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  OT INTRODUCTIONS, OUTLINES, AND ARGUMENTS
  by Tom Hawkins
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Hawkins's study guide providing introductions, structural outlines, and
analytical arguments for each book of the Old Testament, including discussions
of authorship, dating, purpose, and theological themes for books from Genesis
through Malachi.

  Chapters: 3

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS
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    1. 01 - Introduction to Genesis
    2. 02 - Introduction to Proverbs
    3. 03 - Joel: Introduction, Outline, and Argument

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  CHAPTER 1: 01 - INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
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Introduction to Genesis

Study By: Tom Hawkins From the Series: OT: Introductions, Outlines, and
Arguments The English title comes from the Greek Septuagint translation of the
Hebrew (3rd cent. B.C.) and means "origin, birth or generation." The Hebrew
title is áøàùéú (from øÅàùÑÄéú [reshiyth /ray·sheeth/) taken from the opening
word translated "in the beginning."

Author

The earliest extant records universally attribute the book to Moses. Deuteronomy
1:8; 2 Kings 13:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:1 allude to Genesis as part of the Law of
Moses. (Cf. also Matthew 19:4-8; Luke 16:29-31; Luke 24:27; John 5:46-47; John
7:19, John 7:23)

Internally, the book is a literary whole, unified in thematic development. In
addition, the story of Joseph reveals several evidences of Egyptian local color.
(Genesis 39:4, Genesis 40:9-11, and Genesis 41:40 have all been illuminated by
archaeological discoveries in Egypt.) Educated by the Egyptians, Moses could
have written in several languages and scripts. His first book serves as an
incredible introduction not only to Exodus but also to the whole of the Bible.
Mosaic authorship can be safely assumed. Increasing archaeological data has
served to confirm Mosaic authorship and embarrass those who have argued against
it. A case in point is the fact that it has now been demonstrated that writing
was very old by 1500 B.C. instead of unknown as the critics had once claimed.

Date and Setting

The exact date is not given, but Moses could have used any number of written or
oral records and most likely wrote it in the wilderness of Sinai after the
Exodus in 1445 B.C. (There is voluminous literature written regarding the date
of the book. An early date is assumed here.) As Israel became a nation, they
needed teaching on the origin, not only of the human race, but also of the
nations they would face in Canaan (Genesis 10:1-32). Especially did they need to
know of the covenant made with Abraham, which, among other promises, gave them
the land of the Canaanites. The prophecy given to Abraham (Genesis 15:15-16) not
only promised their return but also implied God’s will to destroy the wicked
inhabitants, whose time for judgment had come. The nation of Israel had, as it
were, been born in the womb of Egypt. They needed to recognize their roots as
being in the land to which they were going. This should have produced faith that
as God had cared for the Patriarchs, so He would care for the nation. The book
concludes with a further prediction of the national destiny by Joseph’s request
to return his bones to the land of their inheritance (Genesis 50:25).

Theme and Purpose

The book begins with basic material on the beginning of the earth, the birds,
the fish, the animals and, finally, the crown of Creation--man. J. Sidlow Baxter
has suggested that verse one provides a refutation of six principal false
philosophies popular throughout history:

"In the beginning God"--that denies Atheism with its doctrine of no God.

"In the beginning God"--that denies Polytheism with its doctrine of many gods.

"In the beginning God created"--that denies Fatalism with its doctrine of
chance.

"In the beginning God created--that denies Evolution with its doctrine of
infinite becoming.

"God created heaven and earth"--that denies Pantheism which makes God and the
universe identical.

"God created heaven and earth"--that denies Materialism which asserts the
eternity of matter. (Baxter, Explore the Book, p. 34.)

More specifically, the book’s theme revolves around how God chose one man out of
all the nations, through whom He would make a nation to bless all nations.
Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 4:1-26, Genesis 5:1-32,
Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29, Genesis 10:1-32,
Genesis 11:1-32 (20%) cover over two thousand years of history from Creation to
about 2135 B.C. (obviously this date is subject to debate, but is simply taking
the literal date from the book itself. Obviously, other dating systems can be
considered), when Abraham was born. Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18, Genesis
14:1-24, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis 18:1-33,
Genesis 19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-24, Genesis
23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis 27:1-46,
Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-55, Genesis
32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31, Genesis 35:1-29, Genesis 36:1-43,
Genesis 37:1-46, Genesis 38:1-30, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis
41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28,
Genesis 46:1-34,, Genesis 47:1-31, Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33, Genesis
50:1-26 (80%) cover less than three hundred years. (Joseph died about 1837 B.C.)
Thus, the book is selective, thematic history, not a broad "story of mankind."
In addition, the book was written to prepare Israel to understand their
patriarchal roots and their divine destiny as possessors of the land of the
Canaanites. Gene sis was thus written to build the faith of a "slave" people
that they might become a mighty nation by depending upon God.

Contribution to the Bible

Genesis provides the foundation upon which the entire Bible is built. Without
it, redemption’s story would have no historical basis. It provides the plot of
the biblical "drama" which climaxes in the book of Revelation. Scroggie says it
well when he comments, As to scope, GENESIS tells us the beginning of
everything, except God. The beginning of the universe, of life, of man, of the
sabbath, of covenants, of nomenclature, of marriage, of sin, of redemption, of
death, of family life, of sacrifices, of nations, of government, of music, of
literature, of art, of agriculture, of mechanics, of cities, and of languages;
indeed, of everything we know. As to its limits, it is only the beginning; there
is here no finality (Scroggie, Know Your Bible, p. 21).

Christ in Genesis

Christ is the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), the Seed of Abraham (Genesis
12:3) and the Shiloh descended from Judah (Genesis 49:10). Christ is also the
Life-giver in contrast to Adam who brought death (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians
15:21-22). Christ is the ultimate object to whom the sacrifices point (Genesis
3:21; John 1:29). In addition, the "sacrifice" of Isaac points to the death of
Christ, who was the Lamb provided by God (Genesis 22:1-24). Christ is also
prefigured in Melchizedek, to whom Abraham paid tithes (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalms
110:1; Hebrews 7:1-17). Joseph’s life is also at least an illustration of
Christ. Both were the objects of their father’s love; both were hated and
rejected by those closest to them; both were sold for a price, condemned as
innocent and raised from humiliation to blessing by the power of God.

SUMMARY OUTLINE OF GENESIS

[note to editors: the following uses the system promoted by the late Harold
Hoehner. My intention was to convert these to the more common system using I, A
etc). I have simply not had time to convert these in preparation for placing on
the web. I don’t mind leaving it but to the some people this format could be
confusing?] 1A. Introduction--Creation Genesis 1:1-31

2A. The history of mankind up to Abraham Genesis 2:1-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis
4:1-26, Genesis 5:1-32, Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis
9:1-29, Genesis 10:1-32, Genesis 11:1-32 1B. The story of the heavens and the
earth Genesis 2:1-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 4:1-26 1C. The garden and the
people Genesis 2:1-25 2C. The fall and the curse Genesis 3:1-24 3C. The children
and civilization Genesis 4:1-26 2B. The story of Adam Genesis 5:1-32 3B. The
story of Noah Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29 4B.
The table of nations Genesis 10:1-32 5B. The tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-32

3A. The history of Abraham and his descendants Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18,
Genesis 14:1-24, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis
18:1-33, Genesis 19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-24,
Genesis 23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis
27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-55,
Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31, Genesis 35:1-29, Genesis
36:1-43, Genesis 37:1-46, Genesis 38:1-30, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23,
Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis
45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-34,, Genesis 47:1-31, Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33,
Genesis 50:1-26

1B. The story of Abraham Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18, Genesis 14:1-24,
Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis 18:1-33, Genesis
19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-24, Genesis 23:1-20,
Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-34 a 1C. Abraham’s call Genesis 12:1-20 2C. Lot’s
choice Genesis 13:1-18 3C. Lot’s deliverance Genesis 14:1-24 4C. Abrahamic
covenant Genesis 15:1-21 5C. Abraham’s failure Genesis 16:1-16 6C. Isaac
promised Genesis 17:1-27 7C. Abraham’s intercession Genesis 18:1-33 8C. Sodom’s
destruction Genesis 19:1-38 9C. Abraham’s lapse Genesis 20:1-18 10C. Isaac’s
birth Genesis 21:1-34 11C. Isaac’s sacrifice Genesis 22:1-24 12C. Sarah’s death
Genesis 23:1-20 13C. Isaac’s bride Genesis 24:1-67 14C. Abraham’s remarriage and
death Genesis 25:1-34 a 2B. The story of Ishmael--rejected Genesis 25:1-34 b

