The following is part of a personal project that can help students of the Bible to get a bigger picture of what each book of the Bible contains. I like the passage lookup feature that allows you to see the verse quickly!
The Use of Proverbs
A proverb in general is a short, pithy saying. As a form of literature it is very old in use. Every nation and people has used these. This type of literature was especially loved be Oriental people including the Hebrews. These sayings pop out here and there in the prose sections of the Bible. “As is the mother, so is her daughter” (Ezekiel 16:44), and “The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are on edge” (Ezekiel 18:2). We are also told that Solomon spoke 3000 proverbs and his songs were 1005 (1 Kings 5:29).
The book has five distinct sections:
The superiority of wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-9)
Practical proverbs from Solomon (Proverbs 10:1-22:16)
Words of the wise (Proverbs 22:17-24:22)
Proverbs of Solomon copied by the scribes of Hezekiah (Proverbs 25-29)
A general section containing the words of Agur and King Lemuel, and the description of, or tribute to, a worthy woman (Proverbs 30-31)
General Comments
The book is not theoretical or speculative, but highly practical in nature. It is concerned with conduct, behavior or wise living. It has been considered a “business manual for young men” since its constant appeal is to young men. The object seems to inspire young men to honesty, purity and industry. Life is viewed as very simple: The man who followed the path of wisdom would prosper, while the man who ignored wisdom would fail. The first being wise and the latter being a fool — there was no middle ground.
The first section is devoted to the praise of wisdom. This begins with a right relationship with God. The young man is warned against the vices of treachery, violence, laziness, discord, drunkenness, and especially against questionable women. The emphasis is on personal purity.
The superiority of wisdom - Proverbs 1:1-9:18
The wise man’s purpose (Proverbs 1:1-7):
Solomon’s place is the wisdom movement is indicated by Proverbs 1:1, where the whole book was credited to him (even though later parts clearly indicate that he was not the author of all the proverbs). Solomon was looked upon as the father of Israelite wisdom, being the most famous of the wise men. These introductory verses state the purpose of the proverbs.
Three groups are mentioned (Proverbs 1:2-3):
-
Men who needed wisdom and instruction
-
Men who needed words of insight
-
Men who receive instruction in wise dealings with righteousness, justice and equity
The simple needed prudence, while youth needed instruction and discretion (Proverbs 1:4). Even the wise man needed to increase in learning and to acquire skill to understand the proverbs, figures of speech and words with riddles of the wise (Proverbs 1:5-6). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and fools despise wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
The way to a good life (Proverbs 1:8-9:18)
-
Son, listen to your elders (Proverbs 1:8-19) A father pleaded with his son to turn a deaf ear to bad companions. He warned him to avoid their ways. In following the way of robbery, violence and bloodshed, he would be setting a trap for himself because violence breeds violence.
-
Wisdom’s sermon to the simple (Proverbs 1:20-23). Wisdom was given human characteristics. She went into busy places in the city to act as a prophet. Her sermon was addressed to the simple–those who had no wisdom. It was a warning to accept her leadership. If they did not, she would mock them when calamity came. She would ignore their pleas for help, for judgment had fallen.
-
Son, listen to wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-22). A father called his own son to actively seek wisdom, for it came from the Lord. Because the Lord was the source, wisdom had great benefits for those who lived by it. To follow the path of integrity and justice was to be led by the Lord. Increased understanding of righteousness and justice would result. The ability to make right decisions would help him who followed wisdom to avoid evil men and evil ways. Most of all, he would avoid loose women who would lead him to the grave. His companions would be good men. His life would be blessed, while the wicked would be destroyed. Here was a common theme of this type of wisdom literature: personal goodness brought blessing; bad conduct brought judgment. There was no allowance for the prosperity of the wicked, nor the poverty of good men.
-
Son, let the Lord lead you (Proverbs 3:1-35). Loyalty and faithfulness characterized the good life. Loyalty to the Lord was supreme. To trust the Lord and to follow his ways was the simplest and best way of life. When the Lord corrected a person, it was because of love. Those who understood this were wise. Such wisdom made life pleasant and meaningful. Fear would be removed from life, for the Lord would keep His own safe, regardless of the disaster. In relation to neighbors, one would live in peace and do whatever promised promptly. One should not be contentious, nor should one be jealous of evil people. They would come to a bad end.
-
Son, get wisdom and insight (Proverbs 4:1-27). The father told of his father’s teaching that the supreme aim in life was to get wisdom. With it one could have protection and great honor. The wise person lived a long life, for with wisdom one learned how to avoid the pitfalls of life. In contrast, the wicked would only lead one astray. The wise man would stay away from the wicked men because they could not sleep unless they had done wrong. The road the righteous traveled got lighter, but the road of the wicked led into darkness. Life should be lived with care and planning, and characterized by truth and honesty. A person who lived in this fashion could hold up his head without shame.
