The book of Proverbs is one of the five books of wisdom that are in the Old Testament. The other four are: Job, Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes. These books were written by wise men who were called on to give advice and counsel to all people on matters of practical living. These sages concerned themselves with living practically and wisely. The prophets and priests dealt more with the religious side of life.
The book of Proverbs is a long series of wise statements and sentiments. In this book, you will find guidance for living well. It is important to remember this as you read through. It is not a book of prophesy. You should not read it and take everything as promises.
For example, Proverbs 10:27 says that the years of the wicked are cut short, while the righteous live long and prosperous lives. Generally speaking, this is true. If you stay good and honest and obedient to God, you will probably live longer than someone who does not. But that is not a guarantee. Just because you love God and obey him is no guarantee that you will wake up tomorrow morning. Conversely, living an evil life with a total disregard for God is no sure way to know that you are going to die young. You could live to be a hundred year old rebel against God. It has been done many times. But the wisdom here is that you will live well and are more likely to live longer if you live under the direction of God's word. To do that is the beginning of wisdom.
So keep the genre (the type of literature) that you are reading in mind as you go along. This is wisdom literature. In the book of Proverbs you will find the sayings of men who gained wisdom from God for how to make excellent choices in life.
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