Unveiling the Wisdom of Proverbs: A Treasure Hunt for Nobility
Treasure Hunting
Treasure Hunting
and the Quest for
and the Quest for
Nobility in Proverbs
Nobility in Proverbs
Hands to the Plow Ministries with
Bethlehem College & Seminary
Jason S. DeRouchie, PhD
Proverbs at a Glance
Proverbial Collection (10:1–31:9)
The Proverb Test
16–20 = Proverbial genius
11–15 = Proverbially bright
6–10 = Proverbially dull
0–5 = Proverbially challenged
Proverbs as memorable bites
To remember well, we need:
Small bits, capable of being chewed;
Rehearseable bits, worded in a way easily
restated;
Understandable bits in a fluent language.
Most proverbs are pithy, memorable, and
poetic.
Example 1:
“Look before you leap”
vs.
“In advance of committing yourself to a
course of action, consider your
circumstances.”
Example 2:
“A stitch in time saves nine”
vs.
“There are certain corrective measures for
minor problems that, when taken early on in
a course of action, forestall major problems
from arising.”
Many proverbs are generalizations that
are
usually
true.
Often proverbs present contradictory
perspectives, with each proverbs being
correct in certain situations.
Many proverbs are generalizations that
are
usually
true.
Often proverbs present contradictory
perspectives, with each proverbs being
correct in certain situations.
Many proverbs are generalizations that
are
usually
true.
Often proverbs present contradictory
perspectives, with each proverbs being
correct in certain situations.
Many proverbs are generalizations that
are
usually
true.
Often proverbs present contradictory
perspectives, with each proverbs being
correct in certain situations.
Many proverbs are generalizations that
are
usually
true.
Often proverbs present contradictory
perspectives, with each proverbs being
correct in certain situations.
Proverbs that foretell are not promises for
the present age but truths that time will
indeed bear out unless God intervenes for
good or ill.
Example 1:
Prov 15:25
.
The LORD tears down
the house of the proud but maintains the
widow’s boundaries.
Life and Scripture testify that there are
arrogant people whose houses still stand and
widows who have been abused by greedy
creditors or fraud.
Job 24:2–3
.
Some move landmarks; they
seize flocks and pasture them.
3
They
drive away the donkey of the fatherless;
they take the widow’s ox for a pledge.
Proverbs that foretell are not promises for
the present age but truths that time will
indeed bear out unless God intervenes for
good or ill.
Example 1:
Prov 15:25
.
The LORD tears down
the house of the proud but maintains the
widow’s boundaries.
Life and Scripture testify that there are
arrogant people whose houses still stand and
widows who have been abused by greedy
creditors or fraud.
Mark 12:40
.
[They] devour widow’s
houses and for a pretense make long
prayers. They will receive the greater
condemnation.
Proverbs that foretell are not promises for
the present age but truths that time will
indeed bear out unless God intervenes for
good or ill.
Example 1:
Prov 15:25
.
The LORD tears down
the house of the proud but maintains the
widow’s boundaries.
Life and Scripture testify that there are
arrogant people whose houses still stand and
widows who have been abused by greedy
creditors or fraud.
The principle
:
God opposes the proud and
cares for the needy, and he will eventually
make all things right.
Example 2:
Prov 22:26–27
.
Be no one of those
who gives pledges, who put up security for
debts.
27
If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you.
Should you never buy a house on mortgage (a
secure debt)? Will all credit card debt
automatically
result in God’s taking away all
your possessions––including your bed?
The principle
:
Debts should be taken
cautiously because foreclosure can be very
painful.
Example 3:
Prov 29:2
.
If a ruler listens to
falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
Do this proverb guarantee that a government
official has no choice but to become corrupt
if his boss (e.g., the president, the governor,
etc.) listens to some people who do not tell
him the truth?
The principle
:
The ruler who insists on truth
will help keep the government honest.
Example 4:
Prov 22:6
.
Train up a child in the
way he should go; even when he is old he will
not depart from it.
Popular interpretations?
The problem:
Word-for-word: “Give training
to the child according to his way; even he
grows old, he will not depart from it” (cf.
NASB margin).
No Hebrew equivalent for “should.”
The 3ms pronoun “his” related to “way”
is unexplained.
Why does “his way” mean?
Only two “ways” in Proverbs: the way of
wisdom and life or and the way of folly
and death.
Prov. 11:5
. The righteousness of the
blameless keeps his way straight, but the
wicked falls by his own wickedness.
