I. COLLECTION 1: DISCOURSES ON WISDOM CHS. 1-9The Book of Proverbs is a collection of at least seven separate groups of proverbs. There are two groups that Solomon spoke and or wrote (possibly chs. 1-9 and definitely Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 22:16). read more
2. The purpose of the book 1:2-6"The Book of Proverbs has two purposes: to give moral skillfulness and to give mental discernment. The first purpose is developed in Proverbs 1:3-4; then, after a parenthetical exhortation in Proverbs 1:5, the second purpose is developed in Proverbs 1:6." [Note: Ross, p. 904.] "The purpose of all these sections [all the sections of the book] is the inculcation of certain cardinal social virtues, such as industry, thrift, discretion, truthfulness, honesty,... read more
The chapter falls into three principal divisions.1-6. Title and Introduction explaining the object of the whole book, which is to instruct the inexperienced and add to the educated man’s knowledge. It is assumed that good conduct is an art which can be taught. But the learner must be in sympathy with the subject; a right judgment concerning moral truth is attainable only by those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The method of instruction is by proverbs, figures, parables and vivid... read more
(5) A wise man will hear.—That is, if he listen to these proverbs. (Comp. Proverbs 9:9.) It is not the young only who will derive profit from them.A man of understanding.—Or rather, of discernment.Wise counsels.—Literally, arts of seamanship: i.e., guiding himself and others aright through the “waves of this troublesome world.” read more
(6) Interpretation.—Or an obscure thing which needs interpretation, so corresponding to “dark sayings.”Dark sayings.—Literally knots, intricate sayings, like Samson’s riddle (Judges 14:12). read more
Proverbs 1:0 Ruskin writes: 'Read this first of Proverbs with me, please. The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. '"To know wisdom and instruction." '(Not to opine them.) '"To perceive the words of understanding." '(He that hath eyes, let him read he that hath ears, hear, and for the Blind and the Deaf, if patient and silent by the roadside, there may also be some one to say, "He is coming".) '"To receive the instruction of Wisdom, Justice, and Judgment, and Equity." 'Four... read more
CHAPTER 2THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."- Proverbs 1:7"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."- Proverbs 9:10"To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb"- Sirach 1:14; also Psalms 111:10THE book of Proverbs belongs to a group of works in the Hebrew literature the subject of which is Wisdom. It is probably the earliest of them all, and may... read more
Analysis and Annotations A detailed analysis, as we have made it in other books, cannot be fully made in this collection of proverbs. Most of them are detached and each has a message by itself. To interpret each separately, to point out the many spiritual lessons, as well as prophetic application, to show their relation to other portions of the Word of God and to explain them by incidents taken from the Bible, would require volumes; and even then the spiritual meaning would not be exhausted.... read more
1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of {f} understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:(f) As he shows that these parables containing the effect of religion concerning manners and doctrine, belong to the simple people: so he declares that the same is also necessary for them who are wise and learned. read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 1:1-7
A. Introduction to the Book 1:1-7These verses set forth the title, the purpose, and the thesis of the Book of Proverbs. Far from being a hodgepodge of miscellaneous sayings, the book gives evidence of careful organization in this opening segment. read more