Proverbs

Solomon, famous for his wisdom, is thought by many to be the author of the book of Proverbs. The state­ment in 1 Kings 4:32 that Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs is just one of several facts which tend to support this conclusion.

Proverbs is not the kind of book most people would enjoy reading straight through. Its counsels are set down in highly concentrated, pithy statements. As Robert L. Alden puts it, they've “been boiled down, trimmed, honed, polished and sharpened to where a little goes a long way.”

In Proverbs, we find insights that deal with common sense and good manners; tips on family relationships, child rearing, and personal growth. Much is said about such qualities as humility, patience, concern for the poor, and loyalty to friends. Certain types of people are described in some detail, such as the wise person, the foolish person, the lazy worker, the skeptic, the good friend, and the bad woman.

Clearly, Proverbs is a book that has practical value for all of us. The wise will listen to its words.