PROVERBS: Context and Insights

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PROVERBS: Context and Insights

Guide for SLBC Men’s Breakfast

18 February 2017

Outline

What is a proverb?
Purpose of the book of Proverbs
The Five W’s
Organization of the book
Definitions, Styles, and Forms
Theological Values
How to Study the book
Sources

1. What is a proverb?

•A pithy wise saying

•Instruction about wise living

Common Sayings

•Haste makes waste

•A penny saved is a penny earned

Yogisms

•When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

•You can observe a lot by just watching.

•It ain’t over till it’s over.

•A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.

•We made too many wrong mistakes.

•Never answer and anonymous letter.

•If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.

Famous Quotes

•An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. Benjamin Franklin

•Anger is never without reason, but seldom with a good one. Benjamin Franklin

•Before God we are all equally wise – and equally foolish. Albert Einstein

•Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it. Confucius

•We cannot learn without pain. Aristotle

Definition of Proverb

•A trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root meaning “to be like,” “parable.” Rendered “proverb” in Isa. 14:4; Hab. 2:6; “dark saying” in Ps. 49:4, Num. 12:8. Ahab’s defiant words in answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, “Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off,” is a well known instance of a proverbial saying (1 Kings 20:11).

Easton, M. G. (1893). In Easton’s Bible dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.

• “Proverb” means a comparison, similarity, or parallel. Thus, a proverb uses a comparison or an analogy in order to create a pithy, terse, distilled maxim or observation about life. This distillation causes the reader to reflect on what has been said.

Woods, Andrew. Proverbs Argument (paper)

Proverb

•Through usage it came to mean any profound pronouncement, including: maxims, observations, sermons (e.g., ch. 5), even wisecracks (cf. Ezek. 18:2), and revelations from God (cf. Ps. 49:4). Etymologically, the English word means "in place of (i.e., for) words." A proverb is usually a succinct statement that stands in place of a long explanation and expresses a truth about reality.

Constable, Thomas L.; Notes on Proverbs (2017 ed.)

A Proverb is Not Necessarily a Promise

•One of the common mistakes that many Christians make when they read the proverbs is to take them as promises. Some are promises as well as proverbs, when the proverb expresses a truth that is always consistent, but it is important to be able to distinguish a proverb from a promise. Promises are straightforward statements of assurance that guarantee that stated effects will inevitably follow. Some promises are conditional, and others are unconditional. Proverbs and promises are really different forms of expression, and different types of literature.

Constable, Thomas L.; Notes on Proverbs (2017 ed.)

A Proverb States What is Generally True

•Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NASB 95)

•Proverbs 10:4 “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (NASB 95)

•Proverbs 3:1-2 “My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.”

•Indeed, to read a proverb as if it were always true in every circumstance is to commit a serious error: we call it the error of genre misidentification. The proverb form, no matter the cultural background, presupposes the right circumstance for its proper application.

Longman, T., III. (2002). How to Read Proverbs (p. 48). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

Book of Proverbs

•A collection of moral and philosophical maxims of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic form. This book sets forth the “philosophy of practical life. It is the sign to us that the Bible does not despise common sense and discretion. It impresses upon us in the most forcible manner the value of intelligence and prudence and of a good education. The whole strength of the Hebrew language and of the sacred authority of the book is thrown upon these homely truths. It deals, too, in that refined, discriminating, careful view of the finer shades of human character so often overlooked by theologians, but so necessary to any true estimate of human life” (Stanley’s Jewish Church).

Easton, M. G. (1893). In Easton’s Bible dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.

2. Purpose and Motto of the Book

Proverbs 1:2-7

Twofold purpose: To impart moral skillfulness for holy living (wisdom) (vs. 3-4), and mental discernment (vs. 6)

Purpose and Motto of the Book

Proverbs 1:2-7

2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding,

3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity;

4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion,

5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Key Values in Proverbs 1:2-4

WORD / VERSE / MEANING
Wisdom / 2a / Skillfulness
Instruction / 2a / Child training
Understanding / 2b / Discernment
Righteousness / 3b / Right behavior
Justice / 3b / Correct decisions
Equity / 3b / Moral integrity
Prudence / 4a / Sensibility in practical matters
Discretion / 4b / Thoughtfulness

Constable, Thomas L.; Notes on Proverbs (2017 ed.). Dr. Constable’s Expository (Bible Study) Notes.

Motto of the Book

•Proverbs 1:7

•Motto (vs. 7; see also Job 28:28 and Ps. 111:10): Reverential fear of the Lord is the prerequisite of knowledge. “The fear of the Lord” ultimately expresses reverential submission to the Lord’s will and thus characterizes a true worshiper.

