The Book of Proverbs
Author	Principally King Solomon, but Agur, King Lemuel, and others made contributions.
Date Written	Between 1000 and 700 BC However, the majority of the proverbs were written by Solomon by 931 BC
Time Span	Unknown, but primarily during the years of Solomon's life.
Title	The Hebrew title of this book means "Proverbs of Solomon."
Background	Solomon succeeds his father David to rule as king of Israel. After asking God for wisdom, Solomon is so blessed that people come from far away to learn from him. This collection of wise sayings is a part of these teachings. The book of Proverbs is a collection of roughly one-fourth of the 3.000 proverbs and 1,005 songs attributed to Solomon.
Where Written	Probably Judah.
To Whom	Primarily to young people and to those considered "pupils of the elders."
Content	Proverbs is an assortment of wise sayings relating spiritual truths and common sense. These proverbs give instruction concerning every conceivable area of human life, often contrasting the ungodly view of the fool versus the godly perspective of the wise. These truths give counsel which helps both to prevent and to correct ungodly lifestyles. Proverbs are practical, timeless, and ideal for memorizing. The book ends with a close look at the qualities which a godly woman has in relation to her husband, her children, and her neighbors.
Themes	True wisdom cannot be gained apart from God. God is concerned that we submit even seemingly insignificant areas of our lives to His Lordship. We should not rely on our own understanding, but on the truths that God teaches us. Godly success in life comes from obedience to the Word and ways of God. God desires for us to be happy. God has made happiness available to us if we will only fear, trust, and obey Him.
Key Words	"Wisdom", "Truth." The ability to live with practical righteousness is scrutinized. This "wisdom" helps us to discern between good and evil, "truth" and error, and divine and human perspectives. The essence of "truth" sets before us the one right way, God's way, as our opportunity to be set free.
Outline	1:1- 1: 6  Purpose and theme of Proverbs. 1:7- 9:18  Wisdom and folly contrasted. 10:1-24:34  Proverbs of Solomon. 5:1-29:27  Proverbs of Solomon collected by King Hezekiah's men. 30:1-30:33  Sayings of Agur. 31:1-31:31  Sayings of King Lemuel.
More	Audio of the Book of Proverbs

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