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Books of the Bible |
Solomon is usually considered the author of the book of Proverbs, if for no other reason than that he is reputed to have been the author of more than 3,000 proverbs. Certain sections were clearly written by others, Agur (ch. 30) and Lemuel (31:1-9), are the only ones named.
Many of the proverbs may date to very early times, but the actual compilation took place during the reign of King Hezekiah about 725 B.C. (See 25:1)
In general, proverbs are intended to impart wisdom in an easily remembered and repeated form. In the specific context of the Bible the Proverbs are intended to show how God's wisdom can be applied in our daily lives. In that sense, Proverbs is possibly the most practical book in the Bible.
Contrast between wisdom and folly (1-9) (not in true proverb form)
Proverbs of Solomon set down by himself (10-24)
Proverbs of Solomon copied out by the men of Hezekiah (25-29)
The wisdom of Agur (30)
The wisdom of King Lemuel (31)
Most of the proverbs in the book were probably formalized during the reign of Solomon – in what were the glory years of the kingdom of Israel. Even the compilation that was done under Hezekiah more than 200 years later cites Solomon as the author, casting the attention back to the "good old days" when the kingdom was united and strong in following God. In all of this there is a nostalgic trend to try to lead the people back to a better relationship with God.
The only people actually mentioned by name are Solomon, Hezekiah, Agur and Lemuel. In addition many of the proverbs are addressed to "my son", who is probably Rehoboam. Agur and Lemuel are mentioned only here, and some believe that they may be names referring to Solomon, Agur means "collector" and Lemuel means "devoted to God".
Proverbs doesn't contain any prophesy and not any great amount of doctrine, but it does contain a vision of a unique concept of wisdom that helped to set the Hebrew people apart. Proverbs emphasizes the idea of wisdom coming from God and not from men and that it is only by trusting God that we can be truly wise and happy.