Reference: Proverbs, Book of
Easton
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).
As to the origin of this book, "it is probable that Solomon gathered and recast many proverbs which sprang from human experience in preceeding ages and were floating past him on the tide of time, and that he also elaborated many new ones from the material of his own experience. Towards the close of the book, indeed, are preserved some of Solomon's own sayings that seem to have fallen from his lips in later life and been gathered by other hands' (Arnot's Laws from Heaven, etc.)
This book is usually divided into three parts: (1.) Consisting of ch. 1-9, which contain an exhibition of wisdom as the highest good.
(2.) Consisting of ch. 10-24.
(3.) Containing proverbs of Solomon "which the men of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, collected" (ch. 25-29).
These are followed by two supplements, (1) "The words of Agur" (ch. 30); and (2) "The words of king Lemuel" (ch. 31).
Solomon is said to have written three thousand proverbs, and those contained in this book may be a selection from these (1Ki 4:32). In the New Testament there are thirty-five direct quotations from this book or allusions to it.
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His reputation was known throughout the surrounding nations. Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.
Hastings
The second book among the 'Writings' is the most characteristic example of the Wisdom literature in the OT. 1. We may adopt the division of the book made by the headings in the Hebrew text as follows:
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The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grieves his mother.
Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss. Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,
Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,
Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching, for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips.
for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips. As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that's why I'm teaching you today, even you.
As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that's why I'm teaching you today, even you. Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge,
Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge, to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?
to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?
They will be destroyed suddenly, and who knows what kind of punishment will come from these two? Here are some more proverbs from wise people: It isn't good to show partiality in judgment. read more. Whoever says to the wicked, "You're in the right," will be cursed by people and hated by nations. But as for people who rebuke the wicked; a good blessing will fall upon them. A kiss on the lips that's what someone who gives an honest answer deserves. First do your outside work, preparing your land for yourself. After that, build your house. Don't testify against your neighbor without a cause, and don't lie when you speak. Don't say, "I'll do to him like he did to me, I'll be sure to pay him back for what he did." I went by the field belonging to a lazy man, by a vineyard belonging to a senseless person. There it was, overgrown with thistles, the ground covered with thorns, its stone wall collapsed. As I observed, I thought about it; I watched, and learned a lesson: "A little sleep! A little slumber! A little folding of my hands to rest!" Then your poverty will come upon you like a robber, your need like an armed bandit.
Keep well informed of the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds, because riches don't endure forever, and crowns don't last from one generation to the next. read more. When the grass disappears, and new growth appears, the mountain spices will be harvested, the lambs will supply your clothing, and your goats the price of a field. You will have enough goat's milk to drink and to supply your household needs, as well as sustenance for your servant girls.
A discourse by the faithful collector. This is what this valiant man declared to the God with me, to the God with me, who then prevailed:
Don't add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will be shown to be a liar. God, I have asked you for two things don't refuse me before I die
The leech has two daughters: "Give" and "Give". Three things will never be satisfied; four will never say "Enough" -
The words of King Lemuel a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him. No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth! read more. Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed. Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed. Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more. Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.
Reward her for her work let her actions result in public praise.
Morish
In this book God has furnished, through the wisest of men, principles and precepts for the guidance and security of the believer in passing through the temptations to which he is exposed in an evil world. The admonitions speak in terms of affectionate warning 'as to sons:' Heb 12:5. Under symbolic terms, such as 'the evil man' and 'the strange woman,' the great forms of evil in the world, violent self-will, and corrupting folly, are laid bare in their course and end. Wisdom is shown as the alone guard against one or the other. Wisdom is presented, not as a faculty residing in man, but as an object to be diligently sought after and acquired. It is often personified, and is spoken of as lifting up her voice. In Prov. 8, under the idea of wisdom, we have doubtless Christ presented as the resource that was with God from 'the beginning of His way,' so that God could independently of man establish and bring into effect His thoughts of grace for men.
In detail the book refers to the world, showing what things are to be sought and what to be avoided, and evinces that in the government of God a man reaps according to what he sows, irrespective of the spiritual blessings of God in grace beyond and above this world. It maintains integrity in the earthly relationships of this life, which cannot be violated with impunity. The instruction rises altogether above mere human prudence and sagacity, for "the fear of the Lord is the beginning or 'principal part,' margin of knowledge." We have in it the wisdom of God for the daily path of human life.
The book divides itself into two parts: the first nine chapters give general principles, and Prov. 10 onwards are the proverbs themselves. This latter portion divides itself into three parts: Prov. 10: to Prov. 24, the proverbs of Solomon; Prov. 25 to Prov. 29, also the proverbs of Solomon, which were gathered by "the men of Hezekiah king of Judah." Prov. 30 gives the words of Agur; and Prov. 31 the words of king Lemuel.
