Bible Study Workshop - INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK ...biblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/Proverbs...her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings

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INTRODUCTION

TO THE

BOOK

OF

PROVERBS

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor

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Introduction to the Book of Proverbs

I. “Prudent and moral behavior is the concern of Proverbs and teaches the skill of getting along sensibly in 1ife while at the same time pleasing God.” (Smith)

A. Smith observed that the book of Proverbs is unlike certain other Old Testament books in that it does not address:

1. Israel’s history nor heroes 2. Israel’s future 3. devotional content II. The NIV Introduction reads, “Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and good advice for daily living, including: marriage, sound behavior, friendship, justice, folly, poverty, wealth, family, love, laziness, and warnings against drinking and adultery.”

A. Clark observed that proverbs was common among ancient nations. B. Modern nations also have numerous such maxims. C. Some of these Proverbs may have been original with Solomon, et. al., while others may have been based on wise sayings, truisms, well known at the time among the nations. D. Proverbial wisdom literature was well known in Egypt and Babylonia

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor



1. This ancient literary form, genre, was well known to Solomon.

E. Youngblood further wrote, “...Proverbs were a familiar literary form in all ancient cultures: it was a very suitable device for collecting and summarizing the wisdom of the centuries. But the Book of Proverbs has one important difference: it points the believer to God with instructions on how to live a holy, upright life.”

F. Youngblood further wrote, “The Book of Proverbs is the classical example of the type of writing in the Old Testament known as Wisdom Literature. Other books so categorized are Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These books are called wisdom writings because they were written by a distinctive group of people in Israel’s history who grappled with some of the eternal questions of life.”

1. 1 Kings 4:30-31, Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. (NIV) 2. “True wisdom is centered in respect and reverence for God.” (Youngblood)

III. “The Book of Proverbs” or “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel” are designations of this book. (Smith) A. The word “proverb” connotes “parallel” or “similar.” (Smith)

B. Smith also observed that, “In Proverbs the term signifies an aphorism (adage, maxim) as in 10:1-22:16.”



C. Coffman wrote that the word “proverbs” comes from Mashal, a Hebrew term which has a root meaning of “putting this and that together” and can be translated dark parable or dark allegory where, Clarke adds, “more was meant than met the eye.”

1. Ezekiel 17:1,2, The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell the house of Israel a parable.

2. Coffman stated that proverbs can be defined as “a pithy saying, especially one that condenses the wisdom of experience into an adage or maxim” and is synonymous with “motto, precept, saying, truism, axiom, or dictum.”

IV. Proverbs was written by multiple authors although most of the book was composed by Solomon. (Smith)

A. Solomon’s name is found in 1:1 and is associated with a few other major divisions of the book: viz., 10:1-22:16 and 25:1-29:27. (Smith)

1. Proverbs 1:1, The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: (NIV)

2. Proverbs 10:1, The proverbs of Solomon: (NIV)

3. Proverbs 25:1, These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah. (NIV)

B. The men of Hezekiah or “Hezekiah and his men” are associated in 25:1 and are thought to have either edited the final edition of the book or to have written some of the proverbs. (Smith)



1. Hezekiah reigned two hundred (200) years after Solomon. (See Youngblood)

2. Since the proverbs attributed to Solomon in the book of Proverbs are less than these three thousand proverbs, some believe the men of Hezekiah served as editors and added other proverbs of Solomon not contained in the original edition. (Smith)

a. 1 Kings 4:32, He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. (NIV)

b. Four identical proverbs are duplicated in this book and five others appear in slightly altered form. (Smith)

c. Only about five hundred (500) of Solomon’s three thousand (3,000) proverbs are found in the Bible. (Coffman)

d. These duplications may point to the editorial work of the men of Hezekiah.

C. Certain parts of Proverbs are attributed in the text to writers other than Solomon. (Smith)

1. Sayings of the wise

a. Proverbs 22:17, Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.

b. Proverbs 24:23, These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: (NIV)



2. Agur

a. Proverbs 30:1, The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: (NIV)

3. The leech (Alukah)

a. Proverbs 30:15, "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!': (NIV)

4. Lemuel

a. Proverbs 31:1, The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him: (NIV)

5. The anonymous poem

a. Proverbs 31:10-31, A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends



her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (NIV)

b. This powerful acrostic poem on the virtuous woman contains no authorship claim.

