uncovered proverbs of other nations as well.11 The main di erence is not in style, but in content Compare the following two proverbs What is the notable difference? “Do not lean on the scales, nor falsify the weights, nor damage the fractions of the measure” (proverb of Amen-em-ope, of Eygpt) “Di ering weights and di ering measures, both of them are abominable to the LORD” (proverb of Solomon, 20:10) IV SURVEY Read the rst verse of each chapter of Proverbs What headings (or titles) appear at these points: 1:1; 10:1; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1? (Also, read 22:17.) Do these verses suggest any organization of the book? Most books of the Bible have an introduction and a conclusion Look for these in Proverbs For the introduction, begin reading the rst chapter How many verses would you identify as an introduction? The identi cation of a conclusion is more di cult The last segment is about a virtuous woman (31:10-31) If this is not the conclusion, then the previous segment should be included (31:1-9) But if 31:1 is a part of the conclusion, then the similar heading of 30:1 should also be included Therefore, one might say that Proverbs concludes with an epilogue of two supplements (chaps 30-31) The introduction, then, could be called a prologue Using 1:1-6 as the extent of that introduction, the basic structure of the book would be this: Chart 73 shows the various divisions of Proverbs which we have observed thus far, and includes outlines of content Answer the following questions on the basis of the chart: a) Where in the book is the purpose of Proverbs stated? b) What group of chapters develops the primary theme of the book? c) Where is there a concentration of oneverse proverbs? d) What part of the book is addressed especially to young people? Confirm your answer by these verses: 1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; and so forth e) What groups of chapters are specifically assigned to Solomon? Make a nal scanning of the book of Proverbs with survey Chart 73 in mind V PROMINENT SUBJECTS A KING SOLOMON The book of Proverbs is not a narrative about Solomon, but its pages reveal much about this wise man (Consult a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia for a sketch of his colorful career.)12 Solomon was a unique character in many ways; he was musician, poet, botanist, zoologist, businessman, administrator, and king From Kings 3:12 and 4:29 we learn that his wisdom was a direct gift from God This was in answer to Solomon’s petition (1 Kings 3:5-9) He was the author of 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32) Read Kings 3:16-28; 4:29-34; and 10:1-9, noting other things said about Solomon B PERSONAL ETHICS The proverbs are God’s detailed instructions and exhortations to His people concerning their thought-and-deed life ... book is the purpose of Proverbs stated? b) What group of chapters develops the primary theme of the book? c) Where is there a concentration of oneverse proverbs? d) What part of the book is addressed... shows the various divisions of Proverbs which we have observed thus far, and includes outlines of content Answer the following questions on the basis of the chart: a) Where in the book is the purpose... this is not the conclusion, then the previous segment should be included (31:1-9) But if 31:1 is a part of the conclusion, then the similar heading of 30:1 should also be included Therefore, one