Prov. 14:2
. Whoever walks in
uprightness fears the LORD, but he who
is devious in his ways despises him.
Prov. 16:17
. The highway of the upright
turns aside from evil; whoever guards
his way preserves his life.
Is the “youth’s way” more the way of
wisdom or folly?
When left to themselves, the “young” lack
judgment and have hearts filled with
foolishness.
Prov. 7:7
. And I have seen among the
simple, I have perceived among the
youths, a young man lacking sense.
Prov. 22:15
. Folly is bound up in the heart
of a child, but the rod of discipline drives
it far from him.
Without discipline, the young bring
disgrace on their mothers.
Prov 29:15
. The rod and reproof give
wisdom, but a child left to himself brings
shame to his mother.
Parents are thus exhorted to discipline their
children and to instruct them in wisdom.
Prov. 1:1, 4
. The proverbs of Solomon,
son of David, king of Israel: . . . to give
prudence to the simple, knowledge and
discretion to the youth.
Prov. 19:18
. Discipline your son, for there
is hope; do not set your heart on putting
him to death.
Prov. 29:15
. The rod and reproof give
wisdom, but a child left to himself brings
shame to his mother.
Conclusion:
Prov 22:6
.
Give training to the
child according to his way; even he grows old,
he will not depart from it.
The “way” of a child seems more negative
than positive; it is the way without wisdom.
We are
always
training, and the proverb
appears to be an ironic command that warns
parents of the result of not establishing
standards and boundaries for their children.
The principle
:
Let a boy do what he wants,
and he will become a self-willed adult
incapable of change!
But proverbs are not promises! And the power
of the gospel can transform any child who was
not raised well!
2 Cor 5:17
.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation. The old has passed
away; behold, the new has come.
The purpose of many proverbs:
Prov 25:11
. A word fitly spoken is like apples of
gold in a setting of silver.
Prov 26:9
. Like a thorn that goes up into the
hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of
fools.
Are there ever
absolute
(“always true”)
proverbs?
Samples:
Prov 10:27
.
The fear of the LORD prolongs
life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
Prov 11:20
.
Those of crooked heart are an
abomination to the LORD; but those of
blameless ways are his delight.
Are there ever “absolute” proverbs that
are
always
true in this life and the next?
Samples:
Prov 10:27
.
The fear of the LORD prolongs
life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
Prov 11:20
.
Those of crooked heart are an
abomination to the LORD; but those of
blameless ways are his delight.
Prov 13:21
.
Disaster pursues sinners, but the
righteous are rewarded with good.
Prov 16:1
.
The plans of the heart belong to
man, but the answer of the tongue is from the
LORD.
Are there ever “absolute” proverbs that
are
always
true in this life and the next?
Samples:
Prov 10:27
.
The fear of the LORD prolongs
life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
Prov 11:20
.
Those of crooked heart are an
abomination to the LORD; but those of
blameless ways are his delight.
Prov 13:21
.
Disaster pursues sinners, but the
righteous are rewarded with good.
Prov 16:1
.
The plans of the heart belong to
man, but the answer of the tongue is from the
LORD.
Prov 16:4
.
The LORD has made everything for
its purpose, even the wicked for the day of
trouble.
Prov 16:4
.
The LORD has made everything for
its purpose, even the wicked for the day of
trouble.
Prov 16:31
.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is
gained in a righteous life.
Prov 19:21
.
Many are the plans in the mind of
a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that
will stand.
Prov 16:4
.
The LORD has made everything for
its purpose, even the wicked for the day of
trouble.
Prov 16:31
.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is
gained in a righteous life.
Prov 19:21
.
Many are the plans in the mind of
a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that
will stand.
Prov 21:30
.
No wisdom, no understanding, no
counsel can avail against the LORD.
Prov 16:4
.
The LORD has made everything for
its purpose, even the wicked for the day of
trouble.
Prov 16:31
.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is
gained in a righteous life.
Prov 19:21
.
Many are the plans in the mind of
a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that
will stand.
Prov 21:30
.
No wisdom, no understanding, no
counsel can avail against the LORD.
THE RULE:
Those proverbs that focus on
God’s character and actions are absolute,
for God does not change.
