“Reading a proverb takes only a few seconds;
applying a proverb can take a lifetime.”

Background of Solomon

• Solomon was born the second son to David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:24) and reigned 40 years as the third king of Israel (1 Ki. 11:41-43).
• When sought by the Lord for a request, Solomon eagerly asked for wisdom (1 Ki. 3:5-9) and his request pleased God (1 Ki. 3:10-13).
• Solomon’s wisdom was demonstrated in his wise ruling (1 Ki. 3:16-28) and visit by the Queen of Sheba (1 Ki. 10:1-10).
• Everyone sought to hear Solomon’s wisdom (1 Ki. 10:24) and he is credited for writing Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, (most of) Proverbs (see 1 Ki. 4:29ff) and two Psalms (72, 127), all inspired books of Holy Scripture.
• Solomon’s downfall was his love for women (1 Ki. 11:1), which turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Ki. 11:4), brought adversaries from the Lord (1 Ki. 11:14-40) and eventually lead to the demise of the united kingdom (1 Ki. 11:11-13).

Background of Proverbs

• The NT quotes Proverbs at least fourteen times. James is the closest NT book that resembles Proverbs.
• The intensely practical book of Proverbs (containing about 900 inspired proverbs) is included in the section of the OT called the "Wisdom Literature" (along with Job and Ecclesiastes).
• The Hebrew word for proverb (marshal) means "comparison, similar, parallel." A proverb uses a figure of speech to make a pithy and poignant observation. Proverbs have been defined as simple illustrations that expose fundamental realities about life. They are illustrations of general and timeless truth, which allow for, but do not condone, exceptions to the rule. They are quotable and easily digested.
• Proverbs are based on and an application of the Law of God (a skillful use of knowledge in everyday life-wisdom (hokhmah) literally means "skill."). They serve to show the close relationship with religion and daily practical righteousness. The moral elements are not to be taken in isolation from their spiritual foundation. The rational tone is continually stressed by the importance of revering and trusting the Lord, an unchanging point of reference.
• Each proverb generally has one single truth to convey.

Purpose and Theme

• The purpose of Proverbs is to:
  
  • Impart moral discernment and discretion (1:2a, 3-5)
  • Develop mental clarity and perception (1:2b, 6)
• The theme of Proverbs is found in 1:7a, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." To fear God is to stand in awe of His righteousness, majesty and power and to trust Him by humbly depending on Him as Creator.

Date

• As the predominate author, Solomon wrote his proverbs by 931 BC. However, the parts of the book as we know it, were compiled by Hezekiah and his men just before the 7th century BC.

General Themes

• Righteousness, wickedness, foolishness, simplicity, wisdom, laziness, diligence, pride, humility, purity, justice, alcohol, speech, anger, money, friendships, and parental instruction/need to discipline.

Authorship and Survey

• The book of Proverbs can be subdivided into five sections
  
  
  1. 1:1-9:18 — (Solomon-see 1:1) After establishing a brief purpose and theme of the book (1:1-7), the remainder of this section is a series of ten ("my son") exhortations designed to create a felt need for wisdom. The instruction centers on practical wisdom from a teacher to a student, similar to a loving father instructing a son.
     
  
  
  2. 10:1-24:34 — (Solomon-see 10:1) Probably the 375 proverbs in this section were selected from the 3,000 credited to Solomon (1 Ki. 4:32). Each verse is a unit, with a contrast or comparison between its two lines. There is no systematic organization of these proverbs, but general themes frequently reappear. As a whole, they form a practical guide, sanctioned by God, for everyday life.
     
  
  
  3. 25:1-29:27 — (Solomon-see 25:1) This second collection of Solomonic proverbs was copied and arranged by the men of Hezekiah. These proverbs are generally grouped by specific subjects and well illustrated with examples.
     
  
  
  4. 30:1-33 — (Agur-see 30:1) Nothing is known of Agur, his father or the two other men mentioned. The pattern he often uses, "three things…four," indicates that the catalogue was not complete.
     
  
  
  5. 31:1-31 — (King Lemuel-see 31:1) Beyond his place of origin (Massa), nothing is known about this man either. Scholars debate as to whether he wrote the acrostic poem of the virtuous woman.