Interpreting the Proverbs

What are proverbs? General truths that assume exceptions – Pv 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Can we stand on that promise? – Subset of wisdom literature Proverbs is broken into two broad sections. – 1-9 is more narrative where a father is giving advice to his son, or personified teaching from Lady Wisdom – are more general, sometimes unrelated statements Key interpretive verse for all of proverbs is “The fear of the Lord” in 1:7

Interpreting Guidelines Proverbs approve what God approves and condemn what God condemns Proverbs are free from error because they are God-breathed – Confucius has good things to say like “He who is too ready to speak of it will have difficulties carrying it out.” But also terrible things: “One hundred women are not worth a single testicle.”

Interpreting Guidelines Proverbs show how life normally works. – 10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. – Compare with 13:23 A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. Proverbs can be situational. They speak to the occasion they reference – work, injustice, pride, ect.

Interpreting Guidelines A handful of proverbs are promises, and can be identified as such – 11:1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight – 10:2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. – 11:7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing

Preaching and Teaching the Proverbs Hmmm. Can teach a whole section from part of the 1 st nine chapters. Can select a number of proverbs speaking to the same theme and preach that (pride, lust, anger) Can use proverbs as examples to support teaching on other Bible passages.