3B. The story of Isaac--chosen Genesis 25:1-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis
27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-55,
Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31, Genesis 35:1-29 1C. Isaac’s
twin sons Genesis 25:1-34 c 2C. Isaac’s life Genesis 26:1-35 3C. Jacob’s
deception Genesis 27:1-46 4C. Jacob’s flight and dream Genesis 28:1-22 5C.
Jacob’s marriage and children Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43 6C. Jacob’s
return to Canaan Genesis 31:1-55 7C. Jacob’s peace with Esau Genesis 32:1-32,
Genesis 33:1-20 8C. Dinah’s compromise Genesis 34:1-31 9C. Jacob in Bethel
Genesis 35:1-29 4B. The story of Esau-rejected Genesis 36:1-43

5B. The story of Jacob’s sons--chosen Genesis 37:1-46, Genesis 38:1-30, Genesis
39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34,
Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-34,, Genesis 47:1-31, Genesis
48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33, Genesis 50:1-26 1C. Joseph’s dreams and slavery in
Egypt Genesis 37:1-46 2C. Judah’s sin Genesis 38:1-30 3C. Joseph’s purity and
imprisonment Genesis 39:1-23 4C. The cupbearer and the baker Genesis 40:1-23 5C.
Judah’s elevation and the famine Genesis 41:1-57 6C. The arrival of Joseph’s
brothers Genesis 42:1-38 7C. The return of Joseph’s brothers Genesis 43:1-34 8C.
The testing of Joseph’s brothers Genesis 44:1-34 9C. The reconciliation of
Joseph’s brothers Genesis 45:1-29 10C. Jacob in Egypt Genesis 46:1-34 11C.
Joseph’s preservation of Egypt Genesis 47:1-31 12C. Jacob’s blessing of Joseph
Genesis 48:1-22 13C. Jacob’s blessing of his sons Genesis 49:1-33 14C. Jacob’s
death Genesis 50:1-26

OUTLINE OF GENESIS

1A. Introduction Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-3 1B. The beginning of Creation
Genesis 1:1-2 2B. The six days of Creation Genesis 1:3-31 1C. Day one--the light
Genesis 1:3-5 2C. Day two--atmosphere and seas Genesis 1:6-8 3C. Day three--land
and vegetation Genesis 1:9-13 4C. Day four--the lights for the earth Genesis
1:14-19 5C. Day five--water creatures and birds of the air Genesis 1:20-23 6C.
Day six--land animals and man Genesis 1:24-31 3B. The seventh day Genesis 2:1-3

2A. The history of mankind up to Abraham Genesis 2:4-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis
4:1-26, Genesis 5:1-32, Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis
9:1-29, Genesis 10:1-32, Genesis 11:1-26 1B. The story of the heavens and the
earth Genesis 2:4-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 4:1-26 1C. The garden for man
Genesis 2:4-14 2C. The first couple Genesis 2:15-25 1D. The command Genesis
2:15-17 2D. The suitable counterpart Genesis 2:18-25 3C. The Fall Genesis 3:1-13
1D. The temptation Genesis 3:1-5 2D. The disobedience Genesis 3:6 3D. The result
Genesis 3:7-13 4C. The curse Genesis 3:14-19 1D. Of the serpent Genesis 3:14-15
2D. Of the woman Genesis 3:16 3D. Of the man Genesis 3:17-19 5C. The
consequences Genesis 3:20-24 1D. The exercise of faith Genesis 3:20 2D. The
clothing by sacrifice Genesis 3:21 3D. The banishment from the garden Genesis
3:22-24 6C. The children Genesis 4:1-26 1D. Two kinds of men Genesis 4:1-2 2D.
Two approaches to God Genesis 4:3-4 3D. Rejection by God Genesis 4:5 4D. Grace
extended by faith Genesis 4:6-7 5D. Grace refused by Cain Genesis 4:8-9 6D. Sin
punished Genesis 4:10-15 7D. Cainite civilization Genesis 4:16-24 8D. Sethite
beginning Genesis 4:25-26 2B. The story of Adam Genesis 5:1-32, Genesis 6:1-8
1C. The reign of death Genesis 5:1-32 2C. The setting for destruction Genesis
6:1-8 1D. The warning Genesis 6:1-3 2D. The wickedness Genesis 6:4-7 3D. The
acceptance Genesis 6:8 3B. The story of Noah Genesis 6:9-29 1C. The preparation
of the ark Genesis 6:9-22 2C. The destruction by the Flood Genesis 7:1-24,
Genesis 8:1-19 1D. The preservation of the faithful Genesis 7:1-16 2D. The
judgment upon the faithless Genesis 7:17-24 3D. The waiting for the word of God
Genesis 8:1-17 4D. The exit of the saved Genesis 8:18-19 3C. The covenant with
Noah Genesis 8:20-22, Genesis 9:1-17 1D. The worship of the saved Genesis 8:20
2D. The divine promise Genesis 8:21-22 3D. The divine blessing Genesis 9:1 4D.
The change in man’s relation to animals Genesis 9:2-4 5D. The establishing of
capital punishment Genesis 9:5-6 6D. The blessing repeated Genesis 9:7 7D. The
universal covenant sign Genesis 9:8-17 4C. The conditions after the Flood
Genesis 9:18-28 4B. The story of the sons of Noah Genesis 10:1-32, Genesis
11:1-18 1C. The descendants of Japheth Genesis 10:2-5 2C. The descendants of Ham
Genesis 10:6-20 3C. The descendants of Shem Genesis 10:21-32 4C. The division of
tongues Genesis 11:1-9 5B. The story of Shem Genesis 11:10-26

3A. The history of Abraham and his descendants Genesis 11:27-32, Genesis
12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18, Genesis 14:1-24, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16,
Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis 18:1-33, Genesis 19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis
21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-24, Genesis 23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-34,
Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis 27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis
30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-55, Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31,
Genesis 35:1-29, Genesis 36:1-43, Genesis 37:1-46, Genesis 38:1-30, Genesis
39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34,
Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-34,, Genesis 47:1-31, Genesis
48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33, Genesis 50:1-26

1B. The story of Abraham Genesis 11:27-32, Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18,
Genesis 14:1-24, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis
18:1-33, Genesis 19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-24,
Genesis 23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-34 1C. Terah’s story Genesis
11:27-32

2C. Abraham before Isaac Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18, Genesis 14:1-24,
Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis 18:1-33, Genesis
19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18 1D. The promise to Abraham Genesis 12:1-3 2D. Abraham’s
traveling to Canaan Genesis 12:4-9 3D. Abraham’s failure in Egypt Genesis
12:10-20 4D. Separation from Lot Genesis 13:1-18 5D. Rescue of Lot Genesis
14:1-24 1E. The rescue Genesis 14:1-16 2E. The blessing Genesis 14:17-24 6D.
Abrahamic covenant confirmed Genesis 15:1-21 1E. The response of faith Genesis
15:1-6 2E. The unilateral covenant--land Genesis 15:7-21 7D. Hagar and Ishmael
Genesis 16:1-16 8D. The covenant of circumcision-seed Genesis 17:1-27 9D. The
three visitors who destroy Sodom Genesis 18:1-33, Genesis 19:1-38 1E. A son
promised to Sarah Genesis 18:1-15 2E. Abraham interceding for Sodom Genesis
18:16-33 3E. Angels inspecting Sodom Genesis 19:1-11 4E. Angels delivering Lot
Genesis 19:12-22 5E. Sodom destroyed Genesis 19:23-29 6E. Lot and his daughters
Genesis 19:30-38 10D. Abraham’s failure in Gerar Genesis 20:1-18 3C. Abraham and
Isaac Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-19 1D. The birth of Isaac Genesis 21:1-7 2D.
The removal of Ishmael Genesis 21:8-21 3D. The treaty at Beersheba Genesis
21:22-34 4D. The offering of Isaac Genesis 22:1-19 4C. Abraham until death
Genesis 22:20-24, Genesis 23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-11 1D. Nahor’s
sons Genesis 22:20-24 2D. Sarah’s death Genesis 23:1-20 3D. Isaac’s bride
Genesis 24:1-67 1E. The promise of the servant Genesis 24:1-9 2E. The test by
the servant Genesis 24:10-21 3E. The reception of the servant Genesis 24:22-33
4E. The story by the servant Genesis 24:34-49 5E. The success of the servant
Genesis 24:50-61 6E. The bride for Isaac Genesis 24:62-67 4D. Abraham’s marriage
to Keturah Genesis 25:1-6 5D. Abraham’s death Genesis 25:7-11 2B. The story of
rejected Ishmael Genesis 25:12-18

