Bible Study Guide: Proverbs Volume 1: Ancient Words Bible Study Series

By Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Welcome to Volume I. Embark on a journey to unlock the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the Book of Proverbs through this comprehensive, verse-by-verse study. Delve into the very essence of each proverb and unearth practical insights capable of transforming your life. This meticulously crafted book serves as your guide through the entire Book of Proverbs, meticulously examining themes such as wisdom, knowledge, understanding, morality, relationships, and work ethic.

With lucid explanations, pertinent examples, and thought-provoking questions, you will cultivate a profound understanding of the wisdom that has transcended generations. This literary treasure is designed to cater to both seasoned scholars and inquisitive newcomers alike, facilitating a deeper connection with the riches embedded in the Book of Proverbs and enabling the application of its teachings to your everyday life.

 

Proverbs 2:6 (WEB): "For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding."

 

May the exploration of these verses enrich your journey, providing not only intellectual enlightenment but also practical guidance for a life aligned with the profound teachings of the Book of Proverbs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew J. Lamont-Turner
• Release date: May 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227811066

Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Andrew Lamont-Turner is a theological scholar, author, and Bible teacher who has dedicated his life to pursuing theological knowledge and disseminating spiritual wisdom. With a profound understanding of the scriptures and a passion for teaching, Andrew has emerged as a leading voice in the field of theology. His extensive academic qualifications and love for God and his family have shaped him into a multifaceted individual committed to nurturing spiritual growth and intellectual exploration. Academic Journey: Andrew's academic journey reflects his thirst for theological understanding. He holds a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology. These qualifications represent years of rigorous study and a commitment to excellence in his field. Furthermore, Andrew's intellectual curiosity extends beyond theology, as he also possesses a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and several Postgraduate Certificates in various commercial fields. This interdisciplinary approach has enriched his perspective and broadened his ability to connect theological principles with everyday life. Teaching and Writing: Andrew's knowledge of theology has been expressed through his teaching and writing endeavours. As an educator, he has inspired countless students through his engaging lectures and insights into the scriptures. His ability to distil complex theological concepts into accessible teachings has garnered him a reputation as an exceptional communicator. In addition to his teaching, Andrew is a prolific author who has published several books and a comprehensive Bible study series. His books delve into various aspects of Christian theology, offering insights, practical guidance, and thought-provoking reflections. With meticulous research, clear exposition, and a genuine desire to bridge the gap between academic theology and everyday faith, Andrew's writings have touched the lives of many, nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their understanding of God's Word. Pastoral Leadership: Living his faith ensures Andrew takes his Pastoral Leadership very seriously. He is the Pastor of a community church in rural South Africa, where he ensures the flock entrusted to him by God is well-fed and looked after.

Book preview

Foreword

The Book of Proverbs is a timeless and valuable piece of literature that provides practical wisdom and guidance for daily living. Its teachings are based on the fear of God and the pursuit of righteousness, which is relevant for all people of all ages.

In this book, the reader is taken on a learning journey, equipped with insights on how to live a life of integrity, wisdom, and success. The book's teachings are presented through various literary forms such as poetry, aphorisms, and allegory, making it an interesting and captivating read.

The Book of Proverbs offers practical guidance on various aspects of life, such as relationships, work, money, and ethics. Its teachings are relevant for Christians and anyone seeking to live a life of wisdom and purpose.

As you read through the pages of this book, may you be inspired to pursue wisdom and apply the principles found in the book to your daily life. May you be empowered to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to yourself and those around you.

May the teachings of the Book of Proverbs be a source of wisdom and inspiration to you as you journey through life.

Andrew

Introduction to this Study

This study comprises questions based on the various verses of Scripture taken from the Book of Proverbs.

Part 1 of this study explores the background information of the book, for example, who wrote it, when, to whom, why and other aspects of the book.

Part 2 is the verse-by-verse study that requires the reader to complete the questions and tasks at the end of each chapter. If this is done in a cell group environment, these answers should be discussed within the group.

Part 3 encompasses a Test Your Knowledge, where you can test your memory and knowledge of the Book of Proverbs.

