The Basics: A Brief Overview of Proverbs
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Proverbs
INTRODUCTION:
If the Bible is God’s Word, than Proverbs is His “How To Manual.” The book of Proverbs is a collection of works orchestrated by God for any scenarios a person might find themselves in. It is God’s written evidence to those who are saved that He is truly our Heavenly Father who wants what is best for us.
WHO WROTE IT:
There are several authors from Kings, to royal officials. The book of Proverbs is a collection of individual works at different moments in time.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
According to Chuck Swindol “The composition of Proverbs remains one of the most difficult questions about the book. Its strong association with Solomon means most of its contents were completed prior to his death in 931 BC. Clearly the book stayed in the southern kingdom of Judah, as Hezekiah’s men compiled more of Solomon’s proverbs in Proverbs 25-29. This indicates that the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC.[1]“
KEY TOPICS:
The book of Proverbs shows the reader several topics. Including society, government, Religion, prophecy, Prophets, man, woman, children, family issues, promises, war, God, love, sex, femininity, single parenthood, antisemitism, and the rights to self defense. The book of Proverbs also includes topics like Jesus Christ, revelation, Satan, and judgment.
KEY SECTIONS:
Due to each chapter is in itself its own unique and separate study, the book of Proverbs should not be sectioned as other books but rather in chapters.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
While the authors can be identified in other books of the Bible, the unique aspect of the book of Proverbs is its foundational aptitude as a stand alone book. One might make an argument that the lessons found in Proverbs are also reflected throughout the whole Bible. This does not argue for the interaction of Proverbs with other books, but rather the justification of it being in the cannon.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
No other book of the Bible is written in such a way that the reader is instantly established in the presence of the Maker of the universe to have Him teach us how to live. Proverbs is even designed for daily reading with 31 chapters a day. Scholars have confirmed that individuals who study Proverbs, daily in coordination with reading/studying the rest of their daily scripture verses, are more apt to recognize, understand, and utilize wisdom and discernment; where others fail. Dr. Chuck Swindoll even went on to say, “Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth. While other books articulate profound theological truths, lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or prophetic preaching to a disobedient people, Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom. The writers of the book recognized the varied circumstances of a person’s life and provided principles to apply in a variety of situations rather than instructions to follow in only a few specific instances.” If you are a parent and you do not know where to start raising your child(en), look to Proverbs. If you want to start a business, run for office, lead an organization, or simply understand the meaning to life, Proverbs is instrumental. We would be amiss if we did not however give you two verses that are the keys to understanding all of Proverbs. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One [is] understanding.” The entire key to having wisdom is totally written up in this one verse. For those who might be wondering what is the fear of the Lord, it is simply summed up in Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.” In truth the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation for all of Proverbs, is the study of loving what God loves and hating what He hates. Proverbs is simple and yet a resounding book with clear guidance to those who will listen and warnings to those who will not. Proverbs should be read by any believer at any age in any stage of their life. All believers should read a Proverb a day so that when adversity comes they will have the correct answer.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming
JL
Hold until relieved our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL
[1] https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-wisdom-books/proverbs