Pastor Steve Paulus

Old Testament Poetry and Wisdom Literature

Proverbs

6. Proverbs

6.1. Definitions

All proverbs whether similitudes or paradigms, were grounded in experience . . . a proverb is a short sentence founded on long experience, containing a truth. Brevity characterizes all proverbs; they say a great deal in a few carefully chosen words. Observation also belongs to the intrinsic character of a proverb, which announces an important discovery in “sentence,” or statement, form. The weight of tradition rests behind proverbs; they do not represent the isolated view of one person, however intelligent that individual may have been. Above all, proverbs embody truth. On hearing a proverb for the first time, “It is as though, within the depths of human consciousness, we perceived the proverbs content to be true” (Creshaw, Old Testament Wisdom Literature: An Introduction, p. 56).

6.1.2. Mashal: "A statement which seeks to reveal the true nature of one thing by comparing it to another." (Bullock, p. 159). Mashal takes many forms in the OT. (Also, see 3.1 above). The meaning is also “to represent, to be like, a comparison.”

6.1.3. Proverb types: Proverbs teach, they offer theory and experience in short, pithy sayings that might be used as a rule of thumb for personal conduct. (Ibid.)

Proverbs can be divided into seven types: Identity or equivalence; Nonidentity, or contrast; Similarity; Contrariety to proper order indicative of absurdity; Classification of persons, actions, or situations; Valuation or priority of one thing relative to another, consequences of human character or behavior (Bullock, p. 159-160).

6.2. Contents and Authorship

The following is an overview of contents and authorship.

Outline (Bullock, 162, ff.)

Superinscription: 1:1

Introduction: 1:2-6

Reflections on Wisdom: 1:7-9:18

Miscelaneous Proverbs of Solomon:10:1-22:16

Words of the Wise: 22:17-24:22

Also These are for the Wise:24:23-34

Solomon's Proverbs collected by Hezekiah's Men: 25:1-29:27

The Words of Agur:30:1-33

The Words of Lemuel: 31:1-9

Acrostic on the Virtuous Woman 31:10-31

Authorship (internal evidence)

6.3. Major Themes: In addition to those below, youth, chasity, eternal wisdom, the women wisdom and folly.

6.3.1. Obedient-Teachable (Disobedient-Stubborn)

6.3.2. Humility-Pride

6.3.3. Industry-Laziness (2)

6.3.4. Fidelity-Unfaithfullness

6.3.5. Speech (Good and Bad effects)

6.3.6. Rulers (Characteristics, Power, How to be a ruler, How to deal with one)

6.3.7. Foolishness

6.3.8. Generosity (Selfishness, Stinginess)

6.3.9. Use or misuse of money, time

6.3.10. Friendship

6.3.11. Additional themes, characteristics: Surety (6:1-5), numerical proverbs (6:16-9; 30:18-9), wisdom of the lowly or small (30:24-28); the virtuous woman (31:10-31).

Assignment: Each team will be assigned one of the above categories. You will be asked to give a synopsis on how Proverbs as a whole speaks about your issue.

Sources for Section VI:

Gleason Archer, A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, Chicago: Moody Press, 1964.

C. Hassel Bullock, An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books, Chicago: Moody Press, 1979.

Derek Kidner. Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 1964.

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