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Bible Survey Lesson 25: “A Collection,” Book of PROVERBS 1-31
Author: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon’s name appears in Proverbs 1:1, 10:1, and 25:1. We may also presume Solomon collected and edited proverbs other than his own.
Date of Writing: Solomon’s proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. During his reign as king, the nation of Israel reached its pinnacle spiritually, politically, culturally, and economically.
Primary Verses:
Proverbs 1:5, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
Proverbs 4:5, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.”
Proverbs 8:13-14, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.”
Summary: An abridged account on the Book of Proverbs is a bit difficult. For unlike many other books of Scripture, there is no particular plot or storyline found in its pages; likewise, there are no principal characters in the book. It is wisdom that takes center stage—a grand, divine wisdom that transcends the whole of history, peoples, and cultures. Even a slight reading of this magnificent treasury reveals the energetic sayings of the wise King Solomon are as relevant today as they were some three thousand years ago.
Application: There is an undeniable practicality found in this Book of Proverbs, for sound and sensible answers to all manner of complex difficulties are found within its thirty-one (31) chapters. Certainly, Proverbs is the greatest “How-to” book ever written, and those who have the good sense to implement Solomon’s lessons will quickly discover godliness, prosperity, and contentment are theirs for the asking.
The recurring principle of the Book of Proverbs is that those who choose wisdom and follow God will be blessed in numerous ways: with long life (9:11); prosperity (2:20-22); joy (3:13-18); and the goodness of God (12:21). Those who reject Him, on the other hand, suffer shame and death (3:35; 10:21).
To reject God is to choose folly over wisdom and is to separate ourselves from God, His Word, His wisdom, and His blessings.