1. The People of Proverbs Part One: Introduction to Proverbs Designed by David Turner www.BibleStudies-online.com

2. Purpose of this Proverbs’ Series To evaluate several of the primary types of people illustrated in Proverbs in order to come to understandingTo evaluate several of the primary types of people illustrated in Proverbs in order to come to understanding as to where “I” stand in regards to the biblical definition of wisdomas to where “I” stand in regards to the biblical definition of wisdom And to determine what plan of action “I” can take to bring me closer to this biblical ideal.And to determine what plan of action “I” can take to bring me closer to this biblical ideal.

3. Overview of Proverbs The Plan of Proverbs Ch. 1-9 “my son” (1:8; 2:1; 3:1; etc.) Ch. 10-29 “collection of prov.” Ch. 30 “exam. Of wisdom” Exhortation and Warnings ExaminationExaltation SolomonSolomon Wise Men Proverbs 1:8 (NET) 8 Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother.

4. Two ways to study Proverbs Verse by verseVerse by verse Topical or ThematicTopical or Thematic FinancesFinances RelationshipsRelationships Types of people (our study)Types of people (our study)

5. Proverbs should be studied As general absolutes – generalized statements that are true to life even though individual cases differ.As general absolutes – generalized statements that are true to life even though individual cases differ. Principles, not promises.Principles, not promises.

6. Definition of key words Proverb - The Hebrew noun translated “proverb” is derived from the root מָשַׁל (mashal) which means “likeness.” The related verb means “to be like, be comparable with,” e.g., (Ps 49:12). The noun can mean an object lesson based on or using a comparison or analogy. It may be a short pithy statement (Ezek 16:44), object lesson drawn from experience (Ps 78:2–6), saying or by-word (Deut 28:37) or an oracle of future blessing (Ezek 21:1–5). In Proverbs it is usually an object lesson setting out courses of action. It helps one choose the course of action to follow or avoid.Proverb - The Hebrew noun translated “proverb” is derived from the root מָשַׁל (mashal) which means “likeness.” The related verb means “to be like, be comparable with,” e.g., (Ps 49:12). The noun can mean an object lesson based on or using a comparison or analogy. It may be a short pithy statement (Ezek 16:44), object lesson drawn from experience (Ps 78:2–6), saying or by-word (Deut 28:37) or an oracle of future blessing (Ezek 21:1–5). In Proverbs it is usually an object lesson setting out courses of action. It helps one choose the course of action to follow or avoid. Psalm 49:12 but, despite their wealth, people do not last, they are like animals that perish. Ezekiel 16:44 “‘Observe – everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: “Like mother, like daughter.” Deuteronomy 28:37 You will become an occasion of horror, a proverb, and an object of ridicule to all the peoples to whom the Lord will drive you.

7. Definition of key words Wisdom - The noun “wisdom” (חָכְמָה, khokhmah) could be nuanced “moral skill.” It refers to “skill” that produces something of value. It is used in reference to the skill of seamen (Ps 107:27), abilities of weavers (Exod 35:26), capabilities of administrators (1 Kgs 3:28), or skill of craftsmen (Exod 31:6). In the realm of moral living, it refers to skill in living – one lives life with moral skill so that something of lasting value is produced from one’s life.Wisdom - The noun “wisdom” (חָכְמָה, khokhmah) could be nuanced “moral skill.” It refers to “skill” that produces something of value. It is used in reference to the skill of seamen (Ps 107:27), abilities of weavers (Exod 35:26), capabilities of administrators (1 Kgs 3:28), or skill of craftsmen (Exod 31:6). In the realm of moral living, it refers to skill in living – one lives life with moral skill so that something of lasting value is produced from one’s life. Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press. Psalm 107:27 They swayed and staggered like a drunk, and all their skill proved ineffective. Exodus 35:26 and all the women whose heart stirred them to action and who were skilled spun goats’ hair. 1 Kings 3:28 (NET) 28 When all Israel heard about the judicial decision which the king had rendered, they respected the king, for they realized that he possessed supernatural wisdom to make judicial decisions. Exodus 31:6 (NET) 6 Moreover, I have also given him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, and I have given ability to all the specially skilled, that they may make everything I have commanded you:

8. Definition of key words Wisdom (חָכְמָה, khokhmah) can refer to one being clever or shrewd or skilled. In Proverbs wisdom is the “skill of living your life rightly before God and man.”

