old testament LIBERTY HOME ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM Unit 2 hebrew wisdom literature The Book of Proverbs 302
~OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK~ proverbs Introduction: The book of Proverbs may be aptly summarized through the following outline overview I. Its Four Major Divisions A. The Proverbs of Solomon added to the sacred canon during his lifetime B. The Proverbs of Solomon added to the sacred canon after his death by the men of Hezekiah C. The Proverbs of Agur D. The Proverbs of Lemuel II. Its Sixteen Classes of People A. Husbands B. Wives C. Fathers D. Mothers E. Children F. Kings and rulers G. Masters H. Slaves I. Prostitutes J. Orphans and needy K. Fools L. Wise people M. Wicked people N. Righteous people O. Lazy people P. Diligent people III. Its Thirteen General Topics A. Knowledge and wisdom 1. Knowledge and wisdom defined (what they are) 2. Knowledge and wisdom described (what they do) 3. Knowledge and wisdom despised B. Foolishness The words, fool, foolish, and foolishness are found no less than 80 times in the Proverbs. C. Youth and discipline 1. The reminders concerning discipline 2. The reasons for discipline 3. The refusal to discipline 4. The results of discipline D. A good name E. Business matters, money, and wealth 1. My money matters and myself 2. My money matters and my neighbors F. Marriage: Proverbs offers some very pointed and practical advice to married couples 1. To the husband 2. To the wife G. Immorality 1. The exhortation against immorality 2. The example of immorality 3. The evil caused by immorality H. Evil companions 1. The comparison 2. The counsel I. Self-control 1. Self-control and a city a positive analogy 2. Self-control and a city a negative analogy J. Strong drink 1. It deceives 2. It destroys 3. It denies (justice) K. Friendship 1. The believer s personal friends 2. The believer s precious friend 3. The believer s potential friends 303
L. Laziness 1. The rebuke involved 2. The review involved 3. The rationalization involved 4. The results involved M. Words and the tongue 1. Words that downgrade and lead to death 2. Words that upgrade and lead to life IV. Its Three Timely Truths A. Facts concerning the will of God 1. It is his will that I should trust in him 2. It is his will that I should tithe to him B. Facts concerning the Word of God 1. The Living Word 2. The written Word C. Facts concerning the woman of God 1. Her worth 2. Her works 3. Her wisdom 4. Her witness 5. Her worship V. Its Six General Groupings A. Seven things that God hates B. Four things which are never satisfied C. Four wonderful and mysterious things D. Four things which the earth finds unbearable E. Four small but wise things F. Four stately monarchs 304
PROVERBS CONSIDER YOURSELF NOW ENROLLED IN THE S.A.B.I. (THE SOUND ADVICE ). YOUR INSTRUCTOR IS SOLOMON AND THE SUBJECT IS WISDOM. Most of this book was written by King Solomon, the world s wisest man (1 Kings 3:12). In it he condenses the vast reservoir of knowledge and wisdom found within his mind into factual nuggets for his readers. Although he is said to have composed 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32), only 800 bearing his name appear in the book of Proverbs. But these are the best. There are other biblical proverbs not found in this book (see 1 Samuel 24:13; Ezekiel 18:1-2; Matthew 23:24; Luke 4:23; John 16:25; 2 Peter 2:22). A proverb is a short sentence drawn from long experience. It is a proper mixture of horse sense and holy sense. It is characterized by shortness, sense, and salt. It is the wisdom of many and the wit of one. It is, in essence, the ability to see ourselves and the world as God sees it. Solomon may have headed up a school of wisdom (1 Kings 10:8; Ecc. 1:1; 12:9), as Samuel headed up a school of the prophets (1 Sam. 19:20). The book mentions the words knowledge and wisdom many times. Knowledge is the ability to acquire facts. Wisdom is the ability to rightfully apply those facts. The book of Proverbs tells a story. It is a picture of a young man starting out in life. Two schools bid for him and both send out their literature. One is the school of wisdom and the other the school of fools. A. At least four kinds of fools are mentioned in Proverbs. 