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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Religion

Book of Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is a biblical wisdom book in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. It offers practical moral instruction centred on wisdom, discipline, and reverence for God.

What it is

Proverbs is an anthology of short sayings, instructions, and reflections rather than a continuous narrative. It is part of biblical wisdom literature and is organized into multiple sections spanning 31 chapters.

Why it matters

The book teaches how to live wisely and righteously in everyday life, covering topics like speech, work, relationships, and justice. Its central theme is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Key details

Solomon is traditionally the principal author, but later sections are attributed to Agur and King Lemuel. Proverbs includes well-known passages such as 3:5-6 and the poem of the virtuous woman in chapter 31.

In short

  • Proverbs is an anthology of wisdom sayings, not a continuous story.
  • Its central theme is the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
  • Solomon is traditionally the main author, with contributions from others.
  • The book has 31 chapters and addresses practical life topics.
Canadian angle

Proverbs is widely read in Canadian Christian communities and is studied in schools, churches, and religious education programs across Canada.

Quick questions

What is the Book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs focuses on wisdom for everyday life, including moral conduct, speech, relationships, work, and reverence for God.
Who wrote Proverbs?
King Solomon is the traditional principal author, but the book also includes material from Agur, King Lemuel, and other collectors.
How many chapters are in Proverbs?
The Book of Proverbs has 31 chapters.

Sources

  1. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — https://bible.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/0
    Supports: Describes Proverbs as an anthology, explains its purpose as teaching wisdom, and outlines its sections and 31 chapters.
  2. Insight for Living — https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-wisdom-books/proverbs
    Supports: Notes Solomon as the principal author and identifies the key headings where his name appears.
  3. BibleHub — https://biblehub.com/proverbs/
    Supports: States that Proverbs has 31 chapters and identifies Solomon, Agur, and King Lemuel as contributors.
  4. GotQuestions.org — https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Proverbs.html
    Supports: Supports Solomon as the principal writer and describes the book’s practical wisdom themes.
  5. BibleProject — https://bibleproject.com/videos/proverbs/
    Supports: Summarizes Proverbs as a collection of short sayings about wise living.