9. Key verses Proverbs 1:5-7 (NET) 5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!) 6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

10. Key verses Proverbs 3:5-6 (NET) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. 6 Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

11. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction, and to discern wise counsel. 3 To receive moral instruction in skillful living, in righteousness, justice, and equity. 4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive, and a discerning plan to the young person. 5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!) 6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

12. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction, The noun מוּסָר (musar) has a three-fold range of meanings:The noun מוּסָר (musar) has a three-fold range of meanings: (1) physical or parental: “discipline; chastisement”(1) physical or parental: “discipline; chastisement” (2) verbal: “warning; exhortation” and(2) verbal: “warning; exhortation” and (3) moral: “training; instruction”.(3) moral: “training; instruction”. Its parallelism with חָכְמָה (khokhmah, “wisdom, moral skill”) suggests that it refers to moral training or instruction that the Book of Proverbs offers to its readers. This instruction consists of wisdom acquired by observing the consequences of foolish actions in others and developing the ability to control the natural inclination to folly. This sometimes comes through experiencing chastisement from God. Sensing something of this nuance, the LXX translated this term with the Greek word for “child-training.”Its parallelism with חָכְמָה (khokhmah, “wisdom, moral skill”) suggests that it refers to moral training or instruction that the Book of Proverbs offers to its readers. This instruction consists of wisdom acquired by observing the consequences of foolish actions in others and developing the ability to control the natural inclination to folly. This sometimes comes through experiencing chastisement from God. Sensing something of this nuance, the LXX translated this term with the Greek word for “child-training.” Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.

13. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 2 To learn wisdom and moral instruction, and to discern wise counsel. refers to the ability to discern between moral options. to distinguish truth from falsehood or to understand wise sayings Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.

14. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 3 To receive (student’s perspective) moral instruction in skillful living*, in righteousness**, justice, and equity***. *Or prudence – skill in making good moral judgments. **conduct conforming to a standard. Conduct that conforms to God’s law. Elsewhere it is used in a concrete sense to describe cows walking straight down a path without turning right or left (1 Sam 6:12). ***“upright, straight, right.” Elsewhere it is used in a concrete sense to describe cows walking straight down a path without turning right or left (1 Sam 6:12).

15. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 4 To impart (teacher’s perspective) shrewdness to the morally naive, and a discerning plan to the young person. Shrewd – or craftiness, cleverness. A shrewd plan of action, viewed positively or negatively. It is used negatively of planned deception (Josh 9:4) and premeditated murder (Exod 21:14). The related adjective described the serpent as “shrewd, crafty, cunning” (Gen 3:1); it describes cunning plans (Job 5:12) and deception (Job 15:5). The related verb describes a wicked concocted plan (Ps 83:4). The term is used positively of a morally prudent lifestyle (Prov 8:5, 12; 15:5; 19:25). There is no virtue for simpletons to be unaware in this world; they need to be wise as serpents. Proverbs provide a morally shrewd plan for life. Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press. Exodus 21:14 But if a man willfully attacks his neighbor to kill him cunningly, you will take him even from my altar that he may die. Joshua 9:4 they did something clever. They collected some provisions and put worn-out sacks on their donkeys, along with worn-out wineskins that were ripped and patched. Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more shrewdthan any of the wild animals that the Lord God had made.

16. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive, and a discerning plan to the young person. the naive” or “simpleton.” The adjective means “simple; open- minded” in the sense of being open and easily influenced by either wisdom or folly.The simpleton is easily enticed and misled (Prov 1:32; 7:7; 9:6; 22:3; 27:12); believes everything, including bad counsel (Prov 14:15); lacks moral prudence (Prov 8:5; 19:25); needs discernment (Prov 21:11); but is capable of learning (Prov 9:4, 16). The related verb means “to be wide open; open-minded; enticed, deceived”. The term describes one easily persuaded and gullible, open to any influence, good or bad (cf. NLT “the simpleminded”). This is the “wide-eyed youth” who is headed for trouble unless he listens to the counsel of wisdom. Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.

17. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 4 To impart shrewdness to the morally naive, and a discerning plan to the young person. It describes the ability to make plans or formulate the best course of action for gaining a goal. knowledge of how to form and carry out a morally wise plan for life. Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.

18. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 5 (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!) 6 To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles. Even the wise can gain instruction Even the discerning can receive guidance

19. Purpose and Theme of Proverbs Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET) 7 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of moral knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. To recognize that ones relationship with God has a direct and proportional influence on his wisdom. To fear God is to stand in awe of His righteousness, majesty, and power and to trust Him by humbly depending upon Him. There is a reciprocal relationship here, because the fear of the Lord is the beginning (foundation) or wisdom (9:10), but wisdom leads to the knowledge and fear of God (2:1-5). Proverbs 9:10 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 2:1-5 1 My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands within you, 2 by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, 3 indeed, if you call out for discernment – raise your voice for understanding – 4 if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand how to fear the Lord, and you will discover knowledge about God.

20. The People of Proverbs The Simple or NaïveThe Simple or Naïve The SluggardThe Sluggard The FoolThe Fool The ScofferThe Scoffer The WiseThe Wise