《Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures – Proverbs (Vol. 1)》

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Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

Proverbs 1:1 — "The proverbs of Solomon" - Word Study on "proverbs" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "proverb" "mashal" ( מָשָׁל) (H 4912) means, "(1) a similitude, parable, (2) a sententious saying, such as consists in the ingenious comparison of two things or opinions, (3) a proverb, (4) a Song of Solomon , a poem." Strong says it means, "a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)," and it comes from a primitive root ( מָשַׁל) (H 4910) meaning, "to rule." A proverb is a concentrated saying that contains many hidden truths, reflected in Proverbs 1:6, which say, "a proverb…and their dark sayings." The Enhanced Strong says this word is used 39 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as "proverb 19, parable 18, byword 1, like 1." This Hebrew word is used 6 times in the book of Proverbs ( Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 1:6; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 26:7; Proverbs 26:9).

Comments- These proverbs are mostly written in couplets or triplicates, up to eight parallel thoughts. The parallel structure of these proverbial sentences, the repetition, contrast, or comparison of thought, were arranges as to facilitate the efforts of memory.

Although this book of the Old Testament uses proverbs as short saying, this same Hebrew word is also used of the lengthy prophecies of Balaam found in Numbers 23:7 to Numbers 24:24 as well as the extended poetry of Job ( Job 27:1). Isaiah uses this word in his prophecy against the king of Babylon ( Isaiah 14:4). This word is found in other places in Scriptures, such as when God made a proverb out of the nation of Israel ( 1 Kings 9:7, Psalm 69:11).

1 Kings 9:7, "Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:"

Psalm 69:11, "I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them."

We can also group the synonyms "dark sayings" and "interpretations" ( Proverbs 1:6) into this category of passages called Proverbs , as well as the all of the "parables" of Jesus Christ found within the Gospels. It is very likely that the Queen of Sheba was referring to riddles or proverbs when the Scripture tells us that she came to test Solomon with "hard sayings" ( 1 Kings 10:1).

1 Kings 10:1, "And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions."

The statements, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" ( 1 Samuel 10:12), "The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are set on edge," ( Ezekiel 18:2), as well as "Physician, heal thyself," ( Luke 4:23) may all be considered as a type of Oriental proverb. 47] We can add to this list Samson's riddle as a type of proverb, "Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness." ( Judges 14:14).

47] W. J. Deane, S. T. Taylor-Taswell, Walter F. Adeney, T. Whitelaw, R. A. Redford, and B. C. Caffin, Proverbs ,, Ecclesiastes ,, Song of Solomon , in The Pulpit Commentary, vol 9, ed. H. D. M. Spence and Joseph Exell (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 1950), in Ages Digital Library, v 10 [CD-ROM] (Rio, WI: Ages Software, Inc, 2001), "Introduction to Proverbs."

In summary, the Hebrew idea behind the "mashal" would be anything said that contains a hidden meaning.

Comments- The phrase "the proverbs of Solomon" ( משׁלי שׁלמה) is used twice in the book of Proverbs as superscriptions ( Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 25:1). We see in 1 Kings 4:29-34 that God gave Solomon a tremendous amount of wisdom. This accounts for his ability to author such a work. Although he spoke 3 ,000 Proverbs , we only have a little over 300 recorded within the book of Proverbs. This is because we have only those ten percent that are necessary for our redemption.

1 Kings 4:29-34, "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon"s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the Wisdom of Solomon , from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom."

This is also confirmed in Ecclesiastes 12:9.

Ecclesiastes 12:9, "And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs."

It is also likely that Solomon collected many of these proverbs from oral sources. He may not have been the originator of them all. In fact, we know that his father, King David, gave him many of these Proverbs , but they are his in the sense that he collected them and put them into writing ( Proverbs 4:3-4).

Proverbs 4:3-4, "For I was my father"s Song of Solomon , tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live."

Note that Song of Solomon , being a type and figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, was similar in that both Jesus and Solomon spoke in parables as a means of teaching wisdom ( John 16:25).

