Proverbs 1:1-6
Remember the words of 2 Tim. 3:15-17: “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” NKJV
Possibly some would rather have desired the preservation of his discourses on Natural History than on Practical Wisdom. But this Sovereign discrimination shows the real intent of the Scriptures not to teach philosophy, but religion; not to make men of science, but men of sound godliness. Bridges
CHRISTOPHER WORDSWORTH (nephew of William Wordsworth) (Introd. to Proverbs, pp. ix., x.) says: “The Book of Proverbs is an inspired book adapted to the circumstances of the times of Solomon.” “The Holy Spirit, in inspiring Solomon to write the Book of Proverbs, supplied an antidote to the poison of those influences (temptations attending the splendor and prosperity of the times), and has given to the world a moral and spiritual manual, which, has its special uses for those who dwell in populous towns and cities, and who are busily engaged in worldly traffic, and are exposed to such temptations as are rife in an age and country like our own, distinguished by commercial enterprise and mechanical skill, and by the production of great works of human industry, in Art, Literature and Science, and also by religious activity, especially of that kind which aims to give to Religion external dignity and beauty, such as reached its highest pitch in the Temple of Solomon.” Quoted in Lange
A. What
proverbs
The simplest form of the Maschal, or the technical form of poetry among the Hebrews, is a verse consisting of two short symmetrically constructed clauses:
synonymous distichs, in which the second line repeats the meaning of the first in a form but slightly changed, for the sake of giving as clear and exhaustive a presentation as possible of the thought involved
antithetic distichs, in which the second illustrates by its opposite the truth presented in the first
synthetic distichs, the two halves of which express truths of different yet kindred import
integral distichs, in which the proposition commenced in the first half is brought to completion only by the second,
parabolic distichs, i. e., maxims which in some form or other exhibit comparisons between a moral idea and an object in nature or common life
definition
A comparison, an object lesson, a simple illustration or a parable which exposes a fundamental reality about life. Newheiser
a large amount of wisdom wrapped up in the fewest possible words. W. Harris
an object lesson setting out courses of action [which] helps to choose the course of action to follow or avoid NET Bible
B. Who
Solomon – 10:1-22:16
anonymous collections – 22:17-24:22 and 24:23-34
Hezekiah’s men – 25:1-29:27 (written by Solomon, collected by Hezekiah’s men)
Agur – 30:1-33
Lemuel – 31:1-9
C. Why
in general: v. 2-3
to gain wisdom v. 2a
Wisdom is the skill of living. It is a practical knowledge that helps one know how to act and how to speak in different situations. Wisdom entails the ability to avoid problems, and the skill to handle them when they present themselves. Tremper Longman
to learn how to distinguish truth from falsehood, to recognize God’s truth v. 2b
to have a life characterized by wisdom and so leave a legacy of lasting value v. 3
“to receive moral instruction in [prudent] living” NET Bible (compare Abigail and Nabal)
that is evidenced by:
righteousness – conduct conforming to a right (God’s) standard
justice – making right and just decisions
equity – walking a (morally) straight path
specific groups/classes v. 4-6
the naive
open-minded: receptive to any influence, easily misled, gullible; inexperienced
in need of wisdom and prudence
Wisdom applied to practice. Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity [separating truth from falsehood] in discerning and selecting them. Webster, 1828
“wise as serpents, innocent [harmless] as doves” Matthew 10:16 (Jesus sending out the twelve)
the young
ability to
choose a right goal
make right plans,
select a right course of action
the wise
become wiser
the discerning
gain guidance, the ability to steer a right course
the wise and discerning
become more skilled and better equipped as leaders
increase their ability to pass along wisdom and counsel to others
The simple and the young, the wise and discerning, regardless of station or stage in life, men and women, boys and girls need the wisdom found in Proverbs.
The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving Knowledge, Faith and Obedience. LBCF I.1
D. How
“But the question has been often asked and that not in a cavilling [to raise frivolous objections], but in an anxiously enquiring, spirit, “How can I read this Book profitably?” Not unfrequently the confession has been added, “My mind and soul do not get food from it. I think I am less interested in this, than in any other, part of Scripture. I acknowledge the wisdom of its sayings. I am fully persuaded, that being the Word of God it was not written in vain. The fault therefore must be in myself. Still the question returns How am I to read it with profit?”
…The first and chief direction that which gives life to every other that which applies to every page and every verse of the Bible is Begin with prayer: “Cry – lift up thy voice.” Then combine a pondering mind with a praying heart. Actively apply thyself to “seek and search for the hid treasures.” The riches lie not on the surface. Only those therefore, that dig into the bowels of the earth not the readers, but “the searchers of the Scriptures” are enriched. If the surface be barren, the mine beneath is inexhaustible.” Charles Bridges
