Book introduction
The book of Proverbs
Proverbs is a book of short sayings for living wisely. It covers work, words, money, friendship, anger, and family. Its starting point is that wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD.
Read Proverbs 3Start at chapter 1
Who wrote Proverbs?
Most of it is credited to Solomon, with sections from “the wise,” Agur, and King Lemuel. Some of Solomon’s proverbs were copied by Hezekiah’s men 200 years later. The book was gathered over a long time.
When was it written?
Sayings from about 950 BC on, collected by about 700 BC and finished later.
Main themes
- The fear of the LORD
- Wisdom starts with reverence for God.
- Two paths
- Wisdom and folly are pictured as two women calling from the street.
- Everyday wisdom
- Words, work, money, and friends all matter to God.
Outline of Proverbs
Key verses
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; fools scorn wisdom and instruction.
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths smooth.
More than anything else you guard, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life.
A person’s heart plans their way, but Yahweh makes their steps firm.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Chapter 3 is a good start. With 31 chapters, many people read one a day for a month.
How well do you know Proverbs?
Ten questions on the book of Proverbs, from “Whose proverbs does the book open with?” on. Each answer shows its verse.
Ask about this book
Questions about Proverbs?
Lumin answers in a few sentences and shows each verse it cites in full.
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