Book of Proverbs in the Bible: the wisdom of God

Introduction to the Book of Proverbs: wisdom to live the way of God

Proverbs is full of God's wisdom, and what's more, these short sayings are easy to understand and apply to your life.

Many of the eternal truths in the Bible must be carefully mined, like gold in the deep underground. The book of Proverbs, however, is like a mountain stream strewn with nuggets, waiting to be picked up.

Proverbs fall into an ancient category called "wisdom literature". Other examples of wisdom literature in the Bible include the books of Job, Ecclesiastes and the Canticle of Canticles in the Old Testament and James in the New Testament. Some psalms are also characterized as psalms of wisdom.

Like the rest of the Bible, Proverbs indicates God's plan of salvation, but perhaps more subtly. This book showed the Israelites the right way to live, the way of God. By practicing this wisdom, they would demonstrate the qualities of Jesus Christ towards each other, as well as giving the example of the Gentiles who They surrounded.

The book of Proverbs has much to teach Christians today. His timeless wisdom helps us avoid trouble, keep the Golden Rule and honor God with our lives.

Author of the book of proverbs
King Solomon, famous for his wisdom, is credited as one of the authors of Proverbs. Other contributors include a group of men called "The Wise Man", Agur and King Lemuel.

Written date
Proverbs were probably written during Solomon's reign, 971-931 BC

Audience
Proverbs has several audiences. It is addressed to parents for education to their children. The book also applies to young men and women who seek wisdom and ultimately provides practical advice for today's Bible readers who want to live a divine life.

Proverbs landscape
Although Proverbs was written in Israel thousands of years ago, his wisdom is applicable to any culture at any time.

Themes in proverbs
Each person can have righteous relationships with God and others by following the timeless advice of Proverbs. His numerous themes concern work, money, marriage, friendship, family life, perseverance and pleasure to God.

Key characters
The "characters" in Proverbs are types of people we can learn from: wise, foolish, simple and wicked people. They are used in these short sayings to indicate behaviors that we should avoid or imitate.

Key verses
Proverbs 1: 7
Fear of the Eternal is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and education. (NIV)

Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Eternal with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:22
Whoever finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (NIV)

Proverbs 30: 5
Every word of God is impeccable; it is a shield for those who take refuge in him. (NIV)

Outline of the Book of Proverbs
Benefits of wisdom and warnings against adultery and folly - Proverbs 1: 1-9: 18.
Wise Advice for All People - Proverbs 10: 1-24: 34.
Wise Advice for Leaders - Proverbs 25: 1-31: 31.