The document provides an introduction to the book of Proverbs. It outlines the purpose as evaluating different types of people illustrated in Proverbs in order to understand biblical wisdom and determine actions to become wiser. Proverbs uses generalized statements to convey moral principles rather than promises. Fearing God is the foundation of wisdom, and wisdom leads to greater knowledge and fear of Him. The introduction defines key terms and concepts in Proverbs and explains how it can be studied topically by examining different types of people portrayed.

1. The People of ProverbsThe People of Proverbs
Part One: Introduction to ProverbsPart One: Introduction to Proverbs

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

3. Overview of ProverbsOverview of Proverbs
The Plan of ProverbsThe Plan of Proverbs
Ch. 1-9Ch. 1-9
““my son” (1:8;my son” (1:8;
2:1; 3:1; etc.)2:1; 3:1; etc.)
Ch. 10-29Ch. 10-29
““collection ofcollection of
prov.”prov.”
Ch. 30Ch. 30
““exam. Ofexam. Of
wisdom”wisdom”
ExhortationExhortation
and Warningsand Warnings
ExaminationExamination ExaltationExaltation
SolomonSolomon SolomonSolomon Wise MenWise 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 ProverbsTwo 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 studiedProverbs should be studied
• As general absolutes – generalizedAs general absolutes – generalized
statements that are true to life evenstatements that are true to life even
though individual cases differ.though individual cases differ.
• Principles, not promises.Principles, not promises.

6. Definition of key wordsDefinition of key words
• Proverb - The Hebrew noun translated “proverb” isProverb - The Hebrew noun translated “proverb” is
derived from the rootderived from the root ((mashalmashal) which means) which means
“likeness.” The related verb means “to be like, be“likeness.” The related verb means “to be like, be
comparable with,” e.g., (Ps 49:12). The noun cancomparable with,” e.g., (Ps 49:12). The noun can
mean an object lesson based on or using amean an object lesson based on or using a
comparison or analogy. It may be a short pithycomparison or analogy. It may be a short pithy
statement (Ezek 16:44), object lesson drawn fromstatement (Ezek 16:44), object lesson drawn from
experience (Ps 78:2–6), saying or by-word (Deutexperience (Ps 78:2–6), saying or by-word (Deut
28:37) or an oracle of future blessing (Ezek 21:1–5).28:37) or an oracle of future blessing (Ezek 21:1–5).
In Proverbs it is usually an object lesson setting outIn Proverbs it is usually an object lesson setting out
courses of action. It helps one choose the course ofcourses of action. It helps one choose the course of
action to follow or avoid.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 wordsDefinition of key words
• Wisdom - The noun “wisdom” (Wisdom - The noun “wisdom” (,, khokhmahkhokhmah) could be) could be
nuanced “moral skill.” It refers to “skill” that producesnuanced “moral skill.” It refers to “skill” that produces
something of value. It is used in reference to the skillsomething of value. It is used in reference to the skill
of seamen (Ps 107:27), abilities of weavers (Exodof seamen (Ps 107:27), abilities of weavers (Exod
35:26), capabilities of administrators (1 Kgs 3:28), or35:26), capabilities of administrators (1 Kgs 3:28), or
skill of craftsmen (Exod 31:6). In the realm of moralskill of craftsmen (Exod 31:6). In the realm of moral
living, it refers to skill in living – one lives life withliving, it refers to skill in living – one lives life with
moral skill so that something of lasting value ismoral skill so that something of lasting value is
produced from one’s life.produced from one’s life.
• Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006).Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition;The NET Bible First Edition;
Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET BibleBible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.. 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 wordsDefinition of key words
Wisdom (Wisdom (,, khokhmahkhokhmah) can refer to one) can refer to one
being clever or shrewd or skilled.being clever or shrewd or skilled.
In Proverbs wisdom is the “skill of livingIn Proverbs wisdom is the “skill of living
your life rightly before God and man.”your life rightly before God and man.”

9. Key versesKey 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 versesKey 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 ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsPurpose and Theme of Proverbs
Proverbs 1:2-7 (NET)
2
To learn wisdom and moral instruction,
• The nounThe noun ((musarmusar) has a three-fold range of meanings:) 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 withIts parallelism with ((khokhmahkhokhmah, “wisdom, moral skill”) suggests that, “wisdom, moral skill”) suggests that
it refers to moral training or instruction that the Book of Proverbsit refers to moral training or instruction that the Book of Proverbs
offers to its readers. This instruction consists of wisdom acquired byoffers to its readers. This instruction consists of wisdom acquired by
observing the consequences of foolish actions in others andobserving the consequences of foolish actions in others and
developing the ability to control the natural inclination to folly. Thisdeveloping the ability to control the natural inclination to folly. This
sometimes comes through experiencing chastisement from God.sometimes comes through experiencing chastisement from God.
Sensing something of this nuance, the LXX translated this term withSensing something of this nuance, the LXX translated this term with
the Greek word for “child-training.”the Greek word for “child-training.”
• Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006).Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible.The NET Bible First Edition; Bible.
English. NET Bible.; The NET BibleEnglish. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press.. Biblical Studies Press.

13. Purpose and Theme of ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsPurpose 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.
***“upright, straight, right.” Elsewhere it is used in aElsewhere it is used in a
concrete sense to describe cows walking straight down aconcrete sense to describe cows walking straight down a
path without turning right or left (1 Sam 6:12).path without turning right or left (1 Sam 6:12).

15. Purpose and Theme of ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsPurpose 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 ProverbsThe People of Proverbs
• The Simple or NaïveThe Simple or Naïve
• The SluggardThe Sluggard
• The FoolThe Fool
• The ScofferThe Scoffer
• The WiseThe Wise