Proverbs is one of the three Wisdom Books in the Bible along with Ecclesiastes and Job. It contains sayings and observations from King Solomon intended to instruct his son in wisdom. Wisdom in Proverbs refers to moral clarity and applying truth to practical living in a way that leads to optimal and skillful living. The purpose of Proverbs is to provide wisdom, instruction, discernment, righteousness, justice, equity, prudence, and knowledge especially for young people. Wisdom comes through reflection, observing others' experiences, divine revelation, and proven insights from elders. The purveyor of wisdom is bold, certain, and morally grounded in passing on lessons, while the student of wisdom is humble, teachable, and receptive in

2. PROVERBS IS…
One of three “Wisdom Books” (along with Ecclesiastes and
Job)
A “kingly” collection of sayings, insights, instructions, and
inspired observations from Solomon, son of David, King of
Israel
Characterized as the instruction of an elder (Father) to a son
“Proverbs” is translated from the Hebrew word “mashal”. Root
word is a verb describing the act of ruling, reigning, or
exercising dominion!
Centered on understanding and applying WISDOM

3. WISDOM IS…
(well, first of all, wisdom is NOT merely “cleverness”, nor is it the amassing of
knowledge for its own sake)
MORAL CLARITY
TRUTH APPLIED TO THE PRACTICAL MATTERS OF
LIVING
PRINCIPLES THAT LEAD TO OPTIMAL LIVING (YOUR
“BEST LIFE”) or SKILLFUL LIVING
(see Ex. 28: 3 – “skillfull persons = “wise of heart” who create
skillfully executed garments)

4. THE PURPOSE OF PROVERBS (KEY WORDS)
Wisdom and Instruction
Ability to discern Sayings of Understanding
Righteouness, Justice, and Equity
Prudence
Knowledge and Discretion (especially for the
young)
(Prov. 1: 2 – 6)

5. WISDOM COMES BY…
Reflection and Examination
Observation of the Experiences of Others
Divine Revelation
Moral Clarity
Proven insights of one’s elders

6. THE PURVEYOR OF WISDOM IS…
Bold
Certain
Morally Grounded
Ready to Pass On What He / She Has Learned

7. THE STUDENT OF WISDOM IS…
Humble
Teachable
Receptive
Honored to Blessed with Instruction
Ready to Apply What They Learn