Proverbs (The Preacher's Commentary, Volume 15 | TPC)

Top Highlights

“The bulk of Proverbs divides into two major kinds of literature: instructive speeches, chapters 1–9; wisdom sayings, chapters 10–31. The speeches had as their main purpose to state every possible reason why wisdom should be valued and folly despised.” (Page 43)

“In the second admonition, ‘trust the Lord’s guidance’ (vv. 5–8), we come upon the words most frequently quoted from the Book of Proverbs by Christian believers. These phrases are to Christ’s disciples what the wedding ceremony is to newlyweds. They spell out what is and is not to be done within that relationship. They set the terms of what it means to live with God at the outset of our commitment to Him and through every step of our pilgrimage. They are the ‘to have and to hold from this day forward’ of our marriage– covenant with God. We need to reflect on them regularly as wedding anniversaries encourage us to do on our wedding vows.” (Page 72)

“You may call it snoozing. But while your eyes lie shut and your hands folded, ‘your poverty’ will panhandle everything you own like a hobo (‘tramp’ is a more accurate translation than ‘prowler,’ v. 11) and your need (or total lack of goods) will take the rest like a cheeky beggar (‘armed,’ in light of Arabic and Ugaritic roots ought to be translated as either ‘an insolent man’ or ‘a beggar’). Hard work ought to be the normal routine of us who serve a carpenter-Christ, who follow the lead of a tentmaker-apostle, and who call ourselves children of a Father who is still working (John 5:17).” (Page 101)

“The teacher is frustrated, even angry. Laziness is a breach of love. It refuses to carry its own weight let alone help with the loads of the rest of us who plod along supporting our young, our aged, our infirm. We have no surplus energy to carry those who can walk and will not. ‘How long’ and ‘when’ are the right questions.” (Page 101)