Jensens survey of the old testament adam 170

uncovered proverbs of other nations as
well.11 The main di erence is not in style,
but in content. Compare the following two
proverbs. What is the notable difference?
“Do not lean on the scales, nor falsify the
weights, nor damage the fractions of the
measure” (proverb of Amen-em-ope, of
Eygpt).
“Di ering weights and di ering measures,
both of them are abominable to the LORD”
(proverb of Solomon, 20:10).
IV. SURVEY
1. Read the rst verse of each chapter of
Proverbs. What headings (or titles) appear at
these points: 1:1; 10:1; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1?
(Also, read 22:17.) Do these verses suggest
any organization of the book?
2. Most books of the Bible have an
introduction and a conclusion. Look for


these in Proverbs. For the introduction,
begin reading the rst chapter. How many
verses
would
you
identify
as
an
introduction?
3. The identi cation of a conclusion is

more di cult. The last segment is about a
virtuous woman (31:10-31). If this is not the
conclusion, then the previous segment
should be included (31:1-9). But if 31:1 is a
part of the conclusion, then the similar
heading of 30:1 should also be included.
Therefore, one might say that Proverbs
concludes
with
an epilogue of two
supplements
(chaps.
30-31).
The
introduction, then, could be called a
prologue. Using 1:1-6 as the extent of that
introduction, the basic structure of the book
would be this:


4. Chart 73 shows the various divisions of
Proverbs which we have observed thus far,
and includes outlines of content. Answer the
following questions on the basis of the chart:
a) Where in the book is the purpose of
Proverbs stated?
b) What group of chapters develops the
primary theme of the book?
c) Where is there a concentration of oneverse proverbs?
d) What part of the book is addressed

especially to young people? Confirm
your answer by these verses: 1:8; 2:1;
3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 6:1; and so forth.
e) What groups of chapters are specifically
assigned to Solomon?
5. Make a nal scanning of the book of
Proverbs with survey Chart 73 in mind.
V. PROMINENT SUBJECTS


A. KING SOLOMON

The book of Proverbs is not a narrative
about Solomon, but its pages reveal much
about this wise man. (Consult a Bible
dictionary or encyclopedia for a sketch of
his colorful career.)12 Solomon was a
unique character in many ways; he was
musician,
poet,
botanist,
zoologist,
businessman, administrator, and king. From
1 Kings 3:12 and 4:29 we learn that his
wisdom was a direct gift from God. This was
in answer to Solomon’s petition (1 Kings
3:5-9). He was the author of 3,000 proverbs
and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). Read 1
Kings 3:16-28; 4:29-34; and 10:1-9, noting
other things said about Solomon.

B. PERSONAL ETHICS

The
proverbs
are
God’s
detailed
instructions and exhortations to His people
concerning their thought-and-deed life.