1. The simple fool (1:4,22; 7:7; 21:11) 2. The hardened fool (1:7; 10:23; 12:23; 17:10; 20:3; 27:22) 3. The arrogant fool (3:34; 21:24; 22:10; 29:8) 4. The brutish fool (17:21; 26:3; 30:22) B. But how different are the graduates from the school of wisdom: 1. Wisdom will protect her students (2:8) 2. Wisdom will direct her students (3:5-6) 3. Wisdom will perfect her students (4:18) C. At least four chapters are noteworthy in Proverbs: 1. The terrible price for rejecting wisdom (1:24-28) 2. The snare of the harlot (7:6-27) 3. The pre-creation activities of Christ (8:22-31) Proverbs may be considered the James of the. In essence, it is an extended commentary on 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. The book of Proverbs is the 18th-longest book, and the 23rd-longest biblical book, with 31 chapters, 915 verses, and 15,043 words. It is quoted from or alluded to 66 times by 20 New Testament books. 305
PROVERBS Introduction: The book of Proverbs may be aptly summarized through the following outline overview: Its four major divisions Its 16 classes of people Its 13 general topics Its three timely truths Its six general groupings I. Its Four Major Divisions the book of Proverbs was compiled by these basic sources: A. The Proverbs of Solomon added to the sacred canon during his lifetime (1-24) B. The Proverbs of Solomon added to the sacred canon after his death by the men of Hezekiah (25-29) C. The Proverbs of Agur (30) D. The Proverbs of Lemuel (31) II. Its Sixteen Classes of People Many groups of people are referred to in the book of Proverbs: A. Husbands B. Wives C. Fathers D. Mothers E. Children F. Kings and rulers G. Masters H. Slaves I. Prostitutes J. Orphans and needy K. Fools L. Wise people M. Wicked people N. Righteous people O. Lazy people P. Diligent people III. Its Thirteen General Topics It is impossible to construct a chronological outline of Proverbs, thus this topical approach. The following subjects are considered: A. Knowledge and wisdom B. Foolishness C. Youth and discipline D. A good name E. Business matters, money, and wealth F. Marriage G. Immorality H. Evil companions I. Self-control J. Strong drink K. Friendship L. Laziness M. Words and the tongue 306
III. Its Thirteen General Topics A. Knowledge and wisdom: These two words are found repeatedly in the Proverbs. Knowledge is used 50 times and wisdom is referred to on 110 occasions. 1. Knowledge and wisdom defined (what they are) a. Knowledge is the ability to correctly acquire facts. b. Wisdom is the ability to rightly apply those facts. King Solomon of course possessed both, but, tragically, made far less usage of the second (wisdom) than he did the first (knowledge). This is simply to say that all too often he did not wisely apply his vast amount of acquired knowledge. Especially was this demonstrated in his countless and costly possessions, gold, silver, wives, concubines, horses, and chariots. 2. Knowledge and wisdom described (what they do) a. They begin with the fear of God (1:7; 9:10). b. They are gifts from God (2:6). c. They were used by God in creating the universe (3:19). d. They will direct one s path (3:6-7). e. They will bring great peace (3:24-26). f. They assure God s favor (8:35). g. They produce happiness (3:13). h. They result in great honor (4:8). i. They function as a tree of life (3:18). j. They give renewal and vitality (3:8). k. They are of utmost importance (4:7). l. They are better than silver, or gold, or rubies (3:14-15; 8:19). m. They will deliver from the evil man (2:12). n. They will deliver from the immoral woman (2:16). 3. Knowledge and wisdom despised a. The revelation involved (1:20-23). b. The refusal involved (1:24-25). c. The results involved (1:26-31). Biblical examples of those who despised this wisdom and paid the ultimate price would include: n Esau (Heb. 12:15-17) n Saul (1 Sam. 28:6) n Belshazzar (Dan. 5:17-30) n Judas (Matt. 27:3-5) B. Foolishness: The words, fool, foolish, and foolishness are found no less than 80 times in the Proverbs. In this book (as in the case with all other biblical books) a fool is someone afflicted by a moral heart problem, and not a mental head problem (Ps. 14:1). Here are some characteristics of a fool as described by the Proverbs: 1. He despises knowledge and wisdom (1:7,22; 23:9). 2. He refuses to obey commands (10:8). 3. He is wise in his own eyes (12:15). 4. He mocks at making amends for sin (14:9). 5. He is quick to quarrel (20:3). 6. He spreads slander (10:18). 7. He finds pleasure in evil conduct (10:23). 307
