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�Some Good Old Sayings�
The book of Proverbs is usually treated like readings from a fortune cookie. Many commentators refer to them as “short pithy statements” of wisdom. They are regarded as general truths with many exceptions and exclusions. Most commentators don’t even attempt to orchestrate an outline. The few who have written about this book seem to favor a topical approach that pulls verses from all over its 31 chapters to emphasize various themes.
I would like to submit a different approach to this book. One that looks at the big picture and seeks to find a continuous theme that develops verse by verse. The inspired writer clearly and concisely began the message with both purpose and power when he penned:
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion (1:1-4, KJV).
The book can be divided into three major sections. First, there is the Pricelessness of Wisdom: Long for It (chapters 1-9).In this section, a father is clearly seen teaching his son to value wisdom and how to develop a desire for it. The phrase “my son” is found fifteen times in the first nine chapters. In chapter 1, Solomon presents us with its purpose (see previous quotation 1:1-4). In Chapter 2, Proverbs preserves: “He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints” (2:8, KJV). Furthermore, we are given the key to unlocking the meaning of all proverbs, and perhaps an answer to its critics. Proverbs only works for those who meet the following conditions:
“Yea if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (2:3-5, KJV).
The reason many believe the proverbs are only general truths that have exceptions may find its roots in simple misinterpretation. Proverbs were not meant to be true for everyone, but for he who meets the criteria given by wisdom’s writers. Chapter 3 of Proverbs provides physical prosperity. “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (3:2, KJV). Chapter 4 introduces parental value. “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding” (KJV).Chapter 5 addresses the precious purity of holy sexuality. There is abstinence before marriage (vs. 1-14), and monogamy after marriage (vs.15-23). In chapter 6 our Father seeks to protect us in the field of industry (vs. 1-19) and intimacy (vs.20-35). Chapter 7 encourages the son to apply wisdom to his paths: “Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths” (vs. 25, KJV). Chapter 8 is a fatherly plea for his son to “Hear, for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things” (vs. 6, KJV). Throughout this chapter, wisdom is portrayed as speaking, standing, calling, crying, and pleading for man to listen. In the final chapter of this section (9), we find a stunning summary of wisdom portrayed with seven pillars. “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars” (9:1, KJV). Of worthy note is the contrast between lady wisdom’s home, full of goodly furnishings and food; and the harlot’s home, full of danger, destruction, and death (7:8, 22, 26).
In chapters 9 through 24, we see the Principles of Wisdom: Learn It. In chapters 25 through 31, we see the Prudence of Wisdom: Live It. Time and space do not allow me to examine every chapter of this priceless treasure, but I hope this limited analysis will give all Christians a reason to re-examine this book and to make it a part of their lives.
Many wise fathers have required their children to read from its pages. Alexander Campbell is said to have required his children to memorize the book of Proverbs. Preachers and elders should meditate upon its words. Proverbs are more than “good old sayings.” They are marrow to our bones, health to our navel, and strength to our souls (3:8, 22). It is the greatest “how-to book” ever written. For parents, it teaches how to raise a wise child. It tutors children on how to receive wisdom. For Christians, it teaches how to live wisdom and succeed in a wicked world. Let’s not approach Proverbs as we do with the quote of the day on our calendars. It deserves far more thought and time, and it has far greater results and rewards. As the Proverbs writer said, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (4:7, KJV).
