Author: Solomon and others
Written: Collected c. 950–700 BC
Genre: Wisdom
Length: 31 chapters · 902 verses

What Proverbs is about

Solomon introduces the purpose of Proverbs: to impart chokmah (wisdom), musar (discipline), and binah (understanding). He establishes the foundational principle that 'the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.' Personified Wisdom cries out publicly, warning that rejecting her counsel leads to calamity.

Attributed primarily to Solomon (ca. 970–930 BC), who was renowned for wisdom (1 Kings 4:29–34). The prologue reflects the ancient Near Eastern tradition of instructional literature, paralleling Egyptian texts like the Instruction of Amenemope, yet grounding wisdom theologically in covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Key themes

Wisdom Speech Work Discipline

Every verse in Proverbs, explained

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Where to start in Proverbs

Proverbs 1 · The Beginning of Wisdom Proverbs 3 · Trust in the Lord Proverbs 4 · Guard Your Heart Proverbs 16 · The Heart and the Lord Proverbs 31 · The Woman of Valor

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All 31 chapters

Proverbs

1 The Beginning of Wisdom The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs doesn't start with information — it starts with orientation. 2 The Search for Wisdom Seek wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. The payoff isn't wealth — it's understanding the fear of the Lord. 3 Trust in the Lord Lean not on your own understanding. Six words that have redirected more anxious minds than any self-help book ever written. 4 Guard Your Heart Above all else, guard your heart — for everything you do flows from it. A father passing down the most important thing he knows. 5 The Cost of Foolishness The lips of a forbidden woman drip honey — but her end is bitter as wormwood. A warning that sounds ancient but arrives fresh every generation. 6 The Ant and the Sluggard Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways and be wise. Nature teaches what lectures can't. 7 The Open Window A young man without sense walks past her corner at twilight. The story is told as a warning — not a memory, but a danger still prowling. 8 Wisdom Speaks Wisdom stands at the crossroads and shouts. She was there before creation — beside God, like a master craftsman, rejoicing in the world. 9 Two Invitations Wisdom builds a house and sets a table. Folly does the same. Both call out to the simple. The choice defines everything that follows. 10 The Proverbs of Solomon The collection proper begins. Paired contrasts — wise and foolish, righteous and wicked, diligent and lazy — packed into single verses. 11 Honest Scales The Lord detests dishonest scales. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 12 Words and Work The tongue of the wise brings healing. Lying lips are an abomination. The proverbs begin to paint a portrait of the good life. 13 The Fruit of Discipline The one who walks with the wise becomes wise. Wealth gained hastily dwindles. Practical truths that compound over a lifetime. 14 The Fear of the Lord In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence. The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. 15 A Gentle Answer A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The first proverb most children learn — and most adults forget. 16 The Heart and the Lord The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Human ambition meets divine sovereignty in a single verse. 17 Peace and Conflict Better a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. Sometimes less of everything is more of what matters. 18 The Power of the Tongue Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Words build and words destroy — and you choose which every time you open your mouth. 19 Patience and Poverty A person's wisdom yields patience. Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be rich and crooked. 20 Wine, Kings, and Integrity Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler. Who can say, I have made my heart pure? Honest self-assessment is rare. 21 The King's Heart The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He will. Even power submits to providence. 22 A Good Name A good name is more desirable than great riches. Train up a child in the way he should go. Proverbs that have shaped civilizations. 23 Don't Wear Yourself Out Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Have the wisdom to show restraint. Riches sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. 24 Strength in Trouble If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength. Wisdom builds a house; by understanding it is established. 25 Hezekiah's Collection A new section: proverbs copied by Hezekiah's scribes. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 26 Fools and Sluggards As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. The proverbs get sharper — and funnier — here. 27 Iron Sharpens Iron As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Faithful wounds from a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy. 28 The Bold and the Wicked The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Courage is a fruit of clear conscience. 29 Vision and Discipline Where there is no prophetic vision, the people cast off restraint. A child left to himself brings shame. Structure is freedom. 30 The Words of Agur A different voice — Agur, who says: I am too stupid to be a man. Then he writes some of the most brilliant observations in the entire book. 31 The Woman of Valor Not a checklist but a celebration. Strength, generosity, wisdom, dignity — a life fully and fearlessly lived.

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