How to Understand the Proverbs Writings

We know that Proverbs was written by Solomon. Proverbs holds a lot of wisdom in these writings. The Proverbs are written in a poetic manner, and understanding that process of writing these wise words gives us more understanding of the message. The Proverbs are written in such a way that I think are easy to meditate on because you can take smaller sections to think on. The following should help in discovering the wisdom in the style of these writings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bible

1. There are four different forms that the writer used in writing the Proverbs. They are always written in two-line form. The first way of writing the Proverbs uses a synonymous method. This means the second line has the same meaning as the first line, but it is said in a different way. For example, Proverbs 1:5 – “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” The word “wise” is synonymous with “discerning”, as “add to their learning” is synonymous to “get guidance.”
2. The second way the Proverbs were written is in an antithetical way, meaning the second line is in contrast to the first line. For example, Proverbs 10:4--“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” The word “lazy” is in contrast to the word “diligent.” The word “poor” contrasts the word “wealth.”
3. The third way the Proverbs were written is an expanded method. This is where the second line expands further on the idea of the first line. For example, Proverbs 16:3 --“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” This proverb shows that if we commit what we do to the Lord, the second line expands with that idea showing that the Lord will make our plans succeed.
4. The fourth method of writing the Proverbs is giving it a comparative meaning. This is a truth from the first line that is backed up with a life experience or story in the second line. Using the comparative method is also used with the first line being the illustration and the second line being the main idea. For example, Proverbs 25:28--Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” The main idea is a man who lacks self-control. The illustration of what that is like is a city whose walls are broken down.