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
Balaam delivered this message: Balak brought me from Aram. The king of Moab summoned me from the eastern mountains. Come and curse Jacob for me, he said. 'Come and condemn Israel. How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom Jehovah has not condemned? read more. I see them from the top of rocky cliffs. I look at them from the hills. I see a nation that lives by itself! These are people who do not consider themselves to be like other nations. The descendants of Jacob are like specks of dust. Who can count them or number even one-fourth of the people of Israel? Let me die the death of innocent people. Let my end be like theirs.'
This Book of the Law will not depart out of your mouth. You must meditate (intensely study) (think deeply) on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
An old proverb says: 'Only evil people do evil things.' So I will not harm you.
He wrote three thousand proverbs and more than a thousand songs.
The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame. She traveled to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions.
They sent for the king, and Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to them.
Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.
Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.
Blessed is the person whom God corrects. Do not despise discipline from the Almighty.
You will laugh at destruction and starvation. You will not be afraid of wild beasts.
Are you the first man ever born? Were you created before the hills? Have you heard God's council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
that turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride. It is to preserve him from the pit and keep his life from perishing by the sword. read more. On the other hand a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones. His very being finds food repulsive and he loathes the choicest meal. His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now stick out. He draws near to the pit and to the messengers of death. Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say: 'Spare him from going down to the pit. I have found a ransom for him!' His flesh is renewed like a child's. It is restored as in the days of his youth. He prays to God and finds favor with him. He sees God's face and shouts for joy! God restores him to his righteous state. He comes to men and says: 'I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved.' He redeemed me from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light. God does all these things to a man twice, even three times. He turns him back from the pit that the light of life may shine on him.
I will incline my ear (turn my attention) to a proverb. I will explain my riddle with the music of a harp.
I will open my mouth in an illustration. I will utter dark sayings of old,
The proverbs 0f Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
This will help him understand a proverb and the interpretation as well as the words of the wise and their riddles.
This will help him understand a proverb and the interpretation as well as the words of the wise and their riddles.
For their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.
Search for wisdom as if it were silver. Hunt for it as if it were hidden treasure!
Do not think you are wise enough. Respect Jehovah and turn away from evil. This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.
My son, do not despise Jehovah's discipline or be weary of his correction.
My son, do not despise Jehovah's discipline or be weary of his correction. For whom Jehovah loves He reproves, just like a father corrects the son he loves dearly. (Hebrews 12:6)
For whom Jehovah loves He reproves, just like a father corrects the son he loves dearly. (Hebrews 12:6) How blessed is the man who finds wisdom. Happy is the man who gains understanding. read more. The profit from wisdom is better than the profit from silver. Her gain is better than fine gold.
You will walk in your way safely. Your foot will not stumble.
Do not be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do.
He has no use for conceited people. He shows loving kindness to the humble.
A wise son makes a father glad: but a foolish son is sorrow (depression) (grief) for his mother.
A wise son makes a father glad: but a foolish son is sorrow (depression) (grief) for his mother.
A wise son makes a father glad: but a foolish son is sorrow (depression) (grief) for his mother. Treasures of wickedness (the morally wrong) profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
Treasures of wickedness (the morally wrong) profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. Jehovah will not allow the righteous to hunger. He rejects the mischief of the wicked. read more. He becomes poor who deals with a lazy hand. The hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son. He who sleeps at the harvest is a son who causes shame. Blessings cover the head of the righteous. Violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed. The name of the wicked will waste away. The wise in heart will accept the law but a babbling fool will fall. He who walks with integrity walks safely. He who perverts his ways will be found out. He who winks the eye [in a jesture of malice] causes trouble. A babbling fool will fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life. Aggression comes from the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife. Love covers all sins.
Hatred stirs up strife. Love covers all sins. Wisdom is found on the lips of the understanding (discerning). A rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding. read more. Wise men preserve knowledge. The mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
Wise men preserve knowledge. The mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man's wealth is his strength. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strength. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strength. The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous leads to life. The yield of the wicked is punishment. read more. He who regards instruction is in the way of life. He who refuses reproof goes (mentally and morally) astray. Truly a fool hides hatred with lying lips, and speaks slander. Sin does not hide from a multitude of words. The wise controls his lips. The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked has little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many. Fools die for lack of understanding. The blessing of Jehovah makes rich and he adds no grief to it.
The way of Jehovah is a rock (stronghold) to the upright. The workers of iniquity will be destroyed.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath. Righteousness delivers from death.
He who is void of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Hand in hand united, the wicked shall not be unpunished; but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.
Hand in hand united, the wicked shall not be unpunished; but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.
The righteous will be rewarded on the earth much more than the wicked and the sinner.
A man will not stand firm on sin. The root of the righteous will not be moved.
The lazy man does not cook what he took in hunting. The substance of a diligent man is precious.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker. He who honors his Maker has mercy for the poor.
A wise son makes a father glad. A foolish man despises his mother.
Respect for Jehovah teaches wisdom. Before glory there is humility.
Every one proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah. Though they unite they will all be punished.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the way of death!
When you mock the poor you disgrace your Maker. He who is glad at calamity will be punished.
Offer evil for good and evil will not depart from your house.
