Reference: Proverbs, The Book Of
Fausets
mishlee, plural of maashaal, "comparison" or "likeness." The Christian fathers (Clement, Ep. Cor. 1:57; Hegesippus, Irenaeus in Eusebius H. E. 4:22) entitle it "Wisdom, the sum of all virtues" (Panareros sophia). Pithy sayings (compare David's quotation, 1Sa 24:13), like similes or with a figure. The comparison is either expressed or left for the hearer to supply. So Balaam's "parable" is prophecy in figurative language (Nu 23:7-10; 1Sa 10:12; Eze 12:22-23; 17:2-3; 18:2; 20:49; 24:3; Lu 4:23). In Job 27:1 "parable" (Job 29:1) means a figurative, sententious, weighty embodiment of wisdom, not in this case short, but containing Job's whole argument (Ps 49:4, maashaal).
In Pr 1:6 "dark sayings" (chidah) are another form of proverbs, the enigmatical obscurity being designed to stimulate reflection (Hab 2:6; Judges 14; 1Ki 10:1; 2Ch 9:1; Eze 17:2; Ps 78:2); the melitsah (Pr 1:6), "interpretation" (so Chald. and Vulgate versions), for which Gesenius translated "a saying that needs an interpreter," i.e. enigmatical (Hab 2:6). For instance (Pr 12:27), "the slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting" requires discernment to see the point of comparison and the application; the slothful man is too lazy to hunt, and therefore has nothing to roast (compare 2Th 3:10). "Proverb" is with Jesus' disciples equivalent to an obscure saying (Joh 16:29).
Canonicity. The Book of Proverbs is found in all Jewish lists among the ketubim, "writings" (hagiographa), the third division of Scripture. The Talmud (Baba Bathra, 14 b.) gives the order, Ruth, Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, Daniel, Esther, Ezra (including Nehemiah), Chronicles. The New Testament quotes and so canonizes (Pr 1:16; Ro 3:10,15. Pr 3:7; Ro 12:16. Pr 3:11-12; Heb 12:5-6; Re 3:19. Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Pr 10:12; 1Pe 4:8. Pr 11:31; 1Pe 4:17-18. Pr 17:13; Ro 12:17; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9. Pr 17:27; Jas 1:19. Pr 20:9; 1Jo 1:8. Pr 20:20; Mt 15:4. Pr 22:8; 2Co 9:6; Ga 6:7,9. Pr 25:21-22; Ro 12:20. Pr 26:11; 2Pe 2:22. Pr 27:1; Jas 4:13).
Divisions and authorship. The same heading, "the proverbs of Solomon the son of David king of Israel" (Pr 1:1; 10:1; 25:1), marks the three divisions. Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs (1Ki 4:32) and "set in order" the present selection (Proverbs 1-24; Ec 12:9). "Hezekiah" directed his pious "men" (perhaps Isaiah, Micah, Shebna, and Joah: 2Ki 18:18) to supplement the collection with a series of proverbs of Solomon, not included in the collection by the royal author (Pr 25:1; compare Sir 47:14; Sir 47:17). The Holy Spirit did not appoint all Solomon's proverbs indiscriminately to be put into the canon for all ages, but a selection suited for the ends of revelation. The bringing forth of God's word from obscurity fitly accompanied the reformation by pious Hezekiah, as in the case of Josiah's reformation (2Ch 31:21,21). The Jews assign the composition of the Song of Solomon to Solomon's youth, Proverbs to his manhood, and Ecclesiastes to his old age.
(1) Proverbs 1-9 are one connected whole, in which wisdom is recommended to youths; an introduction states the aim.
(2) Proverbs 10-22 are single detached proverbs; from Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 22:16; Proverbs 22:17 to Proverbs 24:21, form a more connected whole on righteousness and prudence, with an introduction; Pr 24:23-34, "these also belong to the wise," are an appendix of unconnected maxims.
(3) Proverbs 25-29, consisting of single sentences, are the selection of Hezekiah's men..
(4) Proverbs 30 is Agur's proverbs and enigmatical sayings..
(5) Proverbs 31 consists of king Lemuel's words (Pr 31:1-6), and an alphabetical acrostic in praise of a virtuous woman.
The repetition of many proverbs in a similar form in the middle division is due, not to their emanating from different authors, but to their having been selected out of different collections oral or written, of the same author Solomon, in which the same proverb appeared in a different connection; just as Jesus' sayings repeated in different connections (Pr 14:12; 16:25; 21:2,9,19; 10:1; 15:20; 10:2; 11:4; 10:15; 18:11; 15:33; 18:12; 11:21; 16:5; 14:31; 17:5; 19:12; 20:2). The Proverbs apply the truths of religion to practical life in sentences weighty and easily remembered by their terse point. (See POETRY.)
Gnomic poetry is peculiarly Semitic. Instead of philosophical reasonings and argument, the results of observation are embodied in terse proverbial similitudes and maxims. A proverb is defined as" the wit of one, the wisdom of many." When the nation's experiences had become matured Solomon in a time of national peace embodied them in gnomic proverbs. Internal tranquillity favored the growth of a contemplative spirit which suits such a work. Favorite phrases characterize the middle division, the style of which is simple and antique. The Proverbs are in antithetic parallelism, the second clause standing in contrast to the first. Here are the phrases "fountain of life," "tree of life," "snares of death," "healing," "health;" "destruction" (mechittah), Pr 10:14-15,29, nowhere else in Proverbs; (ad argiah) "but for a moment"; (yad leyad) "hand to hand," Pr 11:21; (nirgan) "a whisperer," "talebearer" )Pr 18:18, etc.), are characteristic of the middle division. The third division, namely, of Hezekiah's men, is marked by the interrogation "seest thou?" (Pr 26:12; 29:20.)
Things are compared by being placed side by side, connected simply by "and" (Pr 25:3,20). The antithesis is not so marked. The verses are not of two equal members; one is often shorter than the other; sometimes there are even three members in the verse. A cautious and mournful tone is thought to mark the language as to rulers, instead of the joy and reverence of the middle and older division; the, state of the nation under Hezekiah at the close of the eighth century B.C. accords with his selection of these proverbs of Solomon. The first division, with the closing part of the middle (Pr 10:1-22:16 being the germ of the book), Proverbs 1-9; Proverbs 22:17 - Proverbs 25:1, is characterized by favorite words and constructions: as chokmot, "wisdoms"; zarah, "the strange woman"; nokriah, "the foreigner," the adulteress who seduces youth, the opposite of true wisdom, found once in the middle division (Pr 22:14). Shephathaim, dual feminine, is constructed with the verb masculine plural.
Warning against envy at the sinner's seeming prosperity appears (Pr 3:31; 23:17; 24:1,19) as in Job. The disciplinary design of chastisement ("instruction," musar, Greek paideia, correction by discipline), Pr 3:11-13; so Job (Job 33:17-30; 5:17); wisdom (Pr 2:4; 3:14,8; Job 28; Pr 3:23; Job 5:22; Pr 8:25; Job 15:7-8). The similarity is probably due to Solomon's having become imbued with the spirit of the book of Job, through study of it. The language of the first division rises from a general exhortation, and then a particular one to youth to follow wisdom, to the sublimest and most universal strain at the close (Pr 6:20-9:18). This first division is continuous description and elucidation of truth, instead of the single proverb which characterizes the middle collection; the poetic parallelism is synonymous, not antithetic or synthetic, as in the middle division.
Keil truly says, after all these distinctions of parts, "one historical background is shown throughout, the contents corresponding only to the relations, culture, and experiences of life acquired by the political development of Israel under Solomon." The first part forms a connected mashal or parabolic commendation of wisdom. It is the porch, leading into the interior, the Proverbs proper, loosely connected. The ornamental, flowing style suits the young, to whom the first division is addressed. The second, addressed to men, is in brief, business like style, compressing much in brief compass for the right conduct of life.
The two sentences in each distich mutually complement each other, and the ellipsis in one is to be supplied from the antithesis in the other, e.g. (Pr 12:3), "a man shall not be established by wickedness (but shall be rooted out); but the root of the righteous shall (be established and) not be moved"; Pr 11:12, "he that is void of
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And he took up his parable, and said, From Aram hath Balak brought me, The king of Moab from the mountains of the East: Come, curse me Jacob, And come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? And how shall I defy, whom Jehovah hath not defied? read more. For from the top of the rocks I see him, And from the hills I behold him: lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, And shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, Or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, And let my last end be like his!
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked cometh forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be upon thee.
And he spake three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five.
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of Jehovah, she came to prove him with hard questions.
And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.
At destruction and dearth thou shalt laugh; Neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
Art thou the first man that was born? Or wast thou brought forth before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret counsel of God? And dost thou limit wisdom to thyself?
That he may withdraw man from his purpose, And hide pride from man; He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. read more. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones; So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food. His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; And his bones that were not seen stick out. Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, And his life to the destroyers. If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him; Then God is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; He returneth to the days of his youth. He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness. He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not: He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light. Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, yea thrice, with a man, To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,
To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures:
Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.
My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof:
My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof: For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. read more. For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold.
Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death. Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked. read more. He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the righteous; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely; But he that perverteth his ways shall be known. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; But a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strifes; But love covereth all transgressions.
Hatred stirreth up strifes; But love covereth all transgressions. In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. read more. Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction.
Wise men lay up knowledge; But the mouth of the foolish is a present destruction. The rich man's wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous tendeth to life; The increase of the wicked, to sin. read more. He is in the way of life that heedeth correction; But he that forsaketh reproof erreth. He that hideth hatred is of lying lips; And he that uttereth a slander is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely. The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding. The blessing of Jehovah, it maketh rich; And he addeth no sorrow therewith.
The way of Jehovah is a stronghold to the upright; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath; But righteousness delivereth from death.
He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: How much more the wicked and the sinner!
A man shall not be established by wickedness; But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting; But the precious substance of men is to the diligent.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.
A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass.
The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.
He that soweth iniquity shall reap calamity; And the rod of his wrath shall fail.
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein.
Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.
Let not thy heart envy sinners; But be thou in the fear of Jehovah all the day long:
Be not thou envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them:
For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
These also are'sayings of the wise. To have respect of persons in judgment is not good.
These also are'sayings of the wise. To have respect of persons in judgment is not good. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him:
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him: But to them that rebuke him'shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.
But to them that rebuke him'shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them. He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer.
He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer. Prepare thy work without, And make it ready for thee in the field; And afterwards build thy house.
Prepare thy work without, And make it ready for thee in the field; And afterwards build thy house. Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; And deceive not with thy lips.
Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; And deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work. I went by the field of the sluggard, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
I went by the field of the sluggard, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I beheld, and considered well; I saw, and received instruction:
Then I beheld, and considered well; I saw, and received instruction: Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep;
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep; So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man.
These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: read more. For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.
As a dog that returneth to his vomit,'so is a fool that repeateth his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? read more. Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say , Where is strong drink? Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:
And further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he pondered, and sought out, and'set in order many proverbs.
Son of man, what is this proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the fulfilment of every vision.
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar:
What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Set on the caldron, set it on, and also pour water into it:
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and that ladeth himself with pledges!
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and that ladeth himself with pledges!
For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death.
And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country.
as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one;
Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.
and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Ye know this , my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture'saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain:
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.