A collections of wise sayings originating with Solomon, and various sages through the ages, that were gathered and arranged for later generations by someone otherwise unknown.

Wisdom, according to the Bible, has nothing to do with a person’s intellectual abilities, but “exists only when a person thinks and acts according to the truth as he or she makes the many choices that life demands.” (Gordon Fee).

To have wisdom is to know God in the very real sense of committing your life to him.

Proverbs begins by saying, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom/knowledge. (1:7).

Everything that follows in Proverbs is intended to be read in light of this prologue.

Wisdom consists of making wise choices between good and evil behavior; such wisdom is to be desired above all else in order to live a full and godly life.

Chapters 1-9

Ten times, in this section we read “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction…” The father gives many warnings against wicked people, money, wayward women, adultery and encourages his son to pursue faithfulness, humility, wisdom, health, generosity and hard work.

Through this section the wayward women is compared to foolishness where wisdom

is compared to a good wife

This section ends with rival invitations to the banquet at the houses of Wisdom and

Folly

Chapters 10-31

This section is full of one liners of pity statements, alliteration, catchwords, poetic meter, allusions, overstatement and metaphors to make things easily memorable – and not intended to be analyzed for precision.

(Due to their cultural setting not all of these are

perfectly captured in English).

1. Proverbs are intensely practical, not theoretically theological. (see Proverbs 20:21).

2. Proverbs are worded to be memorable, not technically precise. (see Proverbs 21:9).

3. Not all proverbs are promises from God, but simply general truths. (see Proverbs 22:6).

4. Proverbs may use highly specific language, exaggeration, or any variety of literary techniques to make their point. (see Proverbs 22:13).

5. Wrongly used, proverbs might justify a crass, materialistic lifestyle. Rightly used, proverbs will provide advice for daily living. (see Proverbs 8:17-21).

6. Each proverb must be balanced with others and understood in comparison with the rest of Scripture. (see Proverbs 26:4-5).

Chapters 10-31

Many of the proverbs are set in the way of contrast.

Wealth/poverty, work/sloth, truth/lying, relationships, attitudes, righteous/wicked, wisdom/folly, proper/improper speech.

Chapters 10-31

You might find it helpful to use a set of coloured pencils and mark out some of the recurring themes as you read through this section. (i.e. The Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Sloth, Greed, Anger, Lust, Envy, Gluttony).