The Five Purpose Statements of Proverbs

The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

1. To learn (know) wisdom and moral instruction.

2. To discern wise counsel.

3. To receive moral instruction in skillful living., righteousness, justice, and equity.

4. To impart shrewdness to the morally naive and a discerning plan to the young person.

   (A parenthetical note follows this purpose statement in Chapter 1 verse 5 indicating that the purpose of Proverbs is not just for the youth or naive student. “Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!”) (NET)

5. To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise, and their riddles.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.http://netbible.com All rights reserved.