Proverbs

Old Testament: poetic books

Proverbs

About this book

The book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings that were used in ancient Israel to teach God's people how to live right. For the most part, these sayings go back to Solomon, but others are traced back to Agur (30.1) and King Lemuel (31.1).

Like the psalms, all the proverbs are written in poetic form. A typical proverb takes the form of a short verse in which the first half states the theme and the second half echoes it. What makes the Bible's proverbs so popular is that they make such powerful statements with very few words. This makes them easy to memorize and apply to daily life.

One of the main teachings in Proverbs is that all wisdom is a gift from God. This wisdom supplies practical advice for everyday living, in the home, in society, in politics, at school and at work. The book of Proverbs also teaches the importance of fairness, humility, loyalty and concern for the poor and needy.

Because most proverbs are so brief, and make their point in one verse, many are often not connected to those around them. In some parts of the book, however, a common theme can be found. How not to be a fool is the theme of chapter 26.1-12, for example. In chapters 8—9, Wisdom is pictured as a woman who advises people to turn from their foolish ways and to live wisely.

A quick look at this book

1. Introduction: how proverbs can be used (1.1-7)

2. Parental advice on the importance of seeking wisdom and not being foolish (1.8—7.27)

3. In praise of wisdom (8.1-35)

4. Wisdom's feast (9.1-18)

5. Solomon's wise sayings (10.1—24.34)

6. More of Solomon's wise sayings (25.1—29.27)

7. The sayings of Agur (30.1-33)

8. What King Lemuel's mother taught him (31.1-31)