Wisdom & Poetry · Old Testament
Proverbs
c. 950–700 BC (collected)
- Section
- Wisdom & Poetry · Old Testament
- Events span
- c. 950–700 BC (collected)
- Written
- c. 950–700 BC critical view: Compiled c. 6th–4th century BC
- Author
- Solomon, with Agur, Lemuel, and other wise men critical view: An anthology of many sages, compiled after the exile
Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, mostly from Solomon, teaching skillful living in the fear of the LORD. It contrasts wisdom with folly across every area of life — speech, money, work, friendship, and desire — and personifies Wisdom herself calling out in the streets.
Key themes
- The fear of the LORD
- Wisdom versus folly
- Wise speech and self-control
- Diligence and integrity
- Practical everyday living
Structure & key sections
- "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" — the book states its purpose
- A father's appeals to his son to pursue wisdom and shun the adulteress and violent men
- Wisdom is personified, calling out in the streets and present with God at creation
- Hundreds of two-line proverbs of Solomon on speech, work, wealth, and character
- The "sayings of the wise" and further proverbs of Solomon copied out under Hezekiah
- The words of Agur and King Lemuel, ending with the poem of the virtuous woman
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”