This book unfolds the path of wisdom and way of blessing, not for eternity but for time, and not for heaven but for earth. Its maxims are the result of experience, are fully owned of God, and have been communicated to us by Divine inspiration, hence they are not to be regarded merely as a part of the 3000 proverbs spoken by King Solomon (1 Kings 4:3232And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. (1 Kings 4:32)), for the authority of God is distinctly attached to this book, which is meant to apply to our every-day life and to its multitudinous details. All, whether king or subject, master or servant, father or son, mother or daughter, husband or wife, will find the sayings contained here, invaluable, and he who directs his life accordingly will, under the moral government of God, spend a happy, useful, and prosperous life. The book should he carefully studied by all, and especially would it be to the advantage of the young, were these proverbs stored up in the heart and memory, and right blessed will the man be who orders his life by them. Let it be carefully noted, however, that the book is a faithful and wise directory for earth, not for heaven. It is highly important, also, for the Christian to recognize that he is in title a heavenly man (1 Cor. 15:4848As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (1 Corinthians 15:48)); hence the fuller application of these "Proverbs" to an earthly people, whose place and blessing will be secured for them on this earth by the introduction of God's king.
GENERAL DIVISIONS.
1.-The principles of God's moral government on the earth with individuals. Prov. 1-9.
2.-The application of these principles of God's moral government in the details of daily life. Prov. 10-24.
3.-The application of general truths and principles to daily life, briefly and tersely expressed. Prov. 25-29.
(The foregoing divisions are each introduced with the preface "The Proverbs of Solomon.")
4.-The words of Agur (Prov. 30.) and of King Lemuel (Prov. 31.), the former rich in moral truth, and the latter describing the character of a good king and a virtuous woman. Prov. 30., 31.