Proverbs Introduction

By definition a "proverb" is a short saying that conveys a truth or useful thought in expressive language. The Hebrews often expressed themselves in sayings called "Ma-shal". These sayings were not limited to proverbs; they can be found in Deuteronomy, Genesis, 1st. Samuel, Isaiah, Job and Ezekiel. Even Luke and John, in their Gospels, record a few.

The Book of Proverbs is part of Hebrew "Wisdom Literature". The Authors were many and most were unknown. Chapters 1, 2, 10 thru 22 and 25 thru 29 are believed to have been written by Solomon. All the authors were "humanists"; therefore the book is not considered prophetic or legalistic Judaism, but rather that which deals with the wisdom of life itself.

It was written over a long period of time. Solomon wrote about 900 B.C. while most of the rest was obviously written during the "post exile" period or about 400 B.C. Reasons for dating this in the Post exile period are:

1. The derogatory manner in which monarchs are spoken of does not represent the time of Solomon.
2. They do, for the most part, represent the feelings of most Jews after the exile.
3. Monogamy is stressed and this was not so during the time of Solomon.
4. The emphasis is on the individual not on the nation as it was during the time of Solomon. At the end of the exile the people needed a sense of their own personal worth.
5. There are many words of Arab origin used, which indicated the Babylonian influence.
6. They were written in a relatively late form of Hebrew.

It is believed that they were probably compiled as a book between 400 and 250 B.C.

We will divide the book into 8 divisions:

1. In Phrase of Wisdom. Chapters 1 thru 9.
2. The Proverbs of Solomon. Chapters 10 thru 22.
3. Words of the Wise. Chapters 23.
4. Sayings of the Wise. Chapter 24.
5. Proverbs of Solomon, which the Men of Hezekiah, King of Judah, "copied out". Chapters 25 thru 29.
6. Words of Agur, the son of Jakeh. Chapter 30.
7. Words of King Lemuel, the things his mother taught him. Chapter 31:1-9.
8. Phrase of a good efficient wife. Chapter 31:10-31.

One of the oldest portions of Proverbs is Chapter 22:17 thru 24:22. It was copied after an Egyptian book on the "Common Sense View of Life" and written about the time of Solomon and widely circulated around the world.

Two areas of thought are covered in Proverbs:

1. Secular. The secular theology is the same as is found in the Book of Job. It declares the following inescapable facts of life:
   1. God is the source of all things.
   2. God directs every move of man.
   3. Man is powerless against God.
   4. Wealth is acquired through intelligence and hard work.
   5. Wise men will retain their wealth by: Abstaining from laziness. Abstaining from extravagance and licentiousness. Abstaining from intemperance.

   One can, however, partake of some pleasures of life if done in moderation, things such as perfume, wine, honey, friendship and marriage.

   Total abstinence was required from adultery, borrowing money, fraud, theft and ill-gotten gains. strangely enough, none of this was required on the basis of religious grounds, but rather because it was expedient and in ones best interest.

2. Religious. The religious sections of Proverbs show the influence of the Deuteronomic Code. It establishes the following as being inescapable:
   1. The wisdom of God is available to man here and now.
   2. The wise and the pious are identical.
   3. Wisdom is the supreme goal of life.
   4. Thru wisdom, man secures long life, prosperity, honor, security and happiness.

Like Job's friends, they believed that wealth and happiness was the reward for righteousness and sickness and hard times was the result of disobedience. The proverbs in the religious section are idealistic, pious and moral. The proverbs in the secular section are realistic, practical and, occasionally, cynical.

The following are subjects that are especially discussed in Proverbs:

Anger	14:17 and 15:18
Generosity	3:9-10 and 11:24-26
Correction of children	13:24 and 19:18
Tempers	4:14 and 9:13
Fear of God	1:7 and 3:7
Fools	10:23 and 12:15
Friendship	17:17 and 18:24
Divine knowledge	15:11 and 21:2
Laziness	6:6 and 10:4-5
Oppression	14:31 and 22:22
Pride	6:17 and 11:2
Prudence	12:23 and 13:16
Scoffers	3:34 and 9:7
Strife	3:30 and 10:12
Temperance	20:1 and 21:17
The tongue	4:24 and 10:11-32
Unjust gain	10:2 and 13:11
Wealth	11:4 and 13:7
Evil women	2:16-19 and 5:3-14
Good women	5:18-19 and 31:10-31

A final note from Matthew Henry, "Solomon was a 'guide post' rather than an example, he pointed the way to wisdom but did not walk in it."

Study of the Book of Proverbs

Subject	Chapter
Our Religion - in this World	1
Those Willing to be Taught	2
Arguments for Religion	3
Repeated Doses of Wisdom is Necessary	4
The Laws of Wisdom	5
Seven Things God Hates	6
A Warning About the Lusts of the Flesh	7
Word Without Wisdom is of Little Value	8
Rivals for the Soul of Man	9
Govern Our Tongues Well	10
The Just Delights the Lord	11
Instruction Produces Knowledge	12
A Wise Son Listens to His Father	13
Every Wise Woman Builds up Her House	14
A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath	15
The Wisdom of the Tongue is From God	16
Recommended Family Love and Peace	17
Desired Wisdom	18
The Poor Versus the Perverse	19
The Fool, Sluggard, Lazy and the Wise	20
God Can Change the Hearts of Man	21
Things that are Better than Riches	22
Rules on Eating and Speaking	23
Against Envy and Foolishness	24
Doctrines on Kings and Such	25
Honor Versus a Fool	26
About Boasting and Other Foolish Things	27
About the Wicked and the Poor	28
About the Righteous and the Scornful	29
The Words of Agur Son of Jakeh	30
The Words of King Lemuel	31

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