The first nine chapters of Proverbs is a beautiful poem about wisdom personified. Solomon wrote most of Proverbs, while some chapters 25-29 were collected and later incorporated into the book by King Hezekiah. Chapter 30 was written by Agur the son of Jakeh and chapter 31 by King Lemuel (which is thought to be a pen name for Solomon) which his mother taught him.
This book was probably the last writings of Solomon. At the end of his life, he had the promised wisdom from above but also had experiences gained under peculiar and varied circumstances. Solomon related his understandings in numerous concise and clever sayings for the guidance and instruction of all who would live godly. 1 Kings 4:29-32 informs us of Solomon’s superior wisdom and his many proverbs and poems. Only some were deemed worthy by God to be preserved as a portion of the sacred Scriptures.
However well or poorly Solomon followed his own teachings, these teachings were sound wisdom –as true today as when written. Solomon prayed to God for wisdom, and the Lord granted his request (1 Kings 3:5-15). Additionally, Solomon’s writings were accepted as a part of the sacred canon in Jesus’ time. New Testament writers quoted from Proverbs 3:11 cited in Hebrews 12:5,6; Proverbs 3:34 cited in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5. This is sufficient guarantee that the wisdom of these Proverbs is the kind that comes from above.
Here are a few examples of wisdom from Proverbs:
“A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.
“He that answers a matter before he hears it is a folly and shame unto him,” Proverbs 18:13.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” Proverbs 22:6.
Jesus referred to the wisdom of Solomon (Matthew 12:42) so it would be a benefit to us to read through Proverbs. Essentially, these wise sayings offer sound advice about how to live a righteous life.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1202: “Is Anyone Listening to the Wisdom of the Bible?”
Uncovering how true wisdom works and why it is so rare
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1244: “What Can We Learn from One of the Wisest Men on Earth?”
Breaking down the incredible wisdom and life advice of King Solomon
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated CQ Kids videos
What are some wisdom lessons for children about God?
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our words?
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our character?
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our actions? Part 1
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our actions? Part 2
What are some wisdom lessons for children from the Apostle Paul?
