Wisdom and Warnings:
A Bible Study into the Book of Proverbs

The Authorship

The first and foremost author of the Book of Proverbs is Solomon:

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;" (1:1).

He probably wrote chapters 1-29. Chapter 30 is attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh (30:1). Chapter 31 is attributed to King Lemuel - the prophecy or teaching that his mother taught him (31:1).

Purposes of the Book of Proverbs

Proverbs 1:2
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

Proverbs 1:3
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

Proverbs 1:4
To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion;

Proverbs 1:5
 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 1:6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Note in verse 4 the use of the word, "subtlety". That word comes from the Latin word subtilis, which means "fine", "delicate", according to the American Heritage College Dictionary. Among the meanings given for the word "subtle" we find that it can mean, "Able to make fine distinctions such as a subtle mind." In the Matthew Henry Commentary (pages 763-764), we find that the book of Proverbs will help us:








































  1. To form right notions of things, and to possess our minds with clear and distinct ideas, that we may know both how to speak and act wisely.

  2. To distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil - for understanding words of insight.

  3. To order our conversation aright.





To sum up we must read and study the Book of Proverbs:

  1. For instruction;

  2. For a better grasp of justice, wisdom, judgment, and equity;

  3. For "fine tuning" thought quality

  4. For knowledge;

  5. For developing greater discretion;

  6. To increase one's learning;

  7. For wise counseling;

  8. To understand the proverbs and their interpretations;

  9. To understand the words (teachings) and dark sayings of the wise;

  10. To hear what God - the Eternal - has to say and about His ways.

To Whom the Book was Written

It is obvious that Solomon, the king of Israel and son of David, was writing to his male descendants and all the young males of Israel as he addresses them in totality as "my son." Such an address can be found in the following references: Proverbs 1:8, 10, 15;  2:1;  3:1, 11, 21;  4:10, 20;  5:1, 20;  6:1, 3, 20;  7:1;  19:27;  23:15, 19, 26;  24:13, 21;  27:11;  31:2.

It is certainly a fitting book for all youth and adults to read and study for spiritual wisdom or insight.

Main Themes and Topics of the Book

A.   Wisdom

One would be hard put to come up with any topic other than wisdom as being the most referred to theme or topic in the book of Proverbs. There are at least 100 references to "wisdom", "wise men", or "being wise" in this book. Plus, there is one section where Wisdom, personified, calls and speaks (1:2-7, & 20-33), and still another section where we hear, as it were, the voice of Wisdom (8:1, 4-36). Linked to this or coupled with it is the matter of which comes up as the next theme but which can hardly be separated from wisdom in essential meaning. In many verses listed below as wisdom references you will find understanding mentioned as well. You might want to make special note of those verses.

"Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech" (1:20-21).

Wherever men are found, wherever they come together, wisdom, that is based on the fear of the Lord, cries out to be acknowledged, accepted, and allowed to guide and direct men's lives. Today the voice of wisdom or her teachings come to us over the air waves, from the printed page, as well as from those who follow God and live according to His ways. The call can be heard. Jesus Christ said,

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."

Wisdom, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers you to make right decisions - decisions that lead to living a life of righteousness.

In 1 Kings , chapter 3, one can read as to how Solomon came to acquire great wisdom. God told Solomon to ask for whatever he desired most earnestly. Solomon asked for wisdom so that he might be able to govern his people properly and wisely. That gained for him God's favor and brought him rewards. See verses 10-12. In Halley's Bible Handbook Solomon is credited with having vast business enterprises, and that he was famous for literary attainments.

"He wrote 3000 proverbs, 1005 songs, and scientific works on botany and zoology."

See verses 32-33. Attributed to him are three books of the Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

What you should do if you want wisdom?

