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The Agora
Bible Articles and Lessons: P-Q

Prov, overview

Author: Solomon and others.

Time: 1000 –- 700 BC.

Summary: Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings from several sources, including King Solomon, laying practical rules for right living based on godly wisdom. The sayings deal with many different problems and situations. Most of the proverbs are very short and easy to remember. The proverbs are not organized in a way which puts all the sayings on one topic together. Instead, almost every verse raises a new and important idea. Proverbs presents the idea that humans are either good or evil, wise or foolish, with God or without him. Both are known by their deeds, their "fruits", their chosen "ways" in life and their fitting ends.

Key verse: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning, of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Pro 9:10).

Outline

1.	Superiority of the way of wisdom: Pro 1:1 – 9:18
	a)	Introduction: Pro 1:1–7
	b)	Appeals and warnings confronting youth: Pro 1:8–33
	c)	Commendation of wisdom: Pro 2:1–4:27
	d)	Warnings against folly: Pro 5:1–7:27
	e)	Appeals addressed to youth: Pro 8:1–9:18

2.	Main collection of Solomon's proverbs: Pro 10:1–22:16

3.	The thirty sayings of the wise: Pro 22:17–24:22

4.	Additional sayings of the wise: Pro 24:23–24

5.	Hezekiah's collection of Solomon's proverbs: Pro 25:1 – 29:27

6.	The words of Agur: Pro 30:1–33

7.	The words of Lemuel: Pro 31:1–9

8.	The virtuous woman: Pro 31:10-31