Verses 1-27

This division of the book is introduced in the first verse of chapter 25, as the “proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied out.” What these words mean it is difficult to say, except in the general sense that the teachers of Hezekiah’s period selected and gathered together wise sayings that had been written, or handed down orally in previous generations. They may have been those of Solomon only, and yet his name may be attached to them simply because they were now made part of his general collection. They contain admonitions to the fear of God and the righteousness, addressed partly to kings, and yet also to their subjects. They also contain warnings against evil conduct of various kinds (chap. 26); against conceit and arrogance (chap. 27); against unlawful dealings, especially of the rich with the poor (chap. 28); and against stubbornness and disobedience (chap. 29).