3B. The story of chosen Isaac Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis
27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-5,
Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31, Genesis 35:1-29 1C. The birth
of Esau and Jacob Genesis 25:19-26 2C. Birthright despised by Esau Genesis
25:27-34 3C. Isaac and Abimelech Genesis 26:1-35 1D. Failure in Gerar Genesis
26:1-11 2D. Philistine envy Genesis 26:12-22 3D. The Abrahamic covenant
confirmed Genesis 26:23-25 4D. Philistine treaty Genesis 26:26-33 5D. Esau’s
Hittite marriages Genesis 26:34-35 4C. Jacob’s deception Genesis 27:1-40 1D. The
plot Genesis 27:1-13 2D. The stolen blessing Genesis 27:14-20 3D. Esau’s remorse
Genesis 27:30-40 5C. Jacob’s flight Genesis 27:41-46, Genesis 28:1-22 1D. Esau’s
grudge Genesis 27:41 2D. Rebecca’s plan Genesis 27:42-46 3D. Isaac’s blessing
Genesis 28:1-5 4D. Esau’s response Genesis 28:6-9 5D. Jacob’s dream Genesis
28:10-22 6C. Jacob’s family Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43 1D. Jacob meets
Rachel Genesis 29:1-14 2D. Jacob marries Leah and Rachel Genesis 29:15-30 3D.
Jacob’s children Genesis 29:31-35, Genesis 30:1-24 1E. Leah’s children Genesis
29:31-35 1F. Reuben Genesis 29:31-32 2F. Simeon Genesis 29:33 3F. Levi Genesis
29:34 4F. Judah Genesis 29:35 2E. Bilhah’s (Rachel’s servant) children Genesis
30:1-8 1F. The setting Genesis 30:1-3 2F. Dan Genesis 30:4-6 3F. Naphtali
Genesis 30:7-8 3E. Zilpah’s (Leah’s servant) children Genesis 30:9-13 1F. Gad
Genesis 30:9-11 2F. Asher Genesis 30:12-13 4E. Leah’s children Genesis 30:14-21
1F. Issachar Genesis 30:14-18 2F. Zebulun Genesis 30:19-20 3F. Dinah Genesis
30:21 5E. Rachel’s child--Joseph Genesis 30:22-24 4D. Jacob’s prosperity Genesis
30:25-43 7C. Jacob’s return Genesis 31:1-55, Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20
1D. Jacob traveling to Canaan Genesis 31:1-53 1E. Jacob fleeing Genesis 31:1-21
2E. Laban pursuing Genesis 31:22-30 3E. Laban’s search Genesis 31:31-35 4E.
Laban and Jacob’s covenant Genesis 31:36-53 2D. Jacob meets Esau Genesis
32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20 1E. Esau’s response Genesis 32:1-6 2E. Jacob’s plans
Genesis 32:7-8 3E. Jacob’s prayers Genesis 32:9-12 4E. Jacob’s plans Genesis
32:13-21 5E. Jacob’s wrestling Genesis 32:22-32 6E. Jacob’s reconciliation
Genesis 33:1-20 8C. Dinah’s compromise Genesis 34:1-31 9C. Jacob in Bethel and
Mamre Genesis 35:1-29 1D. Jacob in Bethel Genesis 35:1-15 1E. Idols buried
Genesis 35:1-6 2E. Altar built Genesis 35:7 3E. Deborah’s death Genesis 35:8 4E.
Covenant confirmed Genesis 35:9-15 2D. Rachel’s death in childbirth--Benjamin
Genesis 35:16-20 3D. Jacob in Migdal Eder Genesis 35:21-22 4D. Jacob’s sons
named Genesis 35:23-25 5D. Jacob in Mamre Genesis 35:27 6D. Isaac’s death
Genesis 35:28-29 4B. The story of rejected Esau Genesis 36:1-43 1C. Esau’s
family Genesis 36:1-14 2C. Esau’s descendants Genesis 36:15-30 3C. Edom’s kings
Genesis 36:31-43

5B. The story of chosen Jacob and his sons Genesis 37:1-46, Genesis 38:1-30,
Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis
43:1-34, Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-34,, Genesis 47:1-31,
Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33, Genesis 50:1-26 1C. Joseph introduced Genesis
37:1-36 1D. His position Genesis 37:1-4 2D. His dreams Genesis 37:5-11 3D. His
rejection Genesis 37:12-36 2C. Judah’s moral failure Genesis 38:1-30 1D. Er and
Onan killed Genesis 38:1-10 2D. Tamar promised Genesis 38:11-12 3D. Tamar
pregnant Genesis 38:13-30

3C. Joseph alone in Egypt Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis 41:1-57,
Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28 1D. Joseph’s
purity and imprisonment Genesis 39:1-23 2D. The dreams interpreted Genesis
40:1-23 3D. Pharaoh’s dream Genesis 41:1-36 4D. Joseph’s exaltation Genesis
41:37-45 5D. Abundant years Genesis 41:46-52 6D. The beginning of famine Genesis
41:53-57 7D. Joseph and his brothers Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis
44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28 1E. The brothers going to Egypt Genesis 42:1-28 2E. The
brothers returning to Canaan Genesis 42:29-38 3E. The second journey to Egypt
Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-15 1F. The debate Genesis 43:1-14
2F. The dinner Genesis 43:15-34 3F. The test Genesis 44:1-15 4F. The substitute
Genesis 44:16-34 5F. The reconciliation Genesis 45:1-15 4E. The return to get
Jacob Genesis 45:16-28 4C. Jacob going to Egypt Genesis 46:1-34, Genesis 47:1-12
1D. The renewed covenant Genesis 46:1-4 2D. The family named Genesis 46:5-27 3D.
The family settled Genesis 46:28-34, Genesis 47:1-12 5C. Joseph, the savior of
his family Genesis 47:13-31, Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33, Genesis 50:1-26
1D. Joseph buying all Egypt Genesis 47:13-26 2D. Jacob blessing his family
Genesis 47:27-31, Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33 1E. The promise to Jacob
Genesis 47:27-31 2E. The blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim Genesis 48:1-22 3E.
The blessing of the sons Genesis 49:1-28 1F. Introduction Genesis 49:1-2 2F.
Reuben Genesis 49:3-4 3F. Simeon and Levi Genesis 49:5-7 4F. Judah Genesis
49:8-12 5F. Zebulun Genesis 49:13 6F. Issachar Genesis 49:14-15 7F. Dan Genesis
49:16-18 8F. Gad Genesis 49:19 9F. Asher Genesis 49:20 10F. Naphtali Genesis
49:21 11F. Joseph Genesis 49:22-26 12F. Benjamin Genesis 49:27 13F. Conclusion
Genesis 49:28 4E. The death of Jacob Genesis 49:29-33 3D. Joseph burying Jacob
Genesis 50:1-14 4D. Reconciliation complete Genesis 50:15-21 4A. Epilogue
Genesis 50:22-26

ARGUMENT OF GENESIS

In a broad sense Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 4:1-26,
Genesis 5:1-32, Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29,
Genesis 10:1-32, Genesis 11:1-32 is the introduction not only to the book of
Genesis but also to the entire Bible. Within this broad sweep of human history
(Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-25, Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 4:1-26, Genesis 5:1-32,
Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29, Genesis 10:1-32,
Genesis 11:1-32) Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-3 forms the introduction to the
ten-fold úÉåìÀãÉåú (toledoth meaning generataions or account), which comprises
the book of Genesis. As the argument below shows, this word is repeated 10 times
making a sort of chapter marker to the book by Moses) This narrower preface
(Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 2:1-3) introduces the reader to the powerful Creator,
who created the universe. The text itself is primarily concerned with the earth.
The first three days of His creative activity (literal 24 hr. days) involved
giving form to original formless earth (Genesis 2:2). Day one saw the
establishing of a light source which distinguishes day and night by earth’s
rotation (an implication). On day two God separated the atmosphere (with
suspended water) from the liquid water upon the earth. It may also imply a vapor
or ice canopy surrounding the earth. Day three saw the formation of dry land to
produce vegetation and the seas, which would become home to the aquatic life
forms.