The man with knowledge restrains his words. A man of understanding has a quiet spirit.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city. It is his high wall of vanity. Before destruction the heart of man is prideful. Humility comes before honor and glory.
The cast lot causes contentions to cease and decides between the mighty ones.
The king's anger is like the roaring of a lion but his favor is like dew upon the grass.
Fear of a king is like the roar of a lion. Provoke him to anger and sin against yourself.
Who can say: I have made my heart clean. I am pure from my sin?
He who curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in obscure darkness.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Jehovah measures the hearts.
It is better to dwell on the corner of the roof than to share the house with a contentious (combative) woman.
It is better to dwell alone in the wilderness than with an angry contentious (quarreling and angry) woman.
He who sows unrighteousness will reap vanity. The rod of his anger will fail.
The mouth of the adulterous is a deep pit. The one who is cursed by Jehovah will fall into it.
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart and mind to my knowledge.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but reverence Jehovah all day long.
Do not be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them.
A righteous man falls seven times and rises up again. but the wicked will fall by evil.
Do not worry about evil people. Do not envy the wicked!
These sayings belong to the wise. It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
These sayings belong to the wise. It is not good to show partiality in judgment. The people curse and the nations abhor the man who says to the wicked, You are righteous.
The people curse and the nations abhor the man who says to the wicked, You are righteous. Those who rebuke the wicked are filled with delight. A good blessing will come upon them.
Those who rebuke the wicked are filled with delight. A good blessing will come upon them. He kisses the lips that give the right answer.
He kisses the lips that give the right answer. Prepare your outside work. Make it fit for yourself in the field. After that build your house.
Prepare your outside work. Make it fit for yourself in the field. After that build your house. Do not witness against your neighbor without cause. Do not deceive with you lips.
Do not witness against your neighbor without cause. Do not deceive with you lips. Do not say: I will do to him as he has done to me. I will render to the man according to his work.
Do not say: I will do 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 lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding.
I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man lacking understanding. It was all grown over with thorns and nettles, and the wall of stone was broken down.
It was all grown over with thorns and nettles, and the wall of stone was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well. I looked on it, and received instruction:
Then I saw, and considered it well. I looked on 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. Your poverty will come like a robber and your want like an armed man.
Your poverty will 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 transcribed.
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.
The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unreachable.
Like the man does not wear a coat in winter, or like vinegar on soda, so is he who sings songs to a heavy heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink. read more. You will heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah will reward you.
As a dog returns to his vomit so a fool returns to his folly. See a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Do not brag about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring.
See a man quick to talk? There is more hope for a fool then for him.
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? read more. Do not give your strength to women. Do not give 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 to desire strong drink. They will drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are bitter.
Moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. He gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Son of man, what is this proverb you people have concerning the land of Israel. You say: 'The days are long and every vision fails?' Therefore say to them: 'The Lord Jehovah says: 'I will make this proverb cease so that they will no longer use it as a proverb in Israel. Tell them: 'The days draw near as well as the fulfillment of every vision.'
Son of man, tell this riddle. Give this illustration to the nation of Israel. Say The Lord Jehovah says: A large eagle came to Lebanon. It had large wings with long, colorful feathers. It took hold of the top of a cedar tree.
What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel: 'The fathers eat sour grapes, but the children's teeth are set on edge?'
Then I said: Oh no! Lord Jehovah, no! The people already say that I am only telling stories (a figure of speech or a parable).
Speak a parable to the rebellious house. Say to them: The Lord Jehovah says, Put on the cooking pot, put it on and also pour water in it.
Will they all taunt him by directing clever sayings and riddles at him? They will say: How horrible it will be for the one who makes himself rich with what is not his own (by extortion) and makes himself wealthy on loans. How long will this go on?
Will they all taunt him by directing clever sayings and riddles at him? They will say: How horrible it will be for the one who makes himself rich with what is not his own (by extortion) and makes himself wealthy on loans. How long will this go on?
God said, 'Honor your father and mother.' 'He who says evil of father or mother will be put to death.'
Then he said: You will no doubt say this proverb to me, physician heal yourself. That which we heard was done at Capernaum do also here in your own country.
His disciples said: See now you speak plainly and use no figurative language.
The Scriptures say: There is no one who is righteous,
Their feet are swift to shed blood. (Proverbs 1:15)
Be of the same mind as others. Do not think lofty things but be led along by lowly things. Do not be wise in your own conceit (self-love) (vanity) (estimation). Return evil for evil to no man. Provide honest things in the sight of all men.
Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he thirsts, give him drink. For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.
Do not be deceived. God is not mocked! A man will harvest what he sows.
Let us not grow tired of doing good things for in due season we shall harvest, if we do not faint.
While we were with you, we used to tell you: Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.
You have forgotten the exhortation that reasons with you as to sons: My son, do not despise (regard lightly) discipline from Jehovah and do not lose heart when he corrects you. (Proverbs 3:11, 12) Jehovah disciplines those he loves. In fact he scourges every son (child) he receives.
You know this, my beloved brothers. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
But he gives more grace. The scripture said, God resists the proud, but gives grace (loving-kindness) to the humble.
Come now, you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and make profit.
I reprove and discipline those whom I love: be zealous therefore, and repent.