Difference between revisions of "Proverbs"
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Proverbs is both inspirational about what can be achieved from doing what is right, and cautionary about the failure that results from compromise with [[evil]]doers. Proverbs is particularly strong against "scoffers", observing that "Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools." (Proverbs 19:29 [[ESV]]). | Proverbs is both inspirational about what can be achieved from doing what is right, and cautionary about the failure that results from compromise with [[evil]]doers. Proverbs is particularly strong against "scoffers", observing that "Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools." (Proverbs 19:29 [[ESV]]). | ||
| − | Proverbs also | + | Proverbs also highlights the unchanging nature of God, and how much better it is to adhere to his way than to fall for shortsighted and foolish gimmicks that may be superficially attractive. |
==Authorship== | ==Authorship== | ||
Revision as of 16:19, July 9, 2025
Proverbs is a book in the Bible in the Old Testament, part of Ketuvim. It comes after the book of Psalms and precedes Ecclesiastes. It is grouped as part of the "wisdom literature" section of the Bible.
The Book of Proverbs emphasizes the topics of wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord, contrasting them with foolishness and wickedness. It also offers practical guidance on various aspects of life, including relationships (including how to deal with fools and evil people), work and the importance of diligence, the power of words and having good speech, the blessings of generosity and financial matters - all within the context of a godly worldview. Key themes include the importance of wisdom, humility, honesty and the consequences of godly/wise and evil/foolish choices.[1][2]
Proverbs is both inspirational about what can be achieved from doing what is right, and cautionary about the failure that results from compromise with evildoers. Proverbs is particularly strong against "scoffers", observing that "Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools." (Proverbs 19:29 ESV).
Proverbs also highlights the unchanging nature of God, and how much better it is to adhere to his way than to fall for shortsighted and foolish gimmicks that may be superficially attractive.
Contents
Authorship
Tradition is that Solomon was a primary author of Proverbs, but he was certainly not the only one. Proverbs 22:17 refers to the "sayings of the wise" and 24:23 mentions an additional saying of the wise, which suggests that the real authorship of Proverbs was the best of the public. Chapter 30 is attributed to Agur son of Jakeh and chapter 31 to King Lemuel; some scholars believe Lemuel was another name for Solomon.
Date
Based on authorship, most of the book would have come from the 10th century B.C. Proverbs 25:1 makes reference to copying proverbs in the time of king Hezekiah, so at least part of the book, probably the later portion, was copied or appended at a later time (between 715 and 686 B.C.)
Message
Proverbs is generally uplifting, giving advice on how to live life. Whether one believes it was inspired by God or not, the proverbs can still be appreciated for their simple messages and keen insights.
Bible Study
Due to there being 31 Proverbs, it is a popular form of study for some devout religious people to read one Proverb a day, thereby going through the entire book in a typical month.
On gluttony
Proverbs harshly admonishes against gluttony at Proverbs 23:2-3 .
Popular Proverbs
- Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.[3]
- Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.[4]
- Proverbs 29:26: Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord.
In politics
Proverbs 29:18: "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Donald Trump declared that his favorite verse in the Bible is in this book.
See also
External links
- Survey of Proverbs, Bibleref.com
- Book of Proverbs, Biblestudytools.org
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