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, Balak, the king of Moab, has brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob and come, denounce Israel. Why should I curse one whom God has not cursed? And why should I denounce one whom the LORD has not denounced? read more. For from the top of the rocks I have seen him, and from the hills I beheld him; behold, a people that shall dwell in confidence and shall not be counted among the Gentiles. Who shall count the dust of Jacob and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let my soul 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 therein day and night that thou may keep and do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way to prosper, and then thou shalt understand everything.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceeds from the wicked, but my hand shall not be upon thee.
And he spoke 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 the LORD, she came to prove him with enigmas.
And they called the king, and Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna, the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the writer of chronicles went out to them.
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God and in the law and in the commandments, he sought God and he did it with all his heart and was prospered.
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God and in the law and in the commandments, he sought God and he did it with all his heart and was prospered.
Behold, blessed is the man whom God chastens; therefore, do not despise not the correction of the Almighty.
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth;
Wast thou born before Adam? Or wast thou formed before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret of God, that thou dost detain wisdom in thee alone?
that he may withdraw the man from his own work and cover the man from pride. Thus he keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. read more. He is chastened also upon his bed with strong pain in all his bones, so that his life abhors 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. His soul shall draw near to the grave, and his life to those that would bury him. If there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness; to tell him that God had mercy on him, that he delivered him from going down to the pit; that he found a ransom; his flesh shall become more tender than a child's; and he shall return to the days of his youth. He shall pray unto God, and he will love him; and he shall see his face with shouts of joy; for he will render unto the man the recompense of his righteousness. He looks upon men, and if any say, I have sinned and perverted that which was right, and it did not profit me; God will ransom his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Behold, God does all these things two and three times with man, to turn back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will declare my enigma upon the harp.
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter enigmas of old,
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel;
To understand a parable and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their enigmas.
To understand a parable and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their enigmas.
For their feet shall run to evil and make haste to shed blood.
if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures,
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It shall be medicine to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.
My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For the LORD chastens whom he loves and delights in, even as a father to his son.
For the LORD chastens whom he loves and delights in, even as a father to his son. Blessed is the man that has found wisdom and who brings to light intelligence, read more. for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver and the fruits thereof more than fine gold.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Envy thou not the oppressor and choose none of his ways.
Surely he scorns the scorners; but he gives grace unto the humble.
A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is sadness unto his mother.
A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is sadness unto his mother.
A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son is sadness unto his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish, but wickedness shall cast out the wicked. read more. He that deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He that gathers in summer is a wise son, but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just, but the mouth of the wicked covers violence. The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall stink. The wise in heart will receive the commandments, but he who speaks foolishness shall fall. He that walks in integrity walks securely, but he that perverts his ways shall be broken. He that winks with the eye causes sorrow, and he that speaks foolishness shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but the mouth of the wicked covers violence. Hatred stirs up strifes, but love covers all sins.
Hatred stirs up strifes, but love covers all sins. In the lips of the prudent wisdom is found and is a rod unto the back of him that is void of understanding. read more. Wise men keep knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near unto calamity.
Wise men keep knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near unto calamity. The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the weakness of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the weakness of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the weakness of the poor is their poverty. The work of the righteous is unto life, but the fruit of the wicked is for sin. read more. He is in the way of life that gives heed to chastening, but he that refuses reproof errs. He that hides hatred has lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there is no lack of rebellion, but he that refrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver, but the understanding of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD is that which makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
The way of the LORD is strength to the perfect, but it is terror to the workers of iniquity.
Riches shall not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness shall deliver from death.
He that is void of understanding despises his neighbour, but the intelligent man remains silent.
No matter how many covenants he has made with death, the wicked shall not be absolved, but the seed of the righteous shall escape.
No matter how many covenants he has made with death, the wicked shall not be absolved, but the seed of the righteous shall escape.
The righteous shall certainly be recompensed in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
The deceitful man does not even roast that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he that has mercy on the poor, honours him.
The wise son makes a glad father, but the foolish man despises his mother.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honour is humility.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; the covenant that he makes, shall not be without chastening.
