There can be little question that many, if not all, of the proverbs in these sections were recorded during Solomon’s reign.

Just when all these proverbs were put into final form is not precisely known. The last time indicator appearing in the book itself is a reference to Hezekiah’s reign. (25:1) So there is a basis for believing that the proverbs were compiled in book form by the time of that ruler’s death in c. 717 B.C.E. The repetition of certain proverbs suggests that the book was compiled from various separate collections.