As you journey through the Book of Proverbs, use these free Bible study helps to guide you.
Introduction to Proverbs
In English translations, Proverbs can be a difficult book to study. Apart from some longer sections early in the book, much of it appears at first glance to be a random collection of disconnected sayings. But in the original Hebrew, there are connections to a larger context. In this study, we will strive to show this larger context.
Authorship of Proverbs
Proverbs, like Psalms, is a collection of writings. As the greatest contributor to Psalms was King David, the greatest contributor to Proverbs was his son Solomon. Conservative Bible scholars believe Solomon wrote Song of Solomon in his youth, Proverbs in his middle age, and Ecclesiastes in his final years. Other parts of Proverbs include a collection of sayings from wise people that Solomon gathered together and organized, and writings of Agur the son of Jakeh, King Lemuel, and an unknown author.
Purpose of Proverbs
The greater part of Proverbs teaches us how to gain wisdom for faith and life through the revelations God has given us. Another part was written to provide training for kings.
Outline of Proverbs
- Introduction (1:1–7)
- Extended Discourses on Wisdom (1:8–9:18) Solomon’s Proverbs (10:1–22:16)
- The Words of Wise People (22:17–24:22)
- More Words of Wise People (24:23–34)
- Solomon’s Proverbs Copied by Hezekiah’s Men (25:1–29:27)
- Agur’s Proverbs (30:1–33)
- King Lemuel’s Proverbs (31:1–9)
- A Poem about an Ideal Wife (31:10–31)
Learn more about the book of Proverbs with this downloadable reading guide.
