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An introduction to the book of Proverbs.
King Solomon
composed the majority of the proverbs.
Solomon became king of Israel in 1037 B.C.E.,
and Jehovah gave him extraordinary wisdom.
Most of Solomon’s proverbs, or wise sayings,
were written down during his reign.
However, it seems that the entire collection
of proverbs was compiled into one book
some time around 717 B.C.E., in Jerusalem,
before the end of King Hezekiah’s reign.
The book of Proverbs provides divine guidance
for virtually every aspect of daily life
—from business dealings to family matters.
As such, it helps prepare us
for life under God’s Kingdom.
Proverbs contains 31 chapters
and may be divided into five sections.
The first three sections
are attributed to Solomon.
Chapters 1 to 9 make up section one,
which consists of short discourses
containing a father’s advice to a son.
The father warns the son
about the bad results
of acting on wrong desires
while emphasizing the good results
of trusting in God’s wisdom.
Section two called the “Proverbs of Solomon”
and section three called
the “Proverbs of Solomon
Transcribed by King Hezekiah’s Men”
both present concise sayings
designed to make the reader think.
Many of these proverbs contrast the traits
we should avoid
with the ones we should cultivate.
Many contrasts are used,
such as laziness versus diligence
and selfishness versus generosity.
These short parallels are instructive
and easy to follow.
These two sections contain
more than 500 of Solomon’s proverbs.
Did you know?
The Bible tells us that King Solomon
spoke 3,000 proverbs
and composed 1,005 songs.
Chapter 30 makes up the fourth section
and was written by Agur.
He uses comparisons of four
to help us reflect on godly wisdom,
such as four things that are small
yet instinctively wise.
The final chapter was composed by Lemuel.
Some believe that Lemuel
is another name for Solomon.
This chapter contains a description
of a capable wife.
It points out her qualities
and the positive effect
she has on her family.
Godly wisdom must be sought after
like hidden treasure,
but its value is eternal
unlike that of silver and gold.
As you read Proverbs,
note how it shows the benefits
of trusting in God’s wisdom
instead of our own,
how it identifies traits we should avoid
and those we should cultivate,
and how it teaches us
to live under the rule of God’s Kingdom.

Introduction to Proverbs