· Date of writing.
We have already noted that Proverbs is a
collection that spanned over at least 300 years. Likely, it was begun by Solomon, the king who
was known especially for his great wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-15; 4:29-34; 10:1-10). Then, in Hezekiah’s time, during a revival of
religion, it may have been that there was a discovery of additional proverbs written
by Solomon.
·
Outline.
The nature of
Proverbs, with the exception of Ch. 1-9 and 31, makes it difficult to outline,
of course. You will notice, in Ch.
10-30, that occasionally there are small collections of proverbs that bear some
similarity. Otherwise, here’s a simple
outline:
o
Ch. 1-9: instruction in wisdom for the young. Ch. 1 gives an introduction to the book, and
addresses those who despise wisdom. Ch.
2 speaks of the blessings that come from an honest pursuit of wisdom. Ch. 3 is an exhortation to faithfulness and
wisdom. Note 3:1-12, 6 couplets all worth
memorization. In Ch. 4 he recollects his
own youth. Ch. 5-7 have warnings against
adultery and impurity. Ch. 8 is a
discourse on wisdom. Wisdom is the personification of Christ (8:22-31). Ch. 9 contrasts wisdom and folly. Throughout this section, and elsewhere in
Proverbs, he speaks as a father to his son.
o
Ch. 10-24: the first great collection of
Solomonic proverbs. There are 375-400
proverbs in this section, depending on how you read it. There is no order to speak of, and each
proverb is self-contained. There are
certain motives (shame, reward, punishment, pleasure and pain) that are a help
to the good and a hinderance to evil.
o Ch. 25-29: the second great collection of Solomonic proverbs. There are 125 proverbs in this section. They are supplementary and similar to those in the first collection. There is not much instruction for the young, dealing more with government, social problems and moral restraints.
o Ch. 30-31: the proverbs of Agur and Lemuel. This is like an “appendix” to the book. The words of Agur (Ch. 30) are addressed to “Ithiel and Ucal.” Again, these are two obscure men. Or, perhaps, they may be representative of ideal names as the first means “God is with me” and the second “I am strong.” It is certainly easy to see Christ in those two names. We only mention that because of what is asked in 30:4, in speaking of God: “What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you know?” Ch. 31:1-9 is addressed to kings; the rest of the chapter (v10-31) describe a virtuous woman, with each proverb beginning with a different letter in order. (Ruth is the greatest example of this woman.)
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