135. Introduction To Proverbs 15:30-22:16

3/19/2023

For our Scripture reading this morning we will read the first part of Proverbs 1:1-7, and then Proverbs 15:30-33.

Proverbs 1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 15:30-33 Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. 31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. 32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.

General Outline Of Proverbs

1:1-9:18 Solomon’s Sermons

10:1-22:16 Solomon’s Proverbs

10-15 (mostly) Antithetical Proverbs (good contrasted with bad “but”)

16-22:16 (mostly) Synonymous/Synthetic (One item repeated differently/ more truth added to first line)

22:17-24:22 Sayings of the Wise (30)

24:23-34 Additional Sayings of the Wise

25:1-29:27 Additional Proverbs of Solomon (Hezekiah’s Collection)

30 Agur’s Proverbs

31 Lemuel’s Mother’s Proverbs (vv. 1-9)/Virtuous Woman (vv. 10-31)

Introduction

In February 2019 we began our study of the book of Proverbs. The first 9 chapters contained a number of sermons by Solomon which provided a lengthy introduction and foundation for the instruction of wisdom which the rest of the book provides.

Then in August of 2020 we moved into the body of the book. Proverbs 10 began the pithy, thought-provoking statements which we generally know as proverbs.

Now we are starting the second half of Solomon’s original collection of proverbs. This section goes from Proverbs 15:30-22:16.

Since it has been a little while since we began this book, we are going to have a review of where we are at and where we are going so that we are refreshed on our overall context.

It is important to remember that the sections and verses build on what has come before them. Even though the verses each have their distinct focus they are expressed with an understanding of their relationship to the rest of the book and the verses around them. Despite what many people say and how the book is often treated this main section of Proverbs is not haphazard and random. The verses have both an overall and near context that matters.

Therefore, as we move into this new section we need to understand how the parts of Proverbs fit together, how they are meant to be understood, and how we are going to approach our coming study. To do that we will answer these questions. Where are we in the book of Proverbs? What do we need to remember about proverbs? And, how will we be continuing our study?

1. Where Are We In Proverbs?

The first nine chapters of Proverbs teach the foundation for life. They teach the fear of the Lord. We must live in light of the living God’s holiness, of one’s own sinfulness, of God’s judgment upon sin, and of God’s way of redeemed life. Or, to put it another way, the fear of the Lord is doing everything in light of God’s holiness and glory— of who He truly is and who we are in relation to Him.

These chapters teach the importance of seeking wisdom. They teach trust in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all one’s ways. They teach the dangers of sin. They contrast the way of the wicked with the way of wisdom. They contrast the personified Woman Folly with Lady Wisdom. They provide the answer to how to live day by day: hold onto wisdom, guard your heart, and avoid evil.

If you did not hear those messages or want a refresh on them they are available on the church website. It would be very helpful for you to catch up on the foundational setting for all these proverbs. If you prefer reading contact me for a manuscript version.

After the first 9 chapters of Solomon’s sermons, the rest of the individual proverbs of Proverbs 10 through the end of the book are the fleshed out guidance of Lady Wisdom. They are meant to memorized, understood, and applied. They are the details which allows us to hold onto wisdom, guard our hearts, and avoid evil. They are meant to be bound to our heart, and tied onto our fingers. They show us God’s redeemed way of life. They show us our inability to live perfectly. They show us our need for a redeemer. They show us the life that God intended us to have. They show us the life that God alone can enable us to live.

Proverbs 10-31 is a fascinating collection that touches on almost every aspect of the kind of people that God wants us to be. It is not, however one monolithic collection. It actually can be divided into several different parts with some different authors.

From what it says about itself, we know that it has 1 main human author, at least 2 or 3 minor authors, and a group of editors. It was written and put together over a period of about 300 years from the time of King Solomon of Israel (971-31 BC) to the time of King Hezekiah (729-686 BC).¹

The main author is identified right away at the beginning of the book. These are “the proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.” He is identified in 1:1, as well as in 10:1, and then again in 25:1. In that last location we learn about a group of editors, “the men of Hezekiah,” who added an additional 5 chapter section from other writings of Solomon. We also learn of 2 or 3 additional authors when we read the last two chapters: Agur the son of Jakeh (30:1), and King Lemuel with an oracle that his mother taught him (31:1). If you include both King Lemuel and his mother it is 3 authors.

Beyond those authors, there is also the strong likelihood that the sections from 22:17-24:22 and 24:23-34 were originally written by others since they are called “the words of the wise” (22:17) and “these also are sayings of the wise” (24:23). These two and a half chapters would then be the best of the wisdom of unnamed others which was taken and edited to fit here. This probably would have been done either by Solomon or by the men of Hezekiah.

Currently we are in the first Solomonic section of individual proverbs which extends from 10:1-22:16. The first half of that, chapters 10:1-15:29 is composed primarily of individual antithetic proverbs. These are proverbs which feature a contrast between the two parts. Usually it has a “but” in the middle to give the contrasting hinge. “A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.” (Prov. 10:1) The main overall focus of these proverbs has been on contrasting the righteous wise pathway of life with the wicked foolish pathway of life.

