Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled in the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.

Thanks for joining today’s study. Recently, I realized I have never written a Bible study exclusively about Proverbs, even though I have often quoted from that Old Testament book. So, here we go, starting with the basics.

What is the Book of Proverbs? It is a collection of mostly short, practical sayings and teachings that offer readers wisdom that honors and trusts the Almighty God of Israel. In the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, the Psalms precede Proverbs, which serves as a handbook for navigating everyday challenges. Topics include relationships, money, parenting, work, self-control, dealing with difficult people, and much more.

If only we could hook ourselves up to Proverbs and let its wisdom flow into our veins and brains so we could avoid making poor life decisions or acting in ways we later regret. However, then we would have fewer opportunities to cry out to God when things go awry.

When was Proverbs written and by whom? Traditionally, Proverbs is dated to around the 10th century B.C., during the reign of King Solomon, who is its principal writer, although not the only one. Solomon is the son of King David, who is credited with writing many of the Psalms. I am a big fan of both father and son. Read more about Solomon in Vols. 233, 232, and 231.

Famously, Solomon asked God for wisdom rather than power and riches, and in doing so, he received an abundance of all three. In the opening verses of Proverbs, Solomon is not shy about promoting its purpose, an ancient version of an Amazon book promo: 

“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to........

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