Proverbs

Wisdom for life

Proverbs gathers short sayings about work, speech, family, money and relationships, with one theme running through it all: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”.

Historical context

It is an anthology: besides Solomon, it quotes “the wise”, Agur and King Lemuel, and some sections resemble ancient Egyptian wisdom texts.

Explanation

Best-known passages

The fear of the Lord (1:7)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (ch. 3)
Wisdom personified (ch. 8)
The virtuous woman (ch. 31)