Day four began the second three-day cycle, which served to correct the emptiness
(Genesis 1:2) of the earth. From the original light source God established our
sun and moon. Then, almost as an "after-thought," Moses informed his readers
that God made the stellar heavens, called stars, which include the solar system
and myriads of galaxies, which are still being mapped. These celestial
navigational signs established the seven day cycle of the lunar month as well as
the solar year, both of which formed the basis of the calendar systems, ancient
and modern. Day five saw God filling the water with living creatures and the air
with fowl. They were commanded to propagate and fill their respective
habitations with creatures after their kind. On the sixth day the land creatures
were created, followed by the crown of God’s earthly creation, man himself.
Created in the image of God, man was to have dominion over all the creation.
Both man and animals were to be vegetarians. Of the Creation, God noted that it
was good (day 1, day 3 twice, day 4, day 5 and day 6). In addition, He climaxed
the entire Creation with the added statement, "It was very good." The
introduction concludes with a statement regarding God’s having finished (rested
from) all His creative activity. This seventh day was later given to Israel as a
sign of her covenantal relationship with Yahweh (Exodus 20:8-11). Later, the
writer to Hebrews used this day as a type of the faith-rest life made available
by the death of Christ (Hebrews 4:1-16). The first toledoth (Genesis 2:4-25,
Genesis 3:1-24, Genesis 4:1-26) úÉåìÀãÉåú (toledoth) is a Hebrew word occurring
10 times in Genesis, translated as "story, history, account, or generations."
Many scholars see the word as marking not only the inspired outline of Genesis
but perhaps the different "records" used by Moses to compile his inspired
account of man’s beginnings.) reviews Creation but from the specific viewpoint
of man. Details are given in this second account concerning man’s environment
(Genesis 2:4-14), responsibility (Genesis 2:15-17) and original aloneness. This
"defect" was solved by the creation of woman (Genesis 2:18-25). As beautiful as
this Creation account is, it does not explain how the present chaotic condition
in creation and man came into being. This the author did next (Genesis 3:1-24).
The fledgling nation of Israel to whom Moses wrote needed to know not only their
unique history as separate from the nations (Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis 13:1-18,
Genesis 14:1-24, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis
18:1-33, Genesis 19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis 22:1-24,
Genesis 23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis
27:1-46, Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-55,
Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31, Genesis 35:1-29, Genesis
36:1-43, Genesis 37:1-46, Genesis 38:1-30, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23,
Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 44:1-34, Genesis
45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-34,, Genesis 47:1-31, Genesis 48:1-22, Genesis 49:1-33,
Genesis 50:1-26) but also the universal presence of sin, which can only be
accounted for by a universal curse as a result of man’s failure in the Fall
(Genesis 3:1-24). The serpent, here introduced, clearly reveals characteristics
beyond that of any animal, and the story implies some malevolent being who is
opposed to God. In his getting the woman to focus on the forbidden fruit, God’s
motives and goodness were called into question; the woman was deceived, ate and
gave to her husband. Personal shame and the fear of God resulted but did not
prevent God from seeking man out and bringing judgment upon all three
individuals involved and, through them, affecting all sub sequent human history.

Adam responded in faith by naming his wife Eve because she would become the
mother of all living. God clothed the couple with animal skins, thus setting the
pattern for subsequent animal sacrifices, and the couple was expelled from the
garden (Genesis 3:1-24). The Utopia for which man was created and of which he
still often dreams cannot be in the present order of things. Man’s preoccupation
with immortality, demonstrated so forcefully by the Egyptian culture from which
Israel had just escaped, cannot be reality as long as God keeps man from the
"tree of life." The plight of man on an international level is illustrated by
the personal conflict of the initial progeny of Adam and Eve. Eve’s high hopes
for her firstborn (Genesis 4:1) were dashed when he became a murderer after
failing to receive divine approval of his offering (Genesis 4:5). Cain became a
wanderer and established the first civilization, which, before the Flood, had
developed remarkable skills in music and industry (Genesis 4:21-22).

Though men began to call on the name of the Lord in the days of Enosh (Genesis
4:26), the second toledoth demonstrates the universality of death (Genesis
5:1-32). It also shows the depraved conditions of the earth in the days of Noah
(Genesis 6:1-8). God had the right to destroy man before his wickedness went any
further. If the "sons of God" were angels (Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7), then
their intermarriage with human women created a race of half-angel/half-man
"super-men," whose wickedness caused Yahweh great grief and pain (Genesis 6:6).
This also might account for the widespread tales of powerful divine-human beings
whose incredible exploits were matched only by their depravity. (Examples are
found in Greek mythology.) The third toledoth (Genesis 6:9-22, Genesis 7:1-24,
Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29) picks up this theme by pointing out Noah’s walk
with God and the fact that he was "unimpaired" (Hebrew) in his genealogy (i.e.,
had no angelic "blood" in his family) (Genesis 6:9). Noah received specific
instructions to build the ark, which apparently consumed 120 years (Genesis
6:3). Because of his obedience to God; Noah, along with his three sons and their
wives, entered the ark and were alone preserved from the cataclsym of a
world-wide Flood (Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22). Upon leaving the ark, Noah
was given a divine covenant establishing the foundation for human government. It
gave to society the divine responsibility to preserve the value of human life by
establishing capital punishment for murderers, whether animals or men. Animals
began to fear man. Both men and some animals became carnivorous. The covenant
included God’s promise to never again destroy the earth by water. A reminder of
this covenant was and is the rainbow. Conditions on earth were different after
the Flood as evidenced by Noah’s drunken ness and the resultant curse on Canaan
(Genesis 9:1-29). These and other changes, such as the decrease in longevity,
may be accounted for by the collapse of the canopy which may have provided a
greatly increased oxygen density and pressure on earth. The fourth toledoth
(Genesis 10:1-32, Genesis 11:1-9) continues the story of Noah’s sons and how the
seventy nations familiar to Israel came into being. The peoples of the earth are
all related. From among the nations, Israel was separated unto God. The various
language groups arose from Nimrod’s rebellion (Genesis 10:8-12) because of which
God sovereignly con fused the languages of men to force them to spread out over
the entire earth. The fifth toledoth (Genesis 11:10-26) moves from the general
nations of men to the specific account of Shem from whose line was chosen the
patriarch Abram, father of the nation which was out in the desert at the time
Moses wrote. From this broad sweep of human history covering several thousand
years Moses was divinely inspired to emphasize one family and four individuals
covering less than three hundred years. Upon this family the remaining five
toledoth’s focus. The sixth toledoth (Genesis 11:27-32, Genesis 12:1-20, Genesis
13:1-18, Genesis 14:1-24, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-27,
Genesis 18:1-33, Genesis 19:1-38, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 21:1-34, Genesis
22:1-24, Genesis 23:1-20, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:1-11) introduces the story
of Abraham, the friend of God whose faith in Yahweh caused him to leave home and
family to follow God to the land of Canaan. God had promised him a land, seed
and blessing. In a similar way and in fulfillment of those promises Israel had
been called of God to leave Egypt and by faith enter the same land over one half
a millennium later.

Following a brief stay in Egypt, when he claimed Sarai was his sister (Genesis
12:10-20), Abram separated from Lot by letting his nephew take the well-watered
plains of Jordan. Again God intervened and promised Abram the land (Genesis
13:1-18).