John 16:25, "These things in similitudes I have spoken to you, but there cometh an hour when no more in similitudes will I speak to you, but freely of the Father, will tell you."

A proverb has been called a "concentrated parable," and the parable "an extension of the proverb by a full illustration." Jesus spoke often in parables as a method of teaching wisdom.

Proverbs 1:1 — "the son of David, king of Israel" - Comments 1 - Solomon was a type and figure of the Lord Jesus Christ. In such a comparison, both Solomon and Jesus carried the titles as the son of David and the king of Israel ( Matthew 1:1, John 1:49). Both opened their mouths and taught in parables and both have ruled over God's people.

Matthew 1:1, "A roll of the birth of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham."

John 1:49, "Nathanael answered and saith to him, ‘Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the king of Israel."

Comments 2 - Some scholars speculate that Solomon wrote the Song of Solomon when he was young. He may have written the book of Proverbs during his years as a king, and the book of Ecclesiastes in his old age. Matthew Henry makes an interesting comment on the introductions to the three books authored by Solomon:

"In the title of his song he only writes himself Song of Solomon , perhaps because he wrote it before his accession to the throne, being filled with the Holy Ghost when he was young. In the title of his Proverbs he writes himself the son of David, king of Israel, for then he ruled over all Israel. In the title of his Ecclesiastes he writes himself the son of David, king of Jerusalem, because then perhaps his influence had grown less upon the distant tribes, and he confined himself very much in Jerusalem." 48]

48] Matthew Henry, Proverbs, in Matthew Henry"s Commentary on the Whole Bible, New Modern Edition, Electronic Database (Seattle, WA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc, 1991), in P.C. Study Bible, v 31 [CD-ROM] (Seattle, WA: Biblesoft Inc, 1993-2000), "Introduction."

Note:

Ecclesiastes 1:1, "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem."

Song of Solomon 1:1, "The Song of Solomon , which is Solomon"s."

Proverbs 1:1 — Comments- Proverbs 1:1 serves as the title of the book of Proverbs. It is credited to King Solomon because he was the main contributor to this collection of wisdom literature and perhaps because his name became associated with the wisdom literature in Israel. Since we know that the book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings from more than one author, and not of Solomon himself, this opening verse might be interpreted, "This is a collection of sayings of which King Solomon is credited with establishing for the people of Israel."

Solomon was given his great wisdom by God. Note Solomon"s prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:5-15. According to 1 Kings 3:12 God gave King Solomon more wisdom than any man has or ever will have in this life, beside the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Kings 4:29, "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore."

1 Kings 5:12, "And the LORD gave Solomon Wisdom of Solomon , as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together."

