What makes Proverbs special?

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, much like a modern anthology of poetry. It was originally included in that part of the Hebrew Scriptures known as the Writings, which includes some other "wisdom" books, such as Ecclesiastes and Job. These three books are usually identified as the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Scriptures, though wisdom literature is found throughout the Bible.

Along with Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes, Proverbs has traditionally been credited to Israel's wise King Solomon, though most biblical scholars recognize that a number of authors contributed to this collection of wise sayings.

Why was Proverbs written?

Proverbs 1:1-7 introduces the entire book and provides some clear statements about the purpose of the book's many proverbs: "to teach wisdom and self-control, to learn what is right and honest and fair, and to gain knowledge and good sense." Above all, true knowledge (or wisdom) is discovered in respecting and obeying the LORD, who is the source of wisdom (2:6). Proverbs also describes wisdom as a gift from God. All of God's followers have this "gift" and are encouraged to use it. Those who are "wise" understand the importance of treating others with fairness and justice; of being humble, loyal, and hard-working; of respecting parents and others in authority; and of showing concern for the poor and needy.

Like other wisdom books, Proverbs says little about the history, laws, or religious life of Israel. But it provides a picture of the kind of practical teaching and instruction done in families, schools, and the royal palace. Generally, the proverbs in this collection give an uncomplicated picture of life. Certain actions are shown as always producing certain results. A wise person is able to recognize the right decision ahead of time and choose the "path" that leads to blessing, happiness, and even wealth. The foolish person always chooses incorrectly and receives punishment. This is why, for example, the ancient Hebrew proverbs encourage parents to be strict in disciplining their children. Foolish and disobedient children who do not learn wisdom when they are young may grow up to be "foolish" adults. Other wisdom books, such as Job and Ecclesiastes, deal with the more complicated matter of why good people sometimes suffer while bad people, including fools and criminals, sometimes prosper.

What's the story behind the scene?

Proverbs is traditionally thought to be a collection of wise sayings of Israel's King Solomon (1:1; 10:1; 25:1), who was known as a very wise man and the author of many wise sayings (1 Kings 4:29-34). While a number of sayings in the book may have come from Solomon, other authors are quoted as well. The collection as we have it now probably was edited and put in its final form between three and four hundred years after Solomon died. A number of wise sayings probably came from a group known as Israel's "wise people" (Jeremiah 18:18). They were teachers of practical wisdom and were familiar with similar kinds of wisdom writings found in the literature of Israel's neighbors. For example, the thirty wise sayings in Proverbs 22:17-24:22 are similar in style and language to an ancient Egyptian collection known as Instruction of Amenemope. Other wisdom sayings are similar to those found in Mesopotamian wisdom or the wisdom literature of Assyria.

Ancient proverbs are usually short statements that give advice or express some truth about human behavior. Wisdom and common sense were important in all ancient cultures. The wise sayings in Proverbs share a view of wisdom commonly held in the ancient world, but they differ from the wisdom of other nations on the key point of where wisdom comes from. In Proverbs, wisdom is seen as directly related to the LORD's instruction. The truly wise person is the one who worships and honors the LORD and lives according to the LORD's commandments.

In Proverbs, the word "wisdom" is pictured as a "woman" who was with God at the time of creation (8:22-31) and who invites all to live according to good sense and sound judgment (8:1-9:6). The idea that Wisdom was one with and yet distinct from God probably had some influence on Christian understanding of Christ as God's Son, who was also said to be present with God at creation (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17). The image of Wisdom as a woman may also reflect the influence of Israel's neighbors. For example, the Egyptian goddess Maat was described as the first creation of the creator god in Egyptian myth. She stood for justice and orderly life. Protective charm necklaces picturing Maat were worn by ancient Egyptian wise men.

How is Proverbs constructed?

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that fall into several categories. While such a collection is difficult to outline, a few general patterns can be seen. The first nine chapters have a number of short two-line sayings or "truth statements," and include instructions of a parent to a child.

The wise sayings in Proverbs 10:1-22:16 are credited to Solomon (10:1). These include a variety of proverbs, especially many two-part sayings in which the second part contrasts with the first.

Thirty wise sayings credited to an unknown group of wise people (22:17-24:22) and further sayings of an unknown author (24:23-34) form another section. These are followed by a group of proverbs (25:1-29:27) credited to Solomon but copied in the time of Judah's King Hezekiah (715-687 B.C.). The final two chapters provide wise sayings of Agur (30:1) and the mother of King Lemuel (31:1). The final section (31:10-31) has been described as the book's ending (epilog). It is an acrostic poem, which means the first word of each verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Proverbs can be outlined in the following way:

Wisdom, advice, and instruction (1-9)

• Introduction (1:1-7)
• Seek wisdom and run away from foolishness (1:8-7:27)
• Wisdom's invitation to find life (8, 9)

Many of Solomon's wise sayings (10:1-22:16)

Sayings of people with wisdom (22:17-24:34)

Solomon's proverbs copied by Hezekiah (25-29)

The wise sayings of Agur and of Lemuel's Mother (30, 31)