Proverb — Meaning in the Bible
A short, memorable saying that teaches wisdom. The book of Proverbs collects many, mostly connected with Solomon.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Proverbs opens by saying its purpose is to give wisdom and instruction, and that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge". Solomon is said to have spoken three thousand proverbs. Proverbs 1:1–71 Kings 4:32
Proverbs usually describe how life generally works rather than promising outcomes in every case; Job and Ecclesiastes wrestle with the exceptions. Proverbs 22:6Proverbs 26:4–5Ecclesiastes 9:11
Key passages
- Proverbs 1:1–7 — The purpose of proverbs.
- Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the LORD.
- Proverbs 26:4–5 — Two proverbs side by side that need wisdom to apply.
- 1 Kings 4:29–34 — Solomon's wisdom.