-
Son, beware of that wild woman (Proverbs 5:1-22). One of the most vivid passages in Proverbs contains the warnings against consorting with an adulteress. Her smooth and seductive speech sounded sweet, but it led to death. The best thing was to keep far away from her, because all she brings is ruin. Instead a man should “drink water” from his own well and love the wife of his youth. The eyes of the Lord were on men, so the wicked man cannot escape the consequences of sin.
-
Son, remember four important things (Proverbs 6:1-19): A man should be careful about giving security for another man’s debt (Proverbs 6:1-5). The diligence of the ant in its work should be an example to the lazy man (Proverbs 6:6-11). A man should beware of the wicked man’s words and ways, which would bring him to disaster (Proverbs 6:12-15). The final warning was a number of proverbs using seven examples of the kinds of disgusting things that the Lord hated (Proverbs 6:16-19).
-
Son, wisdom will keep you from the wicked woman (Proverbs 6:20-35). A man who listened to the wisdom of his parents would be able to avoid loose women. The adulteress was even more dangerous than the harlot, for the harlot would only take a man’s money while the adulteress would take a man’s life. A jealous husband would take no payment to sooth his anger. Instead, in his rage he would take a man’s life.
-
Son, let’s talk more about wicked women (Proverbs 7:1-27). Wisdom could keep a man from trouble, especially trouble involving someone else’s wife. The father told of a personal observation. He saw a naive young man passing the house of an adulterous woman. She came up to him, kissed him boldly, and told him that she had plenty of delicious food, a waiting bed, and an absent husband.
-
Wisdom’s sermon to men (Proverbs 8:1-36). Wisdom was personified as a woman standing in the city gate addressing the passersby. In the sermon she spoke of her value to mankind (Proverbs 8:1-11); the high position she held in the affairs of life (Proverbs 8:12-16); the rewards that came to those who sought her (Proverbs 8:17-21); and her role in creation as first of the created things and companion of God in creation (Proverbs 8:22-31). The prudent person would eagerly seek wisdom (Proverbs 8:32-36).
-
The two ways: the wise and the foolish (Proverbs 9:1-18). Prosperity was a sign of God’s blessings. So, wisdom was pictured as having a beautiful house, vast flocks from which to choose animals of sacrifice, and an overflowing table to which she could invite those who lacked her blessings (Proverbs 9:1-6). There followed verses that compared the most foolish of the foolish with the wise men. The prize for the most foolish of men went to the scoffer who thought he knew something, but actually knew nothing. One could rebuke a scoffer, and it would only make him worse. Rebuke a wise man, and he would become wiser. He knew that the fear (awe) of the Lord was the beginning of real wisdom (Proverbs 9:7-12). A final word about the foolish woman ends the section (Proverbs 9:13-18).
The proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs 10:1-22:16). This section ascribe to Solomon is completely made up of what is called “one-liners;” not in the sense that they are jokes, but in the sense that their message is contained in one line of Hebrew poetry (two lines in the English translation). These short, pointed sayings each contain a simple truth designed to tell any person who hears them some lesson about how to live in relation to his fellow man. They are strung together like beads, each one different; but each one is concerned with how to live a good life in human society.
This section is made up of brief proverbs on a wide variety of subjects. Among these are sayings emphasizing the virtue of industry and condemning the habit of indolence. There are statements of proper business relations such as debt, notes of security and so forth. One of the most popular topics is that of the tongue. Improper and inconsiderate speech is the cause of endless strife, suffering and ruin. The young man is warned against strong drink. The virtue of friendship is exalted. A true friend is one’s greatest possession, but one can have only a few true friends.
The fact that these are called the “proverbs of Solomon” did not mean necessarily that all of them were from Solomon. They were probably from many lands and many sources. The fact that Solomon collected proverbs and was noted for his wisdom made it natural that his name would be attached to such collection.
There was no attempt made to put these proverbs in any sort of logical order. Indeed, it would be difficult to do so. While many proverbs in this section have antithetical parallelism, there are others which do not. Of those that are antithetical, some examples of contrasts are:
1) The wise and the foolish (Proverbs 10:1)
2) The proud and the humble (Proverbs 16:19)
3) The righteous and the wicked (Proverbs 13:25)
4) Good and bad wives (Proverbs 12:4)
5) Truth and falsehood (Proverbs 14:25)
There are examples of synonymous parallelism (Proverbs 16:11, 18:17).
