Proverbs – By Ralph Starling

Outline

Introduction

A. Authorship
B. Evidence for Universal Use
C. God’s Hand

Discussion: Fear God and Do His Commandments

A. Duty to God
B. Duty to Self
C. Duty to Neighbors
D. Duty to Domestic Affairs
E. Duty to Civil and Political Economy

Conclusion — Based on Solomon’s Latter Days

Introduction

While various portions of scriptures have been disputed and authors of different books debated, “scarcely any dispute concerning the author of Divine authority”(1) of this book has been heard. It has indeed been supposed that Solomon collected the major part of these proverbs allowing some to regard it “as derogating from the authority of the book”(2). But this supposition has very little weight; for, whatever of truth is found in or among men, came originally from God; and if He employed an inspired man to collect those rays of light, and embody them for the use of His church, He had a right to do so, and to claim his own wheresoever found, and, by giving it a new authorization, to render it more useful in reference to the end for which is was originally communicated”(3). “. . . As the Divine Spirit gave it, so the providence of God has preserved it, for the use of His church”(4).

Preserved it for whom? It is significant to note that “there is little distinctive Judaism The name Israel is not once mentioned”(5) or the various feasts, etc., of Israel. “At the same time, the Law is often mentioned”(6) (bearing out the fact that law has always been essential to successful dealings between God and man, man and God). From such observations one concludes that, “It is doubtless a providential arrangement that so little prominence is given to the external obligations of the Hebrew religion; by this reticence the book was better adapted to become a worldwide teacher; it spoke to Jew and Gentile alike”(7).

It is important, also, to note that “of the 3000 proverbs which Solomon spoke, we have only those contained in this book and in Ecclesiastes; and of the 1,005 songs which he made, only the Canticles has been preserved: or in other words, of all his numerous works on divinity, philosophy, morality, and natural history, only the three above mentioned have been admitted into the sacred Canon. His natural history of trees, plants, beasts, fouls, and fishes (for on all these he wrote) is totally lost. Curiosity, which never says, ‘It is enough’, would give up the three we have for those on the animal and vegetable kingdom, which are lost. What God judged of importance, to the eternal interest of mankind, is preserved”(8). Further evidence of the Proverbs being inspired of God is the fact that “the proverbs are frequently quoted or alluded to in the New Testament, and the canonicity of the book thereby confirmed”(9).

Method of the Message

Proverbs have always been a favorite method of conveying and emphasizing truths. In almost every magazine and newspaper proverbs play a great part in communicating ideas. This was a characteristic of the orientals. Henry H. Halley comments, “The Oriental method of teaching was constant repetition of wise and practical thoughts in a form that would stick in the mind”(10).

Jesus was the master of a form of proverbs, called parables. “Then He spoke many things to them in parables” (Matthew 13:3). A parable is “a short, pithy, idiomatic saying, the life of which is antithesis or comparison”(11). The title of Proverbs is from its first word in Hebrew, “Mashal,” which originally meant “a comparison,” sometimes translated “parable,” sometimes “proverb”(12). We see a striking connection between the method of God in the New Testament and the method of God in the Old Testament. (To better appreciate this relationship, substitute the word “Christ” for the word “Wisdom” in the first few chapters of Proverbs.) It is a firm bond between the Old Testament and the New Testament, a unity that supports our faith.

Purpose of the Book in Brief

According to Frank Seay, “The subjects of the proverbs are the affairs of the common life of man,”(13) while Adam Clark wrote, “The principal object he (Solomon) has in view is to inspire: a deep reverence for God, fear of His judgments, and an ardent love for wisdom and virtue”(14).

The Main Message of the Book

The DOING of religion is stressed in Proverbs. It is the outward man expressing the inner man. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who DOES the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). In the Proverbs we have teachings that pertain to being new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17); walking in newness of life (Romans 6:4); showing our faith by our works (James 2:18). The message of the book is to show that “everything rests upon a religious basis”(15).

Let the book itself state its message: chapter 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This same “fear of the Lord” is carried throughout the book to the very last verse of the last chapter. It is difficult to outline the book; however, several outlines are to be found by different authors. The difficulty exists because the very nature of a proverb is to be short, pithy, and complete and within itself.

Since our aim in this discussion is to show “the main message of the book and the relationship of the book to the purpose of the Bible, which is the glory of God and the salvation of man through Christ”(16), we want to stress that salvation is dependent upon a WORKING faith. To glorify God and enjoy eternal salvation, we must do the will of our Father (Matthew 7:21); and realize that “faith without WORKS is dead” (James 2:20). We conceive of Proverbs as being a storehouse of great practical truths that may be applied to our everyday lives. Hence we should understand that Proverbs teaches “practical Christianity,” or “Christianity at work.”

