Psalms & Proverbs Section 2

Proverbs Title Mashlay

("proverbs of") means "parallel" or "similar" thus representing a description by comparison.

The Appeals Ch. 4: Wisdom's Call: Listen to Me What things let the son know that his father's teaching is the same as that of Lady Wisdom?

(TO BE COMPLETED)

Similarities between Wisdom and Folly

-Highest places of the town. -Calls to those who pass by. -Vs. 4 & 16.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Children's Responsibility to their Parents (22-25) Children must act in a certain way to give pleasure to their parents.

-Listen and Do not Despise. -Value Truth, Wisdom, and Understanding. -Be Righteous and Wise.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly a. Eating with a Ruler (1-3):

-One must be careful in what he selects (1). -One must not eat too much (2). -One must not choose the delicacies (3).

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly b. Eating with One with an Evil Eye (6-8):

-Shouldn't eat at all with such a man (6a). -Must not choose his delicacies (6b).

Adultery Revisited (20-35) Images Solomon gives his son to illustrate the danger of adultery.

1. Carrying Fire. 2. Watching on Coals. 3. Adultery will burn you. 4. The Thief. 5. The Adulterer (The Wife Thief)

Images of Lady Wisdom

1. Treasure. 2. Apple of you eye. 3. Adornments (External and Internal) 4. Relations (sister and friend)

Proverbs Form Sayings

2 or more lines of Hebrew parallelism used for comparison.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 2. Work for Sustenance, not for Riches (4-5) -Not that other verses in Proverbs deal with overeating.

25:16 encouraged the reader to eat only what is needed. Later on in 23:19-21, the wise show the bad results of gluttony.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Results: Rejection

A climate of urgency comes as the reader realizes Lady Wisdom will not always call and that he is faced with death if he continues to turn away.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Discipline of Children (13-18): The Motivation (15-16)

A parent's motivation for discipline is their love for the child. They take no pleasure in the discipline but do exhaust in the results of the discipline.

Wealth: Riches provide . . .

A semblance of security, but the most security that anyone can have is in the name of the Lord.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 2. Work for Sustenance, not for Riches (4-5) -Compare with 1 Timothy 6:9-10:

A senseless pursuit of money will lead to ruin.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Who is Proverbs addressed too?

A son and thus, the images appeal to the male mind. However, women my read it with great profit. They too, can become wise and, most of the time, they can reverse the sayings to fit their own life.

The Followers Reproof and Instruction Fool

Abuse/Injury/Hate

The Followers Reproof and Instruction Wisdom=

Added days and years/eternal life

Adultery (15-20)

Adultery pails in comparison to faithfulness. 1. The father presents an alternate for the son to the adulteress: faithful marriage. 2. In highly erotic terms, the father describes the good that come from the marriage relationship. 3. The father's encouragement is reminiscent of the delight of the lovers in Song of Solomon. 4. Solomon presents the good of being faithful to one's own wife, then asks the question, "Why would you consider an adulteress?"

30:5-9: Matters of Truth A Request Nourishment

Agar asks for just enough to sustain himself physically.

30:1-4: The Worthless Man and the Worthy God A Lament

Agar begins with a statement of his unworthiness in light of God. He has spent a lifetime searching but realizes that in light of God's knowledge, he knows nothing.

30:5-9: Matters of Truth God's Words

Agur beings with a statement of the truth of God's words. Then admonished, "Take refuge in him." Do not add his word or you will be found to be a liar.

The Followers Reproof and Instruction Wise=

Aid to send/Scoffers=Bear it alone.

Discourses on Wisdom Proverbs in the NT Jesus, the promised Messiah

All scripture points to this person.

False Witness

Almost repeats the second thing in the list but is more specific in its emphasis on witness.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Psalm 112

An acrostic describing the blessed man but is not the same was Proverbs 31 in its detail and flavor.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 15-17: Strange pattern may lead to. . .

An emphasis on Sheol and the barren womb. Two things that are associated figures.

30:1-4: The Worthless Man and the Worthy God His Question

Ascended to Heaven and come down. Gathered the winds in his fist. Wrapped the waters in a garment. Established the ends of the earth. Who is he and his son?

