Proverbs — Book front (modern spelling)

The Original Douay-Rheims (1582/1609), orthography normalized only: spelling regularized and apparatus names modernized, while the 1609 vocabulary, pronouns, and -eth/-est endings are kept. The argument opens with the tail of the general argument to the Sapiential Books (the "All five are Canonical" paragraph, establishing the canonicity of the five books and King Salomon's authorship of the three former), then passes under the print's own display heading into the argument of Proverbs proper, dividing the book into four parts.

The Argument of the Book of Proverbs

All five are Canonical and assured holy Scripture: as is shewed before, and may be further proved of the two later, which Protestants deny. It is also evident that King Salomon was Author of the three former: as S. Ierom, S. Augustin, and other Fathers prove by the holy text itself. As it is likewise certain that he either writ, or at least by divine inspiration uttered, much more then is now extant. For the holy Scripture (3. Reg. 4.) testifieth, that he spake three thousand Parables: and his Songs were a thousand and five. He disputed of the trees from the cedar that is in Libanus, unto the hyssop which cometh out of the wall: and he discoursed of beasts, and fowls, and creeping worms, and fishes. Josephus (li. 8. c. 2. Antiq.) following some other Edition, saith his songs were five thousand, and parables (as the ordinary text hath) three thousand. For he deduced a parable (saith Josephus) throughout every kind of trees, from the hyssop to the cedar. In the same manner he treated of beasts, and other living creatures of the earth, water, and air. For he was not ignorant of any natural thing, neither omitted to treat thereof, but clearly explicated all their natural proprieties. Most briefly S. Ierom declareth both the Author, and matter of these three books, saying: Salomon the Peaceable, and amiable of our Lord a correcteth manners: b teacheth the nature (of creatures) c joineth the Church and Christ; and singeth the sweet bridal song of the holy Marriage.

THE ARGUMENT OF THE PROVERBS

THE first book called Proverbs, that is, common & usual pithy sentences, short in words, ample in sense; and Parables, signifying likeness or similitudes, whereby more important things are understood then expressed; instructeth and exhorteth new beginners, to learn, and practise all sorts of virtues, the only right way to true Wisdom and eternal happiness. It may be divided into four parts. In the first nine chapters the author interposing certain general precepts, produceth wisdom herself inviting all men to seek her, for the spiritual profit, they shall thereby enjoy. From thence to the 25. chap. he giveth sundry more particular precepts, as well for embracing virtues, as shunning of vices. In the next five chapters, more like precepts of the same author, are added by the care of King Ezechias. In the two last chapters, either another Author, or rather the same under another title, commendeth to all men certain most excellent precepts, received of his mother; Whereto he adjoineth the praise of a right wise woman: prophetically the Catholic Church.