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
He took up his parable, and said, "From Aram has Balak brought me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the East. Come, curse Jacob for me. Come, defy Israel. How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy whom Yahweh has not defied? read more. For from the top of the rocks I see him. From the hills I see him. Behold, it is a people that dwells alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous! Let my last end be like his!"
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it 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 the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness;' but my hand shall not be on you.
He spoke three thousand proverbs; and his songs were one thousand five.
When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of Yahweh, she came to prove him with hard questions.
When they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
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.
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 do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the animals of the earth.
"Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills? Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
That he may withdraw 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 on his bed, with continual strife in his bones; So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food. His flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out. Yes, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers. "If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him; then God is gracious to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.' His flesh shall be fresher than a child's. He returns to the days of his youth. He prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy. He restores to man his righteousness. He sings before men, and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn't profit me. He has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life shall see the light.' "Behold, God works all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,
If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures:
Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.
My son, don't despise Yahweh's discipline, neither be weary of his reproof:
My son, don't despise Yahweh's discipline, neither be weary of his reproof: for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. read more. For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold.
Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked. read more. He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth. He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall. The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding. read more. Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin. 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 leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin. read more. He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray. He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool. In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely. The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how 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 doesn't roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.
The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished.
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?"
Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman.
It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: he who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.
Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.
Don't let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all the day long.
Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them:
for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good.
These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him --
He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him -- but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them.
but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house.
Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house. Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don't deceive with your lips.
Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don't deceive with your lips. Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."
Don't 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 sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:
Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;
a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep; so your poverty will come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.
so your poverty will come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.
These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: read more. for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.
As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. "Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! read more. Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?' lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:
Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
Son of man, what is this 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 Yahweh: I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but tell them, The days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision.
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel; and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: A great eagle with great wings and long feathers, full of feathers, which had various colors, came to Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar:
What do you mean, 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?
Utter a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Set on the caldron, set it on, and also pour water into it:
Won't all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, 'Woe to him who increases that which is not his, and who enriches himself by extortion! How long?'
Won't all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, 'Woe to him who increases that which is not his, and who enriches himself by extortion! How long?'
For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'
He said to them, "Doubtless you will tell me this parable, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.'"
His disciples said to him, "Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech.
As it is written, "There is no one righteous; no, not one.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, "My son, don't take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives."
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let's go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit."
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.