Short, wise sayings for everyday life, all built on one foundation: the fear of the Lord.

Section
Old Testament, Poetry & Wisdom
Book
20 of 66
Chapters
31
Written by
Mainly Solomon, with sayings from Agur, King Lemuel and other wise men
When
Collected from about 950 BC onwards
Written to
Young people, and anyone who wants to live wisely

The big picture

Proverbs opens as a father teaching his son: listen, get wisdom, and do not follow the crowd. Wisdom is pictured as a woman calling out in the street, inviting everyone to learn.

Most of the book is short sayings about ordinary life: words, work, money, friendship, family, anger and honesty. It ends with a portrait of a capable, God-fearing woman whose whole life shows what wisdom looks like.

Why it was written

To teach God’s people how to live well in the real world, starting with a right relationship with God.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is where knowledge begins
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust the Lord with all your heart
  • Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart
  • Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away anger
  • Proverbs 31:10-31 – A woman of strength and faith

How it points to Jesus

Paul calls Christ “the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30). Jesus is wisdom in person: He lived every word of Proverbs perfectly, and God gives wisdom to all who ask (James 1:5).

Themes and people

Themes: Wisdom · The fear of the Lord · Words · Work and money · Family

People: Solomon · Agur · King Lemuel

Study it together

  1. What does it mean to “fear the Lord” in daily life?
  2. Proverbs says a lot about words. Where do your words need God’s help this week?
  3. Which decision in front of you needs God’s wisdom rather than your own?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.