  1. Accept God's word (2:1).

  2. Store up His commands.

  3. Develop an "ear" for wisdom (2:2).

  4. Set your heart to get understanding (2:2).

  5. Call out - cry aloud for understanding (2:3).

  6. Search for it as if it were a treasure (2:4).

There are promises and rewards for you if you seek wisdom:

  1. You will understand the fear of the Lord (2:5).

  2. You will find the knowledge of God (2:5). Jesus Christ said, "Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened up unto you", (Matthew 7:7, see also Matthew 5:6, 6:21-23, 6:33, and 7:11.)

  3. From the Lord will come knowledge and understanding (2:6).

  4. Victory is in store for the upright (2:7).

  5. God will be a shield to anyone whose walk is blameless (2:7).

  6. God guards and protects the faithful ones (2:8).

  7. You will understand what is right and just (2:9).

  8. Wisdom will enter into your heart (2:10).

  9. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul (2:10).

Other important Bible Scriptures about seeking wisdom may be found in Daniel 2:20-22, Isaiah 51:7, 25:8, & 11:1-9, Psalms 1:1-6 and 19:7-11, and James 3:17.

Without wisdom one is bound to follow in the ways of wicked men and women - to go the way of death.

  1. Their words are perverse (2:12; Romans 3:11-14, James 3:8).

  2. They walk in dark ways - love darkness rather than light (2:13, 1John 1:5-6, Psalms 91:6, Ecclesiastes 2:14, Luke 1:79, John 1:19).

  3. They rejoice in evil, perverseness, and wickedness (2:14; Hebrews 11:25, Luke 8:14, 2Timothy 3:1-7).

  4. They won't go straight but follow a crooked path (2:15; Matthew 7:13-14, Philippians 2:15).

  5. They are devious and deceptive (2:15; Ephesians 4:14, Matthew 24:24, Romans 3:13, Mark 7:22, Proverbs 7:22).

  6. They ignore covenants - especially marriage bonds (2:17, Romans 1:22-32).

  7. They may even communicate with the dead - deal in spiritualism (2:18, Romans 1:22-32)

B.  Understanding

One who has true wisdom also will have understanding. This especially applies to spiritual things. One with wisdom understands God's principles and His teachings. He knows God's laws are good and are right for him or her. This person applies them in every day living. Yea, he or she not only knows God's laws but loves them as did David, the psalmist. The Holy Spirit that he or she possesses helps to impart that understanding to the believer.

One very moving story found in 1 Kings 3:16- 28 shows plainly that Solomon understood human nature. With that understanding as to how women and especially mothers think and react, he was able to render the proper judgment in the case involving two women who claimed to be the mother of one baby. Verse 28 reads as follows:

"And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment."

C.   The Commandments or God's Law

King David, Solomon's father, said of God's commandments:

"Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts. Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. " (Psalm 119:98-100, 104).

The Apostle Paul told Timothy,

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness " (2 Timothy 3:15.16).

The laws of God certainly play a key role in instruction in righteousness and for men and women to be able to obtain the wisdom of God as taught by His Holy Spirit.

The following texts in the book of Proverbs make reference to the commandments or God's law:
Proverbs 2:1-2, 22; 3:1-2; 4:4; 6:20-23; 7:1-3; 8:32; 13:13-14; 16:17; 19:16; 23:26; 28:4, 7, 9; 29:18; 31:5

D.   Sin and Iniquity - The Breaking of God's Law

153 verses in Proverbs make reference to sin and iniquity which is defined in the Bible as the breaking of God's law. It is the subject of virtually one whole chapter. So this topic belongs in the list of the major themes of the Book of Proverbs. In this book we gain an insight into the ways of sinful human beings.

The following texts make reference to sin and iniquity:

1:10-18, 29, 32 8:36 18:6-13 31:5. 23:29-30
(Key text: 7 things 24:8-9, 16-24 the Lord hates)		 28:17, 23-25
2:12-16 10:17-18 19:1-5, 26-29 25:14, 18, 23, 28 29:22-27
4:14-17, 19 12:20 20:19-20 26:1-28 30:8-14
5:12-14, 22 16:27-30 21:2, 4, 13, 18, 24-27 27:3-8  
6:1-2, 12-14, 16-19 17:4-5, 15, 19-20, 23-25 22:8, 12-13    

Note especially the references to the strange (whorish) woman:

5:3-6, 20 7:10-27
(The last text gives a graphic description of the ways and techniques employed by the harlot)		 11:22
6:24-29 9:13-18 30:19-20.