The book of thirty sayings (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This was probably a teacher’s book of instructions to a pupil about some of life’s important relationships. By it, the pupil could see what was “right and true.” Then he could give a “true answer” to whomever questioned him (Proverbs 22:17-21).
This section shows striking similarities to an Egyptian text slightly older than Proverbs, known as “The Wisdom of Amenomope.” Several of the sayings (on oppression, the tongue, getting rich, and others) are almost identical. Why would God include secular wisdom in the Bible?
-
All truth is God’s truth, no matter where it is found
-
These proverbs were first sifted through Israel’s faith before they were included in the Bible
-
God could have chosen to reveal his truth to the Egyptians, perhaps even to one who believed in the living God.
The reference to the thirty sayings (Proverbs 22:20) also occurs in the Egyptian text.
While some of its admonitions follow the one-line pattern of the previous section, for the most part they cover several lines. For instance, there was an instruction on eating with a ruler (Proverbs 23:1-3); how to discipline children (Proverbs 23:13-14); the inevitable warning about wicked women (Proverbs 23:26-28); a rather long warning against excessive wine drinking, and a warning to fear the Lord and the king (Proverbs 24:21-22). One piece of advice was repeated twice, the second time being somewhat longer than the first (Proverbs 22:28, 23:10-11).
The sayings of the wise ended with an appendix which contained condemnation on showing favoritism in judgment (Proverbs 24:23-25, a word on getting ready for work (Proverbs 24:27), a warning against bearing false witness and spite actions (Proverbs 24:28-29), and a description of the lazy man (Proverbs 24:30-34).
More “Proverbs of Solomon” (Proverbs 25:1-29:27). This section is also made up individual one-liners. The title suggests that king Hezekiah’s time was a time when interest in wisdom was blossoming since these were said to be Solomonic proverbs collected by the “men of Hezekiah” (Proverbs 25:1). After two longer sections on the power of the king (Proverbs 25:2-7) and one on conduct in court (Proverbs 25:8-10), there follows a mixture of proverbs using:
-
Comparison (Proverbs 25:14)
-
Contrasts (Proverbs 28:6)
-
Other poetic forms (Proverbs 29:14)
The words of Agur and Lemuel (Proverbs 30:1-31:31).
Agur (Proverbs 30:1-33). This chapter is made up of two types of material. There is a conversation (Proverbs 30:1-9) where the “man,” who may have been Agur, told two men named Ithiel and Ucal that he had seen no evidence of God (Proverbs 30:2-4). He was told in return that God’s every word is true and that he protects those who take refuge in Him (Proverbs 30:5). The speaker looks on life’s highest gifts as being food and truth (Proverbs 30:6-9).
The second section begins with a series of statements beginning “There are those who.” In those groups were those who cursed their fathers (Proverbs 30:11), who were “pure in their own eyes” (Proverbs 30:12), who were proud (Proverbs 30:13), and who were greedy (Proverbs 30:14).
There followed a series of “numbers proverbs” that sound like a formula in the oracles of the prophet Amos: “For three transgressions and for four” (Amos 1:3). Most of them use the three-four formula, although one (Proverbs 30:15-16) uses two, three and four, and another lists four things that “are small but they are exceedingly wise” (Proverbs 30:24-28). Three shorter proverbs were mixed in with the numbers proverbs (Proverbs 30:17, 20, 32-33)
King Lemuel means “belonging to God” (Proverbs 31:1-31).
This chapter contains a mother’s advice to her son (Proverbs 31:1-9) and the OT highest tribute to a woman–the description of a good wife (Proverbs 31:10-31). The first part is about a queen’s advice to her son on how to rule wisely. The tribute to the ideal wife pictured her as being of good reputation, concerned for her family, compassionate toward the needy, wise in speech, and honored by her family.
The closing poem, praising a worthy woman (Proverbs 31:10-31) is one of exceptional beauty and significance. In this poem each of the 22 verses begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In Proverbs as elsewhere in the OT, the position of a woman is an honored one. Her power for good is fully recognized, and the good woman is to be given her just praise.
The book of Proverbs would be followed in later Judaism with other books that imitated it somewhat, the most famous being “The Wisdom of Solomon” and “The Wisdom of Ben Sirach” or “Ecclesiasticus.” Proverbs was orthodox in theology and practical in its view of life.