8. He is hot-headed and reckless (14:16). 9. He will not learn through rebuke (17:10). 10. He gives full vent to his anger (29:11). 11. He squanders his money (21:20). 12. He practices deceit (14:8). 13. He refuses to turn from evil (13:9). 14. His mouth is his undoing (18:6-7; 14:3). 15. He despises his mother (15:20). 16. He brings grief to his mother (10:1; 17:25). 17. He spurns his father s discipline (15:5). 18. He brings grief to his father (17:21). 19. He is his father s ruin (19:3). 20. He is incurable apart from God (27:22). 21. God Himself will eventually hold him up to shame (3:35). 22. He may be suddenly destroyed by God Himself (6:15; 29:1). An old Arab proverb goes as follows: He that knows not and knows not that he knows not that man is a fool: Avoid him! He that knows not and knows that he knows not that man is teachable: Teach him! He that knows and knows not that he knows that man is asleep: Wake him! He that knows and knows that he knows that man is wise: Follow him! C. Youth and discipline 1. The reminders concerning discipline (19:18; 23:13). 2. The reasons for discipline a. To confirm the charity (love) of the parent (1) The heavenly Father does this for his children (3:11-12). (2) Earthly fathers are to do this for their children (13:24). b. To control the carnality of the child (22:15; 29:15). 3. The refusal to discipline: What happens to an undisciplined generation? (30:11-14) 4. The results of discipline a. It promotes the welfare of the child (22:6; 23:14). b. It promotes the welfare of the parent (29:17). D. A good name (10:7; 22:1) E. Business matters, money, and wealth: In a nutshell, the various verses in Proverbs concerning finances can be placed under one of two categories. 1. My money matters and myself: Solomon told us how to attain money and how to appropriate money. a. How to attain it (1) Sensibly: Don t wear yourself out to get rich, for money is not eternal (23:5; 11:28; 30:7-9). (a) Build your business before you build your house (24:27). (b) Know the ins and outs of your business (27:23). (c) Pay your debts promptly (3:27). (2) Honesty: The book of Proverbs warns repeatedly against dishonest practices. For example, on four specific occasions false balances and scales are condemned. In each case this is said to be an abomination to the Lord. (11:1; 16:11; 20:10,23) In light of this, we are exhorted as follows: The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death... He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want (21:6; 22:16). b. How to appropriate it 308
(1) In relationship to God (3:9-10) (2) In relationship to the poor (19:17) 2. My money matters and my neighbors: Five passages in Proverbs address this subject. Here is a paraphrase of each passage: a. Son, if you endorse a note for someone you hardly know, guaranteeing his debt, you are in serious trouble. You may have trapped yourself by your agreement. Quick! Get out of it if you possibly can! Swallow your pride; don t let embarrassment stand in the way. Go and beg to have your name erased (6:1-3, TLB). b. Be sure you know a person well before you vouch for his credit. Better refuse than suffer later (11:15, TLB). c. It is risky to make loans to strangers (20:16, TLB). d. Unless you have extra cash on hand, don t countersign a note. Why risk everything you own? They ll even take your bed (22:26-27, TLB). e. The world s poorest credit risk is the man who agrees to pay a stranger s debts (27:13, TLB). F. Marriage: Proverbs offers some very pointed and practical advice to married couples: 1. To the husband Don t betray your wife (5:15-20; 11:29). 