WHO wrote the book of Proverbs?

The first and foremost author of the Book of Proverbs is Solomon:

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;" (Proverbs 1:1, NKJV thoughout unless stated).

He probably wrote chapters 1-29. Chapter 30 is attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh (30:1). Chapter 31 is attributed to King Lemuel - the prophecy or teaching that his mother taught him (31:1).

WHY was the book of Proverbs written?

The author of Proverbs tell us right in the Proverbs 1 the nine sets of reasons why the book was written:

1. To know wisdom and instruction. (verse 2)

2. To perceive the words of understanding. (verse 2)

3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity. (verse 3)

4. To give prudence to the simple. (verse 4)

5. To the young man knowledge and discretion. (verse 4)

6. A wise man will hear and increase learning. (verse 5)

7. A man of understanding will attain wise counsel. (verse 5)

8. To understand a proverb and an enigma. (verse 6)

9. To understand the words of the wise and their riddles. (verse 6)

1. To form right notions of things, and to possess our minds with clear and distinct ideas, that we may know both how to speak and act wisely.

2. To distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil - for understanding words of insight.

3. To order our conversation aright.

For WHOM was the book of Proverbs written?

It is obvious that Solomon, the king of Israel and son of David, was writing to his male descendants and all the young males of Israel as he addresses them in totality as "my son." Such an address can be found in the following references: Proverbs 1:8, 10, 15;  2:1;  3:1, 11, 21;  4:10, 20;  5:1, 20;  6:1, 3, 20;  7:1;  19:27;  23:15, 19, 26;  24:13, 21;  27:11;  31:2.

It is certainly a fitting book for all youth and adults to read and study for spiritual wisdom or insight.

What are the MAIN TOPICS in the book of Proverbs?

• Wisdom

• Understanding

• The Commandments or Laws of God

• Sin and Iniquity - The Breaking of God's Law

• Comparisons between God's way and Man's way of life

What should you DO if you want wisdom?

Proverbs 2 tell us what to do if we want wisdom:

1. Accept God's word (verse 1)

2. Store up His commands. (verse 1)

3. Develop an "ear" for wisdom (verse 2).

4. Set your heart to get understanding (verse 2).

5. Call out, cry aloud for understanding (verse 3).

6. Search for it as if it were a treasure (verse 4).

What are the PROMISES and REWARDS for seeking wisdom?

Proverbs 2 teaches us that there are promises and rewards for seeking wisdom:

1. You will understand the fear of the Lord (verse 5).

2. You will find the knowledge of God (verse 5). Jesus Christ said,

   "Ask, and it will be given to you;  seek, and you will find;  knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

3. From the Lord will come knowledge and understanding (verse 6).

4. Victory is in store for the upright (verse 7).

5. God will be a shield to anyone whose walk is blameless (verse 7).

6. God guards and protects the faithful ones (verse 8).

7. You will understand what is right and just (verse 9).

8. Wisdom will enter into your heart (verse 10).

9. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul (verse 10).

Other important Bible Scriptures about seeking wisdom may be found in Daniel 2:20-22, Isaiah 51:7, 25:8, & 11:1-9, Psalms 1:1-6 and 19:7-11, and James 3:17.

What happens if a person is WITHOUT wisdom?

Without wisdom one is many times left with following the ways of evil men and women:

1. Their words are perverse (Proverbs 2:12; Romans 3:11-14, James 3:8).

2. They walk in dark ways and love darkness rather than light (Proverbs 2:13, 1John 1:5-6, Psalms 91:6, Ecclesiastes 2:14, Luke 1:79, John 1:19).

3. They rejoice in evil, perverseness, and wickedness (Proverbs 2:14; Hebrews 11:25, Luke 8:14, 2Timothy 3:1-7).

4. They won't go straight but follow a crooked path (Proverbs 2:15; Matthew 7:13-14, Philippians 2:15).

5. They are devious and deceptive (Proverbs 2:15; Ephesians 4:14, Matthew 24:24, Romans 3:13, Mark 7:22, Proverbs 7:22).

6. They ignore covenants, especially marriage bonds (Proverbs 2:17, Romans 1:22-32).

7. They may even communicate with the dead or deal in spiritualism (Proverbs 2:18, Romans 1:22-32)