Proverbs is a
collection of wisdom sayings intended to be a text book that would be used to
train young men in wise and right living. (Girls would have been trained in the
domestic arts and would not have been given formal academic training in
Solomon’s time.) This wisdom is drilled through short, sharp phrases, dramatic
contrasts, and unforgettable scenes from life. It sets out what is right and
what is wrong because Wisdom is based on reverence for God and obedience to
God’s laws. The Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon and many others. Some additions
date from the time of King Hezekiah, who reigned 250 years after Solomon, and
other material which may be as late as 200 BC. In reading the Proverbs, it is
important to remember that by nature a proverb is a “generalization” and is not
intended to show what is invariably true. The writers of the Proverbs do not
deny that there are exceptions to the general rules laid out here. The book of
Proverbs is unique in the Bible in that it employs non-Israelite wisdom
traditions in its text. However, all insight is deemed a gift from God, and
thus, the proverbs are seen as revealed wisdom no matter where they originated.
Proverbs can be outlined as follows:
·
Proverbs 1:1-7
Introduction
·
Proverbs 1:8-9:18 Lessons
on Wisdom
·
Proverbs 10-22:17 Proverbs
of Solomon
·
Proverbs 22:17-24:34 Two collections of sayings
of wise men
·
Proverbs 25-29
More of Solomon’s
proverbs (Hezekiah’s collection)
·
Proverbs 30 Sayings
of Agur
·
Proverbs 31:1-9
Sayings of King Lemuel
·
Proverbs 31:10-31 The
perfect wife
Key Lesson: God is interested in
the practical application of spiritual truths. The Proverbs show us how Wisdom
and faithfulness to God are lived out in the real world of ancient Israel. The
specific applications may shift from culture to culture, but the underlying
truth and principles are eternal and unchanging.
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