Overview
The book declares that the fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, and it collects maxims and instruction applying that wisdom to everyday life, including family, speech, labor, wealth, and justice. An extended opening discourse is followed by collections of shorter proverbs.
Theme The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
Historical background
1 Kings 4:32 records that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs. The book shares formal features with the instructional literature of Egypt and Mesopotamia; Proverbs 22:17–24:22 in particular has been compared with the Egyptian Instruction of Amenemope. Proverbs is distinguished, however, by placing all wisdom within the framework of the fear of YHWH and covenant faith.