Proverbs

What’s a Proverb?

Mashal: a statement that makes a comparison or summarizes a common experience; an object lesson

Most are short “pithy sayings;” some related to parables; can also describe a sarcastic statement or a rebuke

Many relate to morality and/or ethics

Usually each verse a single thought, sometimes multiple verses (e.g. 6:12-14)

Written in poetic style, generally parallel is style (recall our comments on Jewish poetry)

NOT promises, but statements of general truth; sometimes oddly stated, e.g. 26:4&5; both may be true, depending on circumstances

Wisdom Literature

The center-point, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Some would include the Wisdom of Solomon and The Wisdom of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

Both part of the apocrypha

Used by Roman Catholics, some Episcopal/Anglican and some Orthodox churches

Other cultures of the region and time, e.g. Babylon, Egypt, had similarly structured literature

This is Canon, it “measures up” proving itself to be God’s Inspired Word

Practical Theology

The Bible Knowledge Commentary Introduction

It has a broad, timeless appeal because of its great variety of subjects and their relevance to everyday life. Proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics are referred to repeatedly and in succinct, penetrating ways. Proverbs is God’s book on “how to wise up and live.” It is His treasure book of wisdom.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Introduction)

The Book of Proverbs showed the Israelites how their faith in the Lord and His Word should affect their daily lives. And it shows how believers in all ages can be wise in God’s and others’ eyes.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Introduction)

...focuses on leading an aggressively dynamic life.

Read: chap. 1:2-4, 6

Subject Matter

Human character and conduct; individuals, not national wisdom

Date and Author

Must be considered together

Several sections

Solomon wrote:

1:1-7, preface

1:8-9:18, 2nd

10:1-22:16, 3rd

10th century BC

Often wrote to “my son” or “my sons”

Most likely his own offspring; possibly those sitting under his teaching

Sayings of the Wise: 22:17-23:34

Unknown origins, may have been collected by Solomon

More of Solomon, collected by Hezekiah’s Men: 25-29

His reign was 729-686)

The Words of Agur: 30

Lemuel: 31:1-9

The Noble Wife: 31:10 ff

Date of 30-31 unknown