Proverbs 2

Study Guide 49: Proverbs 1-9 WISDOM’ S CHILD Overview The Book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings, intended to serve as a guide for daily life. The sayings cover many different topics, exploring attitudes and relationships, and evaluating such things as wealth, poverty, and power. The Proverbs reflect a kind of literature that was common in ancient times. Many of the sayings in this book were written or collected by Solomon, some 950 years before Christ. Proverbs 25:1 suggests that the collection as we have it was completed in the days of King Hezekiah, about 700 b.c.While the sayings in the book are not organized by topic, Proverbs has been outlined as follows.

Outline I.Praise of WisdomProv. 1-9 II.Solomon’ s ProverbsProv. 10-22:16 III.Collected SayingsProv. 22:17-24:22 IV.More SayingsPro_24:23-34 V.More Proverbs of SolomonProv. 25-29 VI.Sayings of AgurPro_30:1-33 VII.Sayings of LemuelPro_31:1-31PROVERB. The Hebrew word is masal. It includes brief sayings as found in this book, and also the extended parables and vivid illustrations found so often in the Old Testament.

Commentary All Scripture is given to us by God’ s inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). But not all Scripture has the same purpose, and different literary forms are to be interpreted differently. For instance, a passage like Ephesians 1:1-23 gives specific and direct teaching about relationships between the Persons of the Godhead and the part of each in redemption. A psalm like Psalms 3:1-8 looks into David’ s experience and shows us how trust in God enabled him to rest in a time of great stress. A passage like Joshua 5-6 gives a narrative account of historical events, reporting to us how God worked in a specific space-time situation in the past. Each of these literary forms is different; each has a different purpose and value and use. To affirm that each is inspired by God tells us that the Holy Spirit superintended the writing and the recording so that what is communicated to us is both reliable and relevant. We have in words the message God intended us to have, and that message will have meaning for our lives. But we need to remember that different literary forms are designed to communicate different messages, especially when we come to the Book of Proverbs. For these proverbs, as all proverbs, have characteristics of their own which we need to understand as we interpret and apply them. Characteristics. What are some of the distinctive characteristics of the Proverbs? Commentators list these:

