Question

Given what we have learned about wisdom and Proverbs, to whom should we conclude Proverbs 1-9 applies?

uncles
daughters
everyone
grandmothers
aunts
grandfathers
fathers
mothers
sons

Answer 1

Directly and repeatedly the books address "my son" — i.e., sons/young men (see Proverbs 1:8; 2:1; 4:1; 5:1). However, the purpose statements (e.g. Prov. 1:4 — to give prudence to the simple and knowledge to the young) and the universal character of wisdom make the teaching applicable to everyone.

So: immediate audience = sons/young men; application = everyone.