The book of Proverbs can be divided into two large sections: chapters 1–9 and chapters 10–31. The first nine chapters consist of the instructions of a father to his son about living a wise, moral, and upright life. The latter chapters are collections of miscellaneous proverbs by various authors, primarily Solomon.

The father’s teachings to his son in the first nine chapters are almost always introduced by an admonition to grasp and live by the father’s principles of wisdom (Proverbs 1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 7:1). Thankfully, we have Solomon’s admonitions to a young man to consider for our own lives. It has been said that “a chapter [of Proverbs] a day will keep foolishness at bay.” The 31 chapters of this book of wisdom fit neatly into a month’s worth of daily devotional reading. Consider that suggestion a word to the wise!

Modern parents could imitate Solomon by reviewing a proverb a day at mealtimes or bedtime with their children. Proverbs—words to the wise—make sound building blocks for life.

The wise weigh all things by the Word.
Henry T. Mahan