This overview on who wrote Proverbs will make it a bit easier for those new to the Bible to understaning this fascinating book. Topics in Series! Who wrote the book of Proverbs? The author who wrote the most for it is King Solomon , who composed his sayings during his reign from to B. Proverbs Adultery - Alcohol Wine - Anger. Blessings - Children - Correction. Debt - Envy - Fear of the Lord.
Fools - God Hates - Good and Evil. Happiness - Health - Hope and Mercy. Justice - Laziness - The Mouth. Parents - Poverty - Pride. Virtuous Wife - Way of the Lord - Wealth. The wisdom contained within the book of Proverbs covers nearly every aspect of life. Because the proverbs address such varied topics, a verse in Proverbs often has no connection to the verses before or after it. However, readers can find within Proverbs many passages that are simple, humorous, profound, and beautiful.
One well-known passage tenderly describes the attributes of a righteous woman and declares that she is far more precious than rubies see Proverbs — Proverbs 1—9 These proverbs contain a poetic invitation for the reader to seek after and acquire true wisdom.
It is out in the open for all to hear, even though it often goes overlooked. To understand the book of Proverbs, it is essential to consider the human author, Solomon.
The first chapter of 2 Chronicles records the conversation between God and Solomon shortly after Solomon has been named the new king of Israel 2 Chronicles Solomon's request for "wisdom and knowledge" in order to govern God's people shows his humility before the Lord, and God responds with a promise as well as a blessing 2 Chronicles — Thanks to Solomon's humble approach, the Lord blessed him abundantly.
He was given not only what he asked for wisdom and knowledge , but also the other blessings he didn't mention riches, possessions, and honor. True to the nature of God, none have been as wise as Solomon before or since 1 Kings However, even with his wisdom, Solomon turned away from God and followed after worldly pursuits.
First Kings 11 records that Solomon had wives and concubines. Through his life, he found no earthly pleasure to replace the love of God.
In Ecclesiastes , Solomon proclaims "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. While Solomon had great wisdom and knowledge, he did not always apply his knowledge wisely. Solomon used his power and influence to get what he wanted, even though he knew it was not wise to do so. Therefore, consider the words of Proverbs carefully. They are divinely inspired, penned by the wisest man to ever live, with a wisdom given fully by the Lord Himself.
Of the books of wisdom literature—Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Job—the book of Proverbs is the easiest to understand while providing an incomparable amount of knowledge to the reader.
The book of Proverbs also makes a great family devotional book as it has 31 chapters. One chapter can be studied each day throughout a month. Altogether, there are verses in the book of Proverbs. If a chapter a day seems too much to read, studying two or three verses a day will take about a year.
Several writers give their definition of the fear of the Lord :. God should be regarded with respect, reverence, and awe. This proper attitude of the creature toward the Creator is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Wisdom cannot advance further until this starting point is established.
If true wisdom can be simply gained by human effort, energy, and ingenuity like the rare and precious metals of the earth , then the fear of the Lord is not essential to obtaining wisdom. The beginning of knowledge : Solomon probably meant knowledge here mostly in the sense of wisdom. The idea that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom is also found at Job , Psalm , Proverbs , and Ecclesiastes My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.
My son, hear the instruction of your father : This is a warm and appropriate scene. A father speaks to his son , encouraging him to receive the wisdom of his parents. It is often the nature of the young to be slow to receive the wisdom of their older generation. The mention of a son reminds us of another tragedy or irony regarding the life of Solomon.
The man who had wives and concubines left record of only one son, Rehoboam — and he was a fool. Because both the father and the mother are mentioned, we know that teaching the children wisdom is the responsibility of both parents. The mention of instruction shows that Solomon understood that children are not to be taught only, or even primarily, through bodily punishment such as a spanking.
Children are regarded as capable of thought, learning, and obedience beyond blind submission. They will be a graceful ornament on your head : The idea is that the instruction and law given from parent to child will adorn the life of their children, if they will only receive it.
Like a crown on your head or chains about the neck , such wisdom will be a reward to a younger generation. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.
My son, if sinners entice you : Solomon first warned his son about the danger of bad company. The actions of some people clearly reveal them to be sinners , more than in the general sense in which we are all sinners. The young must resist the enticements of these men. Significantly, this first instruction and warning in the book of Proverbs speaks to the company we keep and the friendships we make. There are few more powerful forces and influences upon our life than the friends we choose.
It has been said, show me your friends and I can see your future. Not even the devil himself can lead a man into sin till he consents. Were it not so, how could God judge the world? Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood : When the wicked plot their evil actions, the wise son will not consent. He will distance himself from them, no matter what the promised or potential gain may be we shall fill our houses with spoil. Part of their enticement was simply the sense of belonging: come with us.
Solomon described the words of sinners in terms of their real meaning and effect, and not what they actually said. Surely such sinners would appeal to riches and quick gain, and not merely invite this one to shed blood. Solomon tells us to hear what people mean with such promises of quick and easy riches, not only what they say. My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives.
So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. Do not walk in the way with them : The guidance from father to son was simple and clear. Stay away from the wicked and all their plotting, for their feet run to evil.
In the process he is trapped and killed. In the same way, the gang cannot see the connection between their acts of robbery and the fate that entraps them.
They lie in wait for their own blood : Ultimately, the gain promised by the wicked can never be fulfilled. They say, let us lie in wait to shed blood Proverbs , but in fact they are the hunted.
They seek to take the life and livelihood of others, but their greed takes away the life of its owners. Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words:.
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