@fredsbend I guess I am mainly wondering a few things: (1) Does your view here apply specifically to Proverbs or would you apply it to the Old Testament in general, and (2) if the latter how typical a view is this among Protestants -- it seems very foreign to me as a Catholic. I'm used to thinking of any verse anywhere in Scripture as being in some way relatable to Christ and to Christian doctrine.

I should point out that I don't know if there is official Catholic support for my viewpoint. I have no formal training in Scripture studies -- have simply adopted this viewpoint by default because it seems to me that it is often at least implicit in Catholic sermons and in the Fathers.

There are several kinds of writings in the OT. History, Poetry, Wisdom (Proverbs and maybe Psalms depending on who you talk to), Prophecy (divided into Major and Minor Prophets, which refers to the size of the book only [Jonah is a Minor Prophet book and Isiah is a Major Prophet book]), and, of course, Law (or Doctrine). Now, not all of these are even recognized and not all books fit neatly into them.

There are also probably others that people prefer over these or in addition to.

This view is dependent on what I think is the single most important thing in exegesis: You must read the text from the perspective of the intended audience. As far as I know, to the Jew, the Law is Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The others have different purposes and can serve for certain things, but are worthless without the Law. The Law is the pivotal point that all the OT hangs on.

Also, as far as I know, this opinion the Jews hold has not really changed since the giving of the Law.