Chronological Bible Study – June 5
What I Noticed Today (Proverbs 7-9)
Proverbs 7
Proverbs 7 is a continuation of Solomon’s instructions regarding the perils of adultery.
In verses 1-5, Solomon begins with his exhortation for his son to listen and pay attention to his teaching. He says to keep his words and treasure his commandments, to bind them on his fingers and write them on his heart. This wisdom and insight, he says, will keep you from the adulteress.
In verses 6-20, Solomon speaks of a young and innocent man who walks on the street near the adulteress. The wily adulteress comes out to meet him, seizes him and kisses him, and lures him to her bedroom because her husband is gone and will not return for some time.
In verses 21-23, the young man is seduced by her smooth talk and follows her. Like an ox being led to slaughter, he doesn’t realize what this infidelity will cost him.
In verses 24-27, Solomon exhorts his son to listen and pay attention. He says to steer clear of the adulteress, turn away from her, and do not stray into her path, because her way is a way that leads to death.
Proverbs 8
In Proverbs 8, Solomon speaks of wisdom as a woman; her invitation, her virtues, and her rewards.
In verses 1-5, wisdom stands on the street and calls out to men to learn prudence and sense.
In verses 6-11, wisdom exhorts the listener to listen to what is righteous, saying her instruction is more important than worldly wealth (silver, gold, jewels).
In verses 12-21, the emphasis switches to wisdom herself
Note: The use of 16 personal pronouns in these ten verses.
If a person has wisdom, they have prudence, knowledge, and discretion. By contrast, wisdom hates pride, arrogance, and perverted speech. Wisdom provides counsel, sound judgment, and understanding. With wisdom kings, princes, and nobles rule justly. Wisdom loves those who love her, and she is found by those who diligently seek her. The fruit (benefits) of wisdom are more precious than gold or silver. Wisdom, righteousness, and justice go together.
Verses 22-26 describe wisdom as being with the Lord at the beginning of His creative work. In fact, wisdom existed before creation (mentioned five times in verses 22-23).
In verses 27-31, wisdom says she was present when God made the heavens, the deep, the skies, and the seas rejoicing with Him in the creation and in man.
In verses 32-36, wisdom exhorts young men to listen because those who have wisdom are blessed (appears three times v. 32, 33, and 34). Whoever finds wisdom finds life and obtains the favor of the Lord, but whoever does not find wisdom injures himself, and those who hate wisdom love death.
Proverbs 9
Proverbs 9 summarizes Proverbs 1-8 contrasting wisdom with folly. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman of good character preparing a banquet, while folly is portrayed as a harlot preparing stolen food.
In verses 1-6, wisdom builds her house, slaughters beasts, prepares wine, and has set the table in preparation for her banquet. She sends young women into the community inviting the simple (naïve) and those who lack the sense to come in and eat and gain insight.
In verses 7-12, accepting the invitation of wisdom is contrasted with the invitation of folly. A scoffer and the wicked will hate you while giving instruction to a wise man will result in him gaining more wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of God brings insight.
In verses 13-18, folly is portrayed as loud and seductive. Taking the highest point in the city, she calls out to the simple (naïve) and those who lack the sense to come in and eat stolen food in secret. Her guests don’t realize they are in the depths of Sheol.