Author
Solomon (primarily), with contributions from Agur and Lemuel
King
Written
c. 970–700 BC
Chapters
31
Audience
The people of Israel, particularly young men seeking wisdom
Extended discourses from a father to his son praising wisdom and warning against folly and adultery
Chapter 1 → Chapter 9Read in Bible
The first Solomonic collection contrasting the righteous and the wicked in short, antithetical proverbs
Chapter 10 → Chapter 15Read in Bible
A second Solomonic collection emphasizing God's sovereignty, pride, and justice in human affairs
Chapter 16 → Chapter 22Read in Bible
The words of the wise offering ethical instructions on justice, sobriety, and care for the poor
Chapter 22 → Chapter 17Read in Bible
Proverbs of Solomon copied by Hezekiah's scribes covering rulers, fools, and community relationships
Chapter 25 → Chapter 29Read in Bible
The words of Agur reflecting on human limitation and the sufficiency and wonders of God
Chapter 30Read in Bible
The words of King Lemuel and the poem of the noble wife as the ideal embodiment of wisdom
Chapter 31Read in Bible
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:7"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5–6"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Proverbs 4:23"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6Proverbs is a collection of wisdom literature offering practical and moral guidance for daily life, rooted in the foundational principle that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Attributed primarily to Solomon, the book contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, addressing topics such as work, speech, family, and justice. It holds enduring theological significance as a guide for righteous living that reflects God's created order.