Book of Proverbs — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 31 · Written by: Solomon and others · Approximate date: c. 950 BC · Theme: Practical Wisdom

Summary of the Book of Proverbs

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings for righteous living, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with fear of Jehovah and shapes every area of daily life — from speech and work to relationships and personal integrity.

The book of Proverbs is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 31 chapters. It was written by Solomon and others approximately c. 950 BC. The central theme running throughout Proverbs is practical wisdom — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Proverbs

  • Prov 1:7
  • Prov 3:5–6
  • Prov 31:30

Notable Passages in Proverbs

Proverbs 1:7

The foundational statement 'the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom' establishes that true wisdom is inseparable from a correct relationship with Jehovah.

Proverbs 3:5–6

The counsel to 'trust in Jehovah with all your heart and not rely on your own understanding' calls for surrender of personal judgment to Jehovah's direction.

Proverbs 31:30

The affirmation that 'a woman who fears Jehovah is the one who is praised' identifies reverence for Jehovah as the defining quality of true excellence.

Study Questions for Proverbs

As you read the book of Proverbs, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Proverbs 1:7 — 'The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom' — mean, and how does proper fear of Jehovah guide daily decisions?
  2. How does Proverbs 3:5–6 — 'Trust in Jehovah with all your heart' — apply practically when making major life decisions?
  3. What warnings does Proverbs give about the dangers of bad associations, and how do these apply to Jehovah's Witnesses in choosing friends?
  4. How does the description of the 'capable wife' in Proverbs 31 reflect qualities that Jehovah values in all his servants?
  5. What practical guidance does Proverbs give about the use of the tongue, and how can we apply this wisdom daily?

How to Study Proverbs with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 31 chapters of Proverbs in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Proverbs as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Psalms & Proverbs in 60 Days — Soak in the wisdom and poetry of Psalms and Proverbs over two months. (60 days, 181 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Wisdom Literature in 90 Days — Immerse yourself in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon — the poetry and wisdom of the Bible. (90 days, 243 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Hebrew Scriptures

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