The book of Proverbs was written by several authors . It is a compilation of sayings by several ancient sages, with King Solomon being the most prominent author of the book.
Although King Solomon wrote most of the book of Proverbs, there are contributions from other sages such as: Agur (chapter 30), king Lemuel of Massá (chapter 31) and king Hezekiah of Judah (chapters 25 and 29), who he also transcribed and compiled the proverbs.
The book of Proverbs was elaborated between the reign of King Solomon in 970 BC, until its compilation by King Hezekiah in 686 BC, in an approximate period of 300 years. Despite several authors, the book of proverbs is popularly known as ‘Solomon’s Proverbs’.
The book of Proverbs in the Bible
The book of Proverbs is the 20th book of the Old Testament. It is one of the poetic and wisdom books of the Bible. Sapiential books have the purpose of transmitting wisdom and knowledge through accumulated experience throughout life.
In the book of Proverbs we can reflect on subjects that directly touch our lives: friendship, work, family, relationship, money, character, health, among other subjects. These and other themes are reflected through God’s divine wisdom.
All themes are fundamentally based on wisdom and fear of God ( Proverbs 9:10 ). The literary structure in the form of instruction and dictation makes the proverbs easy to understand and applicable in everyday life.
As we meditate on this book, we have the necessary elements to seek the wisdom of God that is above human wisdom. The search for God’s wisdom is beneficial, it gives us greater intimacy with Him and makes us walk according to his purpose ( James 3:17 ).
See more: How to receive God’s wisdom?
Like the entire Bible, the Book of Proverbs spans centuries, peoples, cultures and remains current and effective in building up the believer. Whoever reads this book and applies its teachings is wise and fears God!
Where did Solomon’s wisdom come from?
The Bible says that King Solomon was the wisest man in the entire east and had more wisdom with him than all knowledge of Egypt ( 1 Kings 4:30 ). All the wisdom that King Solomon acquired was given by God.
After a great sacrifice offered by the king, God appeared to Solomon giving him the freedom to ask for anything for himself. Given the opportunity, the king chose to have wisdom to rule his people ( 2 Chronicles 1:10 ). God not only blessed him with wisdom, but gave him even more wealth, wealth and honor ( 2 Chronicles 1:12 ).
Learn more: Who was King Solomon?
The wisdom that Solomon received from God was extraordinary, the king had knowledge in several areas of knowledge. He composed more than 3000 proverbs (most of which are not part of the book of Proverbs) and 1005 songs. In addition, he carried out studies on the cedar of Lebanon up to the hyssop that springs up on the walls. He also spoke about quadrupeds, birds, reptiles and fish ( 1 Kings 4: 32-33 ).
Solomon built gardens and built the First Temple in Jerusalem, which his father David had desired. In addition to gathering many proverbs, he wrote and sponsored other biblical books and excerpts such as: the book of Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Psalms 72 and Psalms 127.
