Throughout the entire Book of Proverbs, wisdom receives the highest praise. The following statements are typical: "Get wisdom, get understanding; . . . Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
In one sense, the wisdom to which reference is made is a human achievement, but wisdom is also of divine origin. It has its source in the deity even though it must be received and understood by human minds. The Book of Proverbs assumes that divine revelation is communicated to individuals through careful and correct thinking, as well as through prophetic inspiration. This conception leads to the view that the wise man lives in harmony with the divine will; the fool brings disaster upon himself. This concept of wisdom is so closely related to that of the deity that in some instances it is personified and said to be the divine agent involved in the creation of the world. However, this emphasis on wisdom is not intended to encourage original thinking; it is the wisdom received by the men of old that should be passed on from one generation to another.
The practical character of the Book of Proverbs can be seen in the instruction concerning the type of conduct that should be observed in the affairs of daily living. A wise man is described as one who looks to the future but makes plans for the present. He does not squander his time or his money on momentary pleasures; he is a hard worker who does not try to gain his livelihood by infringing on the rights of other people; he is diligent in his business and courteous to friends and neighbors, and he governs well the affairs of his own household; he is generous in his giving, but he does not lavish gifts on those who fail to put forth efforts to supply their own needs; finally, he is temperate in his habits, respectful of the rights of others, and obedient to the laws of the land.
