145:8 e (Ex. 34:6, 7; Num. 14:18); Ps. 86:5, 15
145:9 f (Ps. 100:5); Jer. 33:11; Nah. 1:7; (Matt. 19:17; Mark 10:18)
145:10 g Ps. 19:1
145:13 h Dan. 2:44; 4:3; (1 Tim. 1:17; 2 Pet. 1:11)
145:13 6 So with MT, Tg.; DSS, LXX, Syr., Vg. add The LORD is faithful in all His words, And holy in all His works
145:14 i Ps. 146:8
145:15 j Ps. 104:27
145:15 k Ps. 136:25
145:16 l Ps. 104:21, 28
145:18 m (Deut. 4:7)
145:18 n (John 4:24)
145:20 o (Ps. 31:23)
PSALM 146
146:1 a Ps. 103:1
146:1 1 Heb. Hallelujah
146:2 b Ps. 104:33
146:3 c (Is. 2:22)
146:3 2 A human being
146:3 3 salvation
146:4 d (Eccl. 12:7)
146:4 e (Ps. 33:10; 1 Cor. 2:6)
146:5 f Jer. 17:7
146:6 g Gen. 1:1; Ex. 20:11; Acts 4:24; Rev. 14:7
146:7 h Ps. 103:6
146:7 i Ps. 107:9
146:7 j Ps. 107:10; Is. 61:1
146:8 k Matt. 9:30; (John 9:7, 32, 33)
146:8 l Luke 13:13
146:9 m Deut. 10:18; Ps. 68:5
146:9 n Ps. 147:6
146:9 4 Lit. makes crooked
146:10 o Ex. 15:18; Ps. 10:16; (Rev. 11:15)
PSALM 147
147:1 a Ps. 92:1
147:1 b Ps. 135:3
147:1 c Ps. 33:1
147:1 1 Heb. Hallelujah
147:2 d Ps. 102:16
147:2 e Deut. 30:3; Is. 11:12; 56:8; Ezek. 39:28
147:3 f (Ps. 51:17); Is. 61:1; Luke 4:18
147:3 2 Lit. sorrows
147:4 g Is. 40:26
147:5 h Ps. 48:1
147:5 i Nah. 1:3
147:5 j Is. 40:28
147:6 k Ps. 146:8, 9
147:8 l Job 38:26; Ps. 104:13
147:9 m Job 38:41
147:9 n (Matt. 6:26)
147:10 o Ps. 33:16, 17
147:14 p Is. 54:13; 60:17, 18
147:14 q Ps. 132:15
147:14 3 Lit. fat of wheat
147:15 r (Ps. 107:20)
147:16 s Job 37:6
147:17 4 fragments of food
147:18 t Job 37:10
147:19 u Deut. 33:4; Ps. 103:7
147:19 v Mal. 4:4
147:20 w Deut. 4:32–34; (Rom. 3:1, 2)
147:20 5 Heb. Hallelujah
PSALM 148
148:1 1 Heb. Hallelujah
148:4 a Deut. 10:14; 1 Kin. 8:27; (Neh. 9:6)
148:4 b Gen. 1:7
148:5 c Gen. 1:1, 6
148:6 d Ps. 89:37; (Jer. 31:35, 36; 33:20, 25)
148:7 e Is. 43:20
148:9 f Is. 44:23; 49:13
148:13 g Ps. 8:1
148:14 h 1 Sam. 2:1; Ps. 75:10
148:14 i Ps. 149:9
148:14 j Lev. 10:3; Eph. 2:17
148:14 2 Strength or dominion
148:14 3 Heb. Hallelujah
PSALM 149
149:1 a Ps. 33:3
149:1 1 Heb. Hallelujah
149:2 b Judg. 8:23; Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5
149:3 c Ex. 15:20; Ps. 81:2
149:4 d Ps. 35:27
149:4 e Ps. 132:16; Is. 61:3
149:4 2 meek
149:5 f Job 35:10
149:6 g Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16
149:9 h Deut. 7:1, 2; Ezek. 28:26
149:9 i Ps. 148:14; 1 Cor. 6:2
149:9 3 Heb. Hallelujah
PSALM 150
150:1 a Ps. 145:5, 6
150:1 1 Heb. Hallelujah
150:1 2 expanse of heaven
150:2 b Deut. 3:24
150:3 3 cornet
150:6 4 Heb. Hallelujah
Introduction to Proverbs
Title
The title in the Hebrew Bible is “The Proverbs of Solomon” (1:1), as also in the Greek Septuagint (LXX). Proverbs pulls together the most important 513 of the over 3,000 proverbs pondered by Solomon (1 Kin. 4:32; Eccl. 12:9), along with some proverbs of others whom Solomon likely influenced. The word “proverb” means “to be like,” thus Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths. Proverbs are simple, moral statements (or illustrations) that highlight and teach fundamental realities about life. Solomon sought God’s wisdom (2 Chr. 1:8–12) and offered “pithy sayings” designed to make men contemplate 1) the fear of God and 2) living by His wisdom (1:7; 9:10). The sum of this wisdom is personified in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:30).
