1. AUTHOR. – Most of them were probably written by Solomon, and some by later writers unknown. It is not certain that all that Solomon wrote were original with him.

2. DATE. — Part of the book was written as early as 1000 B. C., and part as late as 700. Whether any of it was still later is not known.

3. LITERARY CHARACTER. — The book is made up of pithy sayings of an ethical, or religious character, put in forms that could be easily remembered, and that strikingly impress the truth.

4. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To apply the truths of the Law to the everyday life of men; to show the evils that result from a course of sin, and to emphasize the obligation to live righteously. It is intended to apply to every aspect of life, and to men in all conditions.

5. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Part I. Praise of Wisdom, Ch. 1-9.

Part II. Practical maxims, Ch. 10-22:16.

Part III. Justice commended, Ch. 22:17 24:34.

Part IV. Proverbs copied out by the men of Hezekiah, Ch. 25–29.

Part V. Words of Agur and Lemuel, Ch. 30–31.

6. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS. — This book applies to everyday life the laws and religious principles that are given in the Law and the Prophets.' It considers the practical side of truth. It may be regarded as the outgrowth of the Law, the Prophets, and the Historical Books.