Contrast the texts just cited with the text which offers praise for the virtuous woman: 31:10-31.

The following is a list of things or persons that the writer of the Book of Proverbs claims are abominations unto the Lord. The first seven are found in Proverbs 6:16-19 :

  1. A proud look

  2. A lying tongue

  3. Hands that shed innocent blood

  4. The heart that devises wicked imaginations

  5. Feet that are swift in running to mischief

  6. A false witness;

  7. One that sows discord among brethren

  8. Lying lips 12:22

  9. The sacrifice of the wicked 15:8

  10. The way of the wicked 15:9

  11. He that justifies the wicked 17:15

  12. He that condemns the just 17:15

  13. Divers weights and measures 20:10, 23.

E.   Comparisons & Contrasts

A big key to understanding and appreciating the Book of Proverbs is recognizing it as a book of many comparisons and contrasts. To give you a flavor of this, the comparisons and contrasts found in chapters 2 through 12 are presented below. Each comparison given is preceded by the chapter and verse where it can be found.

2:20-22 The good man, the righteous, the upright / the wicked, the transgressors
11:9 A hypocrite / the just
   
3:32 The froward (perverse, crooked, devious etc.) / the righteous
11:10 The righteous / the wicked-effect of both on society
   
3:33 The wicked / the just
11:11 The upright / the wicked
   
3:34 The scorners / the lowly (meek)
11:12 He that is void of wisdom / a man of understanding
   
3:35 The wise / the fools
11:13 A talebearer / a faithful spirit (or person with)
   
10:1 A wise son / a foolish son
11:14 Where there is no counsel / having a multitude of counselors
   
10:2 Wickedness / righteousness
11:15 He that is surety / he that hates suretiship

"Surety" Means a guarantor or giver of security (The International Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. V, page 2872). Judah was surety to his father Jacob that Benjamin would safely return from Egypt (Genesis 43:9). He pledged his life on his safe return. See also Job 17:3 where it indicates that they shook hands - "strike hands" - manifesting the suretiship was taking place. However, the Book of Proverbs condemns the practice. No mention is made of it in the Mosaic Law. See also Hezekiah's desire of God's surety in Isaiah 38:14. Jesus is called "the surety of a better covenant." (Hebrews 7:22).
   
10:3 The righteous / the wicked 11:17 The merciful man / he that is cruel
   
10:4 He that deals with a slack hand / the diligent 11:18 The wicked / he that sows righteousness
   
10:5 A wise son / he that sleeps at harvest time 11:19 Righteousness (and life) / evil (and death)
   
10:6 The just / the wicked 11:21 The wicked / the righteous
   
10:7 Memory of the just / name of the wicked 11:23 Desire of the righteous / expectation of the wicked (Refer back to 10:28)
   
10:8 The wise in heart / a prating (chatting, talking idly, using empty words) fool 11:24 The one that scatters (deals out to others in need) / one that withholds (blessings)
   
10:9 He that walks uprightly / he that perverts his ways 11:25-26 The liberal soul / he that withholds
   
10:10 He that winks / a prating fool 11:27 He that diligently seeks good / he that seeks mischief
   
10:11 A righteous man / the wicked 11:28 He that trusts in riches / the righteous
   
10:12 Hatred / love 11:31 The righteous / the wicked and the sinner
   
10:13 He that has understanding / he that is void of understanding 12:1 He that loves instruction / he that hates reproof
   
10:14 Wise men / the foolish 12:2 A good man / a man of wicked devices
   
10:16 The labor of the righteous / the fruit of the wicked 12:3 Wickedness / the righteous
   
