Book of Proverbs facts for kids
| Old Testament (Tanakh) |
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Old Testament Books of the Old Agreement common to all Christians and Jews)
Additional Books (common to Catholics and Orthodox)
Georgian Orthodox |
The Book of Proverbs is a special book found in both the Tanakh (for Jewish people) and the Old Testament (for Christians). It's full of important lessons and good advice. While some parts teach about being good to God, many verses offer helpful tips for everyday life. Even people who aren't religious can find this advice useful.
Contents
Who Wrote the Book of Proverbs?
Most experts believe that Solomon, a very wise king, wrote at least some parts of the Book of Proverbs. Other writers are mentioned too. However, in an old Greek version of the Bible called the Septuagint, King Solomon is seen as the writer of the whole book.
Here's a quick look at who is thought to have written different parts:
| 1:1 | Solomon |
| 10:1 | Solomon |
| 25:1 | Solomon (copied by King Hezekiah's helpers) |
| 30:1 | Agur, son of Jakeh |
| 31:1 | Lemuel (or his mother) |
| 31:10-31 | Someone whose name we don't know |
When Was Proverbs Written?
It's not totally clear exactly when the Book of Proverbs was written. Because King Solomon is linked to some parts, and King Hezekiah's men copied other parts, we have some clues about the time. However, we don't know the exact date it was finished. It might have been completed as late as the third century BC.
What's Inside the Book of Proverbs?
The Book of Proverbs is divided into different sections, each with its own focus.
Praise for Wisdom
The first part of the book, from Chapters 1 to 10, mostly talks about how great Wisdom is. Wisdom is described like a woman, but this doesn't mean she's a real person. It's a way to show how important and valuable wisdom is. Christians believe that Jesus is the best example of God's wisdom. Some of the good qualities of Jesus are similar to the "Wisdom" described in Proverbs.
Short Sayings and Poems
The middle part of the book, from Chapters 10 to 29, has many short, independent verses. These are written in a style called Hebrew Poetry. Each verse usually has two parts. Sometimes, the second part gives the opposite idea of the first. For example, it might say, "Hard workers get rich, but lazy people become poor." Other times, the two parts repeat the same idea using different words.
A Poem About a Good Woman
The very last chapter of the book is a famous poem. It praises a "virtuous woman," which means a woman with excellent qualities. This chapter was written by "King Lemuel," but his mother taught him these words. It's one of the few parts of the Bible that is believed to have been written by a woman.
Images for kids
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Papyrus Bodmer VI, showing a Coptic translation of Proverbs (from the 4th or 5th century AD)
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Solomon writing Proverbs (artwork by Gustave Doré)
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A part of Proverbs 3 displayed at Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine
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A page from the Book of Proverbs in a Bible printed in 1497
See also
In Spanish: Proverbios para niños