2. To the wife Don t berate your husband (19:13; 21:9, 19; 27:15). G. Immorality 1. The exhortation against immorality (6:23-32) 2. The example of immorality (7:6-27) 3. The evil caused by immorality a. It means to flout the law of God (2:17). b. It leads along the road to death and hell (2:18; 7:27; 9:18). c. It pollutes the conscience (5:4). d. It causes one to groan in anguish and shame when disease consumes the body (5:11). e. It leads to bitter remorse (5:12-13). f. It will be judged by God (5:21). g. It will bring a man to poverty (6:26). h. It will burn the soul as surely as fire burns the skin (6:27, 32). i. It can be compared: (7:22-23) (1) To an ox going to the butcher (2) To a trapped stag awaiting the death arrow (3) To a bird flying into a snare H. Evil companions 1. The comparison (23:17). This verse can be paraphrased as follows: A mirror reflects a man s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kinds of friends he chooses. 2. The counsel a. First warning (1:10-19). Here Solomon described both the promises and punishment of evil companions. (1) The promises: They speak of excitement and violence. They promise equality and great wealth. (2) The punishment: They will eventually both harm and trap themselves. Many will die violent deaths. b. Second warning (4:14-17, 19) I. Self-control 1. Self-control and a city a positive analogy (16:32). 2. Self-control and a city a negative analogy (25:28). Thus: a. A city with broken walls cannot control the exit of the good from within. b. A city with broken walls cannot control the entrance of the bad from without. J. Strong drink 1. It deceives (20:1) 309
There is certainly a lot of deception today concerning the subject of alcoholism. It is now no longer considered a sin, but simply an unfortunate disease. Well, if so: n It is the only disease that is contracted by an act of the will. n It is the only disease that requires a license to propagate it. n It is the only disease that is bottled and sold. n It is the only disease that requires outlets to spread it. n It is the only disease that produces a revenue for the government. n It is the only disease that provokes crime. n It is the only disease that is habit-forming. n It is the only disease that is spread by advertising. n It is the only disease without a germ or virus cause, and for which there is no human corrective medicine, and n It is the only disease that bars the patient from heaven. 2. It destroys a. It is a threat to one s health (23:29-35). b. It is a threat to one s wealth (21:17). 3. It denies (justice) (31:4-5). Two poems by unknown authors aptly summarize the blight of booze: At the punch bowl s brink, Let the thirsty man think What they say about booze in Japan First the man takes a drink, Then the drink takes a drink But at last the drink takes the man. One evening in October, when I was far from sober And dragging home a load with manly pride, My feet began to stutter, so I lay down in the gutter, And a pig came up and parked right by my side. Then I warbled, It s fair weather when good fellows get together, Till a lady passing by was heard to say You can tell a man who boozes by the company he chooses Then the pig got up and slowly walked away. K. Friendship 1. The believer s personal friends (17:17; 18:19; 27:6, 9-10) 2. The believer s precious friend (18:24). The last part of this verse could certainly be applied to the Lord Jesus Christ. a. He was known as the friend of sinners (Matt. 11:19). b. He referred to Himself as the friend of sinners. (John 15:13). 3. The believer s potential friends: How is the child of God to deal with his enemies? In a word, he is to destroy as many of them as possible. And how is this done? By making them his friends (24:17; 25:21-22). L. Laziness: One of the most interesting and irritating (certainly the most inactive and idle) individual discussed in the Proverbs is known as the sluggard, or the slothful. These titles are used no less than 16 times. Here are a few bottom-line facts about this lazy person. 310