1. The pithy sayings recorded here express general truths, but do not attempt to explain them. The how and why simply are not in view. Likewise, the Proverbs do not argue. They give no closely reasoned defense of their position. Instead, they simply assume that the reader will see the point and agree.
2. Proverbs has a universalistic rather than particularistic application. Nowhere does the term Israel appear. Unlike the Law, which was spoken to Israel, these sayings are viewed as relevant to all people of all times. The general principles expressed here are universally valid.
3. The outlook of the Book of Proverbs is comprehensive. These sayings probe all experiences and relationships.
4. It is important to realize that the Proverbs are generalizations. That is, they express the normal course of events. Like other general principles, they do have exceptions. Frequently this same trait will be seen in New Testament sayings. For instance, 1 Peter 3:13-14 deals with the normal course of events when a person does what is good. “ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” Peter asked. But then the apostle went on immediately to examine the exception. He spoke of the unusual circumstance in which a person does the right thing and still suffers for it. In his argument Peter called on us to keep on trusting God, and to remember that God has a purpose in everything that happens. After all, Jesus too did only what was right, and yet He suffered unjustly. But out of the injustice — out of the suffering of the Cross — God wrought salvation, bringing from death new life and new good for Christ and all mankind. So general statements do have exceptions, and the Proverbs should not be taken as divine promises or guarantees. Proverbs does not deal with the special events of life, but rather with the normal course of events. Proverbs tells us then how things usually work out in human experience.
5. It is rather striking that the Book of Proverbs, dealing with such a broad range of subjects, does not include any “ unscientific” statements. For instance, Proverbs 6:6-8 accurately describes the social structure of the ant, something that shows acute insight and careful observation.
6. Unlike other proverbs in the Orient, biblical proverbs reveal a distinctively high morality. Proverbs gathered by archeologists from other sources indicate that the sayings of the people who lived near Israel tended to focus on sex — and to treat it grossly. The first four of these often-noted characteristics of Proverbs helps us to understand and interpret the Book of Proverbs itself. Studied in this context, the book becomes a very practical and helpful guide to thinking about the life issues which many of us face. The last two characteristics help us very much in understanding Solomon, the chief writer. He remained, for all his marriages, a moral man who, during most of his reign at any rate, was not obsessed with sex. Solomon was also a careful scientific observer, a man whose research, even while ruling a nation, surpassed that of Aristotle. Scripture tells us that Solomon “ was the author of 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He was a great naturalist, with interest in animals, birds, snakes, fish, and trees — from the great cedars of Lebanon down to the tiny hyssop which grows in cracks in the wall. And kings from many lands sent their ambassadors to him for his advice” (1 Kings 4:32-34, TLB). Content. The Book of Proverbs has been broken down into from 4 to 10 sections by different commentators, revealing that, like Psalms, this collection is not clearly organized by content or progression of thought. However, two major divisions are very plain. The first nine chapters are a discussion of wisdom, with wisdom often personified. Chapters 10-31 include several collections of proverbs which involve application of this wisdom to many life situations. As one commentator has suggested, this section contains the “ philosophy of the practical life.” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible gives a number of groupings of the Proverbs by topics. The content of Proverbs can be grouped according to topics discussed; for example: social evils (Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10; Proverbs 30:14); social obligations (Proverbs 18:24; Proverbs 22:24-25; Proverbs 23:1-2; Proverbs 25:6-7, Proverbs 25:17; Proverbs 27:6-10); poverty (Proverbs 17:5; Proverbs 18:23; Proverbs 19:4, Proverbs 19:7, Proverbs 19:17); concern for the poor (Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 17:5; Proverbs 18:23; Proverbs 19:7, Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13; Proverbs 22:2; Proverbs 30:14); laziness (Proverbs 12:27; Proverbs 20:13; Proverbs 26:14-15); wealth as secondary (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 16:8, Proverbs 16:16; Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 22:1) but important (Proverbs 10:22; Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 19:4). Domestic life is a frequent topic (Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 21:9, Proverbs 21:19; Proverbs 27:15-16; Proverbs 31:30); relationships between parents and children are discussed (Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 17:21, Proverbs 17:25; Proverbs 19:13, Proverbs 19:26; Proverbs 20:7; Proverbs 23:24-25); the importance of friendship is stressed (Proverbs 18:24; Proverbs 22:24-25; Proverbs 25:17). No less than four types of fools can be discerned in Proverbs: (1) the simple fool who is still teachable (Proverbs 1:4, Proverbs 1:22; Proverbs 7:7-8; Proverbs 21:11); (2) the hardened fool (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 10:23; Proverbs 12:23; Proverbs 17:10; Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 27:22) who is obstinate; (3) the arrogant fool, the scoffer who rejects all attempts at enlightenment (Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 21:24; Proverbs 22:10; Proverbs 29:8); (4) the brutish fool (Proverbs 17:21; Proverbs 26:3; Proverbs 30:22; cf. Psalms 14:1). Royal conduct is a topic (Proverbs 16:12-14; Proverbs 19:6; Proverbs 21:1; Proverbs 25:5; Proverbs 28:15; Proverbs 29:14). Cheerfulness is enjoined (Proverbs 15:13-15; Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 18:14). The use of the tongue is discussed (Proverbs 10:20; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 21:23; Proverbs 26:4). Other personal habits are mentioned (Proverbs 11:22; Proverbs 13:7; Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 25:14; Proverbs 26:12; Proverbs 30:33). Finally, some aspects of the concept of life are discussed — its fountain (Proverbs 9:11; Proverbs 13:14; Proverbs 14:27); its path (Proverbs 6:23; Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 15:24); and life itself (Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 13:12). This wide-ranging book, then, is a source of many insights which God chose to share with us through His sacred Word. For individual and group study, Proverbs remains one of our least explored but richest heritages in the Old Testament. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT It’ s important to launch a study of Proverbs with a minilecture on its characteristics. Believers should not take its sayings as promises or commitments by God, but need to understand that in this book the Lord is dealing with the normal course of events. Exceptions to such statements as “ a generous man will prosper” and “ all hard work brings a profit” do exist. So list the characteristics of the Proverbs on the board, and explain how to read and apply this distinctive literary form.

