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 oracle, and said, Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse for me Jacob, and come, denounce Israel. How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? or how shall I denounce, whom the LORD has not denounced? read more. For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of 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 your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
As says the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceeds from the wicked: but my hand shall not be upon you.
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 test 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 Shebna 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 corrects: therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty:
At destruction and famine you shall laugh: neither shall you be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
Are you the first man that was born? or were you made before the hills? Have you heard the council of God? and do you limit wisdom to yourself?
That he may turn man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keeps 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 the multitude of his bones with strong pain: So that his life abhors bread, and his soul the choicest food. His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen now stick out. Yea, his soul draws near unto the grave, and his life to those who bring death. If there be a messenger with him, a mediator, one of a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and says, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be younger than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: He shall pray unto God, and he will be favorable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looks upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things works God twice, three times, with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of life.
I will incline my ear to a proverb: I will disclose my riddles upon the harp.
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their riddles.
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their riddles.
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures;
Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to your body, and strength to your bones.
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.
For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. read more. For the gain from it is better than the gain from silver, and the profit thereof than fine gold.
Then shall you walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.
Envy you not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
Surely he scorns the scornful: but he gives grace unto the lowly.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the grief of 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 allow the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casts away the desire of the wicked. read more. He becomes poor who has a slack hand: 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 violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will heed commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walks uprightly walks securely: but he that perverts his ways shall be known. He that winks with the eye causes trouble: but a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife: but love covers all sins.
Hatred stirs up strife: but love covers all sins. In the lips of him that has understanding 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 near destruction.
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the ruin of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the ruin of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the ruin of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous leads to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. read more. He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof goes astray. He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there lacks not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for lack of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivers from death.
He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor: but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Though they join hand to hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the descendants of the righteous shall be delivered.
Though they join hand to hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the descendants of the righteous shall be delivered.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed on the earth: 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 roasts not that which he took in hunting: but the possessions of a diligent man are 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 honors him has mercy on the poor.
A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish man despises his mother.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though they join hand in hand, none shall be unpunished.
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 at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Whosoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
He that 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 like a high wall in his own esteem. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is 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 favor is as dew upon the grass.
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whosoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Whosoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in utter 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 contentious woman in a whole house.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman.
He that sows iniquity shall reap trouble: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
The mouth of immoral women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart unto my knowledge.
Let not your heart envy sinners: but be in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
Be not envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall by calamity.
Fret not yourself because of evil men, neither be you envious at the wicked;
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have partiality in judgment.
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have partiality in judgment. He that says unto the wicked, you are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
He that says unto the wicked, you are righteous; him shall the people curse, 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. Every man shall kiss his lips who gives a right answer.
Every man shall kiss his lips who gives a right answer. Prepare your work outside, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.
Prepare your work outside, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house. Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause; and deceive not with your lips.
Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause; and deceive not with your lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to 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, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and weeds had covered its face, and its stone wall was broken down.
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and weeds had covered its face, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, 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 your poverty come like a robber; and your want like an armed man.
So shall your poverty come like a robber; and your want like an armed man.
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink: read more. For you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward you.
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. See a man wise in his own eyes? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.
See you a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope for a fool than for him.
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? read more. Give not your strength unto women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
And moreover, 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 that proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails? Tell them therefore, Thus says the Lord GOD; 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 fulfillment of every vision.
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; And say, Thus says the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had various colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:
What mean you, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Does he not speak parables?
And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus says the Lord GOD; 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 proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increases that which is not his! how long? and to him that loads himself with many pledges!
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increases that which is not his! how long? and to him that loads himself with many pledges!
For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and mother: and, He that curses father or mother, let him die the death.
And he said unto them, You will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal yourself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in your country.
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speak you plainly, and speak no proverb.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever 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 commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger:
But he gives more grace. Therefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
Come now, you that say, Today or 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.