Discussion

Duty to God

“The fear of the Lord” (Prov. 1:7) is man’s first duty. It “is the beginning of knowledge.” While this has been true in every age of the world, we must realize its place in our lives. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). This freedom, this salvation, is hinged on our “Duty to God.” “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). So, Proverbs teaches that fear, reverence, or respect for God is the beginning of knowledge, and it continues to be essential to “the glory of God and the salvation of man through Christ.”

This “fear of the Lord” is respect and reverence that makes for confidence and trust. The Hebrew writer said, “He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Proverbs supports this truth by saying, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

This “Duty to God” involves “externals of religious worship that are not to be neglected.” For example, “Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25). The disciples met up on the first day of the week “to break bread” (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34). These externals are not to be neglected, but we must remember, “the Lord tries the hearts” (Prov. 17:3). “Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord” (11:20). This essential Jesus expressed in John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Our “Duty to God” calls upon us to confess our sins and shortcomings. Peter admonished Simon (Acts 8:22), “Repent therefore of your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). From Proverbs we read, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (28:13). Hence, God is glorified, and man is saved from his sins.

Men’s “Duty to God” calls upon him to submit to the chastening of God, for God chastens his children. It is never pleasant, no more than the chastening of a son by his earthly father. We recognize, however, that such is for the son’s welfare, even his salvation in society, and will result in glory and honor for the father. Paul says, “We are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:32). With this Proverbs agrees: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects; just as a father the son in whom he delights” (3:11-12). This very passage is used by the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 12:5-6. The purpose of the Bible is the glory of God and the salvation of man through Christ(17), which purpose the book of Proverbs serves to support and to admonish. This is done by emphasizing reverential fear of God, a pure trusting heart unto the Lord, and a willingness to confess our sins unto Him and to humbly submit to His chastening that we may be saved and that God may be glorified.

Duty to Self

Temptations are upon every hand. It becomes a duty to self to avoid those things that would deprive us of salvation. We must understand “that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness” (Romans 6:16). The admonition of the New Testament is to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). The admonition of Proverbs is, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (1:10).

Pride has always taken its toll among men. It has been a constant enemy to an acceptable and happy relationship between man and God. Jesus, our Lord, said, “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). Also “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). James wrote, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Also “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). The message of Proverbs simply undergirds these teachings. For example: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility” (15:33). “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished” (16:5). “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:18). “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (27:1) sounds like James 4:13, doesn’t it? “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth” (27:2).

Another enemy of man’s spiritual relationship with God has to do with his money. “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10) is a well-known scripture. Timothy was charged to “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19). Such teachings we recognize as vital to our salvation. It, likewise, magnifies the power and providence of God, thus glorifying Him. What is the advice of Proverbs? There are many passages, but we note these: “But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (28:20); “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (11:4); “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage” (11:28).

Envy also takes its place among the enemies of man. Envy murdered the Lord Jesus (Matthew 27:18). Envy was present in the church trouble in Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:3). Envy is listed as part of the world, the unconverted (Titus 3:3; James 3:14- 16). Proverbs describes it as “rottenness to the bones” (14:30).

Other dangers of which the Christian is warned in Proverbs are: luxury and intemperance, which are undermining the religious and spiritual health of our nation and our family life today; short-tempers, anger, nervous disorders, which are so prevalent in our society; idleness, with more and more time on our hands for play and recreation bringing about great evils; misuse of our tongues, getting us into trouble not only with man by idle and evil words but also with God by swearing and taking the name of God in vain.

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (22:1). Man has a duty to himself to keep himself “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). To do otherwise is to lose his opportunity for eternal life and will certainly bring reproach upon God. Proverbs serves to impress these great truths upon us.

Duty to Our Neighbors

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” asked the lawyer. Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God . . . and the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:35-39). All of us recall the “Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:29-37). Our relationship to God through Jesus Christ involves our DOING these things. “Let us do good to all” (Galatians 6:10).

One good we can do, likely the easiest, and perhaps most often overlooked, is to express sympathy and cheer. The Lord teaches “in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10). Also “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Also, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones” (16:24). This is a service within the reach of all! Our duty to our neighbor includes helping him in times of need. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Now read Proverbs 3:27-28: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” Are you reminded of James’ discussion on faith without works (James 2:16-17)? Another proverb very much in line with the theme of this lectureship is: “He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. . . . He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy” (14:21, 31).

Another duty is honesty. Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). “Let us walk properly” (Romans 13:13). Proverbs declares: “Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house” (17:13). God is no respecter of persons, and neither should we be. So states Proverbs, “It is not good to show partiality in judgment” (24:23).

“As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” states another duty to our neighbor (Romans 12:18). “Let us pursue the things that make for peace” (Romans 14:19). A proverb says, “Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake” (3:29).

