Printer Friendly PDF

More Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1

What is a proverb? Before we read this wonderful book and attempt to understand these words of Solomon, let us consider the nature of a proverb. Our English word, according to The Oxford English Dictionary, means the following:

1. A short pithy saying in common and recognized use; a concise sentence, often metaphorical or alliterative in form, which is held to express some truth ascertained by experience or observation and familiar to all; an adage, a wise saw.

2. A common word or phrase of contempt or reproach, a byword.

3. An oracular or enigmatical saying that requires interpretation; an allegory, a parable.

The Bible uses the word "proverb" in all three ways. And Solomon's Proverbs contains proverbs of both the first and third kinds.

Proverbs can be difficult to understand. As the definitions show, they are often metaphorical, which means they use words figuratively, not literally. And they are often enigmatical, which means they were composed intentionally with obscure metaphors to challenge the ability of the reader to discover their hidden wisdom. They can be obscure and perplexing by design, which gives them their unique appeal and force.

Solomon in his introduction defines proverbs as needing "interpretation" and being the "dark sayings" of wise men (1:6). We may almost see him admitting definitions one and three above, for metaphors need interpretation and enigmas are truly dark sayings!

To rush into the book of Proverbs naively and apply primary definitions or the literal use of words is to run amok indeed. These sayings need interpretation, which means arriving at the sense intended by God the Holy Spirit and Solomon.

Jesus and His disciples further show the difficulty of understanding proverbs. Consider the following two verses showing the obscure nature of a proverb:

"These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father." (John 16:25)

"His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb." (John 16:29)

Observe that Jesus knew proverbs were not plain speech, and also observe that the disciples understood proverbs were not plain statements. They need careful analysis and interpretation for us to know the full and correct meaning and application.

These proverbs will provide short, exciting, and challenging rules for living life successfully by the wisdom of God. What an exciting literary form! What an interesting way of communicating truth! And all by the Divine inspiration of the LORD Jehovah!

But these are not just any proverbs, they are the proverbs of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. Not only begotten and trained by the man after God's own heart, God gave Solomon largeness of heart and wisdom above all other men (I Kings 3:12; 4:29-31). As a rich king with a peaceful reign, he explored the purpose of life more than any other man could even attempt, as is recorded in his philosophical book, Ecclesiastes, which also contains a few proverbs.

God inspired Solomon to write many proverbs, by which he taught the people knowledge, set out acceptable words, even the words of truth. Of a total of three thousand proverbs (I Kings 4:32), we have hardly more than five hundred here. But what a collection it is!

Let the reader tremble before the Word of God and rejoice at the opportunity of finding great spoil from the Mind of God. Let our intent be learning and obedience only, without even a trace of mere academic interest or knowledge for the sake of pride.

www.letgodbetrue.com