- PROVERB a trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew word thus
rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root meaning
“to be like,” “parable.” Rendered “proverb” in Isaiah 14:4; Habakkuk 2:6;
“dark saying” in Psalm 49:4, Numbers 12:8. Ahab’s defiant words in
answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, “Let not him that girdeth on
his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off,” is a well known
instance of a proverbial saying (1 Kings 20:11). - PROVERBS, BOOK OF a collection of moral and philosophical maxims
of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic form. This book sets forth
the “philosophy of practical life. It is the sign to us that the Bible does not
despise common sense and discretion. It impresses upon us in the most
forcible manner the value of intelligence and prudence and of a good
education. The whole strength of the Hebrew language and of the sacred
authority of the book is thrown upon these homely truths. It deals, too, in
that refined, discriminating, careful view of the finer shades of human
character so often overlooked by theologians, but so necessary to any true
estimate of human life” (Stanley’s Jewish Church).
As to the origin of this book, “it is probable that Solomon gathered and
recast many proverbs which sprang from human experience in preceeding
ages and were floating past him on the tide of time, and that he also
elaborated many new ones from the material of his own experience.
Towards the close of the book, indeed, are preserved some of Solomon’s
own sayings that seem to have fallen from his lips in later life and been
gathered by other hands’ (Arnot’s Laws from Heaven, etc.)
This book is usually divided into three parts: (1.) Consisting of ch. 1-9,
which contain an exhibition of wisdom as the highest good.
(2.) Consisting of ch. 10-24.
(3.) Containing proverbs of Solomon “which the men of Hezekiah, the king
of Judah, collected” (ch. 25-29).
These are followed by two supplements, (1) “The words of Agur” (ch.
30); and (2) “The words of king Lemuel” (ch. 31).
Solomon is said to have written three thousand proverbs, and those
contained in this book may be a selection from these (1 Kings 4:32). In the
New Testament there are thirty-five direct quotations from this book or
allusions to it.