Book of Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is commonly divided into three sections:

1. ch. 1 – 9, which contain an exhibition of wisdom as the highest good.
2. ch. 10 – 24, a collection of "the proverbs of Solomon"
3. ch. 25 – 29, another collection of "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied"

These are followed by three supplements

1. "The words of Agur" (ch. 30); and
2. "The words to king Lemuel" (ch. 31,1–9).
3. The praise of the good wife (ch. 31,10–31)

As stated in Proverbs 1:2-6, the purpose of this book is to instruct and teach how to deal successfully with life.

"It is fitting that the Book of Proverbs should end on the importance of finding a good wife. It has warned against sexual impurity all along the way. The book has also exalted the role of women, and even personified wisdom as a woman worthy of marriage. The young man, beginning his life of service to God, can be ruined or made successful by his decision of a life partner (31:23). His choice of a wife is the first test of his character, and his success depends on her character as well." Arnold, B. T., & Beyer, B. E. (2008). Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey (Second Edition) (320–321). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.