The Book of Proverbs holds much value and all can learn from it. I’ve chosen Proverbs to be the first book in a series of Bible studies that I will be posting. Please feel free to add to the study as it is best to learn from one another as well. Enjoy!

(1) Title?

Self titled in Proverbs 1:1 KJV

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;”

(2) What is a Proverb?

Hebrew Translation – Mashal; holds a broader definition than our English version.

Basic Definition – Comparison

Alternate Definitions:

Byword

– Jeremiah 24:9 “…to be a reproach and a proverb…”

Lament/Parable

– Micah 2:4 “In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament…”

Thought provoking saying

– Ezekiel 12:22 “Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?”

– Ezekiel 18:2 “What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?”

Aphorism or Concise Statement of a Principle

– Proverbs 10:11 – 22:16 > The Second Solomonic Collection begins at 10:1 and consists of 375 individual proverbs, each expressing a complete idea. Each proverb represents, in a practical way, the choice we must make between the way of wisdom and the way of folly.

Discourse

– Proverbs 1:8 – 9:18 > 10 Similar Discourses in which the father speaks to the son to listen to him and choose wisdom over folly.

(3) Who is the Author?

– Predominantly Solomon:

There are three Solomonic collections (1:1-9:18; 10:1-22:16; and 25:1-31)

– Unidentified Wise Men:

(22:17, 24:23, 30:1, and 31:1)

– Agur:

(30:1-33)

Not much is known about “Agur, the son of Jakeh” (30:1). He was likely a well known sage (wise man) in Solomon’s day.

– Lemuel:

(31:1 – 9)

“The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him” (31:1)

Nothing is known of Lemuel other than the fact that there was no king of Israel by that name, his origins are unknown.

(4) When was it Written?

Middle of 10th Century (B.C.) no earlier than the time of Hezekiah (700 B.C.) because proverbs were still be collected at that time (Ref. 25:1).

(5) What is the Purpose of Proverbs?

To show the reader how to live life wisely and skillfully.

(6) How should Proverbs be Interpreted?

– Chapters 1-9: Ordered flow of thought.

– Chapters 10-31: Best studied by topics.

– “Theology of the Two Ways” : The way of Wisdom and the way of Folly. (10:1 – 22:16)

– Wisdom is the prerequisite to skillful dealing in every area of life.

– If we instill in ourselves the moral discipline commanded in Chapters 1-9 and master the practical application of wisdom expressed in Chapters 10-31, we will have a truly abundant and successful life.