After all the chapters have been studied, there are true, false, and multi-choice questions to test your knowledge of this book.

Suppose you are using the eBook version of this study. In that case, it is advisable to have a notebook handy to record the answers to the questions. Additional space may also be required to work through the test your knowledge questions.

Answering the questions is not a race. Careful thought should go into writing down the answers, specifically the life application of these questions and their answers.

Engaging in a Bible Study suggests that the reader recognises their need to understand Scripture and the depth of wisdom that follows knowing and understanding God and His ways. This is a spiritual journey, and it takes time as you investigate the verses, their meaning as the writer intended them to be, and their life application. Ensure prayer precedes each step of the way, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and opening your heart and mind to the knowledge of God.

This study matters as it might apply to your life’s reality. In other words, this study considers the Book’s Theology and other principles derived from the book within a framework that makes it easier to apply principles to our daily lives. This study is not a commentary, and although specific information about each book is provided, this study does not engage in textual criticism.

PART 1: Book Information

Book Title

The biblical book The Proverbs of Solomon, the Son of David, King in Israel offers wisdom and practical guidance for life's various situations. Found within the Hebrew Bible, this collection is attributed to King Solomon, renowned for his unparalleled wisdom. The Greek Septuagint translation is titled Proverbs of Solomon. At the same time, the Latin Vulgate refers to it simply as The Book of Proverbs.

The book of Proverbs falls under the Writings category within the Hebrew Bible's structure, marking the final major section. However, in English translations, it typically resides among the poetic books, alongside Psalms through the Song of Solomon.

Debates exist regarding the significance of the opening verse, 1:1, whether it serves as the title for the entire book or just the initial section spanning chapters 1 to 9. Its prominence as the title in the Hebrew Bible suggests the former interpretation. The frequent mention of Solomon in the first verse supports the notion that he played a central role in composing the proverbs contained within. However, an alternative view sees 1:1 as an introduction solely for the initial portion, given its similarity to subsequent section headings. This argument is bolstered by the fact that chapters 1 to 9 feature extended discourses rather than concise proverbs.

Regardless of interpretation, the title Proverbs accurately encapsulates the book's essence, comprising a collection of timeless aphorisms and sage advice. These proverbs and other wise sayings form the cornerstone of this ancient text, offering enduring insights into human behaviour and the pursuit of wisdom.

Proverbs in Context

Understanding the interpretation of the book of Proverbs requires a keen awareness of its diverse literary compositions. Upon delving into its contents, it becomes evident that the book comprises various types of writings, each with distinct characteristics. A notable division emerges between chapters 1 to 9 and 10 to 31.

The initial chapters predominantly feature discourses or speeches, offering extended teachings and wisdom reflections. In contrast, the latter sections contain what we commonly recognise as proverbs in English—concise, pithy statements that encapsulate timeless truths about life.

Proverbs are central to the book's composition, a unique form of literary expression deeply rooted in figurative language. In Hebrew, the term often translated as proverb is masal, which originally conveys the idea of comparison. However, its usage has expanded over time to encompass a broad range of significant declarations, including maxims, observations, sermons (as exemplified in chapter 5), humorous remarks (as seen in Ezekiel 18:2), and even divine revelations (as evidenced in Psalm 49:4).

The English term proverb originates in the concept of serving as a substitute for lengthy explanations, aptly encapsulated by the phrase in place of words. Thus, a proverb is a succinct yet profound expression of a universal truth or principle drawn from everyday life. This characteristic transcends cultural boundaries, as sayings are found in various forms across diverse societies worldwide, serving as enduring sources of wisdom and insight.

The term Mashal, from which the word Proverbs derives, encapsulates the essence of concise yet profound truths conveyed through sharp and direct language. These succinct expressions aim to captivate attention, stimulate reflective thought, and embed themselves in memory. Broadly defined, a proverb is a brief phrase offering guidance or insight into the human condition or the world. Specifically, it is described as a short familiar saying conveying a universally recognised truth or commonly observed experience, distilling extensive life experience into a brief statement.