The Portrait of God in Proverbs
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 10:27
. The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the
years of the wicked will be short.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 14:26–27
. In the fear of the LORD one has a strong
confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
27
The fear
of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away
from the snares of death.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 15:16
. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 16:6
. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is
atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away
from evil.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 19:23
. The fear of the LORD leads to life, and
whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by
harm.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 28:14
. Blessed is the one who fears the LORD
always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into
calamity.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 13:13
. Whoever despieses the word bring destruction
on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be
rewarded.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 19:16
. Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his
life; he who despises his ways will die.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 21:3
. To do righteousness and justice is more
acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 22:17–19
. Incline your ear, and hear the words of the
wise, and apply your heart to knowledge,
18
for it will be
pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are
ready on your lips.
19
That your trust may be in the
LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to
you.
Our Response to God in Proverbs
Prov 29:25
. The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever
trust in the LORD is safe.
Delve into the rich tapestry of Proverbs with Jason S. DeRouchie, PhD, as he leads you on a quest for wisdom and nobility. Explore the poetic and memorable nature of Proverbs, discovering the timeless truths hidden within each proverbial bite. Gain insights into the art of deciphering these pithy sayings, which offer both generalizations and contradictory perspectives, ultimately guiding you towards a path of virtue and discernment.
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Presentation Transcript
Treasure Hunting and the Quest for Nobility in Proverbs Hands to the Plow Ministries with Bethlehem College & Seminary Jason S. DeRouchie, PhD
Proverbs at a Glance Preamble 1:1 7 Prologue: The importance of wisdom 1:8 9:18 Proverbial Collections Proverbs of Solomon I Sayings of the Wise I Sayings of the Wise II Proverbs of Solomon II Sayings of Agur Sayings of Lemuel 10:1 31:9 10:1 22:16 22:17 24:22 24:23 34 25:1 29:27 30:1 33 31:1 9 Epilogue: The ideal wife, a woman of wisdom 31:10 31
Proverbial Collection (10:131:9) The Proverb Test 16 20 = Proverbial genius 11 15 = Proverbially bright 6 10 = Proverbially dull 0 5 = Proverbially challenged
Proverbs as memorable bites To remember well, we need: Small bits, capable of being chewed; Rehearseable bits, worded in a way easily restated; Understandable bits in a fluent language.
Most proverbs are pithy, memorable, and poetic. Example 1: Look before you leap vs. In advance of committing yourself to a course of action, consider your circumstances. Example 2: A stitch in time saves nine vs. There are certain corrective measures for minor problems that, when taken early on in a course of action, forestall major problems from arising.
Many proverbs are generalizations that are usually true. Often proverbs present contradictory perspectives, with each proverbs being correct in certain situations. 1a. Birds of a feather flock together. 1b. Opposites attract.
Many proverbs are generalizations that are usually true. Often proverbs present contradictory perspectives, with each proverbs being correct in certain situations. 1a. Birds of a feather flock together. 2a. Too many cooks spoil the broth. 1b. Opposites attract. 2b. Two heads are better than one.
Many proverbs are generalizations that are usually true. Often proverbs present contradictory perspectives, with each proverbs being correct in certain situations. 1a. Birds of a feather flock together. 2a. Too many cooks spoil the broth. 3a. He who hesitates is lost. 1b. Opposites attract. 2b. Two heads are better than one. 3b. Look before you leap.
Many proverbs are generalizations that are usually true. Often proverbs present contradictory perspectives, with each proverbs being correct in certain situations. 1a. Birds of a feather flock together. 2a. Too many cooks spoil the broth. 3a. He who hesitates is lost. 4a. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 1b. Opposites attract. 2b. Two heads are better than one. 3b. Look before you leap. 4b. A man s reach should exceed his grasp.
Many proverbs are generalizations that are usually true. Often proverbs present contradictory perspectives, with each proverbs being correct in certain situations. 1a. Birds of a feather flock together. 2a. Too many cooks spoil the broth. 3a. He who hesitates is lost. 4a. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Prov 26:4. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 1b. Opposites attract. 2b. Two heads are better than one. 3b. Look before you leap. 4b. A man s reach should exceed his grasp. Prov. 26:5. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs that foretell are not promises for the present age but truths that time will indeed bear out unless God intervenes for good or ill. Example 1: Prov 15:25. The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow s boundaries. Life and Scripture testify that there are arrogant people whose houses still stand and widows who have been abused by greedy creditors or fraud. Job 24:2 3. Some move landmarks; they seize flocks and pasture them. 3They drive away the donkey of the fatherless; they take the widow s ox for a pledge.