D. Smith wrote, “Solomon is responsible for producing or at least collecting the bigger parts of this book.”

1. Proverbs 1:1-22:16 (written by Solomon)

2. Proverbs 25-29 (written by Solomon)

3. Proverbs 22:17-24:34 (collected by Solomon) 4. Proverbs 30-31 (collected by Solomon)



V. Date of Proverbs

A. A date of 970-931 B.C. for Solomon’s contributions to the book and the date for the editorial work of the men of Hezekiah of about 700 B.C. appear reasonable.

VI. Smith and Coffman observed that “some twenty quotations and allusions to Proverbs have been found in the New Testament including the following:

A. Proverbs 3:7, Do not be wise in your own eyes; (NIV)

1. Romans 12:16, Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (KJV)

B. Proverbs 3:11-12, My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (NIV)

1. Hebrews 12:5-11, And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after



their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (KJV)

C. Proverbs 3:34, He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. (NIV)

1. James 4:6, But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (NIV)

2. 1 Peter 5:5,6, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (KJV)

D. Proverbs 4:26, Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. (NIV)

1. Hebrews 12:13, Make level paths for your feet,"so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (NIV)

E. Proverbs 11:31, If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! (NIV)

1. 1 Peter 4:18, If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? (NIV)



F. Proverbs 13:7, One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. (NIV)

1. 2 Corinthians 6:10, sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. (NIV)

G. Proverbs 22:8, He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. (NIV)

1. Galatians 6:7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV)

H. Proverbs 24:21, Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious. (NIV)

1. I Peter 2:17, Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (NIV)

I. Proverbs 25:7, it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. (NIV)

1. Luke 14:10, But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. (NIV)

J. Proverbs 25:21, If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. (NIV)

1. Romans 12:20, On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to



drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." (NIV)

K. Proverbs 26:11, As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. (NIV)

1. 2 Peter 2:22, Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." (NIV)

L. Proverbs 27:1, Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. (NIV)

1. James 4: 14, 16, Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. (NIV)

M. Proverbs 30:4, Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! (NIV)

1. John 3:13, No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. (NIV)

N. Certain statements of Jesus appear to reflect sentiments expressed in Proverbs, for example:

1. Chief Seats

a. Proverbs 25:6-7, Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, "Come



up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. (NIV) b. Matthew 23:12, And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (JKV)

2. Wise and foolish builders

a. Proverbs 14:11, The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. (NIV) b. Matthew 7:24-27, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)

3. The rich fool

a. Proverbs 27:1, Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. (NIV) b. Matthew 6:34, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV)



VII. Smith observed that the most common type of proverb in this book is “the two-line (distich) (although) a few proverbs of four, six, or eight lines can also be found.”

A. Referencing R.B.Y. Scotty, Smith listed seven proverbial patterns.

1. Congruity:

a. Proverbs 29:5, Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. (NIV)

2. Contrast:

a. Proverbs 27:7, He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. (NIV)

3. Comparison:

a. Proverbs 25:25, Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. (NIV)

4. Contrariety to proper order:

a. Proverbs 17:16, Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? (NIV)

5. Classification:

a. Proverbs 14:15, A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. (NIV)



6. Priority:

a. Proverbs 22:1, A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (NIV)

7. Consequences:

a. Proverbs 20:4, A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. (NIV)

B. Coffman wrote that, “Proverbs, like Job and the Book of Psalms, is poetic, feauring Hebrew Parallelism.”

1. Synonymous Parallelism

a. Proverbs 19:29, Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. (NIV)

C. Antithetical (Contrasting) Parallelism

1. Proverbs 13:9, The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. (NIV)

D. Synthetic Parallelism (in which the second clause develops and extends the thought of the first).

1. Proverbs 20:2, A king's wrath is like the roar of a lion; he who angers him forfeits his life. (NIV)

E. Youngblood observed that proverbs are wise sayings stating the ways things are expected to turn out but to which there are



exceptions.

1. Proverbs are not ironclad guarantees.

a. Proverbs 3:1,2, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. (NIV)

F. The Pulpit Commentary categorized proverbs as:

1. Historical proverbs with some connection to past events.

a. There appears to be none of these in the Biblical Book of Proverbs.