Rooted in the Hebrew term masal, meaning resemblance, proverbs are verbal snapshots depicting aspects of life or ideal behaviours. They encapsulate the essence of life's truths or desirable conduct. However, akin to photographs, proverbs do not always capture the entirety of reality; they present an idealised or simplified version of life. Despite this limitation, a well-crafted proverb, like a skillfully composed photograph, encapsulates the essence of the norm or universal truths. It provides a concise and memorable expression of commonly accepted wisdom or experience.

While offering insightful truths about life, proverbs are not all-encompassing. They provide valuable wisdom but may not always apply universally. Like a photograph of a waterfall, capturing its essence but not every detail, proverbs depict common truths but may not represent every scenario.

It's crucial to distinguish between proverbs and promises, as they are distinct literary forms. Mistaking one for the other can lead to misunderstanding. While a proverb communicates a general truth or observation, a promise is a confident declaration of future outcomes. While some proverbs may also function as promises when conveying unchanging truths, discerning between the two is essential to avoid confusion.

Understanding the differences between proverbs and promises enhances our comprehension of biblical texts and prevents misinterpretation. Proverbs offer wisdom for navigating life's complexities. At the same time, they promise to assure us of God's faithfulness and reliability in fulfilling His word. Recognising their unique characteristics as distinct forms of communication and literary genres enriches our engagement with scripture and deepen our understanding of its teachings.

Interpreting the proverbs found in the biblical book of Solomon as promises can lead to misunderstanding and even disappointment. These proverbs offer religious and practical guidance, presenting universal principles rather than rigid rules or guarantees.

When Christians attempt to apply these sayings in their lives, they may encounter confusion and disillusionment. This often stems from a misconception of the sayings' intent. While they provide valuable wisdom for navigating life, they should not be viewed as absolute assurances that God will ensure their fulfilment.

Misinterpreting the proverbs as divine promises can strain one's faith, especially when unexpected circumstances arise. Believing that God will unfailingly fulfil each proverb's outcome may lead to disappointment and confusion when things are unexpected.

It's important to recognise that the sayings in Solomon's collection are not promises from God but practical guidance for living wisely. They offer timeless insights into human behaviour and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Understanding the distinction between proverbs and promises enables a more nuanced approach to applying biblical wisdom in daily life, fostering growth and resilience amidst life's challenges.

The theological perspectives within Christianity often influence how believers perceive and apply proverbs, sometimes conflating them with promises due to a lack of recognition of proverbs as a distinct literary form. Proverbs belong to the genre of didactic wisdom, which typically presents teachings as conversations between a father and son. These teachings aim to impart appropriate attitudes and behaviours, blending religious and secular guidance with an emphasis on practical conduct for everyday life.

Unlike divine revelations, didactic wisdom's teachings are not attributed to deities but to wise instructors, such as a father figure or a respected authority. The focus is on instilling values and virtues conducive to honourable living rather than addressing national or organisational matters. While didactic works occasionally touch upon royal responsibilities, they primarily address individuals personally, offering timeless wisdom applicable to various life situations.

Didactic wisdom employs concise proverbs and longer maxims to convey its teachings, organising them around specific topics. The enduring truth encapsulated within proverbs is essential to their form, reflecting insights that have withstood the test of time.

Understanding the genre of didactic wisdom helps Christians appreciate the nuanced nature of biblical proverbs, recognising them as invaluable guides for moral and practical living rather than absolute promises from God. This awareness fosters a more holistic and discerning approach to daily interpreting and applying biblical wisdom.

Writer

The book of Proverbs is often understood to be a collection of wise sayings from various people. Only the books of Proverbs and Psalms in the Old Testament claim to have been written by more than one author. Solomon is credited with either originating most of the proverbs or collecting most of them (10:1–22:16 and chapters 25–29 for sure, and perhaps chapters 1–9). 1 Some sections, such as chapters 22:17–24:34 (certainly) and maybe chapters 1–9, were written by unnamed wise men (sages). These chapters (chs. 25–29) were added to the collection after some of Hezekiah's soldiers had copied and pasted some of Solomon's wise sayings. The thirty-first and thirty-first chapters were written by Agur and King Lemuel. We do not know the names of the wise men who authored verses 22:17–24:34 nor the names of the individuals King Hezekiah asked to assemble some of King Solomon's sayings. Agur and Lemuel are likewise names unfamiliar to us, even though Lemuel seems to have been a ruler from a nation other than Israel.

