Both books are collections written by several authors, with one predominant author in each book. These collections form part of the Old Testament. Both books point the reader to God. They give us insight into God’s character. Psalms offers us a glimpse into men’s hearts who followed the living God and actually sought God at some point in their lives. It answers our need of emotion. Proverbs gives us principles by which to live, but emotion is not one of its elements.
Psalms is a collection of sacred poems/songs.
In all the Psalms there is an element of praise. Many are prayers to God. In Psalms the heart of the writer is revealed and his dependence upon God is made manifest. There are several authors: Moses, David, Asaph, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, and the sons of Korah. Some psalm writers are anonymous. Most of the psalms were written by David. Here are a very few verses from Psalms. Psalm 7:10 – My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
Psalm 8: 1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who has set thy glory above the heavens.
PSALM 40: 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Proverbs is a book of wise sayings, many of which state principles. The many sayings were authored by either Solomon, Agur, Lemuel, or other unnamed persons.
Solomon is responsible for most of the proverbs. When I think of Proverbs, I think of a book of facts. It is like a list of things under the heading of wisdom.
Here is just a very small sample of some of the proverbs: Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is a house builded; and by understanding it is established: Source(s): Liberty Annotated Study Bible: King James Version The Psalms are Songs.
They are very lyrical and highly figurative the way most songs and poems are. They are written by a wide variety of authors over a period of hundreds of years, one as late as the destruction of the second Temple by the Romans. Many were written by David. Proverbs are wise sayings. They are not meant to be sung. They are not poems. They are simply one-liners, sound bites, that are valuable to know. It is said that Solomon wrote Proverbs. The Hebrew Psalms are so beautiful when you hear them sung in the Holy Tongue … written and compiled by David from Moses to Ruth (none after him).
Musical instruments were used, like the harp. (imagine if he had a keyboard? lol) Daily the Psalms or Tehillim is recited by Jewish people collectively and individually, as the desire occurs to offer praise and thanksgiving to G-d; or alternatively, in times of crisis and need, as a form of supplication, and even as a venue to express regret for sin. Even today, I recite the Psalms on the occasion of needing prayers for help, guidance, praise, or for God to heal someone, so if a person is 20, I recite 21 in his or her name, hoping that what ever happens it will be the Will of God.
Other songs have been written but none have had the lasting power or grace as the Psalms. As to outdo his father David, Solomon composed the Proverbs, instructions that fit us in each generation for the ups and downs we hit in the road to do good deeds in His Name. 1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, [are]; 2. To know wisdom and discipline, to comprehend words of understanding; 3. To receive the discipline of wisdom, righteousness, justice, and equity; 4. To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth. . Let the wise man hear and increase learning. The understanding man shall acquire wise counsels 6. to understand an allegory and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. 8. Hearken, my son, to the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the instruction of your mother; 9. for they are a wreath of grace for your head and a necklace for your neck. Of course we can learn a lot by studying each line and how it relates to our lives today.
Same applies to the depth of wisdom of the Psalms of David. Source(s):Psalms and Proverbs. I have a great tape I bought on line with the Psalms sung in Hebrew, so beautiful. Something to say that the Psalms are songs for our souls. I really like the part about do not forsake the instruction of your mother … from Proverbs, good going Solomon! One difference between Psalms and Proverbs is how Psalms is David responding to God – man praising, and praying to God. While Proverbs focus is on man’s dealings with fellow man – illuminated by divinely inspired wisdom.
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