How were the proverbs collected?

Last Sunday, we listened to the words of Agur in Proverbs 30. This week, we’ll hear from King Lemuel. With so many different voices being introduced, have you stopped to consider how the book of Proverbs was collected?

The book of Proverbs is not a single work that was penned in one sitting. Instead, much like the Psalms, it is a collection of wisdom that took years to compile. Understanding how it was compiled helps us to appreciate its rich diversity and it also shows us how figures like Agur and Lemuel fit into the grand scheme of things.

How were the Proverbs collected?

1. Solomon’s Proverbs (Proverbs 1–24)

Solomon, the son of David, was uniquely gifted with wisdom by God (1 Kings 4:29–34). Scripture records that he spoke “three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32), many of which are preserved in the book that bears his name. The opening nine chapters form an extended, heartfelt appeal—urging the reader to pursue wisdom above all else. These are followed by a central collection of concise, memorable sayings in chapters 10–22. Together, they showcase the moral clarity, practical insight, and God-centered perspective that made Solomon’s wisdom renowned throughout the ancient world.

2. The Men of Hezekiah (Proverbs 25-29)

Two centuries after Solomon, King Hezekiah of Judah initiated a revival that included preserving Israel’s literary heritage. Proverbs 25:1 notes:

“These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.”

The men of Hezekiah deliberately preserved and organized Solomon’s earlier wisdom writings ensuring that this wisdom would not be lost. This shows us that the book was shaped by careful editorial work over time and not something that was just thrown together haphazardly.

3. Wisdom from Beyond Israel

The first twenty-nine chapters of Proverbs come from within Israel, but the last two introduce us to two unexpected voices: Agur and Lemuel. Their names and the contexts suggest they were probably non-Israelite, possibly from the Arabian region. This reminds us that God’s wisdom is not limited by ethnicity or geography. Truth belongs to the Lord, and He may speak it through whomever He chooses.

• Agur (Proverbs 30) speaks with humility, confessing his limitations and marveling at the wonders of God’s creation. He uses vivid imagery and number-based sayings to provoke reflection and draw attention to God’s greatness.

• Lemuel (Proverbs 31) preserves the words of his mother, who counseled him on righteous leadership, moral purity, justice, and the value of a godly wife. 

Why Does This Matter?

1. God’s Providence in Preservation

The presence of Agur and Lemuel in Proverbs is no accident. The Spirit of God guided the collecting, preserving, and arranging of this book. From Solomon’s royal court to Hezekiah’s scribes, from a humble sage to a king’s mother, every voice was included by divine intention.

2. The Universality of Wisdom

The inclusion of non-Israelite voices affirms that God’s truth transcends national and cultural boundaries. Just as Melchizedek, Job, and the Magi appear in other parts of Scripture, Agur and Lemuel remind us that wisdom can come from unexpected places—though it is always tested against God’s Word.

When you open Proverbs, you are not just reading ancient advice. You are hearing the voice of the living God, speaking through kings and commoners, Israelites and foreigners, parents and poets, to make you wise for life in His world.