Lecture 6 Wisdom Literature - the sayings and their interpretation

Lecture 6: Proverbs 10-31: The Sayings and Their Interpretation

In fact, every verse in Proverbs 10-31 should be read considering the context established by Proverbs 1-9.

The Main Idea when Moving into Proverbs 10-31

The key point is this: Godly wisdom always takes place in the context of a relationship with God. Of course we see echoes of God’s wisdom when ungodly people follow his principles. But such wisdom is at best incomplete, and at worst counterfeit.

1. Introduction to Proverbs 10-31

Overview of the Transition from Proverbs 1-9 to Proverbs 10-31

Shift from extended discourses to short, concise sayings.

Introduction of the individual proverbs or aphorisms as the primary literary form Importance of Proverbs 10-31

Focus on practical wisdom for daily life

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

The role of these chapters in shaping ethical behavior and moral decision-making

2. Structure and Classification of Proverbs 10-31

Organization of the Sayings

The Proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs10:1-22:16)

The Sayings of the Wise (Proverbs 22:17-24:22)

Further Sayings of the Wise (Proverbs 24:23-34)

The Proverbs of Solomon Compiled by Hezekiah’s Men (Proverbs 25-29)

The Sayings of Agur (Proverbs 30)

The Sayings of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1-9) The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31:10-31)

3. Literary Forms and Techniques in Proverbs 10-31

Types of Proverbs

Antithetical Parallelism: Contrasting ideas (e.g., “The wise in heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin” - Proverbs 10:8)

Synonymous Parallelism: Reinforcing the same idea (e.g., “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short” - Proverbs 10:27)

Comparative Proverbs: Using comparisons to teach moral lessons (e.g., “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice” - Proverbs 16:8)

Numerical Proverbs: Structured lists that present wisdom (e.g., “Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand” - Proverbs 30:18)

Use of Metaphor and Imagery

The role of vivid imagery in conveying moral truths Examples of common metaphors (e.g., the path of life, a fountain of life)

4. Key Themes and Their Interpretation

Righteousness vs. Wickedness

Exploration of the moral dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked.

The consequences of righteous behavior versus the fate of the wicked

Wealth and Poverty - Proverbs’ teachings on the proper attitude toward wealth

The moral obligations of the wealthy and the dignity of the poor

Theological reflections on the transient nature of wealth

Speech and Communication - The power of words to build up or destroy

The importance of truthfulness, discretion, and the control of the tongue

Work and Laziness - Proverbs on diligence and the virtues of hard work

The consequences of laziness and the praise of industriousness

Family and Relationships - Wisdom regarding marriage, parenting, and friendships

The role of love, faithfulness, and discipline in family life

Justice and Leadership - Proverbs on fairness, integrity, and justice in leadership

The qualities of a righteous ruler and the pitfalls of corrupt leadership

5. Interpretation of Specific Sayings in Proverbs 10-22:16

Example Sayings and Their Exegesis

Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

“A slack hand”: This describes the lazy man or woman, who does not put forth their hand energetically to do their work.

We should do all that we can heartily, as unto the Lord (Col_3:23).

“The hand of the diligent maketh rich”: Hard work is normally rewarded, and prosperity often comes to those who work for it.

“Industry was the law of paradise (Gen_2:15), and although it now bears the stamp of the Fall (Gen_3:19), it is still a blessing and under God’s providence brings wealth.” (Bridges)

Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword: Some people have the terrible ability to speak in a manner that stabs and slices others. Their words are like the slashing and piercings of a sword, bringing hurt instead of healing.

“How keenly have the servants of God suffered from this sword! Many will speak daggers without compunction who would be afraid to use them.” (Bridges)

“The tongue of the wise promotes health”: Wise men and women are able to bring health and healing by the words they speak.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

A soft answer turns away wrath: When people come to us in wrath, we are often tempted to be harsh in response. Wisdom shows us the value of a soft answer, one without sharp edges or points. That kind of answer can actually turn away wrath.

“Soft speech is like oil on bruised skin to soften and heal it (cf. Jdg_8:1-3); painful speech has the effect of oil poured on fire (cf. 1Ki_12:1-16).” (Waltke) “Pride and passion on both sides strike together like two flints. We indulge in sarcasm as if we would rather lose a friend than miss scoring a point in the argument. All this the world excuses. But the Gospel sets before us our Savior’s example and imbues us with his spirit; so we should be careful not to provoke a chafed or wounded spirit.” (Bridges)

A harsh word stirs up anger: A harsh response to wrath often only stirs up more anger. It may feel good at the moment but ends up making the situation worse, not better.

“Many conflicts arise not because the issues separating the parties are so great but because of the temperaments people bring to a confrontation.” (Garrett) “How was Saul enkindled by Doeg, and David by Nabal’s currishness! Rehoboam, with one churlish breath, lost ten tribes.” (Trapp) “Gideon in Jdg_8:1-3 is a classic example of the soft answer that brings peace, whereas Jephthah illustrates the harsh answer that leads to war (Jdg_12:1-6).” (Ross)

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride goes before destruction: God is opposed to the proud (Jas_4:6 and 1Pe_5:5) and the proud man or woman is an abomination to God (Pro_16:5). With God so set against the proud, no wonder that pride goes before destruction.

“The special evil of pride is that it opposes the first principle of wisdom (the fear of the Lord) and the two great commandments.” (Kidner) “A bulging wall is near a downfall. Swelling is a dangerous symptom in the body; so is pride in the soul.” (Trapp) “So far as any man is proud, he is kin to the devil, and a stranger to God and to himself.” (Baxter, cited in Bridges)

And a haughty spirit before a fall: One of the many ways that pride is evident is in a haughty spirit – an attitude that communicates superiority over other people. Those who think themselves higher than others are ready to fall under the fair judgment of God.

“The proverb gives the strong impression of saying the same thing twice…. In this way its truth is underscored and clarified; the proud are defined more precisely as the haughty in spirit.” (Waltke)Methodology for Interpreting Individual Proverbs

6. The Sayings of the Wise (Proverbs 22:17-24:22)

Introduction to the Sayings of the Wise

Comparison with earlier proverbs and unique characteristics Focus on ethical teachings and moral instruction Analysis of Key Passages

Proverbs 22:24-25: “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”

Discussion on the influence of relationships on character Proverbs 23:4-5: “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”

Reflection on the transient nature of material wealth and the pursuit of contentment