Abram proved himself to be a courageous man by his rescue of Lot from the kings
who had captured him (Genesis 14:1-24). This victory gave Abram a reminder of
the necessity of submission to "God Most High" to whom he gave a tithe instead
of accepting anything for himself. At this time Abram was again given the
promise of a son who would produce more descendants than the stars. His response
of faith has become a standard model for all who will believe God (Genesis
15:6). God also made a unilateral, unconditional covenant that the land would
belong to Abraham’s descendants after four hundred years of bondage in another
country. It was further predicted that in the fourth generation they would
return and take over the land of Canaan. Moses no doubt included these words to
encourage a believing response among his own generation, who had just left Egypt
(Genesis 15:1-21).

Upon the insistence of Sarai, Abram took her Egyptian servant, Hagar, as a
surrogate wife to produce a descendant. Hagar, however, became insolent to her
mistress and left home only to be met by God’s angel, who sent her back with the
promise of a future for her son (Genesis 16:1-16).

Thirteen years later Yahweh again appeared to Abram (meaning "exalted father"),
changed his name to Abraham (meaning "father of a multitude") and gave him
circumcision as a sign of the covenant. Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah
(meaning "princess"). The son she would bear was to be called Isaac (meaning
"laughter") (Genesis 17:1-27). Shortly thereafter Yahweh again appeared to
Abraham with the announcement that the birth would be about a year away (Genesis
18:1-15). As the three heavenly visitors prepared to leave, Yahweh informed
Abraham of his plans to destroy Sodom. Abraham responded by interceding for the
city, presumably concerned for his nephew Lot (Genesis 18:16-33). The angels
arrived in Sodom, where they were rejected by the populace but accepted by Lot.
After an attempt by the homosexuals of Sodom to rape the angelic visitors, the
angels struck them blind and encouraged Lot to gather his family and flee the
city before judgment fell. Lot was unsuccessful in getting any to leave except
his wife and two daughters, but his wife lingered as daylight came and the
judgment fell. She was turned into a pillar of salt for her tardiness (Genesis
19:1-29). Lot and his daughters went to the city of Zoar, which was divinely
spared, but later left to become hermits in a cave. The daughters felt all alone
and seduced their father through drunkenness to commit incest. They became
pregnant with the children who would become the forefathers of Israel’s two
enemies--the Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:30-38).

Abraham, though a godly man, was not without his faults. In Gerar he once again
allowed his wife (now nearly 90) to be taken into a harem, where she was
divinely protected. Abraham was publicly rebuked and was asked to intercede for
Abimelech, whose household was thereby per mitted to once again bear children
(Genesis 20:1-18).

After this Sarah became pregnant and bore the promised son, Isaac. When Isaac
was weaned, Ishmael was found mocking; so he and his mother were sent away
(Genesis 21:1-21). Abraham then made a treaty with the Philistines and lived in
their country for a number of years (Genesis 21:22-34). The climax of Abraham’s
faith is seen in the beautifully prophetic story of the offering of Isaac. He
obeyed a direct command of God because he believed that since all the promises
of God centered on Isaac, God could even raise him from the dead (Hebrews
11:17-19) (Genesis 22:1-19). The story of Abraham is concluded by the final
details of his life. This included the sons of his brother Nahor (Genesis
22:2-24), the death of Sarah (who at 127 yrs. of age is the only woman in
Genesis whose age is given) (Genesis 23:1-20), the bride for Isaac (Genesis
24:1-67), Abraham’s marriage to Keturah (Genesis 25:1-6) and finally the death
of Abraham himself (Genesis 25:7-11). It is obvious from that lengthy account of
Abraham that his personal story was very important to Moses, for he devoted more
time to that one man than to all of the previous history combined. The pattern
for the toledoth in the second section of the book here begins with the rejected
line of Ishmael (Genesis 25:12-18). The story then focuses in more detail upon
the chosen line of Isaac (Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 26:1-35, Genesis 27:1-46,
Genesis 28:1-22, Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis 30:1-43, Genesis 31:1-55, Genesis
32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20, Genesis 34:1-31, Genesis 35:1-29).

Isaac, too, had to wait for years before his prayer was heard and his wife
became pregnant. This time God answered by sending twins. Again a choice was
made both by God and by the two sons, who were to become two nations (Israel and
Edom) that would be in constant conflict (Genesis 25:19-26). The character of
Esau is revealed by his despising the birthright (Genesis 25:27-34).

Isaac showed he was similar to Abraham by his repetition of his father’s failure
by compromising Rebekah in saying she was his sister (Genesis 26:1-11). The
Philistines did not kill him for his wife, but they did become jealous and stole
the wells he had reopened from his father’s day (Genesis 26:12-22). God
responded by reaffirming the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 26:23-25). The
Philistines recognized the hand of God upon Isaac and made a treaty with him
(Genesis 26:26-33). At this time Esau displeased his parents by entering into
marriages with Hittite women (Genesis 26:34-35). The story line then turns to
Jacob, who, as the patriarch of the twelve tribes, showed as clearly as anyone
the evidence of the grace of God in transforming his character. (Jacob means
"trickster".) Rebekah dreamed up the plot by which Jacob tricked his old and
nearly blind father into giving him the blessing and thereby faced the wrath of
his brother Esau, who, while he had no spiritual concerns, did desire the
firstborn rights of inheritance (Genesis 27:1-40).

Fearing his brother’s wrath after what seemed to be the imminent death of Isaac,
Jacob was instructed by Rebekah to go to the region of Haran, where her family
lived. It is significant that Rebekah never saw her son again. Isaac granted his
blessing and instructed him to marry outside the Canaanites, specifically to
marry one of the daughters of Laban. Esau responded by taking yet another wife,
this time from the daughters of Ishmael (Genesis 27:41-46, Genesis 28:1-9). As
for Jacob, he was reminded of the hand of God on his life through a dream. He
promised to serve Yahweh as his God if he would be able to return safely with
both food and clothes (neither of which he could be sure of at this juncture).
This is how the Canaanite city of Luz got its name Bethel (meaning "house of
God") (Genesis 28:10-22).

Jacob’s story does not give evidence of great spiritual depth or that he was
deserving of special spiritual blessing. Rather, it illustrates the sovereign
grace of God in choosing whom He will to accomplish His purposes. Jacob met the
girl of his dreams (Rachel), served seven years for her hand in marriage but was
given Leah, her older sister, instead. Laban had tricked the trickster but the
story is not yet finished. Jacob was given Rachel also as a wife so that he
served fourteen years total for his two wives. Then for the next six years, in
spite of the changing agreements, the wealth of Laban was transferred to Jacob
and his growing family of eleven sons and one daughter (Genesis 29:1-35, Genesis
30:1-43).

Jacob was then instructed through a dream to return to Canaan. Fearing his
father-in-law’s wrath and true to his nature, he covertly departed with his
large entourage. Laban pursued, and, after overtaking them, it was brought to
light that among Jacob’s family there was an idolater-- namely his favorite
wife, who remained undetected. In the ensuing covenant Jacob took a stone and
set up a memorial pillar promising to care for Laban’s daughters, and in return
Laban pledged not to go past the pillar to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:1-53).

Jacob then had to face the consequences of his former trickery against Esau.
First, he had to come to the end of his self-will by wrestling with an angel
from which altercation he was left permanently crippled but in the end was
reconciled somewhat tenuously with Esau (Genesis 32:1-32, Genesis 33:1-20).

