Page 97 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

doesn’t capture our attention; spiritual indifference and apathy don’t attract notice.
After all, everyone coasts now and then, we think. What we are doing really isn’t that
bad. The trail looks smooth so we ignore the warning signs that seem to be
everywhere.”
162

Proverbs addresses all of life in the sense of every part of a person. Feet rush into evil (1:16). An ear can
be turned to wisdom (2:2). Lips of an adulterous woman drip honey (5:3). The words of one’s mouth can
be a snare (6:2). Hands can be folded in lazy rest (6:10). Fingers can motion with deceit (6:13). A face can
be brazen (7:13). Several times numerous body parts are mentioned together. Among seven detestable
things are: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked
schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs
up conflict (6:16-19).

In the center of such lists is the heart. In this section of Proverbs, “heart” is used 21x. The heart is the
spiritual center of a person, not simply his emotional life. “Above all else, guard your heart, for
everything you do flows from it (4:23). Here is where wisdom must reside. We are to apply our heart to
wisdom (2:2) and trust in the Lord with all one’s heart (3:5). We take hold of good words “with all your
heart (4:4)” and “bind them always on your heart (6:21).” One who refuses wisdom is said to have “no
sense,” or, more literally, “no heart” (7:7; 9:4, 16).

Proverbs also addresses all human life in the sense of community. A host of people march across the
pages of Proverbs, interacting with one another under the supervision of Yahweh (3:33-34). As already
noted, the book is aimed at both the simple as well as the wise. Solomon wants the inexperienced to
avoid the painful consequences of sin (1:32) and the wise to grow in understanding for himself and for
the rest of the community (4:8).

Fools are scattered throughout Proverbs. One type of fool is dull and obstinate by his chosen outlook. He
actually despises God’s wisdom (1:7). Worse than the fool is the scoffer or mocker. Trying to correct such
a person will bring insults and abuse (9:7.) He finds himself mocked in turn by God (3:34). The sluggard is
mentioned a number of times, usually with a degree of humor. “How long will you lie there, you
163
sluggard?” asks Solomon (6:9). Troublemakers can be found along with strangers who give loans.
Besides the parent-child relationship, the next most frequent topic is the neighbor or friend. “Do not plot
harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you (3:29).”

The cast of proverbs is great. Mothers and fathers, children and siblings, along with husbands and wives
make their appearance. Yet all people in whatever role they take in life must give account to God. The
fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom (1:7). As we continue to read, we should understand the very
personal nature of this fear. We cannot discover principles of life and use them without reference to
God. Yahweh is involved in wealth (10:22), length of days (10:27), and strength (10:29). Yahweh’s likes
and dislikes are not mild. He loves, even if his treatment in chastening seems rough for the moment
(3:12). He hates, even if the wicked seem to be doing just fine for the moment (3:32, 33; 6:16; 8:13).
Wisdom is no light matter.

162 Edward T. Welch, Addictions (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2001), 67.
163 Derek Kidner, Proverbs (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1964, 39-46.
96