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Use of Words (9):

Be wise in the way you use words - a fool will not listen so your words will be wasted much like they will be at the table of a man with an evil eye.

Wealth: Riches are not necessarily a bad thing . . .

But they should not be the goal of one's life or gotten in an ignoble way.

The Appeals Admonition and Structure Structure

Ch. 3 begins with 6 admonitions to the reader along with a motivation to follow this advice. The First and Last Admonition Deal with Teaching and Correction. These show the process of first teaching, then correcting when necessary. The middle four admonitions have the actual content of the teaching.

Wisdom and Folly

Choice of two women in Ch. 9.

Discourses on Wisdom Proverbs in the NT Application of Christ as Wisdom

Christ openly calls openly all who will hear that a relationship with God is available. Anything or anyone who calls us away from the relationship will be like Lady Folly.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 18-20: Connection to Verse 20

Clear with the use of the word "way." There is nothing amazing about the way of the adulteress.

The Appeals Admonition and Structure Hymn of Wisdom: The Power of Wisdom

Creation was made through wisdom.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly b. Eating with One with an Evil Eye (6-8): -Must not listen to his words (7)

Despite what he says, he does not desire you to eat his food. Perhaps he

The Nature of a Proverb Purpose

Didactic Given in order to establish sound moral character in men by placing before them for their choice, lies of action that would bring happiness and fulfillment in life, or frustration and defeat..

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly b. Eating with One with an Evil Eye (6-8): -The Result (8)

Disastrous. It is better to have not eaten then to have eaten, complimented the host and then thrown up.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Discipline of Children (13-18) The Future (18)

Discipline and teaching will provide a future for your children.

Adultery (21-23)

Discipline of oneself will prevent this great folly. 1. Yahweh sees your ways. 2. Snare and Cords. 3. Death and Wandering.

The Appeals Sinner's Appeal The Response

Do not walk with them. Stay out of their paths.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Actions (10-11)

Don't act deceitfully towards you neighbor or take advantage of the poor. Moving a landmark and taking the land of the orphan are easy things to do here on earth, but they have strong redeemer against who you will not be able to stand.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Acrostic:

Each of the lines of this poem beings with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, denoting that this description is the complete woman.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly b. Eating with One with an Evil Eye (6-8):

Eating with this type of person (perhaps a stingy person) is also dangerous.

Proverbs Form "Better Than" Sayings

Effect is to give a known commodity and then prove a point by saying something goes beyond the known commodity.

Proverbs Form "Like One" Sayings

Effect is to show the appropriateness of a known commodity and compare this to a lesser known commodity to illustrate a point.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 2. Work for Sustenance, not for Riches (4-5) -The placement of these verses between passages dealing with a king (a really rich man) and a man with an evil eye (one who wants to be rich) teaches a lesson:

Enjoy your labored the fruit of your labor - desiring more will come of no good.

Wisdom Literature Types of Wisdom: 2. Philosophical wisdom

Explores a philosophical question through life experience and speculation.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Result: Deliverance

From Wicked Men From the Wicked Woman To the Righteous Path From Being Cut Off.

The Nature of a Proverb Proverbs are , not promises

General principles. They are subject to exceptions.

Climax of these sayings "one who sows discord among brothers"

Given the list thus far, the emphasis of Proverbs on family relationships, and the biblical teaching on God's desire for harmony among brother, this makes sense and God hates it.

Proverbs Author Anonymous

Given the nature of the proverbs and their relation to other cultures, some of the proverbs under these collections could be written by others and incorporated into the biblical corpus.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama Woman and Strong Drink (1-9) Lemuel's mother warns him about . . .

Giving his strength to women and strong drink.

Discourses on Wisdom Proverbs in the NT Jesus

Grows in wisdom and stature. Recognized as a wise teacher by the people. Taught in parables. Uses wisdom as he interacts with men and God. Recognized his own wisdom and condemned those who rejected it. Paul sees him as the embodiment of wisdom.