Author and Date
The phrase “Proverbs of Solomon” is more a title than an absolute statement of authorship (1:1). While King Solomon, who ruled Israel from 971–931 B.C. and was granted great wisdom by God (see 1 Kin. 4:29–34), is the author of the didactic section (chaps. 1–9) and the proverbs of 10:1—22:16, he is likely only the compiler of the “sayings of the wise” in 22:17–24:34, which are of an uncertain date before Solomon’s reign. The collection in chaps. 25–29 was originally composed by Solomon (25:1) but copied and included later by Judah’s king Hezekiah (ca. 715–686 B.C.). Chapter 30 reflects the words of Agur and chap. 31 the words of Lemuel, who perhaps was Solomon. Proverbs was not assembled in its final form until Hezekiah’s day or after. Solomon authored his proverbs before his heart was turned away from God (1 Kin. 11:1–11), since the book reveals a godly perspective and is addressed to the “naive” and “young” who need to learn the fear of God. Solomon also wrote Psalms 72 and 127, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. See Introduction: Author and Date for Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.
Background and Setting
The book reflects a 3-fold setting as: 1) general wisdom literature; 2) insights from the royal court; and 3) instruction offered in the tender relationship of a father and mother with their children, all designed to produce meditation on God. Since Proverbs is Wisdom literature, by nature it is sometimes difficult to understand (1:6). Wisdom literature is part of the whole of OT truth; the Priest gave the Law, the Prophet gave a Word from the LORD, and the Sage (or wise man) gave his wise Counsel (Jer. 18:18; Ezek. 7:26). In Proverbs, Solomon the Sage gives insight into the “knotty” issues of life (1:6) which are not directly addressed in the Law or the Prophets. Though it is practical, Proverbs is not superficial or external because it contains moral and ethical elements stressing upright living which flow out of a right relationship with God. In 4:1–4, Solomon connected 3 generations as he entrusted to his son Rehoboam what he learned at the feet of David and Bathsheba. Proverbs is both a pattern for the tender impartation of truth from generation to generation, as well as a vast resource for the content of the truth to be imparted. Proverbs contains the principles and applications of Scripture which the godly characters of the Bible illustrate in their lives.
Historical and Theological Themes
Solomon came to the throne with great promise, privilege, and opportunity. God had granted his request for understanding (1 Kin. 3:9-12; 2 Chr. 1:10-12), and his wisdom exceeded all others (1 Kin. 4:29-31). However, the shocking reality is that he failed to live out the truth that he knew and even taught his son Rehoboam (1 Kin. 11:1, 4, 6, 7-11), who subsequently rejected his father’s teaching (1 Kin. 12:6-11).
Proverbs contains a gold mine of biblical theology, reflecting themes of Scripture brought to the level of practical righteousness (1:3), by addressing man’s ethical choices, calling into question how he thinks, lives, and manages his daily life in light of divine truth. More specifically, Proverbs calls man to live as the Creator intended him to live when He made man (Ps. 90:1, 2, 12).
The recurring promise of Proverbs is that generally the wise (the righteous who obey God) live longer (9:11), prosper (2:20-22), experience joy (3:13-18) and the goodness of God temporally (12:21), while fools suffer shame (3:35) and death (10:21). On the other hand, it must be remembered that this general principle is balanced by the reality that the wicked sometimes prosper (Ps. 73:3, 12), though only tempor
arily (Ps. 73:17-19). Job illustrates that there are occasions when the godly wise are struck with disaster and suffering.
There are a number of important themes addressed in Proverbs, which are offered in random order and address different topics, so that it is helpful to study the proverbs thematically as illustrated.
I. Man’s Relationship to God
A. His Trust Prov. 22:19
B. His Humility Prov. 3:34
C. His Fear of God Prov. 1:7
D. His Righteousness Prov. 10:25
E. His Sin Prov. 28:13
F. His Obedience Prov. 6:23
G. Facing Reward Prov. 12:28
H. Facing Tests Prov. 17:3
I. Facing Blessing Prov. 10:22
J. Facing Death Prov. 15:11
II. Man’s Relationship to Himself
A. His Character Prov. 20:11
B. His Wisdom Prov. 1:5
C. His Foolishness Prov. 26:10, 11
D. His Speech Prov. 18:21
E. His Self Control Prov. 6:9-11
F. His Kindness Prov. 3:3
G. His Wealth Prov. 11:4
H. His Pride Prov. 27:1
I. His Anger Prov. 29:11
J. His Laziness Prov. 13:4
III. Man’s Relationship to Others
A. His Love Prov. 8:17
B. His Friends Prov. 17:17
C. His Enemies Prov. 16:7
D. His Truthfulness Prov. 23:23
E. His Gossip Prov. 20:19
F. As a Father Prov. 20:7; 31:2-9
G. As a Mother Prov. 31:10-31
H. As Children Prov. 3:1-3
I. In Educating Children Prov. 4:1-4
J. In Disciplining Children Prov. 22:6
The two major themes which are interwoven and overlapping throughout Proverbs are wisdom and folly. Wisdom, which includes knowledge, understanding, instruction, discretion, and obedience, is built on the fear of the Lord and the Word of God. Folly is everything opposite to wisdom.
