A proverb is a saying or expression intended to convey wisdom to its reader. The book of
Proverbs contains many of these
little
sayings, along with some fatherly advise to a son, and a list of the qualites of a virtuous woman. Though the authorship of the entire book of
Proverbs is unknown, the first verse indicates that at least some of the proverbs were written by King Solomon, the son of David. Some scholars estimate that the book was compiled around the 5th century B.C.
Proverbs opens with a father's instruction to his son to seek wisdom and avoid evil. Wisdom is personified as a wise woman who will reward those who seek after her. The concept of seeking wisdom is echoed throughout the book, generally in the form of a contrast between wisdom and folly. Other contrasts seen in the book are loving instruction and hating it, seeking riches versus seeking honor, and mans' ways as opposed to God's way.
The middle section of the book of Proverbs contains sayings that provide the reader with instructions for living a righteous life. Most of these sayings consist of one sentence contrasting the wise way of thinking from the foolish. They sound similar to fortune cookies, and are fun to read.
Proverbs ends by bestowing praise upon a virtuous woman, one who works hard and takes good care of her family. The author says that a woman who serves God should be praised over a woman who simply has beauty.
The book of Proverbs is a beautiful book, containing wisdom that has stood the test of time. The ultimate lesson in the book is that seeking the ways of God is the only wise course of action and will result in a happy, healthy life.