The Proverbs is a book of poetry. The proverbs vary in style: some are antithetical couplets, one being the opposite of the other, as "a wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." Others are synthetical, the second sentence enforcing the first, as "The Lord hath made all things for himself, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." See POETRY.
In Prov. 1 the purport of the proverbs is pointed out: it is that instruction in wisdom, justice, judgement, and equity might be received: the fear of the Lord is the starting point. Satan would of course oppose this, so warnings are at once given to avoid the enticings of sinners. Wisdom cries aloud and in the streets: her instructions are for all. Retribution is for such as refuse her call.
Prov. 2 gives the results of following in the path of wisdom, whereas the wicked will be rooted out.
Prov. 3 shows that it is the fear of God, and subjection to His word, that is the only true path in an evil world.
Prov. 4 enforces the study of wisdom: it will surely bring into blessing. Evil must be avoided and be kept at a distance. The heart, the eye, and the feet must be watched.
Prov. 5 warns a man against leaving the wife of his youth (the lawful connection) for the strange woman, which leads to utter demoralisation.
Prov. 6 enjoins one not to be surety for another. Wisdom is not slothful, violent, nor deceitful. There are seven things which are an abomination to the Lord. The strange woman is again pointed out to be avoided as fire: there is no ransom for adultery.
Prov. 7 again shows the traps laid by the strange woman, which alas, are often too successful. Her house is the way to hell (Sheol).
Prov. 8 proclaims that wisdom calls, and invites all to listen: it is valuable for all
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"The LORD made me as he began his planning, before his ancient activity commenced.
rejoicing in his inhabitable world and taking delight in mankind."
Some people curse their fathers and won't bless their mothers. Some people view themselves as pure, but haven't been cleansed from their own filth. read more. Some people what an arrogant look they have! raise their eyebrows haughtily. Some people have swords for teeth and knives for fangs to devour the afflicted from the earth and the needy from among mankind. The leech has two daughters: "Give" and "Give". Three things will never be satisfied; four will never say "Enough" - The afterlife, the barren womb, earth that still demands water, and fire they never say, "Enough".
Three things cause wonder for me; four are beyond my understanding: The way an eagle flies in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.
Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot remain steady: Under a slave when he becomes a king, a fool when he is overfed, read more. an unloved woman when she finds a husband, and a servant girl who inherits from her mistress. Four things on earth are small, but they are very, very wise: Ants aren't a strong species, yet they prepare their food in the summer. The rock badgers aren't a strong species either, yet they build their dens in the rocks. Locusts have no king, but they all swarm in ranks. Spiders can be caught by the hand, yet they're found in kings' palaces. Three things are stately in procession, four which are stately in their gait: The lion, mighty among the beasts, retreats before nothing. The strutting rooster, as well as the goat, and a king with his army.
"Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people who enjoy his favor!"
You have forgotten the encouragement that is addressed to you as sons: "My son, do not think lightly of the Lord's discipline or give up when you are corrected by him.
Smith
Prov'erbs, Book of.
The title of this book in Hebrew is taken from its first word, mashal, which originally meant "a comparison." It is sometimes translated parable, sometimes proverb as here. The superscriptions which are affixed to several portions of the book, in chs.
attribute the authorship of those portions to Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. With the exception of the last two chapters, which are distinctly assigned to other author it is probable that the statement of the superscriptions is in the main correct, and that the majority of the proverbs contained in the book were uttered or collected by Solomon. Speaking roughly, the book consists of three main divisions, with two appendices:--
1. Chs. 1-9 form a connected didactic Wisdom is praised and the youth exhorted to devote himself to her. This portion is preceded by an introduction and title describing the character and general aim of the book.
2. Chs. 10-24 with the title "The Proverbs of Solomon," consist of three parts:
a collection of single proverbs and detached sentences out of the region of moral teaching and worldly prudence;
a more connected didactic poem, with an introduction,
which contains precepts of righteousness and prudence;
with the inscription "These also belong to the wise," a collection of unconnected maxims, which serve as an appendix to the preceding. Then follows the third division chs. 25-29, which, according to the superscription, professes to be collection of Solomon's proverbs, consisting of single sentences, which the men of the court of Hezekiah copied out. The first appendix, ch. 30, "The words of Agur the son of Jakeh," is a collection of partly proverbial and partly enigmatical sayings; the second, ch. 31, is divided into two parts, "The words of King Lemuel," vs. 1-6, and an alphabetical acrostic in praise of a virtuous woman, which occupies the rest of the chapter. Who was Agur and who was Jakeh, are questions which have been often asked and never satisfactorily answered. All that can be said of the first is that he was an unknown Hebrew sage, the son of an equally unknown Jakeh, and that he lived after the time of Hezekiah. Lemuel, like Agur, is unknown. It is even uncertain whether he is to be regarded as a real personage, or whether the name is merely symbolical. The Proverbs are frequently quoted or alluded to in the New Testament and the canonicity of the book thereby confirmed. The following is a list of the principal passages:--
compare Roma 3:10,15
compare Roma 12:16
compare Hebr 12:5,6, see also Reve 3:19
compare Jame 4:6
compare 1Pet 4:8
compare 1Pet 4:18
compare Roma 12:17; 1The 5:15; 1Pet 3:9
compare Jame 1:19
compare 1Joh 1:8
(LXX.), compare 2Cor 9:7
compare, Roma 12:20
compare, 2Pet 2:22
compare, Jame 4:13,14
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The proverbs of David's son Solomon, king of Israel.
