Proverbs is an anthology of wisdom sayings. While the main superscription associates the book with Solomon (1:1), elsewhere we find contributions by anonymous sages (22:17), Agur (30:1), King Lemuel’s mother (31:1), and the men of Hezekiah (25:1). However, it is Solomon who is featured—being mentioned not only in the main superscription but also in 10:1; 25:1.
We observe in the historical texts of the Bible an international context to wisdom. Once realized, it is not such a shock to see just how much of Israelite wisdom is shared with Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Aramaic wisdom texts. The wisdom found in the book of Proverbs is often discovered also in ancient Near Eastern wisdom. The modern comparative study of Proverbs began in earnest with the publication of the “Instruction of Amenemope.”
As more Egyptian wisdom has been published and analyzed, it has become clear that even if there is something of a special relationship between Proverbs and Amenemope, other ancient Near Eastern texts share many of the same values and principles as Proverbs and Amenemope. This is true not just of other Egyptian texts but also of Mesopotamian and especially Aramaic texts.
This is not to deny that there are also differences between the values expressed by the Bible and those by the surrounding wisdom literature. But apart from numerous points of detail, the fundamental difference between Biblical and ancient Near Eastern wisdom is the ultimate motivation for behaving in a wise manner: namely, fear of Yahweh, the true God. ◆
Key Concepts
• Proverbs are general statements that affirm godly values and virtues.
• There are two ways, and the way of wisdom is to be chosen over the path to destruction.
• Wisdom is the foundation of a godly life.
• We show wisdom in the way we speak and the way we interact with others.