Proverbs

Proverbs

Finding the Context:

1.     What do you see in this book that tells about the Original Reader?

This book is addressed to “my son” or “my child” (1:8;15; 2:1; 3:1,21; 4:1,10,20; 5:1; 6:1,20; 7:1,24; 23:15,19,22,26; 24:13,21; 27:11; 31:1,2). The original reader would have been Solomon’s son. Most likely it was also to be taught to the future kings as well because there are several instructions given to kings (8:12-16; 11:14; 13:24; 16:12-15; 28:2; 28:12-16; 29:12,26; 31:1-4). The beginning of the book also says that it was written so that the people might be taught wisdom and learns how to lead disciplined lives (1:2-6). It is therefore probable that these instructions would have been shared with the people.

2.     What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

 Proverbs claims that the authors were Solomon, Agur and King Lemuel (1:1; 10:1; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1,2). It is also reported in I Kings 4:32 that Solomon compiled proverbs and songs. Solomon was writing to his son but it wasn’t until later that these sayings were compiled. 25:1 states that Hezekiah was the one who compiled the sayings of Solomon. We do not know when in Solomon’s life these were written but they could have been written throughout his life or as final sayings to his son warning and instructing him of the potential dangers that could befall him as king.

3.     What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one-sentence summary of the “main idea”?

Proverbs is a compilation of various instructions intended to provide wisdom and guidance to its readers, mainly to Solomon’s son.

Proverbs address the power that mere words contain. Several passages address this. Words can provide instruction (4:4,5), bring life (4:20-22), bring healing to the body (4:20-22), express learning (5:3), can be sweet but deadly (5:4,5), deceive (6:17), lead you (6:22), protect you (6:22), advise you (6:22), provide light (6:23), keep you from immoral women (6:24), seduce (7:21), kill (7:21-27), bring insults (9:7), bring hurt (9:7), bring hatred (9:8), bring love (9:8), make others wise (9:9), allow others to learn (9:9), kill simple men (9:13-18), be a life giving fountain (10:11), conceal violent intentions (10:11), encourage many (10:21), be helpful (10:32) be perverse (10:32), guide and direct (11:3,5), destroy friends (11:9), murder or save lives (12:6), bring benefits (12:4), stand the test of time (12:19), win a good meal (13:2), ruin everything (13:3), deflect anger (15:1), make tempers flare (15:1) make knowledge appealing (15:2), bring foolishness (15:2), be a tree of life (15:4), crush the spirit (15:4), give good advice (15:7), bring enjoyment (15:23), bring delight to the Lord (15:26), bring evil (15:28), please the king (16:13), persuade (16:21), provide wise speech (16:23), bring sweetness to the soul (16:24) bring health to the body (16:24), separate friends (16:28), help those with understanding (17:10),  resemble deep waters and bubbling brooks (18:4), bring ruin (18:7), satisfy (18:20), bring satisfaction (18:20), bring death or life (18:21), bring consequences (18:21), bring destruction (19:9), make others wise (19:25), more valuable than gold and rubies (20:15), can lead to trouble (21:23), make you the friend of the king (22:11), be a dangerous trap (22:14), be a waste (23:9),  resemble a kiss of friendship (24:26), take away a good reputation (25:9,10), are lovely (25:12), resemble jewelry (25:12), refresh and revive (25:13), break bones (25:25), bring damage to others (25:18), cause anger (25:23), bring refreshment (25:25), be ineffective (26:2), make you foolish (26:4), prevent pride (26:5), useless (26:7), damaging (26:18,19), sink deep into the heart (25:22), hide a wicked heart (26:23), deceive (26:24), cause ruin (26:28), be taken as a curse (27:14), annoying and uncontainable (27:15), be detestable to God (28:9), bring appreciation (28:23), lay a trap for people’s feet (29:5), bring justice (31:8,9), contain wisdom (31:26), provide instruction with kindness (31:26) praise (31:28)

Because this book was written to sons, there is quite a bit mentioned about various types of women. Throughout the book you see the immoral women, Folly personified as a women, the wise women, contentious wives, Wisdom personified as a women and lastly, the virtuous women. There is quite a bit mentioned about the immoral women in Proverbs. This book provides several warnings to young men about immoral women who can easily lead men astray. Proverbs 4:23 mentions the importance of guarding your heart right before it goes into an in-depth look at the immoral women in the following chapters (5; 6:23-35; 7). You see a contrast to these women in chapter 8 with the personification of Wisdom crying out for people to follow her. She is also personified in 4:7-9. Chapter 9:13-18 then give a description of a woman named Folly. Other passages mentioning immoral women or contentious wives are (2:16-19; 19:13; 20:9; 23:26-28; 27:15; 30:20,23). Proverbs 14:1 gives a brief description of a wise woman. The book closes with a description of what a virtuous women looks like (31:10-31).

