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 hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? 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 thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate in it day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth 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 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 correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. read more. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty food. His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. Yes, his soul draweth near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers. If there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness: Then he is gracious to him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he will return to the days of his youth: He shall pray to God, and he will be favorable to him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render to man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any shall 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 God often worketh with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
I will incline my ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying 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 dark sayings.
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
For their feet 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 thy own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy 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 loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. read more. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain of it 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 scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace to the lowly.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. read more. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall perish. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. In the lips of him that hath 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 destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. read more. He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that restraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth 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 delivereth from death.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed upon 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 roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
There is a way which seemeth right to a man, but the end of it are the ways of death.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom: and before honor is humility.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.
He that mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Whoever rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
He that hath knowledge spareth 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 own conceit. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth 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: whoever provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Whoever curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, 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 soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred by the LORD shall fall therein.
Bow down thy ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart to my knowledge.
Let not thy heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at 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 to the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
He that saith to the wicked, Thou art 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 that giveth a right answer.
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thy house.
Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thy house. Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. I went by the field of the 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 nettles had covered the face of it, and its stone wall was broken down.
And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face of it, 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 thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; 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.
The heaven for hight, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre; so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart. If thy enemy shall hunger, give him bread to eat; and if he shall thirst, give him water to drink: read more. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward thee.
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth 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 to-morrow; 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 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 thy strength to women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts.
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge: yes, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD: I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say to them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel; And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, long-winged, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came to Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:
What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?
And utter a parable to the rebellious house, and say to them, Thus saith 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 increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
And he said to them, Ye will surely say to me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
His disciples said to him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest 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 towards 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 thy enemy hungereth, feed him; if he thirsteth, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh to you as to children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked by him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into 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.