1. The rebuke involved (6:6-10). 2. The review involved (characteristics of the sluggard) a. He is so lazy he won t even feed himself (19:24; 26:15). b. He longs for many things, but refuses to work for anything (21:25). c. He employs every possible excuse to avoid work: I might be killed by a lion (22:13; 26:13). It s too cold (20:4). d. He sticks to his bed like a door to its hinges (26:14). e. He is always sleeping (19:15). f. He is a pain to his employer (10:26). 3. The rationalization involved: In spite of his utter and total lack of accomplishments, the sluggard foolishly believes he is smarter than seven wise men (26:16). 4. The results involved a. He allows the thorns to destroy his field (24:30). b. He is attacked by poverty and need (6:9-11). c. He suffers from trouble throughout his entire life (15:19). M. Words and the tongue (Col. 4:6; Titus 2:8). With the possible exception of knowledge and wisdom, no other subject is more paramount in Proverbs than that of the tongue. We are told, Death and life are in the power of the tongue (18:21). 1. Words that downgrade and lead to death a. Lying words (12:22; 25:19). b. Slandering words (6:19). c. Gossiping words (16:28; 17:9; 26:20). d. Unending words (17:27-28). e. Mocking words (17:5). f. Boasting words (25:14; 27:1). g. Quarreling words (26:17, 21). h. Flattering words (26:28; 29:5). 2. Words that upgrade and lead to life a. Encouraging words (12:18; 15:4). b. Wise words (20:15). c. Pleasant and appropriate words (12:25; 15:1; 16:24; 25:11; 15:23) Note the following advice in poetry form concerning our usage of words: A wise old owl sat in an oak: The more he saw, the less he spoke The less he spoke the more he heard; Oh, to be like that wise old bird! A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life. A bitter word may hate instill. A brutal word may smite and kill. A gracious word may smooth the way. A timely word may lessen stress. A loving word may heal and bless. 311
IV. Its Three Timely Truths: These three truths have to do with the will of God, the Word of God, and the woman of God. A. Facts concerning the will of God 1. It is his will that I should trust in him (3:5-8). 2. It is his will that I should tithe to him (3:9-10). B. Facts concerning the Word of God: The book of Proverbs describes both the living and written Word. 1. The Living Word (8:22-31; 30:4) a. The eternality of Christ the Living Word with God (8:22-29). b. The equality of Christ the Living Word with God (1) His fellowship with the Father (8:30). (2) His relationship to the Father (30:4) 2. The written Word (13:13; 30:5, 6) C. Facts concerning the woman of God 1. Her worth (31:10) 2. Her works a. Concerning the family (31:15, 21, 27) b. Concerning finances (31:16) c. Concerning the less fortunate (31:20) 3. Her wisdom (31:26) 4. Her witness a. The husband (31:11,12,23) b. The children (31:28) 5. Her worship (31:30) V. Its Six General Groupings A. Seven things that God hates (6:16-19) 1. A proud look 2. A lying tongue 3. Hands that shed innocent blood 4. A wicked plotting heart 5. Eagerness to do wrong 6. A false witness 7. Sowing discord among brothers B. Four things which are never satisfied (30:15-16) 1. The grave 2. The barren womb 3. A barren desert 4. Fire C. Four wonderful and mysterious things (30:18-19) 1. How an eagle glides through the sky 2. How a serpent crawls upon a rock 3. How a ship finds its way across the heaving ocean 4. The growth of love between a man and a maiden D. Four things which the earth finds unbearable (30:21-23) 1. A slave who becomes a king 2. A rebel who prospers 3. A bitter woman when she finally marries 4. A servant girl who marries her mistress husband 312
E. Four small but wise things (30:24-28) 1. Ants: They aren t strong, but they store up food for the winter. 2. Cliff badgers: Delicate little animals who protect themselves by living among the rocks 3. The locusts: Though they have no leader, they stay together in swarms. 4. The lizards: They are easy to catch and kill, yet are found even in kings palaces F. Four stately monarchs (30:29-31) 1. The lion, king of animals (He won t turn aside for anyone.) 2. The peacock 3. The he-goat 4. A king as he leads his army 313