Ross, A. P. (1991). Proverbs. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositors Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5, p. 907). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

•There are at least eighteen references to the “fear of the Lord” in Proverbs. If you read all these verses carefully, you’ll get a good idea of what this important biblical phrase means. (1:7, 29; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:2, 26–27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 24:21; 31:30)

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Skillful (p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Purpose and Motto of the Book

•Fivefold purpose: (a) “for attaining wisdom and discipline,” (b) “for understanding words of insight,” (c) “for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,” (d) “for giving prudence to the simple,” (e) “for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” These purposes focus on helping readers live wisely and skillfully.

•Proverbs were employed by parents and teachers to impart wisdom in a manner that made learning an adventure, a challenge. . . . Both the content and the structure of the sayings contributed to the hearers’ development. The process was a challenge and the product a reward.

Buzzell, S. S. (1985). Proverbs. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 902). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

3. The Five W’s

•Who & When: Authors (Solomon c. 950 B.C., wise men, Agur, and Lemuel); and Audience (“son” or “my sons”) – compiled by the men of Hezekiah c. 700 B.C.

•What: Wisdom literature

•Where: Jerusalem

•Why: (see Purpose)

•How: Through style, form, repetition

4. Organization of the Book

Chapters 1-9 – Discourse with admonitions, prohibitions, example stories, personified wisdom speech
Proverbs 10:1 – 22:16 - Approximately 375 unrelated proverbs
Proverbs 22:17-24:22 – More discourse
Prov 24:23-34 – Sayings of the wise (discourse)
Prov 25-29 – More Solomonic proverbs and instructions
Prov 30 – Numerical words of Agur
Prov 31 – Acrostic wisdom poem of Lemuel

5. Definitions, styles, and forms

Definitions
Styles
Forms of poetic discourse (parallelisms)

6. Theological Values

7. How to Study Proverbs

Just read (and reread)
Highlight key words, e.g. wisdom and folly
Study thematically or topically
Follow outlines from resources/commentaries
Follow expositions from resources/commentaries
Compare to other scriptures (Job and Ecclesiastes; Joseph and Daniel)
Compare Woman Wisdom to Woman Folly
Compare specific topics, e.g., wise and foolish words

Principles for Reading the Book

Keep in mind the structure of the whole book of Proverbs.
Reflect on the parallelism of a proverb.
Identify the imagery in a passage, then compare similarities or differences.
Answer where the wisdom of a passage comes from – observation, experience, tradition, revelation, or a combination of these things.
Is the passage an observation, bit of advice, warning, reflection, or another kind of teaching?
Ask under what circumstances the proverb may or may not apply to a situation, since it may not always be true.
Does it imply a reward or punishment from obedience or disobedience?
If addressed to a young man, consider how it applies to you.
Use a commentary if you get bogged down.
When doing a topical study, pinpoint, group or highlight relevant verses. Consider resources that list topics and cross-references.
Find or reflect on Biblical stories or characters who fit the proverb you are studying
Reflect on New Testament passages that fit the intent of the proverb
Think how Christ as the fulfillment of wisdom might illustrate the wisdom of the passage you are reading.

Longman, T., III. (2002). How to Read Proverbs (p. 157). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

8. Sources

•Barker, Kenneth (2002). NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

•Buzzell, S. S. (1985). Proverbs. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

•Constable, Thomas L.; Notes on Proverbs (2017 ed.). Dr. Constable’s Expository (Bible Study) Notes.

•Easton, M. G. (1893). In Easton’s Bible dictionary. New York: Harper & Brothers.

•Longman, T., III. (2002). How to Read Proverbs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

•Newheiser, J. (2008). Opening up Proverbs. Leominster: Day One Publications.

•New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

•Ross, A. P. (1991). Proverbs. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositors Bible Commentary: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Vol. 5). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

•Ryrie, Charles C. Ryrie Study Bible: 1995 Update. (1995). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

•Scofield, C.I. The Scofield Study Bible, King James Version (1909, 1917 editions; revised 1967, 2003). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

• Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Skillful (p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

•Woods, Andrew M. (2007)Proverbs Argument (paper).

Highlighting (screen shot)

Topical Index (screen shot)

Selected Outlines – (level of detail)

•Barker, Kenneth. NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised) – (simple)

•Constable, Thomas L.; Notes on Proverbs (2017 ed.) – (moderate)

•Ross, A. P. Proverbs. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositors Bible Commentary - (detailed)

•Ryrie, Charles C. Ryrie Study Bible: 1995 Update (somewhat simple)

•Scofield, C.I. The Scofield Study Bible - (simple)

•Woods, Andrew. Proverbs Argument (paper) - (very detailed)

Expositions – (level of detail)

•Constable, Thomas L.; Notes on Proverbs (2017 ed.) – (moderate)

•Ross, A. P. Proverbs. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositors Bible Commentary - (detailed)