The second half of this Solomonic section, which we are now beginning, goes from Proverbs 15:30 until Proverbs 22:16. It is composed primarily of synonymous and synthetic proverbs. These are proverbs which have the same subject explained using two sets of different words, or ones in which the second half of the proverb adds to the teaching or statement which the first part gave. For instance the second half of Proverbs 15:33 builds on and reiterates the first half: “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” (Prov. 15:33)

So that is where we are at in our study of the book of Proverbs. We are in the middle of Solomon’s main section of Proverbs, and are transitioning from his antithetic proverbs to his synonymous and synthetic ones. We are continuing to receive the details of Wisdom’s guidance for life which the foundational 9 chapters showed us we desperately need.

As we continue looking at the heart of the book of Proverbs with all of its instruction, there are a couple important areas to be refreshed on. What do we need to remember about Proverbs as we study? And how will we continue our study? Let’s look at what we need to remember about proverbs first.

2. What Do We Need To Remember About Proverbs?

Proverbs (משׁל) are wise sayings, maxims, rules, concise statements which represent or picture reality. They often use comparisons, contrasts, and synonyms which take consideration to draw out the meaning and principle.

The book of Proverbs uses memorable statements and word pictures to convey principles and truth for application to the life of the person who would be wise. These are not universal promises. They are proverbs which take discernment in rightly applying to situations. The fear of the Lord and the rest of Scripture guide this application. For instance, Proverbs 26:4-5 has seemingly contradictory statements right next to each other. One says “Do not answer a fool” and the next says “Answer a fool…” The context of what these proverbs are saying and the context of the situations where they are to be applied matter.

These Proverbs, when rightly understood and applied, impart wisdom (חכמה). Wisdom could have a number of definitions depending on the angle you were looking at it from, but one straight-forward definition is that wisdom is the knowledge and ability to do the right thing at the right time. Another definition of wisdom would be seeing and doing things from God’s perspective. Those definitions of course both overlap. Doing the right thing at the right time presupposes God’s declaration of what the “right thing” is. Wisdom thus requires a discernment to see a situation in its reality from God’s perspective and to determine right and wrong. Then it results in an action right and appropriate for that situation. This requires the right foundation and starting point, as well as the right standard by which to evaluate situations. Additionally, it requires the right motivation and ability in order to carry out the necessary actions.

To sum up then, this book, written by Solomon, uses carefully crafted succinct sayings in picturesque ways to express timeless principles which when correctly applied give God’s wisdom on life. These sayings are called proverbs.

Even though these proverbs are not universal promises, they are promises. They are promises with specific situations in which they apply. Those situations are not often verbalized, but rather left to the readers consideration. Contrasting or similar situations, sometimes with different promises, can often be seen in other proverbs, as well as in the truths of the rest of Scripture. To gain a fuller picture of a specific theme or topic all of these must all be viewed together. However, the point of individual proverbs is not to give that big picture. If it had been they would have been grouped together when they were carefully edited. We must remember that and not try to make them say something that they are not saying. That will only lead to confusion, misunderstanding, and frustration.

Each individual proverb is not exhaustive. It is specific. Therefore, it remains true, as well as a promise. The application and understanding of specific proverbs however, because of these realities, demand care. If we are trying to understand a more general topic or the overall theme of something then we will need to compare a proverb with the other proverbs and truths of Scripture which bear on the more general topic at hand.

As we study these Proverbs, we would do well to heed the warning and guidance of 1 Timothy 4:7-8—

1 Timothy 4:7-8 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

In the production of godliness these proverbs are both promises for the present life as well as for the life to come. They are profitable for both. Our goal is not to just gain knowledge about these proverbs. Our goal is not to just debate them or have fruitless discussions. Our goal is learn and understand their purposes and intents so that we live them out in love. Remember what 1 Timothy 1:5-6 says:

1 Timothy 1:5-6 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,

These proverbs are guidance on the application of righteousness to our lives. They are meant to be considered and understood in light of the rest of Scripture. They are meant to be considered in light of the ongoing pursuit of knowing God, fearing Him, being committed to Him and His redeemed way of life.

There are other collections of proverbs in the world, but this one far excels them all. It is distinct. It is unique. What makes it unique is its purpose, context, meaning, and way it is meant to be applied. These proverbs are all divinely inspired by God and meant to be understood and lived out in relation to Him as our Creator and God. They are not merely good, general principles for life. They are guidance from God Himself. They are intended to be understood and lived out in relationship with Him. Proverbs are thus timeless sayings which express principles and promises for wise living in relation to God.