Wisdom: Proverbs 1-9 The first part of Proverbs examines the nature of wisdom, and applies wisdom to specific issues. But what according to the Bible is wisdom? And how will the wise person live? The nature of wisdom. The Hebrew word group that expresses the idea of wisdom has as its root the verb hakam. Words in this group occur in the Old Testament over 300 times! Hakam deals with an individual’ s approach to life itself. It is practical in nature, and yet is spiritual. For, biblically speaking, “ wisdom” provides the insight to master life’ s challenges through a responsive personal relationship with God. In essence wisdom has to do with choosing what is right and good as we live our daily lives. A wise person is one who is sensitive to the Lord and who subjects himself to God. A wise person will apply guidelines revealed by God and make his daily decisions based on these truths. In its deepest meaning “ wisdom” unites God’ s words and everyday experience, and it is only in the way a person lives his life that wisdom can be demonstrated. Proverbs 2:1-22 sums up this perspective. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. . . . Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. . . . Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse. Proverbs 2:6, Proverbs 2:9-10, Proverbs 2:12In Scripture then there is a clear distinction drawn between intelligence and wisdom. One may have great intellectual capabilities. But unless a person accepts the words of God and applies them to make his or her choices in life, that person can hardly be called “ wise.” There is, in fact, many an intelligent person who makes wrong moral choices and thus, in biblical terms, is a fool! The Book of Proverbs is intended to be a word to the wise. It is a book with a moral foundation, designed to help us make godly choices. Thus the book’ s opening explains that the Proverbs are: For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair. Proverbs 1:2-3In Scripture morality always has spiritual roots. Thus Proverbs says that: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7“ Fear” in this context is not terror but respect. The person who has a deep respect for God, who acknowledges Him as Creator and Lord, is the one who will listen attentively to God’ s Words and will apply them daily. For this reason wisdom begins with faith in God. But for a person of faith to be wise, he must act with full trust in God and live according to that Word. LINK TO LIFE: YOUTH / ADULT Divide into two teams. Give each team its own assignment without letting either know that of the other. One team is to describe “ the most intelligent person in the world” by listing his traits. The other team is to describe “ the wisest person in the world” by describing his traits. When the descriptions have been completed, come together and share, listing the traits side by side on a T-shaped chart. Then discuss: “ What are significant similarities? What are differences? How do we explain the differences?” Use the discussion to launch a minilecture on “ wisdom” as it is conceived of in Scripture, and illustrated in Proverbs. The message of wisdom. The first nine chapters of Proverbs are devoted to a description of wisdom, which is often personified as a woman. The text discusses the benefits of wisdom, warns against folly, and describes the wise way. In teaching this book you can let your group members sample especially significant and familiar verses, in order to get a feel for this vital spiritual trait. Proverbs 1:1-33 : Warnings. This first chapter exhorts the reader, as a son might be exhorted by his father, against rejecting wisdom. The thrust of the passage is that those who do, and thus turn to moral evil, set foot on a pathway that leads to destruction. As a result: Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. Proverbs 1:29-31Benefits of wisdom (Prov. 2-3). On the other hand, the person who gains wisdom wins many benefits. Among those mentioned are deliverance from the ways of wicked men (Proverbs 2:12), deliverance from the adulteress (Proverbs 2:16), a long life (Proverbs 2:21), a good name and prosperity (Proverbs 3:2), health (Proverbs 3:8), wealth (Proverbs 3:9-10), safety (Proverbs 3:22), grace (Proverbs 3:34), and honor (Proverbs 3:35). These chapters make it very clear that wisdom is moral in nature, for they specify some of the choices that wisdom will lead a person to make. The wise person will receive wisdom from the Lord and as a result will choose: against the ways of the wicked (Proverbs 2:12); against involvement in adultery (Proverbs 2:16); for goodness and righteousness (Proverbs 2:20); for love and faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3); for disciplined giving to God (Proverbs 3:9); for giving to the needy (Proverbs 3:27-28); against plotting to harm anyone (Proverbs 3:29); against false accusations (Proverbs 3:30); against envy (Proverbs 3:31). While situations may arise in which it seems expedient to make a different kind of choice, the wise person will: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6Wisdom’ s priority (Proverbs 4:1-27). The reader is exhorted to value wisdom above everything. One who loves wisdom (that is, the whispered word from God which directs us into right paths), will always be watched over. “ Wisdom is supreme” ; the writer insisted, “ therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). In this world there are many values competing with the biblical. Many may look attractive and seem desirable. But one should only listen to wisdom, and act in accord with wisdom. Thus the writer says: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:23-27Warning against adultery (Proverbs 5:1-23). Much attention is given to adultery in these early chapters. The sexual dimension of life seems to be one which is a test for moral discipline (Proverbs 5:11). This does not suggest a negative view toward sex. On the contrary, the writer speaks poetically of married love, and encourages the reader to “ rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). A loving doe, a graceful deer — may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. Proverbs 5:19But, because a man’ s ways are examined by the Lord, evil deeds always ensnare a person so that: He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. Proverbs 5:23Warnings against folly (Proverbs 6:1-16). There are several things that the writer views as foolish. One who consistently makes such choices is sure to be sorry. Among the foolish things men do is to guarantee loans made to another (Proverbs 6:1-5), and to sleep when one should be at work (Proverbs 6:6-11). Some things are foolish in a moral sense, because they are evil and hated by the Lord. On this list of moral folly are: Haughty eyes [pride], a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Proverbs 6:17-19More against adultery (Prov. 6:20-7:27). In this extended passage the writer again warns against adultery. The commandments of God will guide the wise, “ keeping you from the immoral woman” (Proverbs 6:24). It is no more safe to touch her than to play with fire (Proverbs 6:27). Perhaps the most significant statement here is: For the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread. Proverbs 6:26Human beings are made in the image of God, and are to be valued and protected. Prostitution is an offense against both the seller and the buyer, reducing the human being to a commodity. People are not things to be used. Each individual man and woman is special, made in God’ s image, and is to be loved and protected. The believer can hardly become involved in any user relationship, in which the value of another person is reduced by treating that other as a thing. Wisdom’ s appeal (Proverbs 8:1-36). In this segment personifying wisdom as a woman, she appeals to the reader to make her their choice. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. Proverbs 8:17-21Wisdom contrasted with folly (Proverbs 9:1-18). Wisdom bases her character on fear of the Lord and knowledge of the Holy One. While her ways involve rebuke and discipline, the way of wisdom is rewarding. On the other hand Folly is undisciplined, and without knowledge. While her appeal may seem attractive on the surface, and many turn in at her door, Little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave. Proverbs 9:18In wisdom and folly the Book of Proverbs sketches the most basic decisions a human being can make. We must each make a commitment to God and His ways, and live faithfully by that commitment, or wander down other paths. Only commitment to God can lead to blessing. Any other path is folly indeed, for such paths lead to disappointment and to death.

