Proverbs 1:1-19, Defining A Proverb
January 2, Proverbs 1:1-19
1 Kings 4:29-32 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”
Defining A Proverb
The word “proverb” (mashal) appears only four times in all, (1:1, 6; 10:1; 25:1). The meaning of the words is likeness or resemblance. In this they are akin to the parables of the New Testament. They become “representative statements, not relating solely to a single fact, but standing for, or representing other similar facts” (Perowne).
“The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting” (12:27a). This is a general law. Exchange for hunting and roasting any other activity and the proverbs still holds. The second part of this proverb draws a conclusion from a general observation of human life and conduct. The comparison or similarity is not always immediately apparent. It is often a “concentrated parable.” They are easily learned and remembered, but require careful and prayerful study to taste the “inward pith of excellency” they contain.
The proverbs are mostly in the form of “couplets,” and are related to each other by “parallelism,” as in Hebrew poetry. These proverbs do not have the air of smartness and cuteness and wit which modern writers have usually affected in their maxims and gems of wisdom. They have what is far better, truth, and solid good sense. “Each God-breathed, inerrant Proverb is surrounded with a commentary breathing forth the aroma of one who walked with the Rose of Sharon… These chapters capture the Warmth of Wisdom, the Fire of Conviction, and the Beauty of Reality.” (Publisher’s Preface to Arnot’s Studies in Proverbs, emphasis added). There are three main types.
- Synonymous parallelism occurs when different lines or parts present the same thought in a somewhat varied form (1:2; 2:11; 18:7; 19:5).
- Antithetic parallelism results when two parts stand in contrast to each other (10:1, 4; 11:1; Chaps. 10-15). “They often contain a double or threefold antithesis” (Dean Burgon).
- Synthetic parallelism occurs where the second part carries on and completes the first. It can also move in a progressive “staircase” movement to a conclusion in a third line (10:26, 12:9, 15:16).
Man’s proverbs are “worldly” wisdom that may resemble Solomon’s but when we realise that the Holy Spirit is the real Author, we conclude that faith is the basic motive that produces true godly conduct. “The pen is that of the King of Israel, but the words are the wisdom of God.” They are the “best statesman’s manual,” and “the philosophy of practical life,” not “dry as dust” morality. They are surely “the best rules for the conduct of life, obtaining the favour of God, and an approving conscience.” “Other scriptures show us the glory of our high calling; this instructs us how to walk in it” (Bridges).
Thought: “Modesty is the badge of wisdom.” (Matthew Henry).
Prayer: Lord, for a closer walk with Thee today!