A Focus on Proverbs
Proverbs has parts that include sayings by Solomon (reigned 871–931 B.C.), has parts organized in Hezekiah’s day (reigned 729–686 B.C.), and has parts written by people unnamed, or if named, are otherwise unknown (1:1; 10:1; 22:17; 24:23; 30:1; 31:1). Solomon wrote most of Proverbs, which is fitting for one who was so wise and wrote 3,000 proverbs (1 Kgs 4:29–34).
A proverb often teaches a lesson by means of comparison with a real-life situation. Proverbs are likelihoods but not promises (cf. 22:6). What is said in one line of a proverb may be synonymous, antithetical, metaphorical, or loosely connected to the next line in order to highlight the import of the proverb. Some sections in proverbs are lengthy passages and more than a brief, pithy saying.
Proverbs was written to instruct its readers with wisdom so that they might live accordingly, something possible only when one first fears the Lord (1:2–7; cf. 9:10). The numerous references to “my son,” lengthy passages on fleeing the forbidden woman (chs. 5–7), Solomon’s authorship, and being organized by Hezekiah’s men suggests that they were more often than not directed at men who were training to serve in the courts of Israel.
After Proverbs introduces its content (1:1–7), Solomon extols wisdom with several lengthy passages (1:8–9:18) and then with shorter proverbs (10:1–22:16). Unnamed wise men author the next proverbs (22:17–24:34), followed by proverbs from Solomon that had been compiled by men who served King Hezekiah (25:1–29:27). Proverbs from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9) are given, followed by the portrait of a virtuous woman (31:10–31).
Proverbs within the Bible
The theology of Proverbs clearly assumes the Scripture written before it, and the NT extols wisdom as well (e.g., James as a whole book). Proverbs is sometimes quoted in the NT (Prov 3:11–12 in Heb 12:5–6; Prov 26:11 with 2 Pet 2:22) and is immensely practical for the saints today.
Recommended Reading
For further study of the book as a whole, see the introduction for the book above in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985). For a brief overview of the use of the above book in the Bible as a whole, see the entry for the book above in the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, edited by T. Desmond Alexander and Brian S. Rosner (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).