Book of Proverbs
A collection of collections on wisdom and moral conduct.
The Book of Proverbs is the second book in the third section of the Hebrew Bible and a book in the Christian Old Testament. It is traditionally ascribed to King Solomon and his students, and is an example of biblical wisdom literature that raises questions about values, moral behavior, the meaning of human life, and right conduct.
- field
- Biblical wisdom literature
- known_for
- Collection of proverbs and instructions on wisdom and moral conduct
- language
- Hebrew (original), Greek, Latin
- traditional_author
- King Solomon and his students
Lore & Background
The Book of Proverbs is not merely an anthology but a 'collection of collections' relating to a pattern of life that lasted for more than a millennium. It is divided into sections: the initial invitation to acquire wisdom, another section focused mainly on contrasting the wise and the fool, and the third being moral discourses on various topics. Chapters 25–29 discuss justice, the wicked, and the rich and poor; chapter 30 introduces the 'sayings of Agur' on creation and divine power.
Reader's Guide
The Book of Proverbs is significant as a key example of biblical wisdom literature, alongside Job and Ecclesiastes. Its theological foundation is that 'the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.' Wisdom is personified and praised for her role in creation; God created her before all else and gave order to chaos through her. The book raises questions of values, moral behavior, the meaning of human life, and righteous conduct. Its legacy includes ongoing relevance for both religious and secular readers, with Proverbs noted for its worldliness and satiric shrewdness. The rabbinic college almost excluded the book from the Bible in the late first century due to its contradictions, which result from its origins as an anthology of anthologies.
Did You Know?
- The title in the Greek Septuagint is Παροιμίαι (Paroimiai), meaning 'Proverbs'.
- A large part of Proverbs 22:17–24:22 is a recasting of the Egyptian work Instruction of Amenemope.
- The book contains a contradiction: Proverbs 26:4 says 'do not answer a fool according to his folly,' while 26:5 says 'answer a fool according to his folly'.
- Chapters 30 and 31 are appendices that include the 'words of Agur' and the 'words of King Lemuel'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Proverbs?
The text is attributed to King Solomon along with his students. It belongs to the genre of biblical wisdom literature, setting it apart from narrative or prophetic books.
What is the Book of Proverbs about?
It is a collection of short sayings and instructional passages dealing with wisdom, moral behavior, and how to live a righteous life. Rather than telling a continuous story, it presents practical guidance on values and conduct.
Where does the Book of Proverbs sit in the Bible?
It is the second book in the third section of the Hebrew Bible and appears in the Christian Old Testament. This third section, often called the Writings or Wisdom literature, groups together reflective and instructional texts.
Why is the Book of Proverbs considered important?
It has shaped how Christians think about everyday ethics, decision-making, and the pursuit of wisdom for over two millennia. Its concise, memorable sayings have made it one of the most frequently referenced books in the entire canon.
In what language was the Book of Proverbs originally composed?
The original text was written in Hebrew, though it later circulated in Greek and Latin translations. These later versions helped spread its teachings across the ancient and medieval world.
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