Proverbs is a collection of sayings attributed to Solomon. There are probably multiple authors or editors of the sayings, and there are a variety of ways to view the groupings. There is, throughout, a strong emphasis on gaining wisdom. It is the predominant theme of the entire book. But there are other themes as well that are frequently stated. Speech is mentioned frequently, in a positive and negative way. Obviously, our wisdom, or lack of it, is connected in many ways to our speech (the things we talk about, the things we focus on). Righteousness is another theme that pops up repeatedly, linking godly wisdom with righteous living. Justice, discipline, diligence, character, and conduct are all prominent. Clearly, all these attributes reflect godly wisdom, all supposedly coming from the wisest man ever to exist. 

Proverbs should not be read like a list of commandments. The truths proclaimed in this book are neither guarantees nor imperatives such as those found in the Mosaic Law. In other words, the tenets expressed in Proverbs are not promises. They are intended to be expressions of practical wisdom for God's people in leading lives that put God on display. As believers, we are to be set apart. Proverbs helps us to understand exactly what that looks like on a day-to-day basis.

Pro 1:1-7 acts as an introduction to the Book of Proverbs. It sets the tone and states the primary message of the book, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;" The authors will develop this theme throughout the book.