The book of Proverbs along with the book of Psalms are for many Christians their favorite books in the Old Testament. Many will read one chapter of Proverbs every day based on the day of the month and read an additional chapter or chapters at the end of month when necessary. The purpose of the book is stated in Prov. 1:2-6. The NLT translation of these verses reads,
2Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.[1]
The Holman Concise Bible Commentary in an article on the Themes of Proverbs states, “The bulk of Proverbs takes up the practical application of wisdom. What to do in specific, day-to-day situations was often not directly addressed by the Old Testament laws and the prophets. These problems included how to relate to spouses (12:4; 31:10–31), parents (23:22), and children (19:18). How was one to relate to kings (16:10–15) and subjects (27:23–27), to friends (18:24) and enemies (25:21–22), to rich and poor (14:20–21)? How was one to respond to poverty and riches (18:11; 30:7–9)? Wisdom literature offered the ancient Israelites God-given counsel on such everyday matters.”[2]
In Proverbs you will find many of the forms of Hebrew poetry found in the book of Psalms. If you need a refresher on Hebrew poetry reread the blog on Psalms for information on how Hebrew poetry works. Here is a link to an additional YouTube discussion of Hebrew poetry. Here is the link to The Bible Project Summary Video on Proverbs.
That Proverbs are not promises or absolute laws to be followed all the time can be seen by comparing Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5. The CSB translates,
4Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness
or you’ll be like him yourself.
5Answer a fool according to his foolishness
or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.[3]
So, are we to answer a fool or not answer a fool? The answer is yes. It requires ‘wisdom’ to know in any given situation which to apply. The book of Proverbs has as its purpose to provide us with wisdom as we noted in Prov. 1:2-6. Prov. 1:7 says, ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’ and Prov. 9:10 says, ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ Contrast this with what is said of the fool in Psa. 14:1 and Psa. 53:1 where the fool says in his heart, “there is no God.” While Proverbs doesn’t repeat this information concerning a fool it does have a lot to say about fools. Take note of these verses that speak of fools as you read this book.
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. 2015. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Waltke, Bruce K. 1998. “Themes of Proverbs.” In Holman Concise Bible Commentary, edited by David S. Dockery, 238. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. 2020. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