The book of Proverbs is a unique compilation within the Old Testament, attributed to multiple authors. Unlike most biblical books, which typically have a single author, Proverbs boasts a diverse authorship, reflecting a rich tapestry of wisdom from various individuals.

Traditionally, Solomon is credited as the primary contributor to Proverbs, with many of the proverbs originating from him or collected under his patronage. Sections such as chapters 10 to 22:16 and chapters 25 to 29 are commonly attributed to Solomon. Some scholars propose that Solomon may have also had a hand in composing chapters 1 to 9, although this remains debated.

However, Proverbs includes contributions from other unnamed sages as well. Chapters such as 22:17 to 24:34 are believed to have been authored by these wise men, adding further depth to the collection. Interestingly, during the reign of King Hezekiah, Solomon's additional sayings were discovered and incorporated into the text by soldiers entrusted with the task.

Among the named authors in Proverbs are Agur and King Lemuel, who penned chapters 30 and 31, respectively. While little is known about these figures, their contributions enrich the diversity of perspectives found within the book.

The collaborative nature of Proverbs highlights its universal appeal, drawing wisdom from various sources and spanning different contexts. This multifaceted approach reflects the complexity of human experience and offers timeless insights for navigating life's challenges and opportunities.

While attributed to various authors, the book of Proverbs also reflects influences from ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. Some proverbs were likely borrowed from or influenced by these older works. However, what the original authors were prompted to add by the Holy Spirit eventually became part of the sacred canon known as the Word of the Lord. This incorporation into Scripture imbued these proverbs with fresh significance, elevating them to authoritative status as part of God's will.

The belief that Solomon authored Canticles (Song of Solomon), followed by Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, is rooted in the assumption of the book's unity and Solomon's authorship. This belief suggests a thematic progression, with Canticles representing youthful love, Proverbs embodying mature wisdom, and Ecclesiastes grappling with the disillusionment of old age. This thematic progression reflects the stages of life and the evolving perspectives that come with age and experience.

The inclusion of these sayings into Scripture stresses their timeless relevance and divine inspiration. Regardless of their origins or authorship, they are enduring guides for navigating life's complexities and seeking God's wisdom in all circumstances.

Date of Writing

Determining the precise timeline of the completion of the Book of Proverbs presents a challenge due to the lack of definitive historical records. From 715 to 686 B.C., Hezekiah's reign occurred centuries after Solomon's rule from 971 to 931 B.C. While it's uncertain when wise men like Agur and Lemuel lived, it's plausible that the Book of Proverbs may not have reached its final form until later periods.

It's conceivable that individual proverbs existed during Solomon's lifetime but weren't compiled into the collection known as the Book of Proverbs until later. The exact process of compilation and editing remains unclear.

According to 1 Kings 4:32, Solomon is attributed with speaking or uttering 3,000 proverbs. Yet, the Book of Proverbs contains a much smaller number. It's important to note that attributing all proverbs to direct authorship by Solomon might be an oversimplification. Instead, Solomon likely gathered existing sayings, some of which he may have authored, while others were sourced from various sources.

These sayings have been preserved in Hebrew and Aramaic versions of the Bible, reflecting their enduring significance across different linguistic and cultural contexts. Despite uncertainties surrounding their origins and compilation, the sayings within the Book of Proverbs continue to offer timeless wisdom and guidance for readers seeking insight into the human condition and the pursuit of virtue.

Special Features

One of the distinguishing features of proverbs is their interconnectedness, often forming chains or series linked by common themes or phrases. This characteristic gives rise to sequences of proverbs that explore related topics or concepts, lending a cohesive structure to the text.