One of the reasons the sons of Jacob went into the womb of Egypt to be "birthed"
four hundred years later as a nation under Moses was that they not be
assimilated into the Canaanite culture. That dreadful possibility was
demonstrated in the tragic rape of Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor, and the
resultant treachery of Simeon and Levi (Genesis 34:1-31). In the midst of this
trauma God again spoke to Jacob; who, in obedience to the divine vision of
twenty years before, requested all the idols of his clan, buried them and then
went to Bethel, where he built an altar to God and was renamed Israel (meaning
"he struggles with God). There the Abrahamic Covenant was reaffirmed (at about
1875 B.C.) (Genesis 35:1-15). As Jacob’s family moved on from Bethel, Rachel
died in giving birth to Jacob’s twelfth son, Benjamin. The names of the twelve
sons were then recalled, and Jacob had at last come home to his father Isaac in
Mamre, where later he was buried by Esau and Jacob. In keeping with the usual
pattern, Moses then quickly told the story of Esau and his descendants (Genesis
36:1-43) before finishing the final part of Jacob’s story. This story of chosen
Jacob and his sons really focuses on the rejected son, who would one day deliver
his family from famine. Thus, Joseph was introduced as a dreamer of dreams, who
to his family seemed to be unconsciously elevating himself above his brothers
and even his father (Genesis 37:1-36. The family jealousies came to a climax
when Joseph was sent by his father to check on his brothers, who were grazing
their father’s flocks near Dothan. Upon seeing him, they angrily talked of
killing him but finally settled on the plan of selling him as a slave to a
caravan of Ishmaelites on their way to Egypt. Joseph was sold again to Potiphar,
captain of Pharaoh’s guard (Genesis 37:1-16). The story of Joseph is then
interrupted as it was imperative for Moses to impress upon the children of
Israel coming into Canaan that intermarriage with the Canaanites could lead to
devastating results for the chosen people. It was in this light that Moses told
of Judah’s moral failure and how he shamefully became the father of his
daughter-in-law’s children. Strictly forbidden by the law of Moses, the history
of such immoral behavior would serve as a check on Israel’s pride (Genesis
38:1-30). The story then comes back to Joseph, who, alone in Egypt, rose to a
prominent position in the household of one of Pharaoh’s officials. He was
unjustly accused of moral impurity and spent over two years in prison. He stood
fast in his integrity (Genesis 39:1-23), and two years after interpreting a
dream for the cupbearer (Genesis 40:1-23) of Pharaoh, he was called upon to
interpret a dream for Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:1-36). He was then exalted to
a position of authority second only to Pharaoh and prepared Egypt during the
seven years of plenty for the seven years of famine to come (Genesis 41:37-52).
When the famine came, it extended even into Canaan, and Joseph’s brothers
unknowingly came before him to buy food. Joseph devised a test to ascertain if
the jealousy that forced him into slavery had somehow moderated with the passage
of time. On the second visit Judah’s moving defense of and willingness to become
a substitute for Benjamin broke down all hostility, and healing came as the
twelve brothers were reunited. Only now they were really united as God intended
the nation to be (Genesis 41:53-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis
44:1-34, Genesis 45:1-15). The brothers returned to get Jacob, who agreed to go
to Egypt but not before the covenant was renewed (1845 B.C.) and he received
divine approval. Jacob saw his son Joseph, and the entire clan of seventy people
settled in Goshen (Genesis 46:1-34, Genesis 47:1-12). The famine then became so
severe that, in the name of Pharaoh, Joseph bought all the land of Egypt except
that belonging to the priests. This effectively gave the Israelites (who had
just left Egypt as Moses wrote) every right to the wealth of Egypt (to say
nothing of their wages) when they were given gifts as they departed (Genesis
47:13-26).

Jacob prepared for his death by asking Joseph to bury him in Canaan (Genesis
47:27-31). Then, as the patriarch of the family, Jacob blessed the two sons of
Joseph and gave them the first-born rights originally belonging to Reuben (1
Chronicles 5:1-2) and died (Genesis 49:29-33). Jacob was then buried in Canaan
(Genesis 50:1-14), but his death created a problem for the brothers of Joseph,
who feared that Joseph’s kindness had only been for the sake of their father.
Joseph assured them that his faith was in the sovereignty of God, who used their
wrong for the good of all of them. Thus, the family unity was preserved and
stood as a powerful plea for unity to the large group who had come out of Egypt
(Genesis 50:15-21).

Joseph lived to 110 years of age and then died. He left instructions that when
Israel left Egypt, they were to take his bones to the land of promise. Thus, the
book which began with the creative activity of God (Genesis 1:1) ends with the
embalmed body of Joseph, Israel’s deliverer, in a coffin in Egypt (Genesis
50:22-26).


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 2: 02 - INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS
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Introduction to Proverbs

Study By: Tom Hawkins From the Series: OT: Introductions, Outlines, and
Arguments

Title

The book is named after its principal contributor, Solomon. Its Hebrew title is
מִ֭שְׁלֵי שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה the Proverbs of Solomon. The Greek retained the title
Παροιμίαι Σαλωμῶντος (Paroimiai Solomontos). The Latin dropped the name of
Solomon to call it the Book of Proverbs (Liber Proverbiorum). In the rabbinical
writings it was called sepher hokhmah, the Book of Wisdom.

Authors

The book begins with a statement that attributes the book to Solomon, son of
David and king of Israel (971-31 B.C.). His name is repeated again in Proverbs
10:1 and Proverbs 25:1, indicating that those sections also involved his
authorship. Other authors are also mentioned. There are the thirty sayings of
the wise (Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23:1-35, Proverbs 24:1-22) and the further
sayings of the wise (Proverbs 24:23-34). In addition, we are told that the men
of Hezekiah, apparently scribes, were responsible for copying the section from
Proverbs 25:1-29. Augur, son of Jakeh, was responsible for Proverbs 30:1-33,
while King Lemuel wrote Proverbs 31:1-9. The author of the epilogue (Proverbs
31:10-31) is unknown, unless it too originated in the teachings of King Lemuel’s
mother.

Date

The proverbs written by Solomon date to his reign (971-31 B.C.). The role of
Hezekiah’s men (25:1) indicates that important sections were compiled from that
king’s period (715-686 B.C.). Perhaps it was during this same period that the
sayings of the wise (Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23:1-35, Proverbs 24:1-22;
Proverbs 24:23-34) were added. The same could also be said for Proverbs 30:1-33
and Proverbs 31:1-31 though evidence of a conclusive nature is lacking. It is
known that during the spiritual revival led by Hezekiah there was a great
interest in the writings of David and Asaph (2 Chronicles 29:30).

Wisdom Literature

The traditional Jewish division of the Old Testament included the Law, the
Prophets and the Writings. The wisdom books (Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes)
were associated with Psalms in the third section, the Writings, which were a
reflection of the wisdom of wise men or sages, who were an important force in
Israelite society (Jeremiah 18:18). These men were called on to give advice to
kings and instruct the young. The poetic structure of much of the wisdom
literature is unique and needs to be explained. The rhyme and meter associated
with western poetry does not seem to be prominent in the Hebrew wisdom
literature. While that issue is debated by scholars, there is general agreement
that parallelism is the dominant force.

Usually there are two poetic lines in a verse, but occasionally three or more
may be used. The relationship of the second line to the first can usually be
assigned to one of four categories:

1. Comparative (synonymous) parallelism, in which the second line repeats the
idea of the first line in different words. This can be total (Show me your ways,
O LORD/Teach me your paths.) or partial, where part of the first line is
understood in the second (Proverbs 1:9). Comparative parallelisms (along with
continuous, connected poems) are used consistently in Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs
2:1-22, Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs 4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35,
Proverbs 7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs 9:1-18. This same form is used in the
conclusion of the book (Proverbs 31:1-31)

2. Contrasting (antithetic) parallelism, in which the second line is the
opposite of the first line (Proverbs 10:7). Most of Proverbs 10:1-32, Proverbs
11:1-31, Proverbs 12:1-28, Proverbs 13:1-25, Proverbs 14:1-35, Proverbs 15:1-33
and Proverbs 28:1-28, Proverbs 29:1-27 fit this category 3. Climactic
(complementary) parallelism repeats the thought of the first line and completes
it (See Psalms 92:10)

4. Completion (formal or synthetic) parallelism has no parallelism of thought
but continues the thought of the first line. This can be in the form of a result
(Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 16:3) or a further description (Proverbs 6:12, Proverbs
15:3). Included in this category are the better . . . than (Proverbs 12:9, etc.)
and how much worse or how much more verses (Proverbs 11:31, Proverbs 15:11,
etc.). Most of Proverbs 16:1-22 have either completion or comparative
parallelism. Nearly all of Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23:1-35, Proverbs 24:1-22
uses completion parallelism (except Proverbs 24:16). The same is true of
Proverbs 30:1-33, where all but three of the sayings are of the completion type.
A specific kind of completion parallelism is emblematic parallelism, where one
line illumines the other by a simile or a metaphor (See Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs
25:12, Proverbs 25:23) Buzzell concludes with a helpful idea when he says,

Usually, though not always, the second line in a two-line parallelism does more
than merely repeat the words or thought of the first line. The second line may
expand the first, or complete it, define it, emphasize it, be more significant
than it, enlarge on it, be the opposite of it, an alternative to it, or a
counterpart of it. 1 This pattern in which the second line is underscored is
what James L. Kugel calls “A, and what’s more, B” (The Idea of Biblical Poetry:
Parallelism and Its History. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1981, pp.
7-27, esp. p. 13).

