Study of Proverbs

The word proverb is a translation of a Hebrew word (Mishle) which means parallel or similar. The majority of Proverbs was written by Solomon as we are told in 1:1; 10:1; and 25:1. And in addition to Solomon, two other names are mentioned as writers of small sections of the book. In chapter 30 we read, “The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance” (Proverbs 30:1); and in the last chapter, “The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him” (Proverbs 31:1). Certain parts of the book were also collected by King Hezekiah (25:1).

While God does not tell us any more about Agur and Lemuel, he does tell us much about Solomon, the chief author of these proverbs. Solomon was the third king of Israel who was known throughout the world for His God given wisdom. In 1 Kings 4:29-34 we are told, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. Thus Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men--than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five. Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish. And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.”

Note: While Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32) less than one third of then are recorded by inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the book of Proverbs. There are about 800 proverbs contained in this Book (and not all of these are attributed to Solomon).

People of many times and cultures have developed proverbs of different kinds, but these proverbs are special because they are part of God’s inspired Word. Even without special revelation from God, men have been able to focus on certain truths of human nature. But while these observations may be true, God’s wisdom rises above the rest. The source of wisdom found in these proverbs does not rest in the simple observations of sinful human beings, but in the Lord who created life and all things. The Bible’s proverbs are rooted in “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7), and so they are both trustworthy and true, as we are told, “There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD'S counsel--that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). The purpose of the Book of Proverbs is to lead us to know and to trust God’s wisdom for living a godly life. In the introductory verses of the book we read, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

Proverbs covers the whole range of wisdom, from its intellectual insight even to its practical application. These proverbs unlock the wisdom of God’s truth by providing guidance in how we are to act in our everyday lives. It offers instruction for our relationship with God, parents, spouses, children, neighbors, government leaders, and much more. The words of this book cover nearly every phase of daily living and are applicable to every age level, gender and role in life. The wisdom offered is often directed toward young people in particular. It applies especially to the child of God, who already knows the great things God – our Redeemer – has done for us, and who desires to live according to the will of God.

The book of Proverbs offers godly advice for all aspects of life. Subjects discussed in the book include:

“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray” (12:26).

• The pitfalls of adultery (one of the key topics in Proverbs, this is discussed in great detail in large sections of the book) -

“For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two–edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell” (5:3-5; cf. 5:1-14; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; 23:26-28).

“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!” (28:19; cf. 12:11; 14:23; 27:23-27).

“Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (20:1; cf. 23:29-35).

“Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction” (19:18; cf. 13:24; 19:26; 22:15, 23:12-14).

“He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor” (29:21-24; cf. 13:15-16; 18:19; 21:13-14; 25:17).

“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity” (17:17; cf. 18:24; 27:9).

“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom” (11:2; cf. 18:12; 29:23).

“It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness” (16:12; cf. 14:28; 16:12-15; 17:7; 20:28; 28:16; 29:2,4,12,14; 31;1-9).

“A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention” (15:18; cf. 10:12; 22:24; 29:22).

“A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul” (18:6-7; cf. 17:12,16; 18:2; 19:10; 23:9; 26:4-11; 27:3,22).

• Wisdom (another key theme in Proverbs, also discussed in great detail and “personified” in chapter 8) -

“Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known” (14:33; cf. 1:20-32; 2:1-22; 3:13-20; 4:1-22; 8:1-36; 9:1-18; 30:7-9).

Note: An old tradition holds that the Song of Solomon was written in his youth, that the majority of Solomon’s proverbs were written in his middle age, and that Ecclesiastes was written when he was old. This thought also seems to be supported by a careful study of the content of each of these books.

A wonderful summary of the godly wisdom contained in the book of Proverbs can be found in these words: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7). May the LORD grant each of us such wisdom through His Word, and strength to walk in His ways!

Note: This study was prepared for the Bible Class at Zion Lutheran Church, Lawrenceville, GA by Pastor Nathanael Mayhew.

If you would like more information about this study,
please contact Pastor Mayhew