10:17 He that keeps instruction / he that refuses reproof 12:4 A virtuous woman / she that brings shame
   
10:19 One that uses a multitude of words / he that refrains his lips 12:5 Thoughts of the righteous / counsels of the wicked
   
10:20 The tongue of the just / the heart of the wicked 12:6 Words of the wicked / mouth of the upright
   
10:21 The righteous / fools 12:7 The wicked / the house of the righteous
   
10:22 A fool / a man of understanding 12:8 One that is commended for wisdom / one despised for his perverse heart
   
10:24 Fear of the wicked / the desire of the righteous 12:9 He that is despised / he that honors himself
   
10:25 The wicked / the righteous 12:10 A righteous man / mercies of the wicked
   
10:27 (Those with) the fear of the Lord / the wicked 12:11 He that tills his land / he that follows vain persons
   
10:28 The hope of the righteous / the expectation of the wicked 12:12 The wicked man's desire / the root of the righteous
   
10:29 Strength of the upright / destruction to the workers of iniquity 12:13 The wicked / the just
   
10:30 The righteous / the wicked 12:15 Way of a fool / he that hearkens to counsel
   
10:31 The mouth of the just / the froward tongue 12:16 A fool's wrath / a prudent man
   
10:32 Lips of the righteous / mouth of the wicked 12:17 He that speaks the truth / a false witness's deceit
   
11:1 A false balance / a just weight 12:18 One who speaks like "the piercing of a sword" / the tongue of the wise
   
11:2 Pride / lowliness (meekness) - what comes or is found with each described here 12:19 The lip of truth / a lying tongue
   
11:3 Integrity of the upright / perverseness of transgressors 12:20 Those that imagine evil / counselors of peace
   
11:4 Riches / righteousness 12:21 The just / the wicked
   
11:5 Righteousness of the perfect / wickedness of the wicked 12:22 Lying lips / they that deal truly
   
11:6 The upright / transgressors 12:23 A prudent man / heart of fools
   
11:8 The righteous / the wicked 12:24 The diligent / the slothful
   
  12:26 The righteous / way of the wicked
   
  12:27 The slothful man / a diligent man

Now you are encouraged to go through the rest of the texts in Proverbs, studying the contrasts to be found in them.

Key Verses in the Book of Proverbs

These verses were determined by their content, by how they emphasize the themes of the book, by the degree to which they speak to doctrines that are vital to our faith, and to the degree by which they become powerful verses in the way they impact upon us:

3:1-2 My son, forget not My law; but let thine heart keep My commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
 
17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
     
6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. (See Psalm 119:105, 119:97-104, 119:165 as well as Proverbs 7:1-3).   18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe. (It would seem to indicate here that the man of God does not necessarily need a "rapture" or physical "place of safety". His real safety is found in the Lord.)
     
8:15-16 By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles even all the judges of the earth.   18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
     
9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.   19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.
     
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is joy.   19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
     
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight.   19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
     
13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.   20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
     
13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (Note: Betimes can mean early, in good time, in due time, early in life, before too late, or while there is yet time. Reference from Archaic Words and the Authorized Version by Vance.)   21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
     
14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (same as Proverbs 16:25).   24:3-4 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
     
14:26-27 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.   27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
     
15:5 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.   28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
     
15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness.   29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
     
16:1 The preparation of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.   29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
     
16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.   29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
     
16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!   30:5 Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.
     
17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.   31:31 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be priased.
     
17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.    

Wisdom Verses in the Book of Proverbs

For those who would want to find true wisdom or to know how to exercise wisdom (act wisely) the following verses are offered as good sources for help and direction. Take heed to what they say:

4:18 Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life.   24:33-34 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travaileth; and thy want as an armed man.
     
9:9 Give instruction to a wise man , and he shall be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.   25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
     
22:4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.   25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
     
22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.   25:21-22 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee (see Matthew 5:44).
     
