Survey of the Book of Proverbs

from the old testament

• Author: The main author of Proverbs is King Solomon. In fact, the Hebrew title of the book is Mishle Shelomoh and translates as "Proverbs of Solomon." Solomon is mentioned by name in Proverbs 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. Though he wrote many of the proverbs, Solomon was not the sole author of the collection—he also functioned as an editor and curator of proverbs that he did not originally write. We know this by looking ahead to another book often credited to Solomon, Ecclesiastes, wherein he is called the Preacher (Ecclesiastes 1:1). The narrator of that book states, "Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care" (Ecclesiastes 12:9).
• Date of writing: The estimated date of writing of the Book of Proverbs is sometime around 900 BC. Under King Solomon's rule, Israel flourished economically and spiritually, serving as a political leader with a powerful reputation. Solomon was known for his wisdom and many leaders from throughout the world would come to seek his wise counsel (1 Kings 4:34). It's no wonder that he is responsible for writing and curating the Book of Proverbs.
• Themes: The theme of the Book of Proverbs is wisdom and its many practical applications to our lives. The message is to seek wisdom above all else (Proverbs 4:7). Proverbs teaches us to say no to foolish ways (Proverbs 1:7; 14:7) and instructs us on how to walk in wisdom (Proverbs 2:6–9; 3:5–6).
• Purpose: It is relatively easy to grow in knowledge of facts, but growing in wisdom is a deeper journey (Proverbs 18:15). The wisdom that comes from God, the wisdom we gain from the proverbs, teaches us how to view people, situations, and the matters of the world from a godly perspective (Proverbs 2:6; 3:13). Wisdom takes the knowledge we have accumulated and enables us to practically apply that knowledge to all the matters of our lives, from the mundane everyday moments to pivotal life decisions (Proverbs 3:21–23). Proverbs provides wisdom on the common matters of life, such as business dealings (Proverbs 11:1), politics (Proverbs 16:12), sexual relations (Proverbs 5:1–23), raising children (Proverbs 22:6), alcohol (Proverbs 20:1), wealth (Proverbs 11:28), friendship (Proverbs 17:17), giving (Proverbs 11:25), stewardship (Proverbs 21:5), ambition (Proverbs 21:21), laziness (Proverbs 13:4), and foolishness (Proverbs 14:16)—to name a few. It teaches us godly wisdom that we can apply to the circumstances and challenges we face (Proverbs 4:11–13).

from the new testament

• The New Testament does not directly quote the Book of Proverbs extensively, but it does reflect its wisdom and teachings in several places. Romans 12:20 quotes Proverbs 25:21–22: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Paul quotes this proverb to teach mercy and love for enemies.
• Hebrews 12:5–6 quotes Proverbs 3:11–12: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” This passage confirms that God's discipline is a sign of His love using a central theme in Proverbs as the foundation for this point.
• The idea of “fear of the Lord” from Proverbs 1:7 is echoed in Acts 9:31, 2 Corinthians 7:1, and Ephesians 5:21, which all show how this concept carries over into Christian living.
• The Book of James is often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament” because it emphasizes wisdom from above (James 3:17 cf. Proverbs 3:13–18) and themes such as controlling the tongue (James 3:1–12 cf. Proverbs 10:19; 15:1–2) and the danger of riches (James 1:10–11 cf. Proverbs 11:28)

implications for today

Proverbs reveals the way of wisdom, providing instruction and examples of how to live well by walking in godly wisdom. Wise men and women can walk with certainty in their life decisions and journey when they live righteously and walk in godly wisdom. The path of the wise becomes clearer while the path of the wicked is treacherous and shrouded in darkness: "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble…Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure" (Proverbs 4:18–19, 25–26).

It is important to understand that the Book of Proverbs, as a literary form, conveys general principles that are usually true; the items contained are not direct promises or guarantees. That being said, by listening to and obeying the instructions in the Book of Proverbs, people can live contented godly lives: "A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of evil devices he condemns. No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved" (Proverbs 12:2–3). Of course, true righteousness comes only through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Ephesians 2:1–10). In Him we are declared righteous and called to live righteously through His strength and the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:14–16; Ephesians 1:3–14; Philippians 2:12–13). Proverbs shows us how to live this life grounded in the fear of the Lord, shaped by humility, integrity, and teachability. The proverbs point to the kind of life God honors. As we commit ourselves to walking in godly wisdom, our steps are guided, our hearts are anchored, and our lives become a testimony to the light and truth of who God is and the goodness of His ways.

Key verses:

Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 8:10–11: "Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."

Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Proverbs 31:10: "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels."