The Book of Proverbs Lecture Notes

Introduction to Proverbs

• The term 'proverb':
  • A short, clever saying offering wisdom.
  • Central section (chapters 10-29) has most proverbs.
• Structure:
  • Introduction (chapters 1-9)
  • Conclusion (chapters 30-31)

Link to King Solomon

• Solomon: Known for wisdom (1 Kings, chapter 3)
• Wrote thousands of proverbs and poems (1 Kings, chapter 4)
• Not all written by Solomon but he is the foundation of Israel’s wisdom literature
• Purpose: To help readers gain wisdom

Definition of Wisdom (Hebrew: Khokhmah)

• More than mental activity; implies action
• Skill or applied knowledge (e.g., artists and craftsmen in Exodus 31)
• Practical skills for living well in God's world

Theme: The Fear of the Lord

• Not terror but reverence and awe
• Recognizing one's place in the universe
• Humility before God
• Embracing God's definitions of right and wrong

Section 1: Speeches (Chapters 1-9)

• 10 speeches from a father to a son:
  • Importance of wisdom and fear of the Lord
  • Virtue, integrity, generosity leading to success and peace
• Warning against folly, evil, selfishness, and pride
• Goal: Pursuit of wisdom as the highest aim

Biblical Wisdom Literature

• Different from law and prophecy
• Accumulated insights on living that honors God and others
• Human words as God's wisdom to His people

Lady Wisdom Poems

• Wisdom personified as a woman
• Calls humanity to seek her
• Depicts wisdom as woven into the fabric of the universe
• Examples: Generosity, sexual integrity, justice
• Living wisely means living in alignment with the universe

Proverbs 10-29: The Collection

• Hundreds of ancient proverbs
• Topics: Family, work, friendship, sex, marriage, money, anger, forgiveness, alcohol, debt
• Proverbs are general rules, not promises or formulas for success
• Emphasis on probabilities, not guarantees

Nature of Proverbs

• Not promises but general wisdom
• Focus on general rules rather than exceptions
• Exceptions covered by other wisdom books (Job, Ecclesiastes)

Final Section (Chapters 30-31)

• Poems from Agur:
  • Acknowledges ignorance and need for wisdom
  • Discovers divine wisdom in scriptures
  • Represents model reader of Proverbs
• Lemuel's Poems:
  • Wisdom from his mother for wise and just leadership
  • Acrostic poem on the woman of noble character
    • Model of living according to Proverbs' wisdom
    • Practical decisions in family, work, and community

Conclusion

• Opens with a father's advice, closes with a mother's wisdom
• Guide for living wisely in God's world
• Applicable to every person, in every season of life