Introduction to Proverbs

Proverbs consists of many wise sayings, compiled into a book. These sayings offer practical advice for daily life and vary widely in their content—ranging from work and money to speech, integrity, and discipline. But the wisdom in Proverbs is not just about practical advice; Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom derives from the fear of Yahweh and has its source in Him (Prov 1:7; 2:6; 9:10).

Background

Although the first line of Proverbs associates the entire book with Solomon, the content is ascribed to at least three authors: Solomon (Prov 1:1; 10:1; 25:1), Agur (Prov 30:1), and Lemuel (Prov 31:1). Agur and Lemuel are unknown outside the book. But Solomon, the son of King David, reigned over Israel in the 10th century bc and was renowned for speaking proverbs (1 Kgs 4:32). It is possible that Solomon wrote the proverbs attributed to him, or he might have sponsored their collection. The work of collecting wise teachings was likely ongoing in Israel, but it is mentioned explicitly in Proverbs 25:1 as occurring during the reign of King Hezekiah—who ruled the southern kingdom of Israel, known as Judah, about 200 years after Solomon. Collectively, this evidence seems to indicate that the book of Proverbs was composed over time with multiple contributors—which aligns with how proverbs were handed down in the ancient world. They usually circulated orally long before they were collected in written form. Proverbs likely has roots during Solomon’s reign, but might not have reached its final form until the Persian period (ca. 540–332 BC) or the early Hellenistic era (ca. fourth to third centuries bc).

Proverbs is the prime biblical example of wisdom literature; other examples include Job, Ecclesiastes, and possibly Song of Songs. Wisdom literature is interested in giving its readers, especially young people, advice on how to cultivate virtue, avoid foolishness, and gain divine favor. The people groups surrounding Israel had their own versions of wisdom literature, which provided a background for Israelite sages and might have been adapted by them. Israel’s recorded history compares Solomon’s wisdom to that of nearby cultures, proclaiming his wisdom to be greater than that of Egypt and all the peoples of the east (1 Kgs 4:30). The Instruction of Amenemope, an Egyptian collection of sayings that dates to the 12th century bc, bears a resemblance to Proverbs 22:17–24:22. Collections of Mesopotamian proverbs likewise bear similarities to the genre of Proverbs.

Structure

Although the sayings in Proverbs may seem like a random assortment, the collection is actually a curated, unified literary work. The text includes seven distinct groups of proverbs, some of which are attributed to different authors and exhibit two styles of writing. Notably, the first collection’s long discourses on wisdom (Prov 1:1–9:18) contrast with the other six collections’ much shorter sayings (Prov 10:1–31:31). Multiple topics are scattered across these collections. Advice regarding subjects such as laziness (Prov 6:6–11; 10:4; 24:30–34; 26:13), sexual immorality (Prov 5:1–23; 23:26–28; 29:3), humility (Prov 11:2; 25:6–7; 29:23), and friendship (Prov 13:20; 22:24–25; 27:17) can be found throughout the book.

Outline

• Instructions from teacher to student (Prov 1:1–9:18)

• The proverbs of Solomon (Prov 10:1–22:16)

• The words of the wise (Prov 22:17–24:22)

• Further words of the wise (Prov 24:23–34)

• The proverbs of Solomon collected by Hezekiah’s men (Prov 25:1–29:27)

• The words of Agur (Prov 30:1–33)

• The words of Lemuel (Prov 31:1–31)

Themes

The main theme of Proverbs is that wisdom proceeds from revering and trusting God. Our actions reflect our inner character, and vice versa; by honoring God with our lives and following His wisdom, we can expect to experience the blessing of God’s goodness. In the natural order of God’s world, good character produces a life that will flourish, though Proverbs is also clear that the natural order does not always win; sometimes, against all logic, evil and folly thrive.

The primary concern of Proverbs, like other wisdom literature from the ancient Near East, is instruction: Younger generations need such wisdom to live well. But the book of Proverbs is also unique among its contemporaries in its emphasis on worshiping Yahweh—the only true source of such wisdom and fullness of life (Prov 3:19). Proverbs repeatedly shows us that we must live according to Yahweh’s ways—by living ethically, representing justice, and caring for the weak and impoverished—even when society at large tells us otherwise.

Further Reading

Wisdom Literature

Wisdom and Related Terms

Wisdom in Proverbs

The Fool in Proverbs

Proverbs, Book of CLBD