Proverbs 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

Proverbs 1:2 — Word Study on "know" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "know" ( יָדַע) (H 3045) means, "to see," hence, "to perceive, to acquire knowledge, to know, to be acquainted." Strong says it is a primitive root meaning, "to know, to ascertain by seeing." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 947 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "know 645, known 105, knowledge 19, perceive 18, shew 17, tell 8, wist 7, understand 7, certainly 7, acknowledge 6, acquaintance 6, consider 6, declare 6, teach 5, misc 85." This Hebrew word is used 35 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:2 — Word Study on "wisdom" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "wisdom" ( חָכְמָה) (H 2451) means, "skill of an artificer, dexterity, wisdom." Strong says it means, "wisdom." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 149 times, it is translated in the KJV as, " Wisdom of Solomon 145, wisely 2, skilful Prayer of Manasseh 1:1, wits 1." This Hebrew word is used 39 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:2 — Word Study on "instruction" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "instruction" ( מוּסָר) (H 4148) means, "correction, admonition, discipline, instruction, doctrine." Strong says it means, "chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 50 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "instruction 30, correction 8, chasten 4, chastisement 3, check 1, bond 1, discipline 1, doctrine 1, rebuker 1." This Hebrew word is used 30 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:2 — Word Study on "perceive" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "perceive" ( בִּין) (H 995) means, "to perceive, to separate." Strong says it is a primitive root that means, "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e. (generally) understand." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 170 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "understand 62, understanding 32, consider 22, prudent 8, perceive 7, regard 6, discern 3, instruct 3, misc 27." This Hebrew word is used 34times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:2 — Word Study on "words" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "words" ( אִמֵּר) (H 561) means, "a word, discourse" when used poetically, and it means, "a command, mandate." Strong says it means, "something said," and it comes from the primitive root ( אָמַר) (H 559), meaning, "to say." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 49 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "words 43, speeches 2, sayings 2, appointed 1, answer 1." This Hebrew word is used 22 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:2 — Word Study on "understanding" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "understanding" ( בִּינָה) (H 998) means, "understanding, intelligence, insight." Strong says it means, "understanding," and it comes from the primitive root ( בִּין) (H 995), which means, "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand," which is the same verb used in this verse that is translated, "to perceive." Holladay says it means, "insight, perception." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 38 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "understanding 32, Wisdom of Solomon 2, knowledge 1, meaning 1, perfectly 1, understand 1." This Hebrew word is used 14times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:2 — Comments- Someone once gave a clear distinction between knowledge and wisdom. "Knowledge is the apprehension of the truth in one's mind, but wisdom is the application of truth to one's life." Bob Yandian says that knowledge is taking in the Word of God, and wisdom is the correct output or application of that knowledge. 49] A good example of the difference between knowledge and wisdom can be found in Ephesians 4:15, "But speaking the truth in love..." This verse in Ephesians tells us that we may have the correct knowledge and information to tell someone, but not be able to manage that knowledge correctly. We may say something to someone in a spirit of pride or anger, rather than in a spirit of love and edification.

49] Bob Yandian, Salt and Light: The Sermon on the Mount (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Harrison House, c 1983, 1988), 11.

Proverbs 1:3 To receive the instruction of Wisdom of Solomon , justice, and judgment, and equity;

Proverbs 1:3 — Word Study on "receive" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "receive" ( לָקַח) (H 3947) means, "to take, receive." Strong says it is a primitive root meaning, "to take (in the widest variety of applications)," The Enhanced Strong says it is used 965 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "take 747, receive 61, take away 51, fetch 31, bring 25, get 6, take out 6, carry away 5, married 4, buy 3, misc 26." This Hebrew word is used 19 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:3 — Word Study on "instruction" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "instruction" ( מוּסָר) (H 4148) means, "correction, admonition, discipline, instruction, doctrine." Strong says it means, "chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 50 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "instruction 30, correction 8, chasten 4, chastisement 3, check 1, bond 1, discipline 1, doctrine 1, rebuker 1." This Hebrew word is used 30 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:3 — Word Study on "wisdom" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "wisdom" ( שָׂכַל) (H 7919) means, "to look at, behold, be prudent." Strong says it is a primitive root meaning, "to be circumspect, intelligent." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 63times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "understand 12, wise 12, prosper 8, wisely 6, understanding 5, consider 4, instruct 3, prudent 2, skill 2, teach 2, misc 7." This Hebrew word is used 13times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:3 — Word Study on "justice" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "justice" ( צֶדֶק) (H 6664) means, "straightness, recititude, right, what is right and just." Strong says it means, "rightness, recititude, justice, virtue, prosperity," and it comes from the primitive root ( צָדַק) (H 6663) meaning, "to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 116 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "righteousness 77, just 11, justice 10, righteous 8, righteously 3, right 3, righteous cause 1, unrighteousness 1, misc 2." This Hebrew word is used 8 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:3 — Word Study on "judgment" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "judgment" ( מִשְׁפָּט) (H 4941) means, "judgment, right, that which is just, lawful, according to law." Strong says it means, "a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or [participant"s] divine law, individual or collective), including the Acts , the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant"s right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style," and it comes from the primitive root ( שָׁפַט) (H 8199) meaning, "to Judges , i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extension, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively)." The Enhanced Strong says it is used it is used 421times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "judgment 296, manner 38, right 18, cause 12, ordinance 11, lawful 7, order 5, worthy 3, fashion 3, custom 2, discretion 2, law 2, measure 2, sentence 2, misc 18." This Hebrew word is used 20 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:3 — Word Study on "equity" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "equity" ( מֵישָׁרִים) (H 4339) means, "straightness, happiness, peace, friendship." Strong says it means, "evenness, i.e. (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e. (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adverbially)," and it comes from the primitive root ( יָשַׁר) (H 3474) meaning, "to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous." The Enhanced Strong says it is used it is used 19 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "equity 4, uprightly 3, uprightness 3, right things 2, agreement 1, aright 1, equal 1, right 1, righteously 1, sweetly 1, upright 1." This Hebrew word is used 5 times in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