22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.   27:1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth
     
22:17-21 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise and apply thine heart unto knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee: they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge? That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?   31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. (Remember Samson - how his strength left him when he gave in to the seductive strange woman.)
     
24:21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change.   31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The "Heart" in Proverbs

The following texts make reference to the heart - the center of thought. Each reference is given in a short, concise meaning, not the entire verse.

2:10 Wisdom enters the heart.   17:16 He has no heart to do it.
3:3; 7:3 The tablet of your heart.   17:22 A merry heart - like a medicine.
3:5 Trust in the Lord with all the heart.   18:2 The heart may discover itself.
4:4, 21 Let your heart retain His words.   18:12 Heart of man is haughty.
5:12 Evil hearts despise reproof.   18:15 The heart of the prudent.
6:18; 12:20; 19:21 The heart devises wicked imaginations.   19:13 The heart can fret against the Lord.
6:21; 7:3 The commandments are to be bound on (in) your heart.   19:21 Devices in a man's heart.
7:10 A harlot with a subtle heart:   20:5 Heart of a man like deep water.
7:25 Not to let your heart decline (give in to) her ways:   20:9 "Make my heart clean."
8:5 To be of an understanding heart:   21:1 The king's heart (See also 25:3).
10:20 Heart of the wicked - of little worth.   22:15 Heart of a child (foolishness bound up in it).
10:8 Those wise in heart will receive the commandments.   22:17; 23:12 Apply your heart unto knowledge– to instruction.
11:20; 17:20 A froward heart.   23:7 As he thinks in his heart.
12:20 Deceit in the heart:   23:7 His heart is not with Me.
12:12 Hope deferred (put off) makes the heart sick.   23:15 If your heart be wise.
14:10 The heart knows bitterness.   23:15 My heart shall rejoice.
14:13 The heart can be sorrowful even amid laughter.   23:17 Let not your heart envy sinners.
14:14 A backslider in heart.   23:19 Guide your heart.
14:30 A sound heart - the life of the flesh.   23:26 "Give me your heart." (See also Romans 12:1-2)
14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart.   23:33 Your heart ...utter perverse things.
15:7 The heart of the foolish.   24:2 Their hearts study destruction (concentrates mainly on).
15:11 Hearts of the children.   24:17 Let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.
15:13, 15 A merry heart & the countenance. (See also 17:22)   15:20; 31:6 A heavy heart– heavy hearts.
15:13 Sorrow of the heart.   26:25 Seven abominations in his heart.
15:28 The heart of the righteous.   27:29 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart.
15:30 Light of the eyes rejoices the heart.   27:11 Make my heart glad.
16:1 Preparations of the heart.   27:19 The heart of man to man.
16:5; 21:4 The proud in heart: (See also 24:12)   28:14 Hardens his heart.
16:9 Man's heart devises his way.   28:25 A proud heart stirs up strife.
16:21 The wise in heart.   31:6, 11 The heart of her husband.
16:23 The heart of the wise.    
17:3; 21:2; 24:12 The Lord tries the hearts. (also ponders the heart).    

The Lord in Proverbs

The following texts in the Book of Proverbs make reference to the Lord. "The Lord" can be found 84 times in Proverbs. The most common is "the fear of the Lord" -11 times. You can also find, "feareth the Lord."

2:5, 17 9:10 16:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 20, 33 21:1, 2, 3, 12, 30, 31 26:10
3:4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 19, 26, 32, 33 10:3, 22, 27, 29 15:5 (His maker), 15 22:2, 4, 12, 14, 19, 23 28:5, 25
5:21 11:1 18:10, 22 23:17 29:13, 25, 26
6:16 14:2, 26, 27, 31 (His maker) 19:3, 14, 17, 21, 23; 24:18 30:5, 9
8:13, 22, 35 15:3, 8, 9, 11, 16, 25, 26, 29, 33 20:10, 23, 27 25:2 31:30

Analysis in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible

This author has found the Thompson Chain Reference Bible to be a great help in many Bible studies. But an examination of the analysis of Proverbs, on page 198 of the Help section, finds the analysis lacking in complete coverage of the Book of Proverbs. Only one key verse is listed. Going to the list of "Subjects Specially Discussed" you will find no reference to the commandments of God and no reference to sin and iniquity in general. Wisdom is not in their list of subjects discussed. The "heart" is also missing. You will not find any listing of references where the Lord is mentioned.

