Religious Duties of Proverbs 3:1-12Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay According to some, King Solomon was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the poetic Book of Proverbs. All of Solomon's writings have literary significance, and the third chapter of Proverbs is exceptional not only for its theme but also for its use of poetic devices. To understand this chapter, it is necessary to place it in its appropriate historical and social context and examine it verse by verse. Although a large number of commentators consider the book of Proverbs to be the writings of Solomon, others remain uncertain, suggesting that Hezekiah or one of Hezekiah's servants could have written the book. Lemuel is pointed to as another possible author, as his name is mentioned in Proverbs 31. However, Proverbs 3 is commonly attributed to Solomon, suggesting it was written around 950 BC The final collection of proverbs may not have occurred until 700 BC approximately. of the Book of Proverbs it is clearly written in the first verses of the first chapter: “To know wisdom and instruction; perceive words of understanding; receive instruction in wisdom, justice, judgment, and fairness; to give subtlety to the simple, to the young wisdom and discretion”. (Proverbs 3:2-4 KJV) Proverb 3 begins with the famous words, “My son.” Solomon uses these words repeatedly as he opens a new chapter or theme. According to some commentators, Solomon repeats his mother's words, indicating that the proverbs he writes are actually his mother's. There are other commentators who believe that "my son" simply expresses Solomon's loving care for his audience. As a father loves his children, so Solomon writes his proverbs out of love for the reader. Solomon continues the first verse of Proverbs 3 by fervently asking the reader to remember God's Law and keep His Commandments. The way Solomon brings this message to the fore is remarkable. First, it states what the reader should not do. Then, in Proverbs 3:5 Solomon begins a new thought or theme: trusting in God. Solomon warns against trusting in one's own knowledge or that of other men. He guides the reader to trust in God, motivating him in the next verse with the promise that God will direct the paths of those who acknowledge Him. Solomon then warns against vanity and vainglory. It reveals that turning away from evil is healthy for the body, referring to the spiritual body or soul. As a further rebuke of vanity, Solomon commands the reader to honor the Lord with both substance and wealth. This practice began with Cain and Abel, who offered the fruits of their labor to the Lord, and is also found in the apostles' command to men to give alms to God, thus establishing the importance of paying homage to God. Solomon writes that by doing so you will prosper even more, as further encouragement and promise. In the final verses of this study, Solomon advocates punishment. In verses eleven and twelve he writes about comfort in affliction, stating that the Lord punishes out of love. He uses the comparison of a father's love towards his children to help the reader understand the need for correction. In the opening verses of Proverbs 3, Solomon uses many poetic devices to support his points. Solomon begins Proverbs 3:1 by warning, “Do not forget my law.” He does not say, “Remember my law,” because that would not have the same emphasis. More importance is given to the same idea by using a double negative. In Proverbs 3:3, especially in the verse: “Do not let mercy and truth forsake you: bind.