Proverbs : Christian Community Bible

Introduction to Proverbs

The word of God came to the people of Israel in different ways. We have already said how the prophetic books and the historical books originated: they arose from the prophets’ preaching and from reflection on the history of Israel in religious circles.

There were also men, of a very different disposition, who were more interested in reflecting on human behavior, the ups and downs of life, the role of wealth, the different destinies of those who are irresponsible and those who control their desires. Their main concern was to know if there is justice in this world. The Israelite literature is termed “sapiental.” King Solomon assembled the first “wise men.”

These books which were preserved and recognized by the religious community are no less a work of God than are the prophetic books: it is a word of another kind which presents life and faith under another aspect.

In the first section (chapters 1–9), we find a meditation on the Wisdom of God, from which all human wisdom proceeds. The height of this contemplation on divine Wisdom is found in the famous eighth chapter.

NOTE: excerpted from the introductory material for this book.