An Outline of the Book of Proverbs

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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The book of Proverbs is sometimes called “the young man’s book” (taken from chapter 1:4) because it gives wise and insightful instruction for those inexperienced in life. It presents divine wisdom for our earthly pathway and is helpful for all ages. The aim of the book is to form good character and conduct so that a person will not make a mess out of his life—morally, financially, socially, etc.
Through Observation—“I have seen ... ” (Eccl. 1:1414I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)).
Through Meditation—“I communed with mine own heart ... ” (Eccl. 1:11The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. (Ecclesiastes 1:1)6a).
Through Experimentation—“I had great experience ... ” (Eccl. 1:11The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. (Ecclesiastes 1:1)6b).
The book as a whole has six major divisions. These are marked by a divinely inspired phrase inserted into the text, separating one section from another. The divisions are:
DIVISION I—Twelve Lessons in a Household (Chapters 1-9).
DIVISION II—Solomon’s Wise Maxims (Chapters 10–22:16).
DIVISION III—The Words of the Wise (Chapters 22:17–24:34).
DIVISION IV—The Second Book of Solomon’s Wise Maxims (Chapters 25–29).
DIVISION V—The Words of Agur (Chapter 30).
DIVISION VI—The Words of King Lemuel (Chapter 31).