Once more we see the message of Proverbs as we use the words of our Lord, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who DOES the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

Domestic Duties

A child’s first impression comes from his parents, as a general rule. Such impressions are vital to the future of any child. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). With this in mind we note Proverbs 20:7, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). This teaching should begin in their earliest years, “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding” (Prov. 4:1)

One great need in our family today is parental guidance and correction. This duty Ephesians 6:4 points out. Every Christian parent should and must heed such instruction to have God’s pleasure. Proverbs strengthens this admonition in several instances, but we note these: “Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell” (23:13-14). Let the mother of the family realize her high position and be the crown of her husband and build up her house. It has long been accepted that “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” The greatest need of our time is for mothers to be “keepers at home” (Titus 2:5). One writer suggests, “If she needs a model, let her endeavor to imitate the strong-minded, virtuous woman (Prov. 31:10). Be it far from her to imitate the contentious wife, whose temper is like the continuous dropping of a leaky roof, and renders family life insupportable (Prov. 19:13; 25:24). Let the wife and mother return to her throne as Queen of the home, and many of our troubles will cease. This is essential to the Christian wife and mother if she will be pleasing to God for “She shall be saved in childbearing” (1 Timothy 2:15).

Children should give attention to their duties toward parents. “Obey your parents . . . Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:1-2). Particularly is this true of Christian children! The wise man says, “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (23:22).

Duties to Civil and Political Life

God has ordained government. His people are commanded to respect and obey “the higher powers” (Romans 13:1). To do otherwise is to resist God and sin against Him. This power is to be a “minister for good.” Proverbs likewise says, “It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness: for a throne is established by righteousness” (16:12). “Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne” (Prov. 20:28).

The duty of government is to punish the wicked and protect the righteous (Romans 13). So agrees Proverbs 20:8, “A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes.” “A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them” (Prov. 20:26).

It is the duty of man to respect and submit to the government. Should the government violate the laws of God, then “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), but it is our duty to pray for kings and for all that are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). “The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life” (Prov. 20:2).

Civic duties are many. God has established principles to guide His people in ways of righteousness. One matter has to do with charity and welfare. We cannot be unmindful of the poor. Jesus said, “You always have the poor with you” (Mark 14:7). Proverbs says, “The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all” (22:2).

“Honesty is the best policy,” I suppose, is one of our proverbs, but it is supported by both Old and New Testament scriptures. In Proverbs 11:26 Solomon says, “The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.” This would emphasize that all commercial business should be conducted with the strictest honesty. The practice of hoarding to the injury of others would be sinful.

Conclusion

We must not close this study without this word of warning. There are “few biographies that are so disappointing as that of Solomon”(18). In Solomon we have an example of the admonition found in 1 Corinthians 10:2, “Wherefore let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.”

The book of Proverbs, by reason of its very nature, may be read with much profit and application to any generation. Christians would do well to meditate on it as they serve to make more vivid the teachings of God that they may be “perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Proverbs sets forth the doing of religion: “Fear God and do His commandments.” . . . as the Divine Spirit gave it, so the providence of God has preserved it, for the use of his church”(19).

Footnotes

1. Adam Clark’s Commentary, Volume 3, “Introduction to Proverbs” (which can be found at https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc.html).
2. Ibid. 3
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Pulpit Commentary, “Introduction to Proverbs”.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. Adam Clark’s Commentary.
9. Smith-Peloubet Bible Dictionary (which can be seen at http//www. ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Smith’s%20Bible%20Dictionary.pdf).
10. Henry H. HaIIey, BibIe Handbook, p. 242.
11. Ibid.
12. Smith-Peloubet Bible Dictionary.
13. Frank Seay, The Story of the Old Testament, 4th ed. Cokesbury Press, 1925, p. 138.
14. Adam Clark’s Commentary.
15. J. B. Tidwell, Bible Book by Book, 7th ed. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1941, p. 102.
16. Theme of this lectureship
17. Ibid.
18. B. S. Dean, An Outline of Bible History, Cincinnati: Standard Pub., 1912, p. 75.
19. Adam Clark’s Commentary.

Questions for Class Discussion

1. Define “proverb”.
2. Who wrote the book of Proverbs? What controversy has arisen concerning his authorship?
3. Why are proverbs a valuable means of teaching?
4. To what age and among what people’s is the use of proverbs associated?
5. To what field of study are Proverbs particularly useful?
6. Give an outstanding proverb dealing with: 1) man’s duty to God, 2) duty to self, 3) duty to neighbors, 4) domestic affairs, 5) civil life, 6) politics and government.
7. What place does the book of Proverbs have for Christians today?
8. From our study of Proverbs, what would you say is the “main message” of the book of Proverbs?