Proverbs Chapter 1

“The proverbs of Solomon, etc.] Who is said to make three thousand proverbs, (<110432>1 Kings 4:32); but whether any of them are contained in this book cannot be said: however, it is certain that they are not all in it, since, if you except the first “nine” chapters, which are the introduction to the Proverbs, there are but six hundred and fifty-nine verses in it; and if they are taken in, they make but nine hundred and fifteen, which are not a third part of the proverbs said to be made by him: however, here are as many and such as God thought fit should be preserved for instruction in all future ages. It was…”

“After the title the writer defines the design and nature of the instructions of the book. He paternally invites attention to those instructions and warns his readers against the enticements of the wicked. In a beautiful personification, wisdom is then introduced in a most solemn and impressive manner, publicly inviting men to receive its teachings, warning those who reject, and encouraging those who accept, the proffered instructions. (Pro. 1:1-33)”

“The long exhortation Proverbs 1–9, characterized by the frequent recurrence of the words “my son,” is of the nature of a preface to the collection of the “Proverbs of Solomon” Proverbs 10:1. On Proverbs 1:1-7, see the introduction to Proverbs. return to 'Top of Page'”

“To know - Written to help men to know throughly and practically. Both human wisdom to conduct our affairs in this life, and Divine wisdom. Instruction - The instructions delivered either by God, or men, in order to the attainment of wisdom. To perceive - Which teach a man true understanding. Proverbs 1:3”

“1:1 Solomon is the foremost authority on Israelite wisdom (see 1 Kgs 3:1-28; 4:32). Many proverbs are ascribed to Solomon, but he did not write all of them (see Prov 22:17; 24:23; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1).”

“proverbs: Pro 10:1, Pro 25:1; Kg1 4:31, Kg1 4:32; Ecc 12:9; Joh 16:25 Solomon: Sa2 12:24, Sa2 12:25; Kg1 2:12; Ch1 22:9, Ch1 28:5, Ch1 29:28 Proverbs 1:2”

“The external title, i.e., the Synagogue name, of the whole collection of Proverbs is משׁלי (Mishle), the word with which it commences. Origen (Euseb. h. e. vi. 25) uses the name Μισλώθ, i.e., משׁלות, which occurs in the Talmud and Midrash as the designation of the book, from its contents. In a similar way, the names given to the Psalter, תּהלּים and תּהלּות, are interchanged. This external title is followed by one which the Book of Proverbs, viewed as to its gradual formation, and first the older portion, gives to itself. It reaches from Pro 1:1 to Pro 1:6, and names not only the contents and the author of the…”