs 22.17—24.22 are similar in style and language to an ancient Egyptian collection known as Instruction of Amenemope. Other wisdom sayings are similar to those found in Mesopotamian wisdom or the wisdom literature of Assyria.

The wise sayings in Proverbs share a view of wisdom commonly held in the ancient world, but they differ from the wisdom of other nations on the key point of where wisdom comes from. In Proverbs, wisdom comes from the Lord God, and is said to have been with the Lord at the beginning of time (8.22-31).

How is Proverbs constructed?

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that fall into several categories. Such a collection is difficult to outline, but a few general patterns can be seen. The first nine chapters have a number of short two-line sayings or “truth statements,” and include instructions of a parent to a child. Also, wisdom is pictured as a “woman” who invites all to live according to good sense and sound judgment (8.1—9.6).

The wise sayings in Proverbs 10.1—22.16 are credited to Solomon (10.1). These include a variety of proverbs, especially many two-part sayings in which the second part contrasts with the first. See also the chart called “Kinds of Proverbs,” PRO 10.1.

Thirty wise sayings credited to an unknown group of wise people (22.17—24.22) and further sayings of an unknown author (24.23-34) form another section. These are followed by a group of proverbs (25.1—29.27) credited to Solomon but copied in the time of Judah's King Hezekiah (715-687 b.c.). The final two chapters provide wise sayings of Agur (30.1) and the mother of King Lemuel (31.1). The final section (31.10-31) has been described as the book's ending (epilogue). It is an acrostic poem, which means the first word of each verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Proverbs can be outlined in the following way: