Introduction

Purpose

Author

Structure

        1. Introduction and Praise of Wisdom (1:1-9:18)

        2. Proverbs of Solomon Part 1 (10:1-22:16)

        3. Words of the Wise Part 1 (22:17-24:22)

        4. Words of the Wise Part 2 (24:23-34)

        5. Proverbs of Solomon Part 2 (25:1-29:27)

        6. Words of Agur (30:1-33)

        7. Words of King Lemuel (31:1-31)

Interpretation

        1. The Proverbs Sometimes Take Work to Understand 

        2. The Proverbs Often Use Literary Imagery

        3. The Proverbs Must Be Viewed as a Whole

        4. The Proverbs Usually State General Principles

        5. The Proverbs’ Promises are Ultimately True in Eternity

Themes

        1. The Wise and the Foolish

        2. The Diligent and the Lazy

        3. Good Speech and Bad Speech

        4. Friendship

        5. Family 

        6. The Way of Life and the Way of Death 

Conclusion