Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The book of Proverbs includes 31 chapters of brief wisdom on moral matters. The two dominant images in the book consist of wisdom and folly, and the conflict between them.

Title: The rabbinical title given this book is, ‘Sepher Hokhmah' , or ‘Book of Wisdom'. Because Solomon is the principle contributor, the book is most commonly referred to as, ‘Proverbs of Solomon'. The Latin title, which we derive our English title is, ‘ Liber Proverbiorum ', or ‘Book of Proverbs'.

Author: Internally the book accredits all the Proverbs with the exception of the last two chapters to Solomon. Chapter 30 , is attributed to Agur and Chapter 31 is attributed to King Lemuel (both figures being unknown in internal evidence).

Chapters 25-29 are said to be written by Solomon, but copied out by the men of Hezekiah (or at a later date).

Content: As the book deals with the constant antagonism of wisdom and folly, the reader is constantly challenged to choose sides and determine a course that wisdom dictates. This enlightened conflict permeates every aspect of human society and social life. On the virtuous side we meet people of prudence, industry, honesty, chastity, generosity, and self control. The gallery of foolish people includes sluggards, dishonest, drunkards, prostitutes, adulterers, violent, hotheads, naggers, greedy, misers, bad neighbors, liars, and simpletons.

Old Testament wise men, such as Solomon, have often been referred to as photographers of the Bible, because of their illustrations and observations of life. Along with the over all theme of wisdom vs. folly are additional observations of the teacher and student; references to the path and the way; warnings of traps and weapons; terms of value; survey of professions; sex and marriage, are just some of the everyday realism added.

Proverbs is quoted and eluded to several times in the New Testament. It can teach you how to establish a godly home; develop a good reputation; be charitable; strengthen your marriage; and serve God! In addition the Christian can find great wealth in the wisdom of the book in helping to deal with and find the disciplined control in life over the fleshly lust that war against us ( I Peter 2:11 ).

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

Good Reading !