General Outline:
Chapter 1
The use of the proverbs given by Solomon – Proverbs 1:1-2
An exhortation to fear God and believe His word – Proverbs 1:7
To avoid the enticings of sinners – Proverbs 1:10
Wisdom complains that she is scorned – Proverbs 1:20
She threatens those who despise her – Proverbs 1:24
Chapter 2
Wisdom promises godliness to her children – Proverbs 2:1-2
safety from evil company – Proverbs 2:10
and direction in good ways – Proverbs 2:20
Chapter 3
An exhortation to obedience – Proverbs 3:1-2
to faith – Proverbs 3:5
to humility – Proverbs 3:7
to devotion – Proverbs 3:9
to patience – Proverbs 3:11
The happy gain of wisdom – Proverbs 3:13
The power – Proverbs 3:19
and the benefits of wisdom – Proverbs 3:21
An exhortation to charity – Proverbs 3:27
peaceableness – Proverbs 3:30
and contentment – Proverbs 3:31
The cursed state of the wicked – Proverbs 3:33
Chapter 4
Solomon, to persuade obedience – Proverbs 4:1-2
shows the instruction he had from his parents – Proverbs 4:3
to be diligent in seeking wisdom – Proverbs 4:5
and to shun the path of the wicked – Proverbs 4:14
He exhorts to faith – Proverbs 4:20
and sanctification – Proverbs 4:23
Chapter 5
Solomon exhorts to the study of wisdom – Proverbs 5:1-2
He shows the folly of dissipation and riot – Proverbs 5:3
He exhorts to contentment, liberality, and chastity – Proverbs 5:15
The wicked are overtaken by their own sins – Proverbs 5:22
Chapter 6
Against guaranteeing a friend’s liabilities – Proverbs 6:1-2
idleness – Proverbs 6:6
and willful mischief-making – Proverbs 6:12
Seven things hateful to God – Proverbs 6:16
The blessings of obedience – Proverbs 6:20
The damage done by licentiousness – Proverbs 6:25
Chapter 7
Solomon reasons for a sincere familiarity with wisdom – Proverbs 7:1-2
In an example which he has known – Proverbs 7:6
he shows the cunning of a harlot – Proverbs 7:10
and the desperate simplicity of her young victim – Proverbs 7:22
He pleads for abstaining from such wickedness – Proverbs 7:24
Chapter 8
The fame – Proverbs 8:1-2
and evidence of wisdom – Proverbs 8:6
The excellency – Proverbs 8:10
the nature – Proverbs 8:12
the power – Proverbs 8:15
the riches – Proverbs 8:18
and the eternity of wisdom – Proverbs 8:22
Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings – Proverbs 8:32
Chapter 9
The discipline – Proverbs 9:1-2
and doctrine of wisdom – Proverbs 9:4
The custom and error of folly – Proverbs 9:13
Chapter 10
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 10:1
Chapter 11
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 11:1
Chapter 12
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 12:1
Chapter 13
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 13:1
Chapter 14
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 14:1
Chapter 15
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 15:1
Chapter 16
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 16:1
Chapter 17
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 17:1
Chapter 18
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 18:1
Chapter 19
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 19:1
Chapter 20
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 20:1
Chapter 21
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 21:1
Chapter 22
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 22:1
Chapter 23
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 23:1
Chapter 24
Observations on moral virtues and their contrary vices – Proverbs 24:1
Chapter 25
Observations about kings – Proverbs 25:1-2
and about avoiding causes of quarrels – Proverbs 25:8
Chapter 26
Observations about fools – Proverbs 26:1-2
about sluggards – Proverbs 26:13
and about quarrelsome busybodies – Proverbs 26:17
Chapter 27
Observations on self-love – Proverbs 27:1-2
on true love – Proverbs 27:5
and on care to avoid offenses – Proverbs 27:11
Chapter 28
Observations on impiety and religious integrity – Proverbs 28:1-2
Of wealth and poverty – Proverbs 28:19
Chapter 29
Observations on public government – Proverbs 29:1-2
and on control in private affairs – Proverbs 29:15
Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice, and corruption – Proverbs 29:22
Chapter 30
Agur’s confession of faith – Proverbs 30:1-2
The two points of his prayer – Proverbs 30:7
The most menial are not to be wronged – Proverbs 30:10
Four wicked generations – Proverbs 30:11
Four things insatiable – Proverbs 30:15
Parents are not to be despised – Proverbs 30:17
Four things hard to be known – Proverbs 30:18
Four things intolerable – Proverbs 30:21
Four things exceedingly wise – Proverbs 30:24
Four things stately – Proverbs 30:29
Wrath is to be prevented – Proverbs 30:32
Chapter 31
Lemuel’s lesson of chastity and temperance – Proverbs 31:1-2
The afflicted are to be comforted and defended – Proverbs 31:6
The praise and characteristics of a good wife – Proverbs 31:10
