Over the next few months we will be studying various topics found in the Book of Proverbs.
Who Wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is an anthology of wisdom sayings. While the main heading associates the book with Solomon (1:1), elsewhere we find contributions by anonymous wise men (22:17), Agur (30:1), and King Lemuel’s mother (31:1). But, for certain, it is Solomon who is featured (see also in 10:1; 25:1).
Solomon’s reign is described in Kings and Chronicles. These are years of unprecedented success and prosperity for Israel. Solomon inherited a united kingdom won by the wars of his father, David. The beginning of his reign was peaceful, with no significant internal or external enemies. Such a time was right for productive and positive international contact, including that between wisdom teachers.
The historical books describe Solomon’s wisdom as having a divine origin. In response to the king’s piety (1Kings 3:1–15), God allowed him to choose a gift. Rather than wealth or honor, Solomon asked him for wisdom, and God granted it to him. Indeed, God was so pleased with his choice that he also gave him honor and wealth. The narrative that follows tells stories about the exercise of this divinely-granted wisdom (4:16–28).
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke 3,000 proverbs… Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. (1Kings 4:29-34)
It is notable that Solomon’s wisdom is frequently set in an international context, demonstrating its universality. The queen of Sheba’s visit is an event that illustrates this point greatly (10:1-13).
How Is the Book of Proverbs Relevant to Me?
The book of Proverbs is a book of instruction—a manual for daily living; therefore, it focuses on human character and conduct and the consequences of it. The book’s observations and admonitions about life are beneficial to all, even those outside of the community of faith. A person who lives according to the principles found in Proverbs will find that their life here on earth is blessed in many ways.