For they run toward evil; these enticers shed blood without hesitation.
Do not be wise in your own opinion. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
My son, do not reject the LORD's discipline, and do not despise his correction, because the LORD corrects the person he loves, just as a father corrects the son he delights in.
Though God scoffs at scoffers, he gives grace to the humble.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grieves his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grieves his mother. Nothing good comes from ill-gotten wealth, but righteousness delivers from death. read more. The LORD won't cause the righteous to hunger, but he will reject what the wicked crave. Lazy hands bring poverty, but hard-working hands lead to wealth. Whoever harvests during summer acts wisely, but the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful. Blessings come upon the head of the righteous, but the words of the wicked conceal violence. The reputation of the righteous leads to blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise person accepts commands, but the chattering fool will be brought down. Whoever walks in integrity lives prudently, but whoever perverts his way of life will be exposed. Those who wink their eyes are trouble makers, and the mocking fool will be brought down. What the righteous say is a flowing fountain, but what the wicked say conceals violence. Hatred awakens contention, but love covers all transgressions.
Hatred awakens contention, but love covers all transgressions. Wisdom characterizes the speech of the discerning, but the rod is for the backs of those lacking discernment. read more. Those who are wise store up knowledge, but when the fool speaks, destruction is near. The rich hide within the fortress that is their wealth, but the poor are dismayed due to their poverty. Honorable wages lead to life; the salaries of the wicked, to retribution.
Honorable wages lead to life; the salaries of the wicked, to retribution. Whoever heeds correction is on the pathway to life, but someone who ignores exhortation goes astray. read more. Whoever conceals hatred is a deceitful liar, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. Transgression is at work where people talk too much, but anyone who holds his tongue is prudent. What the righteous person says is like precious silver; the thoughts of the wicked are compared to small things. What the righteous person says nourishes many, but fools die because they lack discerning hearts. The blessing of the LORD establishes wealth, and difficulty does not accompany it.
If the righteous receive what they are due here on earth, how much more will the wicked and the sinner.
The person who repays good with evil will never see evil leave his home.
Whoever controls what he says is knowledgeable; anyone who has a calm spirit is a man of understanding.
Who can say, "My intentions are pure; I am clean from any sin?"
Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the deepest darkness.
Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon will be destroyed.
Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,
Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching, for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips.
for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips. As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that's why I'm teaching you today, even you.
As a result, your trust will be in the LORD, that's why I'm teaching you today, even you. Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge,
Have I not written for you 30 sayings containing counsel and knowledge, to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?
to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you?
to teach you true and reliable advice, so you can give truthful answers to those who sent you? Don't rob the poor person because he is poor, and don't crush the helpless in court,
Don't rob the poor person because he is poor, and don't crush the helpless in court, for the LORD will plead their case and ruin the lives of those who ruin them. read more. Don't make friends with a hot-tempered man, and do not associate with someone who is easily angered,
Here are some more proverbs from wise people: It isn't good to show partiality in judgment. Whoever says to the wicked, "You're in the right," will be cursed by people and hated by nations. read more. But as for people who rebuke the wicked; a good blessing will fall upon them. A kiss on the lips that's what someone who gives an honest answer deserves. First do your outside work, preparing your land for yourself. After that, build your house. Don't testify against your neighbor without a cause, and don't lie when you speak. Don't say, "I'll do to him like he did to me, I'll be sure to pay him back for what he did." I went by the field belonging to a lazy man, by a vineyard belonging to a senseless person. There it was, overgrown with thistles, the ground covered with thorns, its stone wall collapsed. As I observed, I thought about it; I watched, and learned a lesson: "A little sleep! A little slumber! A little folding of my hands to rest!" Then your poverty will come upon you like a robber, your need like an armed bandit.
Here are some more proverbs by Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat; and if he thirsts, give him water to drink. For you'll be piling burning coals of shame on his head and the LORD will reward you.
A dog that returns to its vomit is like a fool who reverts to his folly.
Never brag about the day to come, because you don't know what it might bring.
Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.
Above all, continue to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.
"If it is hard for the righteous person to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and sinful person?"
The proverb is true that describes what has happened to them: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A pig that is washed goes back to wallow in the mud."
If we say that we do not have any sin, we are deceiving ourselves and we're not being truthful to ourselves.