1. Proverbs

2. Wisdom Literature
The attempt to cope with reality as it presents itself in real life (i.e. contradictions!)
Prov. 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
Prov. 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

3. Wisdom Literature
The transmission of this knowledge to future generations
Relational
International phenomenon

4. Wisdom Literature Wisdom Worldview:
God created the world with a basic order.
Life has a basic propriety.
Basically optimistic.
This worldview is also basically humanistic.
Wisdom vs. Prophetic/Deuteronomic worldview

5. Wisdom and Deuteronomic Worldview
Proverbs, Job,
Ecclesiastes
Law, Moses, Covenant
Patriarchs, David, prophets
Wisdom of
ben Sirach
B.C.

6. Themes of OT Wisdom Literature
Moderation & Restraint
Family Life
Wisdom and Folly
Fear of the Lord

7. Proverbs--Outline 1:1-7—Introduction 1:8-9:18—Instructions on Wisdom
10:1-22:16—1st Solomonic Collection
22:17-24:22—”Sayings of the Wise”
=Sayings of Amenemope?
24:23-34—More Sayings of the Wise
25:1-29:27—2nd Solomonic Collection
30:1-33—Sayings of Agur (& others)
31:1-9—Sayings of Lemuel
31:10-31—The Excellent Wife

8. Proverbs
What is a proverb?

9. Proverbs What is a proverb?
“It is some kind of a saying. It is usually short, and it is meant to make you think and reflect. The proverb is supposed to teach you something, share something of wisdom” (Clemson Community Church, Clemson, SC).

10. Proverbs What is a proverb? A proverb is a proverb, not a law—CP.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).

11. Proverbs 1:1-7
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel (Pro 1:1 ESV)
“Proverbs of Solomon”
=Law of Moses & Psalms of David?

12. Proverbs 1:2-6
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth--Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. (ESV)
Teaching of Wisdom

13. Proverbs 1:2-6
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth--Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. (ESV)
Teaching of Wisdom
Living moral lives

14. Proverbs 1:6
To understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. (ESV)
mashal (מָ֭שָׁל ) = proverb, parable, teaching
melitsah (מְלִיצָ֑ה ) = satire, sarcastic saying, mocking (often in a bad way)
chidah (חִידָה ) = riddle, question, enigmatic saying

15. Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (ESV)
Proper attitude of reverence, fear, awe of God—recognize his role!
Fools—the opposite of the wise.
Wisdom is the goal, instruction is the method.

16. Proverbs 8:1-36 “Lady Wisdom” 8:10-12—Choose her above all things
Contrasted with . . .
“Adulterous,” “Loose woman”
8:10-12—Choose her above all things
8:20—Hers is the way of justice & righteousness
8:22-31—She is the 1st creation
Compare Colossians 1:15?

17. Poverty & Wealth 10:4—Diligence & hard work produce wealth!
Is this true?
19:1, 19:22, 21:6, 22:1, 28:6
Can one be poor & righteous?
Life is not fair!!!
Do what is right.
John Wesley—Earn, Save, Give