A Walk Through Proverbs

Proverbs

Introduction: I enjoyed the way John Phillips wrote in his explanation of the word, “ The Hebrew word translated “Proverbs,” mishlai, is derived from the root word mashal, which means “to rule” as in Genesis 1:18 and 3:16. Mishlai therefore are words and sayings that are supposed to rule and govern life. The book of Proverbs then is not simply a collection of bits of human wisdom. It contains God’s rules.” And as God’s rule book the Bible gives all answers to rule our life, Proverbs is just one book in the library of the books in the Bible we have as a resource.

John Phillips, Exploring Proverbs 1–19: An Expository Commentary, vol. 1, The John Phillips Commentary Series (Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp., 2009), Pr 1:1.

I. The Author

a. The Son of David, Vs 1

1. Solomon was the son of David, the apple of God’s eye

2. Solomon was the son of Bathsheba, a wise and God honoring wife.

3. Solomon was the student of Nathan, the prophet of God.

b. King of Israel

1. In a position of authority.

2. Wise above all others.

II. The Book, and it’s Purpose. Vs 2

a. To Know -

To know is not to be intellectually informed about some abstract principle, but to apprehend and experience reality. Knowledge is not the possession of information, but rather its exercise or actualization.

Thus, biblically to know God is not to know about him in an abstract and impersonal manner, but rather to enter into his saving actions (Mic. 6:5). To know God is not to struggle philosophically with his eternal essence, but rather to recognize and accept his claims. It is not some mystical contemplation, but dutiful obedience.

So when Solomon says that the purpose of the book of Proverb is to know, we should understand he means that we are to make it personal, we are to make it real in our lives. We must apply what we are learning to everything we think, say, and do. What are we to apply?

b. Wisdom -

The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Wisdom)

Biblical wisdom refers to practical skills associated with understanding and living a successful life. Wisdom in the Old Testament describes the practical skills associated with living a successful life. These range from the ability to create highly skilled works to the intellectual capability required to make choices that result in favorable outcomes and avoid troubles (see Longman, Job, 55; Crenshaw, Old Testament Wisdom, 3). In the Bible, wisdom is often associated with trust in and fear of God (Deut 4:6; Prov 1:7).

Deuteronomy 4: 6

 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

Proverbs 1:7 (KJV 1900)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

C. Instruction -

The Lexham Glossary of Literary Types Instruction

An account focused on conveying knowledge, such as guidance for proper behavior or regulations that must be observed.

Carl Schultz, “Know, Knowledge,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 457.