However, for whatever benefit may be rendered by its inclusion in this study, the list of subjects so given in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible is now given here:

Anger: 14:17, 29; 15:18; 16:32; 19:11.   Prudence: 12:23; 13:16; 14:8, 15, 18; 15:5; 16:21; 18:15; 27:12.
     
Benevolence: 3:9, 10; 11:24-26; 14:21; 19:17; 22:9.   Scorners: 3:34; 9:7; 14:6; 19:25; 24:9.
     
Children, correction of: 13:24; 19:18; 22:6, 15; 23:13, 14.   Strife: 3:30; 10:12; 15:18; 16:28; 17:1, 14, 19; 18:6, 19; 20:3; 22:10; 25:8; 30:33.
     
Fools: Slanderous, 10:18; Short-lived, 10:21; Mischief-makers, 10:23; Self-righteous, 12:15; Irritable, 12:16; Mock at sin, 14:19; Talk nonsense, 15:2; Insensible, 17:10; Dangerous, 17:12; Visionary, 17:24; Meddlesome, 20:3; Despise wisdom, 23:9; Stupid, 27:22; Self-confident, 14:16; 28:26; Garrulous, 29:11.   Temperance: 20:1; 21:17; 23:1-3, 20; 23:29-35; 25:16; 31:4-7.
     
Friendship: 17:17; 18:24; 19:4; 27:10, 17.   The Tongue: 4:24; 10:11-32; 12:6, 18, 22; 13:3; 14:3; 15:1-7, 23; 16:13, 23, 27; 17:4; 18:7, 21; 19:1; 20:19; 21:23; 26:28; 30:32.
     
Indolence: 6:6-11; 10:4, 5; 12:27; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4, 13; 22:13; 24:30-34; 26:13-16.   Unjust Gain: 10:2; 13:11; 21:6; 28:8.
     
Knowledge, Divine: 15:11; 21:2; 24:12.   Wealth: 10:2, 15; 11:4, 28; 13:7, 11; 15:6; 16:8; 18:11; 19:4; 27:24; 28:6, 22.
     
Oppression: 14:31; 22:22; 28:16.   Women, evil: 2:16-19; 5:3-14, 20, 23; 6:24- 35; 7:5-27; 9:13-18.
     
Pride: 6:17; 11:12; 13:10; 15:25; 16:18, 19; 18:12; 21:4, 24; 29:23; 30:13.   Women, good: 5:18, 19; 31:10-31.

Author's Marking Method Used for Study of Proverbs

The following color-coding system was used to help make one's Bible reflect an individual's study. It also makes it easier to, at a glance, to catch themes and words of special significance.

Gold : The Lord Red: All words or verses dealing with sin and iniquity (In all verses contrasting good and evil, the part dealing with sin and evil is red.) Yellow: Key verses
     
Orange: Wisdom and wise Brown: Understanding Dark orange & underlined: Covenant
     
Green: The Law, commandments, the righteous, the upright. (Beginning with chapter 10, the part of each verse dealing with the just doing what was right in accordance with God's Law and will is also in green) Purple: King or prince or throne Heavily underlined: All references to "my son" (also "O men" and "O ye children")
    Circled: All references to "heart".

You may wish to develop your own marking method for study using some of these ideas. The important think is that you study - not the method. A personally marked Bible will help you recalling your previous study each time you read your Bible. May the Eternal grant you wisdom as you study His Word.

All scriptural references (e.g. 1:1, 30:1, etc.) are from the Book of Proverbs unless otherwise noted.
All scriptural quotes taken from the King James Version Bible