Discourses on Wisdom Wisdom The Fool

He is not just presented in proverbs as the simpleton that rejects wisdom. He is immoral. His decisions are full of sin and he is said to be "wicked."

The Appeals The Parental Appeal (8-9) Mother and Father Appeal to the Son

Hear and not forsake- note that both are involved in teaching.

30:5-9: Matters of Truth A Request Agur's reason for requesting Physical Nourishment

If he has too little or too much he may sin by forgetting the Lord or profaning his name.

The Nature of a Proverb Proverbs operate on 2 levels

Immediate and Ultimate

30:5-9: Matters of Truth A Request Truth

In context, refers to living one's life by God's word.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 24-29: The numerical saying

Incomplete leaving doubt to progression.

Proverbs Outline

Introduction Discourse on Wisdom Proverbs of Solomon Words of the Wise Proverbs of Solomon gathered by Hezekiah's men Appendix Words of Agur Ben Jakeh Words of King Lemuel

Proverbs Form Numerical Sayings

Involves the use of list of comparable items to comprehend the universe's order. Probably derived from games or riddles, these sayings follow an x, x+1 pattern.

Possible reason for the placement of Solomon's warnings

It may be that Solomon wants his son to relate these other things to adultery. The foolishness of adultery shows up in the world in many other ways than his sexual promiscuity.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 2. Work for Sustenance, not for Riches (4-5) -Not the transitory nature of wealth

It will fly away quickly.

Discourses on Wisdom Proverbs in the NT Parable

Jesus taught in this. Greek translation of the Hebrew word Mashlay.

30:5-9: Matters of Truth A Request Truth

Just as God's words are truthful, Agur wants his words to be truthful.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Result: Have a Wise Heart

Leads one to understand the right.

Adultery (7-14)

Leads to ruin of flash and loss of youth. 1. Honor and Years 2. Strength and Labor 3. Groaning because You are Consumed. 4. Regret and Desperation

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama Woman and Strong Drink (1-9) She appeals to wisdom:

Leaving drinking to perishing, distressed, and poor (6-7).

The Followers Reproof and Instruction Wise

Love/Wiser/Learning

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 24-29: The examples of nature

Makes the accomplishments of man not seem so special. God has ordered them in such a way that they don't need the cunning of man to achieve the same results.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 15-17: Verse 17

May or may not be connected. The satisfaction of the one with an eye such as this one will not come. Rather, the birds will consume it. It is at least a stern warning about obedience to parents.

Discourses on Wisdom Wisdom Lady Folly

More attractive, but the father warns that she is loud, seductive, and knows nothing.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Self-Discipline (12)

Much self-control is needed to discipline yourself. You must work with your heart and your ear.

30:5-14: There are Those Agur moves onto practical advice about relationships with other: Servants

Must treat servants rightly or there will be consequences.

Proverbs Author King Lemuel

Non-Israelite who may have lived in the area of Uz where people still believed in a true God.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) The Ideal Woman

Not anyone in particular as probably no woman has ever possessed all of these qualities. This is a conglomerate of things that should be found in a godly woman. This may also be the embodiment of Lady Wisdom.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Chief mark

Not outward beauty, but the fear of the Lord (30) - indeed this is the beginning of all other qualities.

Proverbs Form Popular sentences

One line of a popular saying without parallelism.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly a. Eating with a Ruler (1-3):

One must be aware of the social setting in which he eats. Eating with a ruler requires that you be discerning. The ANE figure of pitting a knife to one's throat denotes a great restraint in eating. This is necessary in certain situations because of the ruler's perception of those at his table

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Drink and Eat (19-21) The message is simple

Overindulgence in drink and meat will lead to poverty and to laziness. Whatever our view on whether or not it is all right to drink wine, we must agree that drunkenness is immoral.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Discipline of Children (13-18): Th Focus (17)

Parents must not just discipline, they must teach. Teach your children to not envy sinner but to fear the Lord.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Discipline of Children (13-18)

People are responsible for the discipline of their children because children will not discipline themselves.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 15-17: Fire

Perhaps the last because it is the most noticeable of the things that consume - it will eat all that it can get to.

Proverbs Author Wisemen

Perhaps these were the one who attended Solomon.