Proverbs 1:4 — "To give subtilty to the simple" - Word Study on "subtilty" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "subtilty" ( עָרְמָה) (H 6195) means, "craftiness, guile," in a negative sense, and "prudence" in a positive sense. Strong says it means, "trickery, or (in a good sense) discretion," and it comes from the primitive root ( עָרַם) (H 6191), which means, "to be (or make) bare," but used only in the derivative sense to mean, "to be cunning." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 5 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "guile 1, wilily 1, subtilty 1, Wisdom of Solomon 1, prudence 1."

Word Study on "the simple" - Gesenius says the Hebrew word "simple" ( פֶּתִי) (H 6612) means, "simplicity, folly," or "a simple person, one easily persuaded and enticed." Strong says it means, "silly (i.e. seducible)," and it comes from the primitive root verb ( פָּתָה) (H 6601), which means, "to open, i.e. to be roomy," and in a figurative or moral sense, it means, "to be simple or delude." The Enhanced Strong says it is used 19 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, "simple 15, simple ones 2, foolish 1, simplicity 1." This Hebrew word is used 15 times in the book of Proverbs.

Comments- The word "simple" ( פֶּתִי) (H 6612) is plural in the Hebrew text, and is more accurately read as "simple ones," as revealed in some translations, "For giving to simple ones--prudence, To a youth--knowledge and discretion." (YLT) Thus, according to its meaning "to be open," being "a simple one" is not a vice, but it is a stage of growth that we all must go through as young people. Today, we would call this the impressionable years, the time in a person's life when someone open himself up and receives what others tell him. In this same sense, Gesenius describes this person as someone who is "easily persuaded and enticed." We can see this openness of the simple person in Proverbs 14:15, which states that the simple believe every word. It is the way God created us for our good, that we might receive instruction and lay it as a foundation in our early lives. But Satan attempts to capture these simple ones during this early period of their lives in order to bring them to destruction. For example, in today's world of Muslim terrorism (2003), we are told to look for young males of Arab descent between the ages of 18 to 35 as a typical profile of someone who is given to commit such terrorist acts. This is because Satan has captured these younger men during their years of simplicity by using religion in order to lay a destructive foundation in these lives.

Proverbs 14:15, "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."

This openness to receive what they hear is characteristic of young people in their teens and twenties. It is a period in life when one searches for adventure and for purpose and meaning in life. After this, people tend to become settled in their lifestyles and in their ways of thinking. In is during these years that the Lord wants to train us correctly. According to the book of Proverbs , the goal of the simple will be to become virtuous. We find a profile of this person in the last chapter of Proverbs , being called the virtuous woman. The word virtuous means "strong in character." This passage describes a person with a strong conviction and determination to live a Godly life. A person"s strength is measured not by the outward Prayer of Manasseh , but by the inner Prayer of Manasseh , by a person who has a character with godly qualities and virtues. This is the goal of the simple one. It cannot be achieved without following the path of wisdom laid out in the book of Proverbs. However, for those simple ones who do not grow, but who stay simple along the journey, the book of Proverbs begins to refer to them in a negative sense ( Proverbs 14:15; Proverbs 14:18; Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 27:12).

Proverbs 14:15, "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."

Proverbs 14:18, "The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."

Proverbs 22:3, "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." (and Proverbs 27:12)

The author of Hebrews made a similar comment about those believers who should have grown up, but were still babes in Christ, not being able to discern between good and evil ( Hebrews 5:12-14).

Hebrews 5:12-14, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

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