Proverbs

Wisdom

The Book of Proverbs is a book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is a collection of wise sayings and teachings that offer guidance on how to live a good and meaningful life. The Book of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon and other wise men of ancient Israel, and it covers a wide range of subjects, including wisdom, understanding, justice, righteousness, and self-control. The Proverbs are grouped into chapters according to theme, and they often take the form of short, pithy sayings that can be easily remembered and applied to daily life. Key figures in the book of Proverbs include Solomon and other wise men of ancient Israel who are credited with writing or collecting the Proverbs. The book also mentions various other individuals, such as fools, wicked men, and the righteous, who are held up as examples of different ways of living. The book also includes a number of references to God and his actions, as well as expressions of trust and reliance on him.

Commentary

31 chapters

Biblical figures

Key figures in Proverbs

God

Supreme Being

Israel

King

David

Prophet, King of Israel

Judah

Tribal leader

Egypt

Pharaoh

Solomon

Prophet, King of Israel

Eve

Mother of all humankind

Hezekiah

King of Judah

Trea

Ithiel

Lemuel

Chapters

Introduction to Wisdom

Proverbs 1

Introducing the pursuit of wisdom, King Solomon urges readers to heed instruction and gain understanding

The Value of Wisdom

Proverbs 2

Emphasizing the value of wisdom, Solomon encourages a diligent search for understanding and the protection it brings

Trust in the Lord

Proverbs 3

Solomon advocates for trust in the Lord, intertwining faith and wisdom for a harmonious life

The Path of Wisdom

Proverbs 4

Solomon implores readers to choose the path of wisdom, guarding their hearts and staying true to righteous ways

Warning Against Adultery

Proverbs 5

Solomon warns against the pitfalls of adultery, urging readers to cherish marital fidelity

Warning Against Laziness and Dishonesty

Proverbs 6

Solomon cautions against idleness, emphasizing the virtues of diligence and responsibility

Avoiding the Trap of Adultery

Proverbs 7

Solomon recounts a cautionary tale of seduction, urging readers to resist the enticements of folly

The Excellence of Wisdom

Proverbs 8

Solomon extols the virtues of wisdom as a divine and foundational force in the creation of the world

The Call of Wisdom and Folly

Proverbs 9

Solomon depicts the invitation of wisdom leading to life, while the call of folly leads to destruction

The Ways of the Righteous and Wicked

Proverbs 10

The beginning of a collection of Solomon's proverbs, offering practical and moral guidance for daily living

Wisdom for Righteous Living

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11 emphasizes the importance of integrity, righteousness, and the blessings that follow those who walk in wisdom

Wisdom and Righteousness in Daily Life

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12 highlights the impact of wise words and discernment versus the pitfalls of heedless actions and foolish counsel.

The Value of Wisdom

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13 emphasizes the significance of heeding instruction, contrasting the outcomes of those who listen and those who disregard wisdom.

Wisdom and Folly

Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14 explores the outcomes of choosing the path of wisdom over the path of folly, emphasizing the impact of one's choices.

The Power of Words

Proverbs 15

Chapter 15 of Proverbs focuses on the power of words and how they can shape our lives. It encourages us to speak thoughtfully and wisely, as our words can bring life and joy or death and destruction. The chapter also touches on the importance of seeking wisdom, being open to correction, and the blessings of the Lord.

Wisdom and Understanding in the Lord

Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding from the Lord in all aspects of life. It also warns against the destructive consequences of pride and arrogance, and encourages a humble and righteous heart.

Wisdom for Daily Living

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17 provides practical wisdom for everyday situations. The chapter covers topics such as honesty, forgiveness, and the importance of controlling one's anger. It emphasizes the value of good relationships, offering advice on how to communicate effectively and how to choose trustworthy friends.

Words Have Power

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18 reveals that words have tremendous power to build up or tear down, to bring life or death. It encourages us to be careful with our words and to use them wisely, for our words have the potential to deeply impact ourselves and others.

Wisdom and Righteousness

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19 is filled with wise sayings about righteousness, generosity, and humility. It emphasizes the importance of living a just and honest life and warns against the dangers of greed and dishonesty. It also speaks on the value of choosing good advisers and avoiding the company of fools.

Wisdom for Conducting Life

Proverbs 20

The 20th chapter of Proverbs encourages readers to pursue wisdom in their daily lives. It highlights the consequences of foolish actions and the virtues of honesty, diligence, and self-control. The chapter also emphasizes the value of seeking counsel and the importance of keeping one's word.

Seeking Wisdom and Righteousness

Proverbs 21

Proverbs chapter 21 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and righteousness in our daily lives. It discusses various topics such as the consequences of wickedness, the importance of diligence and hard work, seeking justice and avoiding laziness, controlling our speech, and being humble. The chapter also highlights God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in Him.

Practical Wisdom for Daily Living

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22 provides practical advice for living a wise and fruitful life. It covers various themes such as humility, generosity, diligence, honesty, and respect towards others. It also warns against foolishness and the consequences of immoral behavior.

Wisdom for Daily Living

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23 offers practical advice for daily living with wisdom as its foundation. The chapter covers topics such as the dangers of overindulgence, the importance of listening to your parents, and the consequences of dishonesty. It also emphasizes the value of seeking wisdom and living a just and righteous life.

Living Wisely in a Broken World

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24 offers practical wisdom for navigating life in a broken world. Topics covered include avoiding envy, seeking wise counsel, valuing hard work, and standing up for justice.

Words of wisdom

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25 contains a collection of sayings and teachings from King Solomon. The chapter discusses topics such as humility, self-control, and the importance of choosing friends wisely. It encourages readers to refrain from seeking self-promotion and to instead trust in God's ultimate plan.

The Folly of Fools and the Wisdom of the Wise

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26 is a collection of scattered wisdom sayings that address the topic of foolishness and wisdom. The chapter highlights the destructive nature of fools and the benefits of living wisely. The verses offer practical advice on dealing with fools and avoiding their foolishness.

Wisdom for Life

Proverbs 27

Proverbs chapter 27 contains wise advice for various aspects of life, including friendship, finances, and self-control. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, humility, and diligence, and warns against pride and laziness.

Wisdom and Justice

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28 is a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom and living with integrity. The chapter highlights the consequences of foolishness, dishonesty, and oppression while encouraging readers to pursue righteousness and generosity. Throughout the chapter, the author stresses the idea that true success and blessings come from following God's wisdom and walking in obedience to His commands.

Insights for Wise Living

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29 teaches valuable lessons about the consequences of our actions and how to lead a wise and just life. It warns against stubbornness, laziness, and flattery, and encourages us to seek understanding, pursue righteousness, and trust in the Lord.

Words of Agur

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30 is a collection of wise sayings and reflections attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh. Agur expresses his humility and dependence on God, as well as his observations about the wonder and complexity of the world and the importance of living with integrity.

The Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31 presents a beautiful picture of a woman of virtue, who is praised for her many accomplishments and admirable character traits. She is described as a diligent worker, a wise and compassionate wife, a loving mother, a successful businesswoman, and a generous benefactor to those in need. Her example inspires admiration and respect, and her worth is praised above rubies.