Intro to Proverbs

Introduction to the Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1 “ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:”

The term for “proverb” (mashal) comes from a root idea meaning “parallel” or “similar.” The term thus signifies “a description by way of comparison.” In Proverbs the term signifies an aphorism (as in 10:1–22:16) or a discourse (e.g., chs. 1–9) Smith, J. E. (1996). The wisdom literature and Psalms (p. 458). College Press Pub. Co.

The dictionary defines aphorism as a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.”: the old aphorism “the child is father to the man” | 

discourse is, written or spoken communication or debate: the language of political discourse

The author is generally considered

The purpose is given in 2-6 - as it is a wisdom book, it begins with the instruction of what the book is meant to do. To impart wisdom, via instruction, give understanding to our relationship with God and people.

Proverbs 1:2–6 “ To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple (naive person, kid), To the young man knowledge and discretion— 5 A wise man (who you choose to be) will hear and increase learning (active involvement/study), And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, (why? its to…) 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.”

The theme of the book is verse 7

Proverbs 1:7 “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Now, the word fear. yir-ā(h) in the hebrew, to fear, be afraid, fear God, be honored, terrified, dread, awesome. LOL. All of the above.

the nlt says, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

If you reject the plain teaching of scripture, your a fool. If you hear his instruction and choose to follow or investigate it, thats knowledge in action.

Much of the book is just like this. Simple, direct, in discourse and aphorisms.

Some scholars note that this wisdom occasionally sounds like Egyptian or Babylonian, or other nations colloquial wisdom. Doesn’t mean its not God-breathed because it seems the same, just means a broken clock is right twice a day.

Proverbs 1:8–19 “ My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”— 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.”

Here we have a Bad company corrupts, good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “ Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”” 1 Corinthians 5:6 “ Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?”

Proverbs 1:20–33 “ Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple (naive) ones, will you love simplicity (naivety)? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.

23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.””