There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Whosoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he that is glad regarding the calamity of someone else shall not go unpunished.
Whosoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city and as a high wall in his imagination. Before being broken, the heart of man is haughty, and before coming into honour, comes being brought to humility.
The lot causes contentions to cease and decides between the mighty.
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion, but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
The fear of the king is as the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.
Who shall be able to say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Whosoever curses his father or his mother, his fire shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD weighs the hearts.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.
He that sows iniquity shall reap iniquity, and the rod of his anger shall fail.
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit; he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
Bow down thine ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my wisdom.
Let not thy heart envy sinners, but persevere in the fear of the LORD all day long.
Do not be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them.
For a just man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked shall fall into evil.
Do not meddle with those who are evil, neither be envious of the wicked;
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the peoples curse, nations shall abhor him:
He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the peoples curse, nations shall abhor him: But unto those that rebuke him shall be delight, and a blessing of good shall come upon them.
But unto those that rebuke him shall be delight, and a blessing of good shall come upon them. The lips of the one that gives a right answer shall be kissed.
The lips of the one that gives a right answer shall be kissed. Prepare thy work without and make it fit for thyself in thine inheritance, and afterwards thou shalt build thine house.
Prepare thy work without and make it fit for thyself in thine inheritance, and afterwards thou shalt build thine house. Do not be a false witness against thy neighbour, and do not flatter with thy lips.
Do not be a false witness against thy neighbour, and do not flatter with thy lips. Do not say, I will do unto him as he has done unto me; I will render to the man according to his work.
Do not say, I will do unto him as he has done unto me; I will render to the man according to his work. I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding,
I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, and, behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered its face, and its stone wall was broken down.
and, behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered its face, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received chastening.
Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received chastening. 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 one that travels and thy want as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as one that travels and thy want as an armed man.
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
For the height of the heavens and depth of the earth and for the heart of kings, there is no investigation.
As he that takes away a garment in cold weather and as vinegar upon soap, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart. If thy enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, read more. for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
As a dog returns to his vomit, so the fool returns to 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 prophecy with which his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? read more. Do not give thy strength nor thy ways unto the women who destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor is beer for princes lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give beer unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto those that have heavy hearts.
And the wiser the preacher became that much more did he teach wisdom to the people, causing them to listen and to search things out, and he composed many proverbs.
Son of man, what is that saying that ye have in the land of Israel that saith, The days shall be prolonged, and every vision shall fail? Tell them therefore, Thus hath the Lord GOD said: I will make this saying to cease, and they shall not repeat this as a saying in Israel but say unto them, Those days have drawn nigh, and the fulfillment of every vision.
Son of man, propose a figure and compose an enigma unto the house of Israel and say: Thus hath the Lord GOD said, A great eagle with great wings and long members, full of feathers of diverse colours, came unto Lebanon and took the highest branch of the cedar:
What mean ye, that ye use this saying concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are set on edge?
Then I said, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Does he not speak parables?
And speak unto the house of rebellion by parable and say unto them, Thus hath the Lord GOD said; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:
Shall not all these take up a parable against him and a taunting enigma against him and say, Woe to him that multiplied that which was not his! And for how long would he pile thick clay upon himself?
Shall not all these take up a parable against him and a taunting enigma against him and say, Woe to him that multiplied that which was not his! And for how long would he pile thick clay upon himself?
For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother, and, He that curses father or mother, let him die without recourse.
And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself; whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
His disciples said unto him, Behold, now thou speakest plainly and speakest no proverb.
as it is written, There is no one righteous, no, not one;
their feet are swift to shed blood;
Be unanimous among yourselves, not high minded, but accommodating the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Not repaying anyone evil for evil; procuring that which is good not only in the sight of God, but even in the sight of all men.
Therefore, if thine enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Do not deceive yourselves; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows 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 declared unto you, that if anyone desires not to work neither should he eat.
And ye have quite forgotten the consolation which speaks unto you as unto sons, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of him: for whom the Lord loves, he chastens and scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
Come now, ye that say, Today and tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year and buy and sell and get gain;
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent.