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
Then Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: "King Balak of Moab brought me from Aram, from the eastern mountains, and told me, "Come and curse Jacob for me. Come and curse Israel.' But how can I curse those whom God hasn't cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD hasn't denounced? read more. I saw them from the top of the rocks. I watched them from the hills. Truly this is a people that lives by itself and doesn't matter among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob? Who can number the dust of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and may I end up like him."
This set of instructions is not to cease being a part of your conversations. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to carry out everything that's written in it, for then you'll prosper and succeed.
Just like the ancient proverb says, "From wicked people comes wickedness,' but I'm not against you.
His reputation was known throughout the surrounding nations. Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.
When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's reputation with the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.
When they called for the King, Hilkiah's son Eliakim, who managed the household, Shebnah the scribe, and Asaph's son Joah the recorder went out to them.
Everything that Hezekiah began in the service of God's Temple was done according to the Law and to the commandments as he sought his God, worked with all of his heart, and became successful.
Everything that Hezekiah began in the service of God's Temple was done according to the Law and to the commandments as he sought his God, worked with all of his heart, and became successful.
"Indeed, how blessed is the person whom God reproves! So never disrespect the discipline of the Almighty,
You'll laugh at destruction and famine; and you need not fear the beasts of the earth.
"Were you the first personto be born? Were you brought forth before the hills were made? Have you listened in on God's secret council? Have you limited wisdom only to yourself?
turning a person from his actions, keeping him from pride, sparing his soul from the Pit and his life from violent death. read more. "He is being reproved by painful bed rest, with continual aching in his bones. He cannot stand his food, and he has no desire for appetizing food. His flesh wastes away; his bones, which once couldn't be seen, are visible. His soul is getting close to the Pit; his life is approaching its executioner." "If there's a messenger appointed to mediate for Job one out of a thousand to represent the man's integrity on his behalf, to show favor to him and to plead, "Deliver him from having to go down to the Pit I know where his ransom is!' Let his flesh be rejuvenated as he was in his youth! Let him recover the strength of his youth. Let him pray to God and he will accept him; he will appear before him with joyful shouts!" "He'll sing to mankind with these words: "I've sinned. I have twisted what is right. Yet he has not repaid me like I deserve. He has redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit; my life will see the light.' Indeed God does all these things again and again with a person to bring back his soul from the Pit; to light him with the light of life."
I will focus my attention on a proverb; I will use the harp to expound my riddle.
I will tell a parable, speaking riddles from long ago
if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure,
Do not be wise in your own opinion. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.
My son, do not reject the LORD's discipline, and do not despise his correction,
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.
because the LORD corrects the person he loves, just as a father corrects the son he delights in. How joyful is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding, read more. because her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her yield than fine gold.
Though God scoffs at scoffers, he gives grace to the humble.
Before the mountains were shaped, before there were hills, I was bringing them to birth.
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.
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.
Nothing good comes from ill-gotten wealth, but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD won't cause the righteous to hunger, but he will reject what the wicked crave. read more. 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.
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.
The rich hide within the fortress that is their wealth, but the poor are dismayed due to their poverty.
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. read more. Whoever heeds correction is on the pathway to life, but someone who ignores exhortation goes astray. 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.
To the upright, the way of the LORD is a place of safety, but it's a place of ruin to those who practice evil.
Wealth won't help in the time of judgment, but righteousness will deliver from death.
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but the discerning man controls his comments.
Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free.
Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free.
If the righteous receive what they are due here on earth, how much more will the wicked and the sinner.
A person doesn't gain security by wickedness, but the righteous won't be uprooted.
The lazy person does not roast what he has hunted, but diligence is one's most important possession.
There is a pathway that seems right to a man, but in the end it's a road to death.
Whoever oppresses the poor defies their Creator, but whoever is kind to the needy honors them.
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom, and humility precedes honor.
The LORD detests those who are proud; truly they will not go unpunished.
There is a road that seems right for a man to travel, but in the end it's the road to death.
Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their maker, and whoever is happy about disaster will not go unpunished.
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.
The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city; in his own imagination, it is like a high wall. Before a man's downfall, his mind is arrogant, but humility precedes honor.
The king's anger is like the roaring of a lion, but his goodwill is like dew on the grass.
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.
Every man's lifestyle is proper in his own view, but the LORD weighs the heart.
It's better to live in a corner on the roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.
It's better to live in the wilderness than to live with a contentious and irritable woman.
Whoever sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the anger he uses for a weapon will be destroyed.
The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; a man experiencing the LORD's wrath will fall into it.
Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my teaching,
Never let yourself envy sinners; instead, remain in fear of the LORD every day,
Don't be envious of wicked men or wish you were with them,
for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again, but the wicked stumble into calamity.
Don't be anxious about those who practice evil, and don't be envious of the wicked.
Here are some more proverbs from wise people: It isn't good to show partiality in judgment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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."
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.
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.
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:
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!"
"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.
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.
Here are some more proverbs by Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
Just as the heavens are high and earth is deep, so the heart of a king is unfathomable.
Taking your coat off when it's cold or pouring vinegar on soda that's what singing songs does to a heavy heart. If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat; and if he thirsts, give him water to drink. read more. 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. Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion? There's more hope for a fool than for him.
Never brag about the day to come, because you don't know what it might bring.
Do you see a man who speaks hastily? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
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.
Moreover, besides being wise himself, the Teacher taught people what he had learned by listening, making inquiries, and composing many proverbs.
"Son of Man, what's this proverb you have concerning Israel's land that says, "The days pass slowly and every vision ends in nothing.'? Therefore you are to tell them, "This is what the Lord GOD says, "I'm about to put an end to use of this proverb in Israel. It will never be used again as a proverb in Israel. Instead, tell them that the days are drawing near when every vision will be fulfilled.
"Son of Man, compose a riddle and relate a parable to Israel's house. Tell them, "This is what the Lord GOD says, "A massive eagle with gigantic wings, long pinions, and full, multi-colored plumage came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.
"Why do you cite this proverb when you talk about Israel's land: "The fathers eat sour grapes but it's their children's teeth that have become numb.'
Then I said, "O Lord GOD! They're saying about me, "Isn't he one to propound parables?'"
So compose a parable for the rebellious house. Tell them, "This is what the Lord God says: "Prepare your pot for boiling! Set it in place. Fill it up with water, too.
"Will not all of these ridicule him with mocking scorn? They will say, "Woe to the one who hordes for himself what isn't his. How long will you enrich yourself by extortion?'
"Will not all of these ridicule him with mocking scorn? They will say, "Woe to the one who hordes for himself what isn't his. How long will you enrich yourself by extortion?'
Because God said, "You are to honor your father and your mother,' and, "Whoever curses father or mother must certainly be put to death.'
So he told them, "You will probably quote this proverb to me, "Doctor, heal yourself! Do everything here in your hometown that we hear you did in Capernaum.'"
Jesus' disciples said, "Well, now you're speaking plainly and not using figurative language.
As it is written, "Not even one person is righteous.
Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are. Do not pay anyone back evil for evil, but focus your thoughts on what is right in the sight of all people.
But "if your enemy is hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will pile burning coals on his head."
Stop being deceived; God is not to be ridiculed. A person harvests whatever he plants:
Let's not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
While we were with you, we gave this order: "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat."
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. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he accepts."
You must understand this, my dear brothers. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
But he gives all the more grace. And so he says, "God opposes the arrogant but gives grace to the humble."
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town, stay there a year, conduct business, and make money."
I correct and discipline those whom I love, so be serious and repent!