In this chapter Longman introduces the book of Proverbs. Different aspects of the book are explored: it title, canonicity, place and function in the canon, authorship, date, social setting, text, genre (wisdom), literary style, structure, ancient Near Eastern background, Sumerian wisdom, Egyptian instruction, and Akkadian wisdom. Next Longman considers aspects of the theology of Proverbs: the fear of the Lord, sources of wisdom, wisdom and creation, wisdom and law, retribution, and the afterlife. Then follows a reflection on the reading of Proverbs in the light of the New Testament.