Proverbs, the Divine Book of God's Wisdom, contains 34 proverbial poems and

over 500 proverbs. A proverb is a short moral or ethical lesson. It addresses the
difference between good character/conduct and bad character/conduct. It instructs
us on how to behave, to get along with people. It teaches virtues such as humility,
honesty, trustworthiness, truthfulness, patience, and purity.
Major Themes of Proverbs:

Importance of wisdom

Value of knowledge

Fear of the Lord--refers to a profound, adoring awe and respect for God

The youth

The gossip--control of the tongue

The imprudent--one who fails to hold others responsible when appropriate,

one is is unwisely generous

The prudent--one who exhibits forethought, balances confidence with fear,

foresees real dangers

The married

The lazy

A "chain" is a series of Proverbs regarding similar topics. Here are the topics of four
proverbial chains:

The fool

The sluggard

The whispering tale-bearer

The malicious person

Methods for studying the Proverbs:

1. a chapter a day
2. by topic
3. comparison
4. action--live by its teachings; be sure to do what God tells you to do.

Proverbs shows characteristics of Hebrew poetry. Therefore, there are some

similarities to the Psalms. The book of Proverbs does include several types of

parallelism, such as synonymous parallelsim, contrasting parallelsim, parabolic

parallelsim, single-sentence parallelsim, and numerical parallelism.
Figurative language uses verbal imagery, is indirect, and involves comparisons. It is
when you tell about something by comparing it with something else. Three types of
figurative language used in Proverbs:
1. Similies (uses the words "like" or "as")
2. Metaphors (Compares without using the words "like" or "as"; Calls one things
something else)
3. Personifications (giving human characteristics to something not human)
The Outline of the Proverbs
Introduction
I. Solomon's Proverbial Poems
a. 6 Fatherly discourses on moral issues
b. Fatherly lesson on wisdom
c. Fatherly lesson on sexual purity
d. 5 Fatherly lessons on moral issues
e. Fatherly lesson on the folly of yielding to the woman on the street
f. Fatherly leson on the merits of wisdom
g. Discourse personifying wisdom and folly as householders inviting guests
over
II. Solomon's first collection of Proverbs
a. The Proverbs of Solomon
b. First Appendix (the words of the wise)
c. Second Appendix (the words of the wise)
III. Solomon's second collection of Proverbs
a. The Proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah King of Judah
transcribed
b. First Appendix, the words of Agur
c. Second Appendix, the words of King Lemuel
d. Third Appendix, a virtuous woman

The Purposes of the Proverbs (Solomon designed it to be a lesson-book to teach

attitudes & behaviors):
1. To know wisdom & instruction; to perceive the words of understanding--Here,
Solomon uses the word "wisdom" to refer to the ability to decide between
right & wrong, judging between good and evil.
2. To know wisdom & instruction; to perceive the words of understanding--This
refers to understanding and using wisdom, more than just memorizing it or
knowing it.
3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement, and equality-Solomon wanted them to enjoy and value the instruction.
4. To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion-Naive students should no longer be easily persuaded. (Subtlety means
cleverness.)
5. To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and
discretion--Knowledge here refers to Godly attitudes, righteous principles,
and spiritual values. Discretion refers to young people maturing, acquiring
the ability to make responsible decisions, having greater instight into why
people act the way they do, and being able to foresee consequences of their
actions.
6. A wise man will hear and will increase learning; and a man of understaning
shall attain unto wise counsels--We never outgrow our need to learn and to
mature in wisdom.
7. A wise man wil hear and will increase learning; and a man of understanding
shall attain unto wise counsels--The already wise can still benefit from the
guiding thoughts, regulating principles, and judicious rules in Proverbs.
8. To understand a proverb, and the iterpretation; the words of the wise, and
their dark sayings--This objective focuses on the learning process, the
means of acquiring wisdom, rather than the subject matter itself. Solomon
insisted that we can learn from these Proverbs rather than having to
experience things ourselves. We do not need our own experience to learn
that sin causes pain and sorrow.

New Testament Writings and Proverbs--Things Shared in Common:

Passages in which the NT writers quote Proverbs:

Love repays evil with good.

We are to appreciate God's discipline.

God's retribution for sin is certain.

The fool does not learn.

Passages in which the NT allude to the Proverbs:

Do not be overly self-confident and self-reliant.

Do not avenge yourself.

Show appreciation and consideration.

God's bounty should be shared with others.

God's grace comes through humility.

Our powers are limited.

Respect authority and do not rebel.

Love forgives.

Passages in which thoughts expressed by NT writers are parallel with the

Proverbs:

Authority should be obeyed.

Moral integrity should be practiced.

Other Christians in need should be helped.

We should learn how to get along with people and God.

(In Bible 800, you will study more specifically what themes Proverbs shares with
Romans and James.)