Notes on Proverbs II

Originally posted August 28, 2009:

Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16)

“In the major sections of Proverbs, the same contrast between wisdom & folly appears in single-verse aphorisms. Here the personification of sin and righteousness doesn’t appear, but the same synonymy’s for virtue and vice are repeatedly used and should be understood as such. Perhaps the greatest error in interpreting the book comes from the tendency to quote these proverbs as mere secular maxims instead of godly instruction. “Folly” doesn’t mean stupidity, just as “the woman Folly” doesn’t refer to an ignoramus. Both terms relate to sin. Throughout this whole section the terms wisdom, understanding, integrity and knowledge are synonymous references to holiness. Their opposites-fool, folly, quarrelsome, etc.-refer to wickedness. In short “a foolish son” is not a dullard but a scoundrel. A “mocker” isn’t just disdainful but a rebel against wisdom. The lack of context sometimes clouds the interpretation. But occasionally a verse is partially repeated elsewhere, where the variant form clarifies the meaning. (Commentary on 10:1-22:16, p. 974)

Archaeological Study Bible, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530: Zondervan 2005. P. 974.

“The book of Proverbs is replete with admonitions concerning one’s neighbor, of which this verse is the epitome. Due regard for one’s neighbor is expressed in the great Old and New Testament precept, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18, Mt. 19:19). The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:30-37) was given to answer the question, “And who is my neighbor?” (Lk. 10:29).” (Commentary on 14:21, p. 982)

Archaeological Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530: Zondervan, 2005. p. 982.

Don’t cheat (Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, 20:10)

A way that seems right can lead to death (14:12)

Avoid quarrelsome and ill-tempered wives (21:9, 21:19)

Don’t steal from the poor (22:22

“This verse is an exhortation extolling the importance of personal instruction. The training was imparted primarily through conversation, example and implication; it utilized effectively the interest aroused by actual life situations, such as the Passover, the redemption of the firstborn and family rites. The well-known penchant of the East for storytelling was also used in the vital transmission of religious truth and faith to the children. The command to the Israelites to write the precepts of the law on their doorposts and gates and on great plastered stones in the land implies a general ability among the people of the time to read and write.” (Commentary on 22:6, p. 993)

Archaeological Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530: Zondervan, 2005. p. 993.