Proverbs, Book of. This is a collection of wise maxims woven into a didactic poem, and making up a popular system of ethics. They are a guide of practical wisdom, the moral philosophy of the Hebrews. We may divide the book of Proverbs into four parts. 1.Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs 1:2-22, Proverbs 1:3-35, Proverbs 1:4-27, Proverbs 1:5-23, Proverbs 1:6-35, Proverbs 1:7-27, Proverbs 1:8-36, Proverbs 1:9-18, a discourse extolling true wisdom, and specially urging the young to secure so excellent a possession. To this we find prefixed a title and introduction, 1:1-6, intended possibly to apply to the whole book. 2. A collection of maxims generally unconnected, inculcating moral precepts which respect both man's duty towards God and his behavior to his fellow-creatures Proverbs 1:910. 3. A more connected address, with various admonitions, and a charge to listen to the words of the wise Proverbs 1:922. 4. An appendix, chaps. 25-31, comprising (1) a collection of Solomon's proverbs which Hezekiah's servants copied out, chaps. 25-29; many of those which are comprised in the second part are here repeated; and (2) chaps. 30, 31, the words of Agur, etc. The book of Proverbs is frequently cited or alluded to in the New Testament. It is, indeed, a treasure-house of ethical wisdom, filled with choice sententious aphorisms, far excelling those of all secular and uninspired sages, and inculcating all moral duties.