1:1 proverbs. The Hebrew word has a range of meanings, but is usually applied to an aphorism or maxim in a wisdom context. The prologue (1:1–7) applies to the whole book and the variety of wisdom sayings it contains, all broadly classified as “proverbs.”

Solomon. Although Solomon wrote many proverbs (1 Kin. 4:32), the words of sages other than Solomon are apparently included under this heading (e.g., Agur, 30:1; and Lemuel, 31:1). Even in the materials attributed to Solomon, something other than direct authorship may be involved. The roots of proverbial traditions in folk experience make it unlikely that Solomon was the exclusive originator of all the proverbs that he wrote down (Introduction: Author).