Proverbs: Getting Started

Overview

The ancient Israelites valued wisdom. Their gatherings in the temple would often involve debate and discussion, and they distinguished knowledge from wisdom this way: Knowledge is factual, wisdom is practical. In other words, wisdom is knowing what to do with the knowledge you have. Solomon was Israel's third king, the second of the permanent Davidic line, and was known to be the wisest of all kings (His full story is in 1 Kings 1-11). He is credited, if not with flat-out authorship, with the inspiration of the majority of the book's "wisdom sayings." These proverbs were never written as one book, but rather collected later in history to form a comprehensive "wisdom book."

Outline

The book begins with seven verses on the purposes of the proverbs. The next nine chapters will hold a wider focus to wisdom in general. These chapters will focus on criminals, a call to be wise, wisdom's rewards, adultery, (twice), business and human choices. After these nine chapters there are thirteen chapters of the "Proverbs of Solomon," believed to come from Solomon's own hand. These are more specific sayings, with ideas generally contained to a verse or two before changing topics. Chapters 22-24 are anonymous "Proverbs of the wise men," while chapters 25-29 hold proverbs of Solomon, but from Hezekiah's (one of the later kings of Judah's) records. The book ends with sections of proverbs from Agur and Lemuel, who are believed to have been Arabian royalty, but whose message stays in line with the teachings of Solomon.

Theme

The general voice of the proverbs preaches a message that, on the one hand, there are those who disobey God's law. These individuals are repeatedly called "fools" and their behaviors are marked as "folly." On the other hand are those who choose to live in line with God's will. These folks are called "wise" and their life choices show "wisdom." 

I know this study will be a huge blessing to everyone who sticks with it. God will speak to you in interesting new ways with each day's proverb. Happy Reading!