Proverbs that foretell are not promises for the present age but truths that time will indeed bear out unless God intervenes for good or ill. Example 1: Prov 15:25. The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow s boundaries. Life and Scripture testify that there are arrogant people whose houses still stand and widows who have been abused by greedy creditors or fraud. Mark 12:40. [They] devour widow s houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.
Proverbs that foretell are not promises for the present age but truths that time will indeed bear out unless God intervenes for good or ill. Example 1: Prov 15:25. The LORD tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow s boundaries. Life and Scripture testify that there are arrogant people whose houses still stand and widows who have been abused by greedy creditors or fraud. The principle: God opposes the proud and cares for the needy, and he will eventually make all things right.
Example 2: Prov 22:2627. Be no one of those who gives pledges, who put up security for debts. 27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you. Should you never buy a house on mortgage (a secure debt)? Will all credit card debt automatically result in God s taking away all your possessions including your bed? The principle: Debts should be taken cautiously because foreclosure can be very painful.
Example 3: Prov 29:2. If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. Do this proverb guarantee that a government official has no choice but to become corrupt if his boss (e.g., the president, the governor, etc.) listens to some people who do not tell him the truth? The principle: The ruler who insists on truth will help keep the government honest.
Example 4: Prov 22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Popular interpretations? The problem: Word-for-word: Give training to the child according to his way; even he grows old, he will not depart from it (cf. NASB margin). No Hebrew equivalent for should. The 3ms pronoun his related to way is unexplained.
Why does his way mean? Only two ways in Proverbs: the way of wisdom and life or and the way of folly and death. Prov. 11:5. The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. Prov. 14:2. Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. Prov. 16:17. The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life. Is the youth s way more the way of wisdom or folly?
When left to themselves, the young lack judgment and have hearts filled with foolishness. Prov. 7:7. And I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense. Prov. 22:15. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
Without discipline, the young bring disgrace on their mothers. Prov 29:15. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
Parents are thus exhorted to discipline their children and to instruct them in wisdom. Prov. 1:1, 4. The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: . . . to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth. Prov. 19:18. Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. Prov. 29:15. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
Conclusion: Prov 22:6. Give training to the child according to his way; even he grows old, he will not depart from it. The way of a child seems more negative than positive; it is the way without wisdom. We are always training, and the proverb appears to be an ironic command that warns parents of the result of not establishing standards and boundaries for their children. The principle: Let a boy do what he wants, and he will become a self-willed adult incapable of change!
But proverbs are not promises! And the power of the gospel can transform any child who was not raised well! 2 Cor 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
The purpose of many proverbs: Prov 25:11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Prov 26:9. Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
Are there ever absolute (always true) proverbs? Samples: Prov 10:27. The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. Prov 11:20. Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD; but those of blameless ways are his delight.
Are there ever absolute proverbs that are always true in this life and the next? Samples: Prov 10:27. The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. Prov 11:20. Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD; but those of blameless ways are his delight. Prov 13:21. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. Prov 16:1. The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Are there ever absolute proverbs that are always true in this life and the next? Samples: Prov 10:27. The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short. Prov 11:20. Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD; but those of blameless ways are his delight. Prov 13:21. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. Prov 16:1. The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Prov 16:4. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Prov 16:4. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Prov 16:31. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Prov 19:21. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Prov 16:4. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Prov 16:31. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Prov 19:21. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Prov 21:30. No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.
Prov 16:4. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Prov 16:31. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Prov 19:21. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Prov 21:30. No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. THE RULE: Those proverbs that focus on God s character and actions are absolute, for God does not change.
The Portrait of God in Proverbs Is aware of all that happens Knows the heart of all people Controls all things Is a place of safety Rescues good people from danger Condemns the wicked Delights in our prayers Loves those who obey him Cares for the poor and needy Purifies hearts Hates evil 15:3 15:11; 16:2; 21:2 16:33; 21:30 18:10 11:8, 21 11:31 15:8, 29 15:9; 22:12 15:25; 22:22 23 17:3 17:5; 21:27; 28:9
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 10:27. The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 14:26 27. In the fear of the LORD one has a strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 15:16. Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 16:6. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 19:23. The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 28:14. Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 13:13. Whoever despieses the word bring destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 19:16. Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 21:3. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 22:17 19. Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to knowledge, 18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
Our Response to God in Proverbs To fear and revere God 10:27; 14:26 27; 15:16; 16:6; 19:23; 28:14 13:13; 19:16 21:3 22:17 19; 29:25 To obey God s Word To please God To trust in God Prov 29:25. The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trust in the LORD is safe.
