Proverbs

Author: Solomon and others
Date of Writing: 10th Century BC
Type of Book: Poetic
Theme: Wisdom

The Book of Proverbs contains a collection of wise sayings that were mostly written or collected by Solomon.

God had appeared to Solomon and told him that he could ask for anything he wanted.  His response was, "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?"  God answered, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life...wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like" (see 2 Chronicles 1:7-12).

First Kings 4:32 tells us that Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.  Have you ever tried to write a proverb? It's not easy.  All my life I've only come up with about five.  Imagine writing 3,000!

Solomon imparts some of the most practical advice we could have, from the wisest man ever, other than Jesus Himself.  It is not archaic wisdom that was beneficial back in biblical days, but it contains timeless principles for living today.

The book of Proverbs is one of the poetic books (along with Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon).  While we usually associate rhythm and rhyme with poetry, Hebrew poetry involves multiplying and building thoughts through repetition, contrast, restatement, and parallel.  There is also the pattern of couplets where a statement is made, then restated in a different way, or the contrast is given.

Chapters 1-9 provide a basic summary concerning wisdom and a contrast between wisdom and foolishness.  The key verse of the book is Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  Chapters 10-24 contain assorted proverbs, written and compiled by Solomon.  Chapters 25-29 are proverbs of Agur (about whom we know nothing), and the last chapter is a proverb from a mother to her son Lemuel, which is said to be Solomon's pet name.

James 1:5 says if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God.  I also recommend that you read the Proverbs daily - one chapter for each day of the month - and you will gain godly wisdom.

-by Chuck Smith from The Word for Today Bible