Author
Solomon was the principal contributor to this collection.

Solomon identified himself as the source of most of the book. His name appears at the beginning of three distinct sections—Proverbs 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1—covering almost all of the first twenty-nine chapters of the book. A short section consisting of Proverbs 22:17–24:34 expresses the words of the wise (Proverbs 22:17), which Solomon may have compiled from various sources.

Date
970–931 BC

Major Theme
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (9:10).

Proverbs is thought to be the foundation for the Beatitudes (Mt 5). In the first nine chapters, the wisdom of God is personified as a companion of God from the beginning and is revealed in the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ.

Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth. Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom.

The book of Proverbs offers a wealth of information to aid us in wise living. What the Psalms are to our devotional life, the book of Proverbs is to our practical life.

Background
Hebrew proverbs are often written as individual couplets with two lines of equal length. Two common types are
(1) the synonymous proverb, which expresses the same basic thought in both lines; and
(2) the antithetical proverb, which offers a contrast, such as between wise and foolish or virtuous and evil.

The main writings of Solomon reflect the antithetical proverb.

How do I apply this?
Read it! Then live it!
Proverbs contains some of the most applicable nuggets of truth in all of the Bible. Most of the proverbs are brief statements brimming over with imagery from the real world. This approach allows us to see very clearly how any particular proverb might be applied to any number of everyday situations we encounter—from getting out of bed in the morning to building a strong foundation in our relationships with others.

Proverbs reminds us that God concerns Himself not just with the big, devastating events of life but even those mundane, “invisible” moments in our lives as well.

Are you following God, even in those seemingly “small” circumstances?
Allow Proverbs to refocus your attention on all the hidden moments of your life.

Compiled for 270 days Bible Reading Group
🙏🏼Bindu Saji🙏🏼