In the Book of Proverbs, these connections can manifest in various ways. Sometimes, the linkage is thematic, with consecutive proverbs addressing similar subjects, such as the portrayal of the fool, the sluggard, the talebearer, or the malicious individual. Other times, the connection may be more subtle, rooted in the Hebrew text's shared thoughts, phrases, or even individual letters.

Despite this interconnectedness, each proverb remains a self-contained nugget of wisdom, capable of standing alone and conveying its message independently. Like individual pearls strung together on a necklace, they contribute to a larger tapestry of knowledge and insight.

Rather than relying on a structured discourse, the Book of Proverbs is united by a collective pursuit of wisdom and understanding. This shared reverence for knowledge permeates the entire text, creating a cohesive and enriching experience for readers seeking guidance in navigating life's complexities.

The Book of Proverbs exhibits a notable characteristic of repeating proverbs within and in groupings of proverbs. This repetition is a distinctive feature of the text, reflecting its nature as a compilation or anthology of wisdom sayings.

Some instances of repetition involve whole proverbs restated with identical terms, while others feature slight variations in wording. For example, Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 contain identical proverbs, highlighting the importance of consistency in the message. Similarly, proverbs like 10:1 and 15:20 may share common themes with minor alterations in wording.

Certain proverbs exhibit similarities in structure despite variations in meaning. For instance, Proverbs 10:2 and 11:4 display comparable structures but convey distinct ideas. Similarities may exist in specific lines within different proverbs, emphasising common themes or concepts.

This repetition reinforces key teachings and emphasises essential principles. When variations occur, they are intentional, offering nuanced perspectives on timeless truths. Each repetition adds depth and insight to the collection, enriching the reader's understanding of wisdom and virtue.

At its core, a proverb is a timeless statement that imparts wisdom gained from experience to the vigour of youth. By juxtaposing contrasting qualities, it illuminates practical truths concisely and memorably, elevating everyday understanding to heightened mental awareness. Through the artful use of a few carefully chosen words, a proverb breathes new life into age-old concepts, revealing the extraordinary within the mundane.

Reading through Proverbs sections feels akin to conversing with someone who responds solely with succinct one-liners. Each proverb encapsulates insight, inviting reflection and contemplation on life's complexities and moral principles.

The Book of Proverbs has been revered as a paramount collection of ancient Hebrew ethics. While it may not fit neatly into the category of a religious text, it remains dedicated to imparting practical knowledge and guidance. While not neglecting religious considerations, the book emphasises the importance of a healthy relationship with the Divine and the virtues that stem from it.

Shortness, sense, saltiness, and popularity are the hallmarks of a proverb, defining its enduring appeal and impact. These qualities ensure that proverbs remain relevant across cultures and generations, serving as timeless guides for navigating the intricacies of human existence.

The Book of Proverbs encompasses concise aphorisms and narrative elements, blending poetic and expository wisdom. Scholars view it as a collection of practical and insightful teachings rather than speculative musings.

Poetry distinguishes itself through its vivid imagery, parallelism, and brevity of expression, all prominent features in Proverbs. The text employs a range of secondary poetic devices, enhancing its impact and memorability.

In today's information age, technology proliferates, offering vast amounts of data at our fingertips. However, mere access to information does not guarantee wisdom or success. Many proficient in technology find themselves lacking in practical wisdom, unable to navigate life's complexities effectively.

While computers excel at storing and processing data, they cannot impart the discernment and judgment necessary for wise decision-making. In an era where knowledge is abundant, wisdom remains the elusive key to true success and fulfilment.

The book of Proverbs serves as a guide to godly wisdom, offering insights on how to attain and apply it in various aspects of life. Unlike quick-fix schemes or success formulas, Proverbs prioritise ideals over material wealth. Its focus lies not in teaching methods for financial gain but in imparting wisdom for building a fulfilling and meaningful life.

At its core, Proverbs highlights the value of wisdom, rooted in reverence for God and shaped by teachings passed down through generations. It suggests that cultivating wisdom is paramount, serving as a foundational element for success in all facets of life—economic, physical, relational, and moral.

