Proverbs

proverb: a short, pithy saying that conveys a general truth or advice examples: a) God helps those who help themselves. b) An apple a day keeps the doctor away. c) 1 Kings 20:11 d) Mt 26:52 The book of Proverbs is part of the Wisdom genre, which also includes Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. Proverbs contains divine wisdom, not merely human wisdom (2 Tim 3:16). And wisdom in the Bible is faithfulness to God (Pro 1:7). Interpreting Proverbs requires us to keep those facts in mind. Proverbs has three main characters: A) The wise The person who lives in God's covenant (1:7). The wise is not perfect (9:8), but seeks the wisdom of God. B) The fool The person who rejects God, or the need for salvation, and lives by his own wisdom (1:7; 12:15; 14:9). C) The simple The person who is not committed to one way or another and is easily influenced (14:15) But, Proverbs was written to the wise and the simple young men (1:4-7). Proverbs has three main sections. A) Intruction to pursue wisdom (1-9). B) Various proverbs (10-31:9) C) The excellent woman (31:10-31) Rule 1: Proverbs are generally true (in their appropriate circumstances), but they are not always true. 1. Compare Proverbs 10:4 and 13:23. 2. Proverbs does indicate that some wrongs will not be corrected until the end (10:2; 11:4; 11:7). Rule 2: Since proverbs are not always true, ask yourself what circumstances would make it true, and what circumstances would prevent it from being true. a) Consider if there are any proverbs or biblical statements that give more information, or another side, to the proverb. b) Consider if there are any biblical characters who illustrate the proverb, or its limitations. c) Consider if there is any New Testament passage that addresses the proverb's teaching. 2. Compare Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5. a) See Luke 20:8 and John 19:10-11 Rule 3: Focus on Jesus as the image and fulfillment of wisdom. Interpret Proverbs through Jesus.