Proverbs Outline

1. The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
1. The use of the proverbs
7. An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word
10. to avoid the enticing of sinners
20. Wisdom complains of her contempt
24. She threatens her contemners
2. Receive my words, and store up my commandments within you;
1. wisdom promises godliness to her children
10. and safety from evil company
20. and direction in good ways
3. Don't forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments:
1. various exhortations
13. The gain of wisdom
27. Exhortation to goodness
33. the different state of the wicked and upright
4. Listen, sons, to a father's instruction
1. persuades to wisdom
14. and to show wickedness
20. He exhorts to sanctification
5. My son, pay attention to my wisdom
1. Solomon exhorts to wisdom
3. He shows the mischief of unfaithfulness and riot
15. He exhorts to contentedness, generosity, and chastity
22. The wicked are overtaken with their own sins
6. If you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
1. against indebtedness
6. idleness
12. and mischievousness
16. seven things detestable to God
20. the blessings of obedience
25. the mischief of unfaithfulness
7. Warning Against the Adulteress
1. Solomon persuades to a sincere and kind familiarity with wisdom
6. In an example of his own experience he shows
10. the cunning of a harlot
22. and the desperate simplicity of a young wanton
24. He detests such wickedness
8. Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
1. the fame
6. and evidence of wisdom
10. The excellence
12. the nature
15. the power
18. the riches
22. and the eternity of wisdom
32. Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings
9. Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.
1. The discipline
4. and the doctrine of wisdom
13. The custom
16. and error of folly
10. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices
11. A false balance is an abomination to the Lord
1. On Deception
12. Whoever loves correction loves knowledge; he who hates reproof is stupid.
1. Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge
13. A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen
1. a scoffer does not listen to rebuke
14. Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down
1. A wise woman builds her house
15. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath
16. The plans of the heart belong to man; Answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
1. The Plans of the heart
17. Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
1. Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked
18. An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
1. A fool delights not in understanding
19. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
1. Life and Conduct
20. Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler.
1. Proper Living
21. The king's heart is in the Lord's hand like the watercourses.
1. The king's heart in the hand of the Lord
22. A good name is more desirable than great riches
1. A good name is more desirable than great wealth
23. When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;
1. Consider carefully what is before you
24. Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them:
1. Precepts and Warnings
25. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out
1. observations about kings
8. and about avoiding causes of quarrels
26. Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.
1. observations about fools
13. about sluggards
17. and about contentious busybodies
27. Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
1. observations of self love
5. of true love
11. of care to avoid offenses
23. and of the household care
28. The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
1. general observations of impiety and integrity
29. He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption
30. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh
1. Agur's confession of his faith
7. The two points of his prayer
10. The meanest are not to be wronged
11. Four wicked generations
15. Four things insatiable
24. four things exceeding wise
29. Four things stately
32. Wrath is to be prevented
31. King Lemuel: Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
1. Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance
6. The afflicted are to be comforted and defended
10. The praise and properties of a good wife