Not So Fast There

(Pro 1:1 KJV) The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

Here is a good place to look again at how to interpret the Bible.  One difficulty is not allowing for all the literary devices.  The Bible has hyperbole, metaphor, word pictures and so forth.  A bigger problem is focusing on one verse and thinking this is the final word.  Understanding a verse in the Bible demands that you make an attempt at understanding the Bible as a whole.  Obviously not everyone is at the same level on this but we can all put on our thinking caps and make a stab at it.

If you were just starting to read the Bible and chose Proverbs, the first verse might give you the impression that the Book of Proverbs was written by Solomon.  Many people who have been reading the Bible for years still think that is the case.  I might suggest that you take a quick look at how the last chapter starts,

(Pro 31:1 KJV) The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

You will find others that are connected to Proverbs besides Solomon.

So?  This is not a trick book.  It is meant to be read, understood and applied.  It is also meant to be studied and meditated on.  Chapter one is a good place for that to start.