Revised by Diane Jacobson (02/24)
SUMMARY
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of essays, poems, and sayings expressing the wisdomWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, “The fear of the… of ancient Israel. Some of the material probably originated as folk wisdom, circulating in the family or the clan. Other parts reflect the life of the royal court. Arrangement began during the time of SolomonThird king of Israel who was known for wisdom and building the first Temple. (about 961-922 BCE), and the final edition was likely produced during the exile in Babylon (about 587-539 BCE) or even later. Jeremiah 18:18 refers to the priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple., the wise, and the prophet as leaders in Israel; the Book of Proverbs is the product of the work of “the wise.” The wisdom of Proverbs comes from what one learns by observing the world and from experience.
SO WHAT?
One does not need to deal with the big questions each day, like the meaning of life or the problem of evil or why bad things happen to good people. In day by day living there are all sorts of questions about how life should be understood and lived both effectively and faithfully. Proverbs addresses such questions as: How should I handle my financial affairs? How should I relate to friends and colleagues? What can I do to maintain a healthy marriage? How can I responsibly help the poor? These are the sorts of things that the Book of Proverbs can help with. The chief concern of Proverbs is the pursuit of a happy and good life on earth, lived in the context of a faithful calling. The Book of Proverbs also has a speculative aspect about what it is about the order of the world that invites folks to live in the ways various proverbs suggest.
WHERE DO I FIND IT?
Proverbs is the 20th book of the Old Testament, falling immediately after Psalms and just before Ecclesiastes. In the Jewish order of the same books, Proverbs is sometimes found before Job or Ruth, inviting comparison of RuthThe great-grandmother of David. to the Woman of Strength/Worth (see NRSVue) described at the end of the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31:10-31, NRSVue)
WHO WROTE IT?
The book came into being through a long process. Some of these sayings no doubt originated with Solomon or with those in his court (1 Kings 4:29-34; Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1). Much of it originated in folk wisdom, from the family or clan, of the sort found in all cultures at all times. Other parts were composed as essays or poems (Proverbs 1-9, 31). As is characteristic of such materials, the names of the composers and poets are mostly lost to us.
WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN?
The original impetus for the collection of folk wisdom and also much new composition likely came during the time of Solomon, around 961-922 BCE. These materials were preserved, collected, expanded, and edited by individuals in the royal courts (25:1). The book was likely put into its final form during the flurry of literary activity which took place in the period of the Babylonian exile and later (587 BCE and after).
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Proverbs is a book concerned with conducting one’s everyday affairs in a manner that is wise, good, successful in worldly matters, and responsible before God. Proverbs is also concerned with seeking meaning in all things.
HOW DO I READ IT?
Proverbs lends itself to being read a chapter a day, matching the number of the days of the month (there are 31 chapters). The short sayings should be taken individually, like a variety of expensive chocolates in a gift box. Some may be enjoyed and savored; others can be swallowed quickly or even rejected.
