Proverbs

Proverbs Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

The book of Proverbs is written to the people of Israel while they are still within a prosperous time as a nation. With the mention of “the men at the gate,” (Proverbs 31:23) we see that the civic leaders still held a high standing in the community. They were within a time of peace. However, it seems as though they are perhaps beginning to slip into a decline. There are many warnings from the writers who seem wary about the nation falling towards foolish decline. 

Proverbs was also written to a range of citizens. We see reference and instruction to many different levels of society- rich and poor, men and women, slaves and masters, children and parents. However, it does seem as though many of the proverbs were written with the youth of Israel in mind. The authors begin many words of wisdom saying “Follow my advice, my son!” (Proverbs 7:1)

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The Proverbs themselves were written by many authors including Solomon, Agur, King Lemuel’s mother, but were compiled later and placed in a book. It is interesting to look at the difference between the authors of the different proverbs however. Throughout many of the passages, the author is trying to encourage young men to stay away from prostitutes and to abstain for sex outside of marriage. We even see a picture of a godly wife in Proverbs 31. But most of these were not written by Solomon who was know to have numerous wives and concubines. Through the subject matter and theme tracing of each author we get a look at what they see as important in their lives. We get to see each personality. Solomon tends to focus on hard work and a healthy perspective on life, while Agur tends to write more observationally about the frameworks and creatures of the world, drawing wisdom from what he see’s in nature. (Proverbs 30)

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Throughout Proverbs, we find wisdom for essentially every sphere of society. Yet in every area, we see the contrast between foolishness and wisdom. We are given truth about what it means to be wise in every area of life, as well as what it means to be a fool. Within this comparison, we find the fear of the Lord as a prominent theme. When discussing what is wise and foolish, the writers continuously point to the fear of the Lord being essential to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). In the same way, it is those that fear the Lord that are blessed, whereas those that walk in the way of wickedness are put to shame. (Proverbs 13:9)

We see a great deal of comparison between the rich and the poor, as well as what it means to have a heart of diligence as opposed to being lazy. In fact, it is often times implied that the rich gained their wealth through dishonest deeds and not always through hard work. Solomon observes in Proverbs 16:19 that it is “it is better to live humbly with the poor than to share  plunder with the proud.” However, the poor are meant to be taken care of, for this is the heart of the Lord. (Proverbs 21:13) The people are encouraged to not look to the outward appearances of wealth and riches for value, but instead are taught the value of the poor. 

We see the value of relationships as well, both within the family and through friends. Solomon observes that “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged, parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6) and that “ A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.” There is power and wisdom between friends who are honest with each other, but destruction is found within false flattery. 

Through all of this, Solomon and the other authors point primarily to living a godly life. They encourage the people to be grateful in discipline (Proverbs 10:17) and through trials because “fire test the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (Proverbs 17:3) Wisdom is to be sought more desperately that silver or gold (Proverbs 20:15) - but not just any wisdom. It is the wisdom of the Lord that is priceless. “No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30)

The book of Proverbs is a treasure chest of wisdom that touches every aspect of life and always points towards a true fear of the Lord.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Proverbs was like a guide to every day life and righteous living. Much like a father speaking to his sons, Solomon is addressing his kingdom and trying to pass on every bit of wisdom he has attained through life. He was encouraging them to aspire to great things and not walk the ways of the wicked that lead towards destruction. This was a golden age of peace for the people and the writers wanted to instruct the people in the ways of the world. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

God’s character and nature essentially IS the book of Proverbs. All throughout the book we have the opportunity to see into the heart of God and learn what is important to him. He cares for the poor and needy (Proverbs 14:31), he upholds the righteous (Proverbs 10:9), and he loves justice with no partiality (Proverbs 28:5). But perhaps the greatest truth that we see of God through the book of Proverbs is how much he values relationships. We see this not only through the numerous passages speaking of parents and children, husbands and wives, friends, and even enemies- but we see this through the mere essence of the book. The Lord is passing on this wisdom and understanding to the writers in desire for them to pass it on to their children and the people of Israel. He urges them so seek wisdom (Proverbs 4:7). This is done through sitting down with our elders, building relationships and modeling after them (Proverbs 16:31). This is the Lord’s heart through Proverbs- to build up God fearing relationship.

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Through the book of Proverbs, the Lord is trying to bring his people back to a way of living righteously. We see his desire to simply be able to dwell among them, to be pleased with them. It is almost step by step directions for daily life in order to dwell peacefully with each other and with the Lord. This is an important picture of his plan for redemption because we see it applied to every day life, not just the huge scale in which God would appear to see it. 

7. Personal Application

Oh Proverbs 31, you used to seem so cliche to me. You see it in greeting cards and hear sermons on it. It’s in every book on the “Marriage” shelf in the Christian bookstore. And while I never thought little of it, cause of course it’s the word of God, I never really thought highly of it either.

And then I got married.

I can only pray to be a woman like this for my husband! In reading it this time, I just have so much respect for this woman, fictional in a sense, but so real in another. I desire to word hard all of my days, to not stress about the future (seems impossible to me!) and to hear my husband say “there are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 

Father teach me to be this woman. Help me to soak in your words, the words of this book, all the wisdom I can handle in order to be this woman for my husband and my family. Let every peace of advice throughout this book taken to heart and applied that I may be know as a woman who fears the Lord. 

8. Point of Passion 

There is so much wisdom for the family in Proverbs! We see the parents encouraged to discipline their children, and the children encouraged to treasure it. In Proverbs 31, we are painted a beautiful picture of what it means to be a godly wife, and all throughout the book we see instruction for a marriage that will be founded on what is right. There is so much that can be gained all throughout the book of Proverbs for family life.

But in the same way, it is important to note the purpose of Proverbs. This wisdom that is gained through God and reading the word should be shared and taught diligently to your children and for generations to come. We should seek the wisdom of our grandparents, our parents, and pray daily that we will be able to share it with our children. It is a parent’s delight to teach their children to walk in the Lord, and their heartbreak when they rebel. Proverbs is a treasure chest of wisdom to be passed down to our children and grandchildren. How important it is to know the scriptures and to let it sink down to our very bones! It is more than for our own life, but from generation to generation!