Purpose and Theme

The purposes of the book are given in its prologue (Proverbs 1:1-7). Simply
stated in the two lines of poetry in Proverbs 1:2, they are:

1. To teach the moral foundation of successful living (for attaining wisdom and
discipline) This is developed in Proverbs 1:3-5. The word חָכְמָ֣ה wisdom is
best defined as the skill of living in conformity with the principles of God’s
Word. This practical aspect is typical of the book with its emphasis on
מִ֭שְׁלֵי (proverbs). These short, pithy observations on life are
generalizations and thus not intended to be taken as divine promises or without
exception. (See Proverbs 3:9-10). They do not have the universality of the ten
commandments, nor the theological precision of the Apostle Paul’s writings. In
research for my dissertation I found an article that captured this concept very
well. It was “Barking Dogs Never Bite—Except Now and Then.” The word מוּסָר
(discipline) is correction which results in education. This kind of education is
illustrated by עָרְמָ֑ה prudence (Proverbs 3:4), which is training so as not to
be taken in by the world. This is shown, for example, by the lengthy discourses
on the ways of the prostitute (Proverbs 5:1-23 and Proverbs 7:11-27). This
attitude demands a teachable spirit (Proverbs 1:5), which is necessary for
successful living. From this perspective Proverbs contains “general principles
of right living.”

2. To give understanding and mental perception (Proverbs 1:2 b, Proverbs 1:6)
This understanding (בִּינָה bî∙nā(h)) is a gift from God, but it does not come
automatically. The possession of it requires a persistent diligence. It is more
than IQ; it connotes character . . . (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament,
s.v. בִּין, by Louis Goldberg, #239c). Thus, Proverbs is designed to teach a
young person how to think God’s thoughts, to see life through God’s eyes and
thereby to grow into that place where someday he will be among the wise The
motto of the book is stated in Proverbs 1:7 : The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. One is neither
educated nor prepared to live wisely until he begins with a proper relationship
to God. “Fear,” of course, does not refer to a cringing terror but rather is a
healthy, awestruck awareness that God is eternal, uncreated absolute holiness,
justice and mercy, etc., and we are after all only sinful, finite creatures in
need of the grace of God. Unless this attitude is caught, there is no real basis
for education. In fact, failing to grasp this concept makes us no more than a
fool (see the word study below in the topic arrangement), who despises wisdom
and discipline. In our society even many highly “educated” people have not
learned the first thing about true education and wisdom from God’s perspective.
They are, according to Proverbs, fools, who have left God out of their lives.
Such a life is neither beautiful nor skillful. In the end it will be
demonstrated that in reality such a life is really grotesque and ugly. It may
not be clearly seen on a day to day basis; but, in the long term, it will be
demonstrated that God’s viewpoint was right all along (Proverbs 9:1-18).

Structure

Following the prologue (Proverbs 1:1-7) Solomon has written a lengthy
introduction to the book (Proverbs 1:8-33, Proverbs 2:1-22, Proverbs 3:1-35,
Proverbs 4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs 7:1-27, Proverbs
8:1-36, Proverbs 9:1-18). This divides into about ten exhortations to embrace
wisdom, the superior way. (For a grouping into four main subjects see the NIV
Study Bible, p. 945). A key feature of these discourses is the personification
of wisdom and folly as women who call out to young men to follow their
respective ways. The main body of the book is devoted to the proverbs themselves
(Proverbs 10:1-22; Proverbs 25:1-28, Proverbs 26:1-28, Proverbs 27:1-27,
Proverbs 28:1-28, Proverbs 29:1-27), and in this paper they are arranged
thematically. This is designed as a study/preaching aid and not in any way an
attempt to improve on the divine arrangement. The book of Proverbs also includes
the thirty sayings of the wise (Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23:1-35, Proverbs
24:1-22) and some additional sayings (Proverbs 24:23-34). These are longer than
the typical two line sayings characteristic of the main body. The last two
chapters serve as an appendix to the book. The words of Agur are noted for their
inclusion of the numerical proverbs (Proverbs 30:1-33). The words of King Lemuel
(Proverbs 31:1-9) conclude the book, except for the epilogue. This epilogue is
an impressive acrostic poem honoring the wife of noble character, which, as Wolf
points out, is surprising in a book addressed to young men. She, however,
epitomizes many of the qualities and values identified with wisdom throughout
the book. This epilogue may have a further twofold purpose: (1) This section
counsels young men on what to look for in a wife, and (2) it may, in a subtle
way, be a return to the theme of Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs 2:1-22, Proverbs
3:1-35, Proverbs 4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs 7:1-27,
Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs 9:1-18 to remind the young man once again to marry
Lady Wisdom (NIV Study Bible, p. 945).

OUTLINE AND THEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF PROVERBS

(Outline of Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs 2:1-22, Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs 4:1-27,
Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs 7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs
9:1-18 adapted2)

1A. Introduction Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs 2:1-22, Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs
4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs 7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36,
Proverbs 9:1-18 1B. Prologue: Author, purpose and theme Proverbs 1:1-7 1C.
Author: The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel Proverbs 1:1

2C. Purpose:

1D. To teach the moral foundation of successful living: Proverbs 1:2-5 1E. To
acquire disciplined success Proverbs 1:3 2E. To give training to the young
Proverbs 1:4 3E. To help the wise grow Proverbs 1:5 2D. To give understanding
and mental perception Proverbs 1:2 b, Proverbs 1:6 1E. For understanding words
of insight Proverbs 1:2 b 2E. For understanding proverbs and parables, the
sayings and riddles of the wise. Proverbs 1:6 3C. Theme: The fear of the LORD is
the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs
1:7

