Proverbs- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Solomon (Agur and Lemuel contributed some later sections)
• Audience: The people of Israel
• Original Hebrew Name: משׁלי
• Translated Greek Name: Παροιμίαι
• Common English Name: Proverbs
• Transliteration: Mishlei
• Meaning: Proverbs
• Date Created: c 1000 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 1012-961 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Solomon
  • Wisdom
• Key Themes:
  • Wisdom for young people (Proverbs 1-9)
  • Wisdom for all people (Proverbs 10-24)
  • Wisdom for leaders (Proverbs 25-31)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  Proverbs is a collection of Israelite wisdom literature that contains practical lessons for living. Although written by several authors, many of the sayings held in the book are attributed to the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon. Proverbs tells us that the beginning and essence of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. This book often compares the blessings of living wisely and the curses of living foolishly. The book of Proverbs illuminates the truths that while the wicked stumble in "deep darkness," "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day."

• Location Created: primarily Jerusalem
• Content Location: various places in Israel
• Teaches:
  • G-d is the source of true wisdom.
  • G-d's Law should govern our relationships.
  • G-d's morality should guard our speech.
  • G-d is in control of the final outcome of all we do.
  • G-d's standards produce G-dly wives.
• Chapters: 31
• Verses: 915