Wisdom Literature Theodicy

Philosophical exploration of the existence of evil and suffering in a world created by an omniscient, omnipotent, loving God. Wisdom allows us to explore in a way others cannot.

Proverbs Date (Between the 10th and 6th centuries B.C.)

Proverbs was written in this time period.

Discourses on Wisdom Connection with the Rest of the Book "Discourses"

Provide an interpretive framework for the proverbs of 10-31.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 18-20: The capstone of these sayings is the man with a maid.

Refers to the wonder of the relationships between man and woman. The emphasis might be movement, so that the first three things are amazing, but the last is even more amazing.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Children's Responsibility to their Parents (22-25) Children must act in a certain way to give pleasure to their parents. The Results

Rejoicing and Gladness

17-18: The first 5 things Yahweh hates use body parts to represent the person who does the things. 3. Hands

Represents Bloodshed

17-18: The first 5 things Yahweh hates use body parts to represent the person who does the things. 2. Tongue

Represents Lying

17-18: The first 5 things Yahweh hates use body parts to represent the person who does the things. 1. Eye

Represents Pride

17-18: The first 5 things Yahweh hates use body parts to represent the person who does the things. 4. Heart

Represents Wicked Plans

17-18: The first 5 things Yahweh hates use body parts to represent the person who does the things. 5. Feet

Represents the Run to Evil

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Good wife

Respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. (11-13, 23, 28)

Wealth: The things of God.

Riches are not forever. Concentrate on those things that are.

Proverbs Author Solomon

Said to have written over 3,000 proverbs.

Ch. 6: Other Things and Wives. Other Things (1-19) Placement

Seems odd that these warnings are in the midst of the "adultery" passages.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Faith in the Lord

Serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. (26, 29-31).

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Charitable service

Serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable (12, 15, 20)

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Homemaking

She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her (15, 20-22, 27).

Example of a Young Fool (6-23) 2. The Wiley Woman (10-21)

She is discussed as a harlot and talks the man into adultery.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) The ideal woman is described in ways that are not typical for women of the ANE and the Bible.

She is warlike and strong (17) and knows business (16).

Wisdom Literature Defintion

Simply that literature which seeks to pass down wisdom from one generation to the next.

Ch. 7: One Last Wife Cling to Lady Wisdom (1-5)

Solomon encourages his son to let her be his guide in avoiding the smooth words of the adulteress.

Laziness (6-11)

Solomon encourages these kind of people to look at the ant. They will realize the truth that hard work leads to physical security.

Avoid Lady Folly (24-27)

Solomon ends with a plea mirroring verse 1-5. He wants his sons to avoid Lady Folly and her deadly ways.

Adultery Revisited (20-35) Looking Deeper (20-26)

Solomon returns to an exhortation for this son to be wise. This means not looking on outward beauty but realizing the price of adultery.

Loans (1-5)

Solomon wants about his son "putting" up security for his neighbor.

Ch. 5: Discipline Yourself and Enjoy Your Own Wife

Solomon wants his son to realize that adultery leads to death, but faithfulness to one's wife leads to life.

30:5-14: There are Those Agur moves onto practical advice about relationships with other: The Needy

Some are out to take advantage of the poor - we must not be.

30:5-14: There are Those Agur moves onto practical advice about relationships with other: Parents

Some curse and withhold blessing from them, but we must not.

30:5-14: There are Those Agur moves onto practical advice about relationships with other: Self

Some think themselves to be clean and superior to others - the implication is that they are not.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Financially sound

Spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs (14, 16, 18)

Adultery (1-6)

Talks smooth, but leads to death (does not know the paths of life. 1. Honey and Oil 2. Wormwood and Sword 3. Death/Sheol 4. Thoughtless wandering

Proverbs Form Admonitions

Teach good behavior by commands and prohibitions. The command is positive. The prohibition is negative They conclude with a motivation for obeying them.

Wisdom Literature Types of Wisdom: 1. Practical (didactic)

Teaches a practical truth to aid reader in developing character or increasing potential for a happy life. Many Proverbs fit here.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Good mother

Teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven (26, 28).

