Proverbs 1:1-3

New Catholic Bible

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 1:1 The final formulation of the Book of Proverbs—which took place in the fifth or fourth century B.C.—represents the end of a lengthy process. This set of collections in which very diverse maxims and sayings are piled up, often without any order, requires an introduction. This has been composed by a writer whose concern is to emphasize the value of wisdom for the life of the people of his time.
   In accordance with an ancient custom in the matter of wisdom, the masters who taught it placed it under the patronage of a sage; our author chooses Solomon and attributes the whole Book of Proverbs to him (see 1 Ki 4:32; Eccl 1:1; Song 1:1). The sapiential reflection of Israel certainly did not cease after this exceptional king, whose prestige was based first and foremost on his balanced and sound discernment. It was perhaps in his time (tenth century B.C.) that the line of these teachers of morality, the sages, began.
   Wisdom is an ancient value, and it is handed over only to the person who knows how to listen and study and to become a disciple: “Listen, my son” is a formula that recurs endlessly. This conception of things has been formed in the experience of life, the reflection of schools, and the consciousness of a people. In making use of ancient sayings, one is initiated not into formulas but into an act of doing and thinking, into a way of life that is both human and religious. Wisdom is certainly knowledge but not one that is theoretical; rather, it is a knowledge of how to act, a teaching and understanding of life. It can find its deepest source in the fear of the Lord, i.e., in faith and devotion, in fidelity to the law, in a word, in the certainty that the Lord is present in one’s life.
   Wisdom is ancient but it is also a treasure! For everyone is invited to learn it, i.e., to experience the values that give true meaning to a person’s life.
2. Proverbs 1:1 Solomon: the First Book of Kings (5:12) mentions the wisdom of Solomon as well as his creation of proverbs and songs. He also appears in the headings of Proverbs in 10:1; 25:1 (see also Eccl 1:1, “son of David”; Song 1:1).
3. Proverbs 1:2 Wisdom: i.e., skill in living, in accord with God’s plan. The Book of Proverbs advises its readers to obtain wisdom (4:5), for it is more valuable than silver or gold (3:13-14). In the New Testament, Christ is called the wisdom from God (1 Cor 1:30; see Col 2:3). Discipline: a way of forming people that eliminates ignorance and leads them away from evil.