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
Author: Solomon, with Agur, Lemuel, and other wise men

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.

Historical setting: Rooted in the united monarchy at its golden age, gathered largely in Solomon's court.

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 Prov 1c. 950 BC
A father's appeals to his son to pursue wisdom and shun the adulteress and violent men Prov 1–9c. 950 BC
Wisdom is personified, calling out in the streets and present with God at creation Prov 8–9c. 950 BC
Hundreds of two-line proverbs of Solomon on speech, work, wealth, and character Prov 10–22c. 950 BC
The "sayings of the wise" and further proverbs of Solomon copied out under Hezekiah Prov 22–29c. 700 BC
The words of Agur and King Lemuel, ending with the poem of the virtuous woman Prov 30–31c. 700 BC

Key lessons

Wisdom begins with reverence for God, not raw intelligence: “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Prov 1:7
Wisdom is intensely practical, showing up in guarded speech, honest work, careful friendships, and self-control in the small choices of daily life. Prov 10
The tongue holds the power of life and death; words wisely chosen bring healing, while careless ones wound and destroy. Prov 18:21
True wisdom is finally a matter of the heart: “keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov 4:23

“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.”

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV

Critical scholarship view

Where mainstream critical scholarship dates or attributes this book differently from the traditional view above.

Written: Compiled c. 6th–4th century BC
Author: An anthology of many sages, compiled after the exile