In today's rapidly evolving world, where the volume of human knowledge doubles every year and a half, the challenge lies in discerning wisdom amidst the deluge of information. While knowledge continues to expand, true insight and expertise can sometimes become obscured or overshadowed. Amidst this abundance of information, the quest for genuine wisdom remains essential for navigating life's complexities with discernment and integrity.

Proverbs remind us that true success lies in accumulating knowledge and cultivating wisdom—a deep understanding rooted in reverence for God and guided by timeless principles of virtue and righteousness.

The Book of Proverbs is a timeless guide for applying wisdom to diverse individuals and everyday situations. Through parallels and contrasts, proverbs impart invaluable life lessons, drawing upon experiences, observations, and critical analysis to distil principles for living. When embraced and applied, these principles foster personal growth and advancement.

Interestingly, despite its profound teachings, the Book of Proverbs does not mention or reference God. It holds no significant place in religious practices, ancient Israel's temples, or modern synagogues. It is not a subject of systematic study in rabbinical schools today.

Rather than addressing grandiose state affairs or religious rituals, Proverbs focuses on the practicalities of daily existence. It guides navigating interpersonal relationships, cultivating integrity, making wise decisions in both professional and personal realms, seeking divine favour, and avoiding calamity. These are issues of universal importance, yet they are grounded in the modesty and practicality of everyday life.

The enduring relevance of Proverbs lies in its ability to offer timeless wisdom for ordinary individuals facing the challenges of daily life. It is a beacon of practical guidance, illuminating the path to virtuous living and personal fulfilment.

The book of Proverbs exemplifies biblical poetry by adhering to three defining characteristics: brevity, imagery, and parallelism. These features imbue Proverbs with depth and resonance, making its aphorisms insightful and memorable.

Firstly, Proverbs demonstrates brevity through its concise aphorisms, encapsulating profound truths in condensed formulations. These aphorisms often take the form of epigrams—brief sayings that are clever, witty, and sometimes paradoxical, adding an element of intrigue to the text.

Secondly, Proverbs utilises vivid imagery to evoke mental pictures and convey its teachings effectively. It employs various figures of speech, including similes, metaphors, allegories, anthropopathisms, anthropomorphisms, wordplay, metonymy, personification, exaggeration, litotes, and irony, enriching its message with layers of meaning and depth.

Finally, Proverbs employs parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, to enhance its poetic structure. Unlike English poetry, which relies on rhyme and meter, Hebrew poetry emphasises parallelism—the correlation between two portions of a single proverb. This parallelism can manifest in parallel sounds or syllables. Still, it often involves parallel concepts, reinforcing the message and enhancing its impact.

The book of Proverbs showcases various forms of parallelism, recognised and studied by scholars for their structural and rhetorical significance. Among these, three fundamental types stand out: synonymous, antithetic, and synthetic parallelism.

Synonymous parallelism involves two lines sharing almost identical thoughts expressed in different words, as seen in verses like Proverbs 1:8 and 19:29.

Antithetic parallelism presents contrasting ideas between the first and second lines, creating tension and highlighting opposing concepts, such as in Proverbs 3:33 and 13:9.

Synthetic parallelism expands or elaborates upon the idea presented in the first line, enriching its meaning or introducing new perspectives, as demonstrated in Proverbs 3:12 and 20:2.

In addition to these fundamental forms, other types of parallelism exist within Proverbs:

Integral parallelism is where the second line completes or fulfils the thought of the first line, as seen in Proverbs 11:31.

Comparative parallelism draws correlations between ethical principles and natural or everyday occurrences, as exemplified in verses like Proverbs 15:17 and 26:3-8.

Emblematic parallelism employs symbolic comparisons between moral points and concrete objects or symbols, as illustrated in Proverbs 27:15.

Recently, comparative and emblematic parallelism have been grouped under the term parabolic parallelism, highlighting their use of metaphorical language and symbolic imagery to convey moral truths.

The diverse forms of parallelism in Proverbs contribute to its richness and depth, enhancing the impact and clarity of its teachings on wisdom and virtuous living.

The bicola found in chapter 2 of Proverbs are traditionally classified as exhibiting synonymous