The Nature of a Proverb Proverbs represent Multigenerational Teaching

Teaching that was meant to be handed down from one generation to the next, mainly through family.

The Appeals Admonition and Structure Hymn of Wisdom: The Two Ways

The Lord will deal with the wise (righteous, humble) and the foolish (wicked, scorners) according to their deeds.

30:1-4: The Worthless Man and the Worthy God The Answer

The Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Audience

The Simple Ones- Her audience is the simple who missed opportunities to become wise.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 2. Work for Sustenance, not for Riches (4-5)

The implication of the placement of these verses is that one should toil for the basics and not to obtain riches. One must know when to top even in his work.

In the final analysis, the industrious man will be far better off than the idle man.

The industrious man will have food, prosperity, and ease. The idle man will have hunger, poverty, and hardship.

Discourses on Wisdom Wisdom Substance

The introduction leaves little doubt that the substance of the book is wisdom.

Wisdom Literature Interpretation #2

The nature of this demands it be interpreted in context even more than other genres.

Discourses on Wisdom Wisdom Personification

The of God's wisdom gives the son a vivid picture of what will happen in his life.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Results: Acceptance

The one who listens to Lady Wisdom will not die but will dwell in securely and unafraid of disaster.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) Principles: 1. Eat Discerningly b. Eating with One with an Evil Eye (6-8): -Not the contrast with 22:9

The one with a good eye shares bread with the poor without ulterior motive.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Food (1-8) The first 8 verses provide direction in matters of food.

The overall idea is that one must be wise when it comes to eating.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 32-33: The point is twofold: 2.

The pressing of an object always produces consistent result- anger produces strife.

Discourses on Wisdom Wisdom The Choice

The proverbs make this clear. Be wise (righteous) or be foolish (unrighteous). the individual proverbs add up to the substance of these 2 persons.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call Reproof of the Simple

The simple are reproved by Wisdom because they continually ignore her call.

The Appeals Sinner's Appeal The Appeal

The situation of the wicked is presented as one that is preoccupied with death and greed. The father creates a hypothetical situation in which the wicked entice the son with a plan.

Example of a Young Fool (6-23) 1. The Wrong Place and Time (6-9)

The son is on the adulteress's street heading towards her house.

Example of a Young Fool (6-23) 3. The Trap (22-23)

The trap is suddenly sprung, and with a stream of metaphors, the son realizes that the young man is no better than a dumb animal.

Jesus Christ

The ultimate personification of wisdom found in only?

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 21-23: The Point

The unnaturalness of the situations mentioned these things should not happen. The worse situation is when a maidservant displaces her mistress - this usually leads to disaster.

Schemers (12-15)

The warnings against those who scheme against each other is severe. They will be broken beyond healing.

The Appeals Sinner's Appeal The Reasons

Their purpose is evil and bloodshed. They are presented as cunning men that will only snare themselves. Their motivation is greed, but their end is death.

The Nature of a Proverb Wise man/sage

Their wisdom rooted in observations. Observes, considers, receives instruction, makes proverb.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 29-31: Main idea

There are things that are lofty. The greatest of these is a king with an army - the implication is of course that the king must build a great army or he will be nothing.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 32-33: Connection to verse 31 (the pride of the stately king) is unclear

There does not seem to be a connection with verses 12-13 and the prideful men described there.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 15-17: Odd numerical saying

There is a 2-3-4 pattern.

Loans (1-5)

This is generally an unwise practice in that it will lead to a loss of money and/or friendship. Proverbs gives advice about this, always discouraging the practice.

Discourses on Wisdom Wisdom Lady Wisdom

This is presented as the father's instruction in general proverbs but takes special forms.

Trouble Makers (16-19)

This numerical saying highlights 7 things that Yahweh hates. The use of "soul" with Yahweh is rare and must refer to a hate that comes from his innermost being.

Ch. 8: The Call and Person of Wisdom The Person (22-36)

This section of Proverbs is the best extended example of the personification of wisdom becoming an agent to God.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Lemuel?:

This verse seems to pick up on and give the opposite of 31:3/ Lemuel should give seek after this type of woman (who will no take his strength but add to it).

