Old Testament Summaries: Book of Proverbs

While many other Books of Scripture follow a storyline or offer a plot, the Book of Proverbs is much different because it does not. You do not encounter any main characters within the book. However, the book incorporates a lot of wisdom within the text, including wise sayings from King Solomon. In this article, you will learn more about the Book of Proverbs.

In 2 Chronicles 1:10, the Bible states that King Solomon prayed for one thing. He wanted wisdom ”“ the kind that allowed him the knowledge associated with living a life that God would approve of. Readers following the Book of Proverbs are exposed to some of the wisdom that Solomon received. Topics that appear in the text include work, pride, greed, friendship, anger, sex, and procrastination.

The primary author of Proverbs is King Solomon, as you will see in 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. There is also an assumption that Solomon gathered and edited proverbs other than his own. Solomon’s proverbs were written sometime around 900 BC. When Solomon was king, the nation of Israel had reached a highpoint. They were prospering in a variety of avenues, including their culture, spirituality, politics and economics. Israel enjoyed a reputation that continued to rise. With that, Solomon also thrived. It is stated in 1 Kings 4:34 that foreign dignitaries would travel from afar to listen to what the wise man had to say.

There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Learning a lot of facts and trivia boosts one’s knowledge, but wisdom is the ability to see people, events, and circumstances as God sees them. One gains an insight into the mind of God when reading the Book of Proverbs with a wide range of topics. One moment you are reading wise sayings about business and wealth, while the next is spent absorbing topics, such as alcohol, revenge, and politics.

A few standout verses of the Book of Proverbs include:

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” (Proverbs 1:5)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)

“He who walks with wise grows wise.” (Proverbs 4:1)

“For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.” (Proverbs 5:3)

“To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.” (Proverbs 8:13-14)

“Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.” (Proverbs 31: 6/7)