Abstract
The book of Proverbs is a multifaceted collection of instructions, allegorical poetry, sayings, and riddles, with many of its aphorisms and themes making their way into Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions. This chapter considers the form and content of texts contained within Proverbs against the background of ancient Near Eastern instructional literature, as well as various themes explored in Proverbs, such as speech, skill, deception, beauty, desire, and the acquisition of wisdom. While a single, unifying form, principle of organization, or thematic focus cannot be identified, the broader ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean literary genre of the “instruction” can contextualize much of what is found formally and thematically in the work. Proverbs is presented as an anthology, and this can be seen through its titles and delineated collections, and it comes to the reader as a carefully organized display of the best of ancient advice. The anthology throughout emphasizes that wisdom can be acquired, and skill of speech seems to be directly related to skill of good living.