Proverbs 3: Man's Religious Duties Anonymous

Religious Duties of Proverbs 3:1-12

According to some, King Solomon was inspired by the Holy Ghost to write the poetic Book of Proverbs. All of Solomon’s writings have literary significance, and the third chapter of Proverbs is outstanding not only in theme but in its use of poetic devices. To understand this chapter, it must be placed in its proper historical and social context and examined verse by verse.

Although a large number of commentators consider the book of Proverbs to be the writings of Solomon, others remain unsure, suggesting that Hezekiah or one of Hezekiah’s servants could have written the book. Lemuel is referred to as another possible author, as his name is mentioned in Proverbs 31. Nevertheless, Proverbs 3 is commonly attributed to Solomon, suggesting it was written around 950 B.C. The final collection of the proverbs may not have occurred until perhaps 700 B.C.

The theme of the Book of Proverbs is clearly written in the first verses of the first chapter: “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” (Proverbs 3: 2-4 KJV)

Proverb 3 begins...