Teaching Guide Prepare Select one proverb from this section and put it into practice for one week. Be prepared to share the proverb and how you applied it when your group meets.

Explore

1. Give a minilecture on the Proverbs as a literary form, to show how this affects our understanding of this important Old Testament book.
2. Divide your group members into equal teams to see which can list the most “ sayings” that capture the practical wisdom of our culture. For instance, “ Well begun is half done,” “ A stitch in time saves nine,” etc. Then discuss whether these sayings are always true, usually true, sometimes true, or seldom true. Talk about what they are intended to communicate, and how they differ from, say, a scientific textbook. Then give your minilecture on characteristics of the Proverbs, showing how to interpret and understand them.

Expand

1. Discuss the nature of “ wisdom.” Use the activity explained in “ link-to-life” above. As your group members contrast wisdom and intelligence, they will be sensitive to the contribution of Proverbs to their own lives and relationships with God.
2. List on the chalkboard the topics of chapters 2-9 of Proverbs. List them in question form, and let your group members form teams to study the chapter of each person’ s choice. Each team is to find out how the chapter answers the question, and each member is to select one proverb he or she thinks can be applied this week in his or her life. The questions: Proverbs 2:1-22 : How is wisdom “ moral” ? Proverbs 3:1-35 : How is the person with wisdom better off than the person without it? Proverbs 4:1-27 : How great a priority should wisdom have? Chapters 5-7: How is adultery unwise? Proverbs 8:1-36 : How is wisdom appealing to us? When the teams have finished, come together to share what each has learned. Supplement team reports with insights from the commentary section of this unit.

Apply Talk about the proverb you chose and applied to your life this past week. Then let everyone share the proverbs they selected, and mention briefly how they expect to relate to them this coming week.