© David Staume 2007

Proverbs is a collection of bible 'wisdom' in the form of poems and couplets. In notated Bibles the author and compiler is said to be Solomon, with contributions by Agur and Lemuel in later sections. However, the general nature of the proverbs, including the similarity in style between many of them and aphorisms composed by the Greek Sophists, makes Solomon's authorship highly unlikely. Attribution to Solomon was probably a literary device to guarantee a respectful audience.

Proverbs begins by stating its purpose, which is to provide 'wisdom and discipline' for 'doing what is right, just, and fair', then states that the beginning of wisdom is 'fear of the Lord'.

Proverbs contains admirable instructions such as:

‘Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.’ and ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves’.

There are wise sayings such as:

‘Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs’. ‘Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.’ ‘Do not gloat when your enemy falls.’ and ‘As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.’

And there are dangerous and cruel sayings such as:

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.’ 'He who spares the rod hates his son.’ ‘A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond.’ and ‘Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.’

Back to Psalms. Forward to Ecclesiastes.