The “wise” and “fools” are repeated words throughout the entire book. A majority of the book provides several various contrasts of fools and people who are wise as well as the godly and the wicked. See 10:1,5,8,11,14, 28,30,32; 12:15,16; 17:17,21, 25; 18:6,7; 21:20; 26:4, -12; 27:12,22; 28:7).

4.     What is the primary reason this book was written?

The main purpose of why this book is written is clearly laid out in the very beginning of chapter 1. Proverbs 1:1-6 says that the proverbs are to teach people wisdom and discipline. They are to give insight, discernment and knowledge and show people how to live successful lives. People will also receive guidance through the proverbs. It specifically mentions that it will aid the simple and the young people but also states that even wise people will benefit. It is also written so that the writers will know truth (22:17-21).

Theme Tracing:

1.     What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Through the various addresses to “My son” (see above for references) you see the father heart of God coming through. The Father heart of God that longs for his sons to follow His ways and live a life of blessing is portrayed throughout the book. You also have several references to the joy that a father has over a wise son (10:1; 23:15; 27:11).

You also see God’s wisdom (big surprise I know). Proverbs 8:22-31 mentions how wisdom was there when God created the world. God used wisdom in his creation of the world. A fear of the Lord also leads to wisdom (15:33). When we have an accurate perspective of God, we will also possess wisdom. The fact that this book contains so much instruction regarding wisdom is a testimony to the fact that God loves wisdom and that it is very important to Him.

God is also portrayed as the Creator. Not only does Proverbs 8 mention him creating the world, but Proverbs 30:4 mentions refers to Him as being the One who created the world and is bigger than things like the wind and oceans. This is not one of the characteristics that I would expect to be in this book but it is logical because realizing that God is indeed the Creator of everything gives solid evidence to the fact that His ways are higher and wiser than ours.

2.     What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In Proverbs 30:4 you see a foreshadowing of Christ. The writer is asking for the name of God’s Son implying and revealing that He has a Son. It is interesting that God is mentioned as having a Son seeing as this book was written from a father to his son. You also see the Father heart of God coming out here as well.

Application Questions:

1.     Personal Application

I think that the biggest thing that struck me from Proverbs was how crucially important words are. With what I say I either tear people or build them up. Proverbs 3:27-29 states that we are not to withhold good from those who deserve it when we have the power to help them. How many times have I failed to help people by failing to give them just the simple words of encouragement or thankfulness that they needed to hear? Failing to speak life or simply remaining silent are bad just like the speaking of death. If I know that I am to love, encourage and build up others and then fail to do it, isn’t this considered to be sin (James 4:17)? May the Lord provide me with the grace that I need to not only refrain from speaking evil but also go an extra mile and speak good out into the lives of others.   

2.     Point of Passion-Leaders

Because a king wrote this to his son, it is filled with instructions for leaders. There are several references that refer to characteristics that a king or ruler should possess. Proverbs 8:15-21 reveals how important it is for leaders to be filled with wisdom. It says that through wisdom, kings reign, rulers lead and nobles make righteous judgments. Proverbs 11:14 reveals the importance of a nation having a wise leader stating that if they do not, the nation falls. 28:2 states that wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability to a nation. When this is not in place, moral rot begins to grow and the government topples. Wise leaders bring stability and they also provide joy to those who are under their rule 29:2,4.  Proverbs 16:10-15 states that leaders are to judge with wisdom and justice because God loves accurate scales and balances. He is to be a man who does not approve of wrongdoing or dishonesty but rather to be a lover of righteous lips and honesty. Those kings who judge the poor fairly are ensured a lasting throne (29:14). People who are underneath a wicked leader will eventually begin turning away. In Proverbs it says that the advisors of a leader who pays attention to lies will become wicked.

There also instruction throughout the book provided regarding wise and immoral women and the training of children by parents as well as the importance of following parental advice (Prov 1:8,9; 3:1-4; 4:1-4; 6:20-24; 7:1,2; 22:6; 23:13,14; 29:15). These are basic instruction for young leaders who will eventually be stepping into the role of leadership passes down to them.