Proverbs Title Paroimai

This word has a sense of "being like" or "similar." Cleaver says using similes and comparisons.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 32-33: The point is twofold: 1.

Those who are foolish and prideful must stop.

Adultery Revisited (20-35) Playing with Fire (27-35)

Those who do this will suffer the consequences.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Proverbs 23 is part of the 30 sayings of the wise (22:20)

Though it deals with many topics, the unifying theme seems to be self-control.

Proverbs 23: Eat, Drink, and Be Foolish. Miscellaneous Control Issues (9-18) Discipline of Children (13-18): Types of Discipline (13-14)

Though no type of discipline of their children because children will not discipline themselves.

Proverbs Purpose #4

To help the simple gain prudence and the youth gain knowledge and discretion.

Proverbs Purpose #5

To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding.

Proverbs Purpose #2

To know wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs Purpose #7

To learn to fear the Lord.

30:15-33: The Numerical Sayings of Agur 15-17: Net effect

To present things that are not satisfied (leech, Sheol, barren womb, dry land, fire).

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama Woman and Strong Drink (1-9) She appeals to his duty:

To protect the afflicted (5,8) and to judge rightly (9).

Proverbs Purpose #1

To provide skill for wisdom

Proverbs Purpose #3

To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity.

Proverbs Purpose #6

To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.

30:5-14: There are Those Agur moves onto practical advice about relationships with other: The effect of the "There are those statements"

To warn against being these types of people. This is an admonition without reason.

30:5-9: Matters of Truth A Request: Agur asks two things

Truthfulness and Physical Nourishment

The Appeals Admonition and Structure Hymn of Wisdom: Introduction

Verses 11 and 12 are an introduction to the hymn of praise to wisdom.

The Appeals Admonition and Structure Hymn of Wisdom: Blessed

Verses 13-18 are held together by and inclusion, the repetition of "happy" Lady Wisdom is presented here as someone to be sought, fought, and held onto.

Proverbs Author Agar son of Jakeh

We do not know who this was.

Wealth: You must know when to quit.

Wealth is fleeting and cannot be trusted.

Differences between Wisdom and Folly Folly

What they call: -Vs. 16: "Let all who are simple come to my house! To those who have no sense she says" Death Loud and knows nothing

Differences between Wisdom and Folly Wisdom

What they call: -Vs. 5 (Lady Wisdom): "Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight." Life Wise

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Result: Understand the Fear of the Lord.

When one seeks wisdom diligently, he will then "understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Industrious

Willing with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks (13, 16, 24, 31).

The Followers What does the Fear of the Lord/Knowledge of the Holy One equal?

Wisdom and Insight

30:1-4: The Worthless Man and the Worthy God What He Doesn't Know

Wisdom and Knowledge of the Holy One

The Appeals Admonition and Structure Hymn of Wisdom: The Demands and Security of Wisdom

Wisdom demands a certain way of living, but her reward is greater than the price.

Ch. 8: The Call and Person of Wisdom The Call (1-4)

Wisdom is again presented as calling in the public places. Her call is to all men, but especially to the simple.

The Appeals The Parental Appeal (8-9) Garland and Pendants

Wisdom is like an outward adornment the beautifies the one who wears it.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Value

Wisdom is of such value that one should seek it like silver. This is a long, arduous search that involves planning, hard work, and passion. Seek wisdom like you really desire it.

The Appeals Lady Wisdom's Initial Call The Scene

Wisdom is presented as a vendor in the street and city gates crying out to all who will hear.

Wisdom Literature Interpretation #1

Wisdom literature sometimes generalizes.

Ch. 8: The Call and Person of Wisdom The Benefits (5-21)

Wisdom will make a man prudent, truthful, and right. It is desired more than any other thing (11). Wisdom is something that makes kings to rule rightly but its accessible to all.

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) This woman is such that she is. . .

Worthy of blessing from her children and husband, but will also receive praise because of her labor(31).

Ch. 31: Listen to you Mama The Worthy Woman (10-31) Other marks: Doesn't sleep

cf. 15, 18.