1. Surveying the Book of Proverbs Surveying the Book of Proverbs Proverbs Introduction The fear of the Lord

2. Wisdom’s Setting Three canonical Books of Wisdom, – Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes – Often classified together with Psalms and Songs Recognized as one of three categories of revelation (Jeremiah 18:18) Authored/compiled by and largely credited to Solomon – First among sages

3. Wisdom’s Setting Divisions (Kidner) Divisions (Kidner) – Title, motto, introduction (1:1-7) – I. A Father’s Praise of Wisdom (1:8-9:18) – II. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16) – IIIa. Words of wise men (22:17-24:22) – IIIb. Further words of wise men (24:23-34) – IV. Further Proverbs of Solomon - Hezekiah’s Collection (25:1-29:27) – V. Words of Agur (30:1-33) – VI. Words of King Lemuel (31:1-9) – VII. An Alphabet of Wifely Excellence (31:10-31))

4. Wisdom’s Jargon Solomon’s Shades or Hues of Wisdom – Wisdom (2a) Overall general wisdom, skillfulness at living practically and morally in God’s universe – Instruction (2a) Discipline of learning something, instruction – Discernment (2b) Judgement between good and bad, understand the implications of a choice,

5. Wisdom’s Jargon Solomon’s Shades or Hues of Wisdom – Sensible (3a) Ability to act prudently, practical ability to conduct oneself successfully, sound thinking Righteousness (3b) Right behavior, virtue Justice (3b) Justice, right or correct judgments, Equity (3b) equity between, level, smooth, solve difficulties between people

6. Wisdom’s Jargon Solomon’s Shades or Hues of Wisdom – Prudence, shrewdness (4a) Can shrewdly plan, understands the steps necessary, set an end and plans its achievement – Discretion (4b) Thoughtfulness, to be able to wisely plan ahead to achieve an end. Knows the ropes (for getting something done) – Understanding, insight (4b) Deep understanding, profound knowledge, to understand how something works, can predict its behavior

7. Wisdom’s Key Fear of the Lord – Awe; reverence – worth  ship Isaiah 6:1ff – Correct threat assessment Matt 10:28 – Proper Understanding 1 Peter 1:17ff – Loving Assurance 1 John 4:18