Interpretive Challenges
The first challenge is the generally elusive nature of Wisdom literature itself. Like the parables, the intended truths are often veiled from understanding if given only a cursory glance, and thus must be pondered in the heart (1:6; 2:1-4; 4:4-9).
Another challenge is the extensive use of parallelism, which is the placing of truths side by side so that the second line expands, completes, defines, emphasizes, or reaches the logical conclusion, the ultimate end, or, in some cases, the contrasting point of view. Often the actual parallel is only implied. For example, 12:13 contains an unstated, but clearly implied parallel, in that the righteous one comes through trouble because of his virtuous speech (cf. 28:7). In interpreting the Proverbs, one must: 1) determine the parallelism and often complete what is assumed and not stated by the author; 2) identify the figures of speech and rephrase the thought without those figures; 3) summarize the lesson or principle of the proverb in a few words; 4) describe the behavior that is taught; and 5) find examples inside Scripture.
Challenges are also found in the various contexts of Proverbs, all of which affect interpretation and understanding. First, there is the setting in which they were spoken; this is largely the context of the young men in the royal court of the king. Second, there is the setting of the book as a whole and how its teachings are to be understood in light of the rest of Scripture. For example, there is much to be gained by comparing the wisdom Solomon taught with the wisdom Christ personified. Third, there is the historical context in which the principles and truths draw on illustrations from their own day.
A final area of challenge comes in understanding that proverbs are divine guidelines and wise observations, i.e., teaching underlying principles (24:3, 4) which are not always inflexible laws or absolute promises. These expressions of general truth (cf. 10:27; 22:4) generally do have “exceptions,” due to the uncertainty of life and unpredictable behavior of fallen men. God does not guarantee uniform outcome or application for each proverb, but in studying them and applying them, one comes to contemplate the mind of God, His character, His attributes, His works, and His blessings. All of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge expressed in Proverbs are hidden in Christ (Col. 2:3).
Outline
I. Prologue (1:1-7)
A. Title (1:1)
B. Purpose (1:2-6)
C. Theme (1:7)
II. Praise and Wisdom to the Young (1:8-9:18)
III. Proverbs for Everyone (10:1-29:27)
A. From Solomon (10:1-22:16)
B. From Wise Men (22:17-24:34)
C. From Solomon Collected by Hezekiah (25:1-29:27)
IV. Personal Notes (30:1-31:31)
A. From Agur (30:1-33)
B. From Lemuel (31:1-31)
The Book of
PROVERBS
Proverbs 1
The Beginning of Knowledge
1The aproverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2To know wisdom and instruction,
To 1perceive the words of understanding,
3To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;
4To give prudence to the bsimple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
5c A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will 2attain wise counsel,
6To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their driddles.
7e The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Shun Evil Counsel
8f My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9For they will be a ggraceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
10My son, if sinners entice you,
h Do not consent.
11If they say, “Come with us,
Let us ilie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12Let us swallow them alive like 3Sheol,
And whole, jlike those who go down to the Pit;
13We shall find all kinds of precious 4possessions,
We shall fill our houses with 5spoil;
14Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—
15My son, kdo not walk in the way with them,
l Keep your foot from their path;
16m For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
17Surely, in 6vain the net is spread
In the sight of any 7bird;
18But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19n So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.
The Call of Wisdom
20o Wisdom calls aloud 8outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.
21She cries out in the 9chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:
22“How long, you 10simple ones, will you love 11simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.
23Turn at my rebuke;
Surely pI will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24q Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25Because you rdisdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,
26s I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,
27When tyour terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
28“Thenu they will call o
n me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29Because they vhated knowledge
And did not wchoose the fear of the LORD,
30x They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.
31Therefore ythey shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32For the 12turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33But whoever listens to me will dwell zsafely,
And awill be 13secure, without fear of evil.”
Proverbs 2
The Value of Wisdom
1My son, if you receive my words,
And atreasure my commands within you,
2So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4b If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5c Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
6d For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
e He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8He guards the paths of justice,
And fpreserves the way of His saints.
9Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
10When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11Discretion will preserve you;
g Understanding will keep you,
12To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To hwalk in the ways of darkness;
14i Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15j Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;
16To deliver you from kthe immoral woman,
l From the seductress who flatters with her words,
17Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
18For mher house 1leads down to death,
The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV Page 296