2. Metaphorical proverbs enunciate some moral truth under a figure drawn from nature or life.

a. Proverbs 6:6, Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! (NIV)

b. Proverbs 17:12, Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. (NIV)

c. Proverbs 19:13, A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. (NIV)

3. Enigmas or riddles

a. Proverbs 30:4, Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the



ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! (NIV)

b. Proverbs 30:15, "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!': (NIV)

4. Parabolic proverbs in which things and truths are presented in allegorical form.

a. Proverbs 9:1, Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. (NIV)

5. Didactical proverbs which give precise instruction on points of morality, religion or behavior.

a. Proverbs 1-9 well illustrates the nature of didactical proverbs.

VIII. Smith well wrote regarding the Purposes of the Book of Proverbs: Proverbs envisions “a society in which people work hard, observe each other’s rights, respect each other, and treat the less fortunate kindly. It is a society in which people are friendly, enjoy the pleasures of moderation, and love their families and homes. It is a society in which people are sincere, modest, self-controlled, temperate, reliable, chaste, willing to listen and learn. Those who live in this ideal society are forgiving, considerate, discreet, kind to animals, sweet-tempered, liberal, yet prudent. They keep an eye on their own welfare.” Note: The above principles would certainly make an excellent sermon series.

A. Proverbs itself addresses the purpose of this book.



1. Proverbs 1:2,3, for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; (NIV)

B. Aitken concluded, “In Proverbs the sages have produced a full and rich tapestry in which the practical, moral and religious division are of human experiences and endeavors are woven together, as they place before us an individual man and woman, the searching questions: are you being wise, or foolish?”

C. The Pulpit Commentary says Proverbs relates to our:

1. Duty to God

2. Duty to ourselves

3. Duty to neighbors

4. Duty to family

5. Duties to civil/political entities



Questions

On

Introduction

to the

Book of Proverbs 1. _________________and ________________ ________________ is the concern of _________________ and _________________ the skill of _________________ _________________ _______________ in ________________while at the same time ____________________ ___________________________. 2. How is the Book of Proverbs unlike certain other Old Testament books?____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. With what aspects of life does the Book of Proverbs concern itself? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



4. What is wisdom literature? Give examples of wisdom literature.__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. In what important way is the Book of Proverbs different than the wisdom literature of other ancient nations?______________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. If Solomon was so wise, why did he do so many foolish things like marrying one thousand (1,000) women?________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Define proverbs. Give synonyms for “proverbs.”_________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Define aphorism, allegory, axiom and dictum.___________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Who wrote Proverbs?___________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. When was Proverbs written?____________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. How many of the Proverbs are duplications?__________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. What New Testament references are made to the book of Proverbs? What subjects are referenced?________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. What is a distich?________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. List, define and give examples of Scott’s seven proverbial patterns. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. What is Hebrew Parallelism?_______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. List and define three kinds of Hebrew Parallelism._____________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. Are proverbs absolute allowing for no exceptions?_____________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. List and define the categories into which The Pulpit Commentary classified proverbs.__________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. What are the purposes of the Book of Proverbs; that is, why was it written?___________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 20. To what does The Pulpit Commentary say Proverbs relates? _______ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Bibliography

Aitken, Kenneth T., Proverbs, The Daily Study Bible Series, The Westminister Press, Philadelphia, 1986 Bland, Dave L., The College Press NIV Commentary, Proverbs, Ecclesiates and Song of Songs, College Press Publishing Company, Joplin, Missouri, 2002. Bromiley, Geoffrey W. General Editor, The International Standard Bible, Dictionary, Volume 3, William B. Eerdaxins Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1986. Clarke, Adam, Clarke’s Commentary, Volume III, Abingdon--Cokesbury Press, New York-Nashville. Coffman, James Burton, Proverbs, ACU Press, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, 1993 Holy Bible, New International Version, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530,1984, International Bible Society Smith, James E., The Wisdom Literature and Psalms, College Press NIV Commentary, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, College Press Publishing Company, Joplin, Missouri, 2002 The Pulpit Commentary, Volume 9, Proverbs, Ecclesiates, Song of Solomon, Wm. B. Edrdmans, Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1958. Youngblood, Ronald F., General Editor, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1986.




Documents

Bible Study Workshop - INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK ...biblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/Proverbs...her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings