Read the book of Solomon's proverbs chapter by chapter. One of the best parables of King Solomon Read Solomon's Proverbs
In the Slavic, Greek and Russian Bibles, a book called the book of Proverbs is one of the seven sacred books. Their complete list is as follows: the book of Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Song of Songs, Proverbs of Solomon, the Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon. Because of their content, they are called books of wisdom or teaching.
In the Preface to the first printed Slavic Bible it is said about these books: “from them we learn reason and true wisdom.”
In the form of presentation they are poetic or, if we take a broader meaning, poetic.
According to Prov. 1:1, the honorary title of “creator of parables” is given to King Solomon. And in Christian antiquity, the book of Proverbs was recognized as a single work, belonging to the pen of one single author - Solomon. If we draw an analogy, then, for example, the book of Psalms was also attributed to the authorship of one person - King David.
According to 3 Kings. 4:32, Solomon spoke a thousand and five songs, and also three thousand proverbs.
However, it is worth noting that the three thousand parables in which 1 Kings. 4:32 cannot be identified with canonical literature.
They cannot be called Parables either in content and character, or in quantity. The entire book of Solomon's Proverbs contains no more than 915 verses. It follows from this that the bulk of all three thousand parables were not included in the book of Proverbs. Only a select part, mainly of a moral and religious nature, entered it.
The first part is a kind of collection of exhortation speeches - from the first to the ninth chapter.
This section is primarily the book of Wisdom, which is portrayed as the highest good and the only worthy object of human aspiration.
Part one can be divided into three more sections, each of which, in turn, contains three chapters.
The first section contains impulses towards wisdom, both negative and positive. Chapter 1 talks about this. Chapter 2 talks about the properties of wisdom and its positive consequences for humans. Chapter three is about private discoveries of wisdom in relationships with neighbors and God.
The second section, which includes chapters four to six, in the fourth chapter sets out in more detail the motivations for gaining wisdom and the requirements that are presented to a person who has embarked on the path of gaining wisdom.
The fifth chapter is devoted to admonitions to avoid curiosity and voluptuousness.
Chapter six talks about integrity, honesty and caution in the process of performing community, civic and other duties.
The third section, beginning with the seventh chapter, depicts wisdom and stupidity in the form of thinking, living images or faces. They differ from each other in actions and internal properties. Particular attention is paid to the seductions of stupidity.
The eighth and ninth chapters are about personified wisdom, which addresses people with authoritative appeals so that they can follow it as the only good, devoid of deception.
Moving on to reading the second part of the book, the reader gets the opportunity to familiarize himself with the Proverbs of Solomon, as well as two additions - the words of the wise. In the second part, based on the general concepts of piety and wisdom set forth in the first part, various instructions and rules are proposed. These rules concern common human relations, as well as a variety of aspects of moral and religious behavior.
The third part of the book is composed of the parables of Solomon. These parables were collected and written into a book by the friends of Hezlekiah, the king of Judah.
Here the main attention was paid to political parables relating to the king and his government, as well as practical parables related to the topic of social and civil life.
The book's conclusion consists of two additions to Solomon's parables. These are chapters 30 to 31.
One of the additions is the parable of Agur. In a rather intricate, artificial form, it teaches behavior and true wisdom and its application in life.
The second addition is the instructions of King Lemuel's mother and praise for his wife, who has virtuous qualities.
The Orthodox Christian Church respects the book of Solomon's Proverbs to the highest degree, using readings from various passages during church services.
Readings from this book, also called parmia, are used in church services quite often compared to other Old Testament books.
In the parables of the wise King Solomon, you can find a way out of any situation and an answer to any, even the most difficult question.
The name (Shlomo) is translated from Hebrew as “peacemaker” or “perfect.” The famous King Solomon fully justified the meaning of his name. He forever remained in the tablets of history as the wisest and fairest ruler. And the answer to any question that worries a person can be found in the books written by Solomon.
About true love
The most famous Solomonic parable is the story of two women who did not share a baby. They both gave birth to boys at the same time. However, the baby of one of the women in labor died, and then she declared her rights to another child. The women went for advice to the wise King Solomon. To find out which of the petitioners was the real mother, the king ordered a sword to be brought and the baby to be cut in half. One woman was completely indifferent to this. “Chop! – she said. “Let no one get it!” But the other began to cry and, falling to her knees, begged Solomon not to harm the child. “Give the child to my rival! - she said. “Just don’t touch him!” It was then that it became clear who the baby’s mother was.About the transience of troubles and joys
No less famous is the ring that one sage gave to the king. “In moments of despair, look at him,” he told Solomon, “and you will be comforted!” In moments of joy, look at him, and you will appreciate them!” The ring was engraved with the words “Everything will pass.” But one day, preoccupied with something, the king became so angry that the ring did not help him. He took it off his finger and was about to throw it away. However, on the inside I saw another inscription that read “This too shall pass!”About the right choice
One day a man came to the king and complained that in any situation he suffered terribly, because he was afraid of making the wrong decision. “If you see a child drowning, what will you do?” – Solomon unexpectedly asked the visitor. “Of course, I’ll rush to save him!” – the man answered without hesitation. “Would you have done the same thing yesterday? And tomorrow?" – the king asked again. The guest nodded. “It’s the same in everything else,” said the wise ruler. – In fact, there is only one correct decision. And it depends on the moral values of the person himself. But choice as such does not exist at all!”About promises
One day God hid a treasure on the ground and ordered a snake to guard it. The snake honestly carried out its service until one fine day there was a drought. The snake was suffering from thirst. And when a peasant passed by her with a jug of milk, she asked him for a drink, and in return promised to show him where the treasures were hidden. The peasant agreed. The snake quenched his thirst and led his savior to the treasured place. But when the man bent over the treasure, the snake suddenly remembered God’s order and wrapped itself around the peasant’s neck. But he was not afraid, but suggested that the snake wait with reprisals and ask the wise King Solomon for advice. The snake told the king that it had the right to bite anyone who approached the treasures entrusted to it. “Then,” said Solomon, “everyone has the right to crush the snake’s head!” The peasant immediately grabbed a stone and hit the snake. She fell dead.About life
One day, King Solomon descended from the top of the mountain where he watched the sunrise every day. Below, as usual, people were already waiting for him, eager to know the truth. They began to ask the king questions about the meaning of life, happiness and sorrow, harmony and perfection.Tell us who we are? - Solomon’s servants asked.
You are the light of the world. You are the stars. The Universe is in each of you,” answered the king. Dive your mind into your hearts and listen. Blessed are those who know the language of God.
What is the meaning of life? – people asked again.
Life is a dance of love. And your purpose is to blossom. To be is a great gift to the world. Treat life as a holiday, because life is valuable in itself. Life is only the present. And the meaning of the present is to be in this present.
Why do misfortunes haunt us?
-What you sow is what you reap. Unhappiness is your choice. Poverty is a human creation. By blaming, you lose power, and by lusting, you dissipate happiness. Wake up, for the beggar is the one who does not know himself. And those who have not found the Kingdom of God within themselves are homeless. The one who wastes time becomes poor. Let wealth not be your curse.
– How to overcome adversity? – people asked again.
- Don't judge yourself. For you are divine,” Solomon answered without hesitation. – Don’t compare and don’t divide. Give thanks for everything. Rejoice, for joy works wonders. Love yourself, for those who love themselves love everyone. Bless dangers, for the brave find bliss. Pray in joy, and misfortune will bypass you.
What is the path to happiness?
– Happy are those who love, happy are those who thank, happy are those who are at peace. Happy are those who find heaven within themselves. Happy are those who give with joy and happy are those who receive gifts with joy. Happy are the seekers. Happy are the awakened ones. Happy are those who listen to the voice of God. Happy are those who fulfill their destiny. Happy are those who are in harmony. Happy are those who have seen the beauty of the world. Happy are those who open themselves to the Sun. Happy flowing like rivers. Happy are those who are ready to accept happiness. Happy are the wise. Happy are those who realize themselves. Happy are those who love themselves. Happy are those who praise life. Happy are the creators. Happy are the free. Happy are those who forgive.
How to live in the light?
- Drink from every moment of life, for unlived life gives rise to sorrow. And know that what is inside is also outside. The darkness of the world comes from darkness in the heart. Man is the seed of the Sun. Happiness is the sunrise. Blessed are those who thirst for light.
How to find harmony?
- Don't harm anyone. Don't be jealous. Dedicate your life to beauty. Create for the sake of creativity, not for recognition. Treat your neighbors as revelations. Transform the past by forgetting it. Bring something new into the world. Become the energy of love, for love spiritualizes everything. Where there is love, there is God.
How to achieve perfection in life?
– A happy person transforms many. The unfortunate remain slaves, for happiness loves freedom. Truly, joy is where Freedom is. Master the art of happiness. Open yourself to the world, and the world will open to you.
Short sayings are one of the oldest teaching methods. At a time when books were few and philosophy was undeveloped, this approach to instruction brought tangible benefits. The human mind, not accustomed to lengthy reasoning, responded much more quickly to short maxims that expressed an interesting thought in a few words. The sage himself, the author of the book, gives the best definition of such aphoristic sayings. He describes them as “apples of gold in clear vessels of silver” (Prov. 25:11).
The Book of Proverbs is a storehouse of divine wisdom. Descriptions of God are filled with sacred awe. In it, human nature is explored accurately and in detail. This book encourages goodness. Mr. Scott has beautifully said: “We shall be able to understand the meaning and usefulness of the Book of Proverbs to the extent of the truth of our faith, our acquaintance with our hearts and human nature, and the breadth and accuracy of our observations of the character and affairs of man.” Eusebius argued that the Book of Proverbs contains "wisdom filled with every kind of virtue."
I have divided the Book of Proverbs into three parts. The first part covers 1:1-9:18. It is, as Dr. Good noted, "largely concerned with behavior in early life." Wisdom here is likened to the tree of life, offering refreshing coolness and delicious fruit.
The second part is 10:1-24:34. The style and content of the second part is quite different from the first. It is intended for people who have reached maturity. In it, moral principles are expressed using aphorisms that are easy to understand and remember. There is a variety of styles here: sometimes very straightforward (10:19; 16:3; 22:2), sometimes very lofty (15:11; 21:16, 22), sometimes mysterious (16:24; 17:8; 18: 20), and sometimes the sayings contain opposition (14:10; 16:16; 17:10; 18:4; 19:12; 20:14).
The third part is 25:1-31:31. Chapters 25-29 were written by Solomon and edited by the king's scribes several centuries later during the reign of Hezekiah. The last two chapters were written by different people and preserved by divine providence: they are well worthy to be part of the inspired canon of Scripture.
The date of writing of this book is not precisely established. We can rest assured that some of the sayings are taken from the 3000 proverbs of Solomon (1 Kings 4:32), which the king spoke before his unfortunate fall. Church ministers should note that Solomon, like St. Paul teaches us that preaching to others does not save the preacher himself.
The book should be interpreted very carefully. Since the principles taught in the Old and New Testaments are essentially the same, it is wise to explain obscure passages in clearer terms. The main task of the interpreter is to find the literal and exact meaning of each parable. In other words, the spiritual meaning of parables is the meaning given to them by the Spirit. One must use good judgment, not imagination, to interpret a particular parable. Where only the literal meaning is intended, it is wrong to look for some new spiritual meaning, but rather, one should find out the practical meaning of the parable.
However, it is necessary to distinguish interpretation from illustration. The rhetorical devices used in the Book of Proverbs after their literal meaning has been established, It may well be used to illustrate other truths that were not intended by the author of the parables. Holy writers have used this technique, although it requires thoughtfulness, because by using it one can easily distort the meaning of Scripture and become like the people about whom Dr. South says that they “can extract anything from anything.”
While we strive to offer sound interpretation, we must not forget that the Book of Proverbs is part of a whole—part of “the word of Christ” (Col. 3:16). This title so aptly describes the Book of Proverbs that it immediately reveals the main idea of this book. It encourages us to search the Old Testament (John 5:39), which is the key to the divine treasury. Mr. Cecil remarked, "If we do not see the golden thread running through the whole Bible and symbolizing Christ, we are reading Scripture without a key." Augustine said: “The Old Testament loses its charm if Christ is not seen in it.” These remarks, however, do not diminish the value of the extensive historical material and practical instructions. But, without a doubt, Christ is the Sun of all Scripture, and in His light we see light (Ps. 35:10). This light gives life throughout the Christian journey. Professor Frank reminds us: “There is much joy, peace, and pleasure in the Old Testament (especially in reading passages that previously seemed dull and almost irritating) when we see Christ beautifully portrayed.”
It was written about Mary Jane Graham that “she studied the Book of Proverbs with delight, because she constantly saw Christ in it.” But it is obvious that the Book of Proverbs is not always appreciated. People often ask how to read it profitably. It is quite possible that the answer to this question lies in the instruction given in the first four verses of the second chapter. The first thing to do before you read a page or verse from the Bible is to pray. Start with prayer. Then unite your inquisitive mind with your praying heart. Search diligently for the hidden treasure. Jewels never lie on the surface. You must search the Scriptures (John 5:39). But how do you apply your heart to understand the Book of Proverbs? Use all available auxiliary materials. Then, having found the treasure of the Word of God, absorb this life-giving food so that it becomes the joy of our hearts (Jer. 15:16).
A correct understanding of the main purpose of the book will help to better understand it. And its goal is to teach how to live correctly. A true man of God takes equal interest in theological reasoning and moral instruction. The truth that is in Jesus, which He teaches us, is practical (Eph. 4:20-24). While other parts of Scripture show the glory of our highest calling, the Book of Proverbs explains in detail how we must live to be worthy of that calling. We look into it like a microscope and see the smallest details of our Christian life. With any state of mind, look, gesture, action, we either distort or decorate the image of our Lord. The value of the Book of Proverbs lies in the fact that it humbles even the most faithful servant of God, drawing his attention to numerous shortcomings. Matthew Henry said that the last chapter is “a mirror for ladies,” and I will say that the whole book is a mirror for each of us.
And it is not just a mirror reflecting our shortcomings, but also a guide to godly living. Here detailed instructions are given on how to behave in various situations, and these instructions are based on a very accurate knowledge of human nature. As Lord Bacon noted, “besides the code of purely religious laws, beautiful rules flow from the deep recesses of wisdom.” The book talks about a variety of people. She gives wisdom to kings (8:15-16), sets out the principles of prosperity and destruction of the people (11:14; 14:34), warns the rich about the temptations that constantly threaten them (18:11; 23:4-5; 28:20, 22), comforts the poor, humiliated in this world (15:16-17; 17:1; 19:1, 22), gives rules for self-education (4:23-37; 16:32). All these various instructions are based on the principles of true godliness (31:10, 30). So, if the Psalter kindles a fire in the heart, then the Book of Proverbs makes the face shine. This book should be considered the most valuable “rule of faith.” Mr. Scott said: “It is very helpful to read a few sayings every day and meditate on them, trying to apply them to your daily affairs.” Without a doubt, if the world lived according to the laws of wisdom set forth in this book, we would live in a new earth where righteousness dwells.
The book of parables is book for young people. She gives a complete answer to the question of how a young man can keep his path pure - by keeping himself “according to Your word” (Ps. 119:9). The author emphasizes that this book was written to teach young people (Prov. 1:4; 4:1). It’s as if he takes them by the hand and warns them of threatening dangers and lurking temptations, pointing to God’s ways out of such situations. Today this book is more relevant than ever. Our youth are growing up at a time when the foundations of the earth are being shaken. A deadly poison is poured into the hearts of young men. There is nothing more important than putting sound principles into them. This invaluable book teaches them the importance of two fundamental principles - self-discipline and the submission of all life to the Word of God. It also teaches readers to compare worldly and heavenly wisdom and to give preference to incorruptible goods, refusing the pleasures of this world. Piety gives joy in a world of sorrow, consolation in suffering. It always calls for peace and promises steadfastness (Ps. 119:165).
I will conclude my introduction with the words of Gere, the author of one of the best interpretations: “It is not the book, but the writer who gives pleasure to the reader; It is not a lamp, but oil that gives light; it is not a brush, but an artist who paints a picture; it is not a sinful preacher, but a generous God who gives gifts of grace.”
Unfortunately, all data about the sage Solomon was preserved only in biblical sources. Therefore, some believe that this figure did not exist historically. However, it does not matter whether Solomon actually existed or not: the important thing is that the parables attributed to King Solomon are truly wise and useful.
The Proverbs of Solomon are edifying stories that he supposedly left for subsequent generations with advice on how to live correctly. The Book of Solomon's Proverbs teaches you to listen to your inner voice before acting rashly and later regretting what you did.
Parable of Solomon's Ring
The legend tells about a terrible famine in the country ruled by Solomon and how the king, wanting to help his people, sold the royal treasures. But everything was in vain, and then Solomon turned to the priest for advice. The priest handed the king a ring, a symbol of power, and ordered him to simply hold it in his hand in moments of anxiety.
When the ruler came home, and another wave of despair overtook him again, he saw an inscription on the ring that read: “Everything will pass.” And everything passed, wisdom triumphed.
But one day, when King Solomon’s beloved wife died, he again turned to the ring. Seeing the inscription on the ring, the king became angry and wanted to throw the jewelry into the fire, but suddenly he saw another inscription below that: “This too shall pass.”
A few years later, on his deathbed, the king ordered the ring to be brought to him, but the previous inscriptions did not console him, then he looked more closely and discovered the inscription on the edge: “Nothing passes.”
Parable about a real mother
One day, two women turned to Solomon for advice so that he could judge whose child was left to live. Allegedly, it turned out that one of them accidentally crushed a newborn baby in her sleep, and then, having discovered this, she replaced the dead one with a living one of her neighbor.
Arguments and swearing did not lead to any agreement between the two desperate women. Then the king offered them the only possible way out - to cut the living baby in half and give each half. The real mother of the child fell at the feet of the king and asked not to chop the child, but to give it to another woman, so that her child would remain alive. The second contender was only happy with this situation; her baby was dead.
So Solomon revealed the truth and gave the child into the hands of the true mother.
A parable about moral choice
One day a man came to King Solomon for advice, asking what he should do if, before every vital decision, he was overcome by doubts about what would be the right thing to do. He suffered from insomnia and anxiety due to the constant fear of doing wrong.
Then Solomon turned to him with the following question: what would he do if he saw a drowning child? He immediately replied that, without hesitation, he would rush into the river after him. And then Solomon asked whether this man would have acted differently if this event had happened yesterday or tomorrow. And the man answered that no - both in the past and in the future he would have saved a drowning child.
The king explained to him that he must act situationally, the main thing is that his actions do not run counter to a person’s morality and conscience. Thus, our whole life is built not on choice, but on the components of our soul. The internal state also determines a person’s external actions in the world.
Video
In the video below, you can listen to other parables of the wise King Solomon.
The Book of Proverbs of Solomon or simply Proverbs is one of the Old Testament books of the Bible. Included in the cycle of educational books, located after the Psalter. As we know from biblical history, God gave Solomon wisdom. This wisdom is reflected in the book of Proverbs.
Read the parables of Solomon.
The Book of Proverbs of Solomon has 31 chapters.
In the form of presentation, Proverbs are a work of poetry. The book of Proverbs was written by Solomon. And this is the only Old Testament book whose authorship is not practically disputed. Solomon's parables are mainly of a moral and religious nature.
The Book of Proverbs of Solomon represents fragmentary or connected expositions of a philosophical and aphoristic nature. This is a list of speculative truths about God and life, rules of prudence, observations of everyday life.
The Book of Proverbs is usually divided into 3 parts.
Part 1. A collection of Solomon's speeches in which Solomon imparts his wisdom. Wisdom in the book is identified with great good. This is what every mortal should strive for. The first part includes 10 chapters. In these chapters, Solomon discusses the properties of wisdom and how to obtain it. Solomon warns those embarking on the path of seeking wisdom about possible obstacles in the form of excessive curiosity.
Solomon paints portraits of wisdom and folly, bringing these concepts to life. Wisdom is considered by the author to be the only good.
Part 2. Examples of Solomon's wisdom. Solomon gives his instructions on human relationships and moral behavior.
Part 3. The third part of the book consists of Solomon's parables, which were written by Hezekiah's friends. For the most part, these are political and practical parables. At the end of the book are the parables of Agur and the instructions of Lemuel’s mother
Types of Solomon's parables.
Based on the presentation of material, parables are divided into
Synonymous. The second half of the verse repeats the idea of the first in other words.
- He who vouches for a stranger does harm to himself; and whoever hates a guarantee is safe.
- A man's joy is in the answer of his mouth, and how good is the word at the right time!
Antithetic. The second half of the verse provides the opposite of the first.
- A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
- Man's spirit bears his infirmities; and a defeated spirit - who can strengthen it?
Parabolic. Finding similarities in various phenomena.
- Like a gold ring in a pig's nose, a woman is beautiful and reckless.
- Golden apples in silver transparent vessels - a word spoken decently.
Interpretation of the Book of Proverbs of Solomon
The purpose of Solomon's parables was to express wisdom in easy-to-remember and witty sayings. Solomon's wise advice is distinguished by its religious orientation and the nature of divine revelation - the direct source of Solomon's wisdom.
Wisdom appears to be a force that speaks through the sages. The wisdom of man is nothing other than a part of the highest Wisdom.
Solomon's wisdom is based on reverence for God and is practical in nature. The source of all true wisdom for Solomon is in the law of God. The set of instructions in the book represents moral legislation, ethical standards of behavior and are universal in nature - that is, they are applicable to everyone, regardless of time and nationality.
The law of Moses found a new reflection in the book of Proverbs. Solomon, following Moses, explored the secrets of the Torah.
The Christian Orthodox Church demonstrates its respect for the book of Proverbs by its widespread use in church services. Readings from this book are more common than from other Old Testament books.