These proverbs are individual statements, yet as we have seen in our study of the last six chapters they are also intentionally grouped together to make broader points. Chiasms and structural organizations, word repetitions and connections, reiterated themes and expressions, and other literary designs are carefully used to build the structure. They are also used to emphasize important truths, transitions, and the beginning and ending of sections—in the absence of chapter and verse designations or bold and italic markers.

All of this shows thoughtful design and purpose in the authoring and placement of these proverbs. They are not just haphazardly placed. Rather they are intentionally arranged for our benefit and instruction. This can help us see the bigger picture of life in relationship to God. It also connects the whole book together to accomplish the purpose that the foundational chapters set out for us to truly know wisdom.

The beauty of the design and setting of these Proverbs should cause us to value the words and meaning more. It should cause us to desire to consider them, meditate on them, and memorize them more. Doing that will help us understand them and the context better. As Proverbs 25:11 says:

Proverbs 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

The silver setting enhances the beauty of the golden apple by the contrast and backdrop it provides. Likewise, here in proverbs as we see the structure it will help bring out the meaning and emphasis more clearly.

Additionally, the design, contrast, and connections often make it easier to memorize and meditate on. So I would encourage you to find a proverb to memorize from our messages each week—or better yet memorize all of them. It is very doable, and will be very helpful for you both immediately and in the long run. Perhaps write them out on a card and put them someplace you will see them through the week. Find a time of day where you say them to yourself ten or twenty times. Doing this will help you meditate, think on, and apply God’s Word. We will get a lot more out of them if we do so.

Now that we have seen what we need to remember about these proverbs, we turn to how we are going to study them.

3. How Are We Going To Study These Proverbs?

In our study of Proverbs these last four years we spent 56 messages looking at the first 9 chapters which pounded home the extreme importance of wisdom for our lives and the absolute necessity of committing to pursuing it unreservedly. We then spent another 78 messages looking at chapters 10-15 where we have seen many of those indispensable facets of wisdom for our lives. All of this has only led me to a much greater appreciation for the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, a much greater understanding of my need for more of it, and a greater thankfulness for being able to continue studying, memorizing, applying, and teaching it. I am convinced more than ever of the extreme benefit of studying Proverbs verse by verse in its context and of letting the weight of its truth impact our lives.

Because of all that, the plan, Lord willing, is to continue studying Proverbs verse by verse and get as far as we can each week until the Lord comes back, we go home, or He guides otherwise.

As we have been doing, we will begin each lesson with a brief overview of the connections, setting, and arrangement of the verses to more clearly see their context. Then we will take a look at each individual verse. As we do that we will explain its specific meaning and point, give some scriptural examples of the proverb, and then compare it with the rest of Scripture. Once we have done all that we will seek to apply it to our lives so that we actually gain the wisdom it is trying to teach us. It will do us no good to simply know what it means if we do not apply it to our lives.

Regardless of exactly how far we get each week, our overall aim will be to learn and grow in having our lives firmly planted in the commitment to live in the fear of the Lord in all areas of our lives by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will not be easy to remain teachable and committed to walking in obedience to God’s Word. It will be hard. Jesus likened this following Him to taking up our cross daily. It will challenge our perspective, our preconceived ideas, and take us out of our comfort zone as we walk by the Holy Spirit and not our flesh. But if we do remain teachable and committed to applying God’s wisdom to our lives the reward and blessing will far exceed what we could imagine. Its worth is far more than diamond, rubies, and gold.

As Proverbs 8:11 promised:

Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

This pursuit will be the most rewarding one of our lives if we faithfully undertake it. Colossians 2:3 tells us that it is in Christ that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. Therefore, as we study this wisdom and its connections to the rest of Scripture we will get to know the person and work of Christ. We will learn His purposes for our lives.

Will you join me in this venture? Will you decide today to humbly come to God’s Word each week in our study and ask the Lord to give you His wisdom to understand and apply it to your life in whatever ways are needed? Will you work to memorize some of the proverbs each week and be intentional in your pursuit of God’s wisdom?

Conclusion

In conclusion, we must point out that it is only within the framework of the salvation that Jesus provides from sin and its consequences—by His death, burial, and resurrection—that we are able to live righteously in the ways which the book of Proverbs teaches. We cannot do it on our own. We have to acknowledge our sinfulness, God’s holiness, God’s righteous judgment which will come upon our sin, and our utter need for His redemption. We must place our faith in Jesus to be reconciled to God and made alive in Christ. Only then can we live in the ability and power of the Holy Spirit. Without faith in this salvation of Jesus it is impossible. We need the righteousness of Jesus to be given to us, our sin to be taken from us, and the Holy Spirit to be within us to be able to live in righteous obedience to God.

Have you trusted in Jesus as Your Lord and Savior? Have you begun in this pathway of wisdom by learning the fear of the Lord? Fear Him. Trust Him. Know His amazing love and forgiveness. Learn His wisdom.

If you have any questions on any of this, please come see us. Let’s pray.

© 2023, Kevin A. Dodge, All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB),Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

Scripture and/or notes quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.