2B. Ten exhortations to embrace wisdom Proverbs 1:8-33, Proverbs 2:1-22,
Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs 4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs
7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs 9:1-18 1C. Warning against enticement Proverbs
1:8-9 1D. Exhortation to listen Proverbs 1:8-10 2D. Description of the criminal
mind Proverbs 1:11-14 3D. Admonition to avoid the criminal Proverbs 1:15 4D.
Reasons to avoid the criminal Proverbs 1:16-19 1E. Their sinning easily 2E.
Their shedding of blood 3E. Their being more stupid than birds 2C. Warning
against rejecting wisdom Proverbs 1:20-33 1D. The invitation of wisdom Proverbs
1:20-23 1E. The cry of wisdom Proverbs 1:20-21 2E. The appeal to fools Proverbs
1:22 3E. The blessing of response Proverbs 1:23 2D. The consequences of
rejecting wisdom Proverbs 1:24-32 1E. The appeal rejected Proverbs 1:24-25 2E.
The consequences of calamity Proverbs 1:26-27 3E. The unavailability of wisdom
Proverbs 1:28-30 4E. The fruit of folly Proverbs 1:31-32 3D. The blessings of
listening to wisdom Proverbs 1:33 3C. The moral benefits of wisdom Proverbs
2:1-22 1D. The conditions of obtaining wisdom Proverbs 2:1-4 1E. Listening to
parents Proverbs 2:1-2 2E. Seeking it diligently Proverbs 2:3-4 2D. The
consequences of obtaining wisdom Proverbs 2:5-22 1E. Finding the knowledge of
God Proverbs 2:5-8 2E. Discerning the right ethical conduct Proverbs 2:9-22 1F.
The promise Proverbs 2:9-11 2F. The purpose Proverbs 2:12-22 1G. Protection from
evil men Proverbs 2:12-15 2G. Protection from the evil woman Proverbs 2:16-19
3G. Walking in the ways of good men Proverbs 2:20-22 4C. The successful life
given by wisdom Proverbs 3:1-35 1D. Introduction: Two benefits of wisdom
Proverbs 3:1-4 1E. Long and prosperous life 2E. Favor with God and man 2D.
Exhortation to a right relationship with the Lord Proverbs 3:5-12 1E. Trusting
Him Proverbs 3:5-6 2E. Fearing Him Proverbs 3:7-8 3E. Honoring Him Proverbs
3:9-10 4E. Not despising His discipline Proverbs 3:11-12 3D. Exhortation to
preserve wisdom Proverbs 3:13-26 1E. The blessing of wisdom Proverbs 3:13-18 1F.
Surpasses materialism Proverbs 3:13-15 2F. Offers a long, prosperous life
Proverbs 3:16 3F. Brings pleasant tranquility Proverbs 3:17 4F. Yields life and
happiness Proverbs 3:18 2E. The creation coming by wisdom Proverbs 3:19-20 3E.
Wisdom leading to life and security Proverbs 3:21-26 4D. Exhortation to a right
relationship with one’s neighbor Proverbs 3:27-35 1E. The needy neighbor
Proverbs 3:27-28 2E. The innocent neighbor Proverbs 3:29-30 3E. The wicked
neighbor Proverbs 3:31-35 5C. The supreme value of wisdom Proverbs 4:1-27 1D.
Exhortation and motivation to put wisdom first Proverbs 4:1-9 2D. Admonition to
choose the way of righteousness and to avoid the way of wickedness Proverbs
4:10-19 1E. The way of wisdom Proverbs 4:10-13 2E. The way of wickedness
Proverbs 4:14-17 3E. Summary of contrast Proverbs 4:18-19 3D. Admonition to
self-discipline Proverbs 4:20-27 6C. Warning against adultery Proverbs 5:1-23
1D. Admonition to pay attention Proverbs 5:1-3 2D. Description of an adulteress
Proverbs 5:3-6 3D. Warning about the price of unchastity Proverbs 5:7-14 4D.
Encouragement to enjoy one’s God-given wife Proverbs 5:15-20 5D. Final judgment
given by God Proverbs 5:21-23 7C. Warnings against three follies and
abominations Proverbs 6:1-19 1D. The three follies Proverbs 6:1-15 1E. Putting
up security for a stranger Proverbs 6:1-5 2E. Being lazy Proverbs 6:6-11 3E.
Being a scoundrel or villain Proverbs 6:12-15 2D. The seven abominations
(arising out of Proverbs 6:12-15) Proverbs 6:16-19 8C. The folly of being
seduced by an adulteress Proverbs 6:20-35, Proverbs 7:1-27 1D. The foolishness
of adultery Proverbs 6:20-35 2D. The warning against the adulteress Proverbs
7:1-27 1E. Introductory exhortation Proverbs 7:1-5 2E. Observation of a
seduction Proverbs 7:6-23 1F. The setting Proverbs 7:6-9 2F. Her behavior
Proverbs 7:10-12 3F. Her solicitation Proverbs 7:13-20 4F. The cost of
acceptance Proverbs 7:21-23 3E. The moral from the father Proverbs 7:24-27 9C.
The story of wisdom Proverbs 8:1-36 1D. The appeal of wisdom Proverbs 8:1-5 2D.
The moral excellence of wisdom Proverbs 8:6-11 3D. The rewards of wisdom
Proverbs 8:12-21 4D. The priority of wisdom (Christ?) Proverbs 8:22-31 5D.
Epilogue Proverbs 8:32-36 10C. The invitation of wisdom and folly Proverbs
9:1-18 1D. The invitation of wisdom Proverbs 9:1-6 2D. The summary of wisdom`s
benefit Proverbs 9:7-12 1E. Encouragement to accept wisdom’s invitation Proverbs
9:7-9 2E. Wisdom in a nutshell Proverbs 9:10-12 1F. The origin of wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 2F. The longevity of wisdom Proverbs 9:11 3F. The responsibility
of wisdom Proverbs 9:12 3D. The invitation of folly Proverbs 9:13-18

1A. Introduction Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs 2:1-22, Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs
4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs 7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36,
Proverbs 9:1-18 1B. Prologue: Author, purpose and theme Proverbs 1:1-7 1C.
Author: The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel Proverbs 1:1

2C. Purpose:

1D. To teach the moral foundation of successful living: Proverbs 1:2-5 1E. To
acquire disciplined success Proverbs 1:3 2E. To give training to the young
Proverbs 1:4 3E. To help the wise grow Proverbs 1:5 2D. To give understanding
and mental perception Proverbs 1:2 b, Proverbs 1:6 1E. For understanding words
of insight Proverbs 1:2 b 2E. For understanding proverbs and parables, the
sayings and riddles of the wise. Proverbs 1:6 3C. Theme: The fear of the LORD is
the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs
1:7

2B. Ten exhortations to embrace wisdom Proverbs 1:8-33, Proverbs 2:1-22,
Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs 4:1-27, Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs
7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs 9:1-18 1C. Warning against enticement Proverbs
1:8-19 1D. Exhortation to listen Proverbs 1:8-10 2D. Description of the criminal
mind Proverbs 1:11-14 3D. Admonition to avoid the criminal Proverbs 1:15 4D.
Reasons to avoid the criminal Proverbs 1:16-19 1E. Their sinning easily 2E.
Their shedding of blood 3E. Their being more stupid than birds 2C. Warning
against rejecting wisdom Proverbs 1:20-33 1D. The invitation of wisdom Proverbs
1:20-23 1E. The cry of wisdom Proverbs 1:20-21 2E. The appeal to fools Proverbs
1:22 3E. The blessing of response Proverbs 1:23 2D. The consequences of
rejecting wisdom Proverbs 1:24-32 1E. The appeal rejected Proverbs 1:24-25 2E.
The consequences of calamity Proverbs 1:26-27 3E. The unavailability of wisdom
Proverbs 1:28-30 4E. The fruit of folly Proverbs 1:31-32 3D. The blessings of
listening to wisdom Proverbs 1:33 3C. The moral benefits of wisdom Proverbs
2:1-22 1D. The conditions of obtaining wisdom Proverbs 2:1-4 1E. Listening to
parents Proverbs 2:1-2 2E. Seeking it diligently Proverbs 2:3-4 2D. The
consequences of obtaining wisdom Proverbs 2:5-22 1E. Finding the knowledge of
God Proverbs 2:5-8 2E. Discerning the right ethical conduct Proverbs 2:9-22 1F.
The promise Proverbs 2:9-11 2F. The purpose Proverbs 2:12-22 1G. Protection from
evil men Proverbs 2:12-15 2G. Protection from the evil woman Proverbs 2:16-19
3G. Walking in the ways of good men Proverbs 2:20-22 4C. The successful life
given by wisdom Proverbs 3:1-35 1D. Introduction: Two benefits of wisdom
Proverbs 3:1-4 1E. Long and prosperous life 2E. Favor with God and man 2D.
Exhortation to a right relationship with the Lord Proverbs 3:5-12 1E. Trusting
Him Proverbs 3:5-6 2E. Fearing Him Proverbs 3:7-8 3E. Honoring Him Proverbs
3:9-10 4E. Not despising His discipline Proverbs 3:11-12 3D. Exhortation to
preserve wisdom Proverbs 3:13-26 1E. The blessing of wisdom Proverbs 3:13-18 1F.
Surpasses materialism Proverbs 3:13-15 2F. Offers a long, prosperous life
Proverbs 3:16 3F. Brings pleasant tranquility Proverbs 3:17 4F. Yields life and
happiness Proverbs 3:18 2E. The creation coming by wisdom Proverbs 3:19-20 3E.
Wisdom leading to life and security Proverbs 3:21-26 4D. Exhortation to a right
relationship with one’s neighbor Proverbs 3:27-35 1E. The needy neighbor
Proverbs 3:27-28 2E. The innocent neighbor Proverbs 3:29-30 3E. The wicked
neighbor Proverbs 3:31-35 5C. The supreme value of wisdom Proverbs 4:1-27 1D.
Exhortation and motivation to put wisdom first Proverbs 4:1-9 2D. Admonition to
choose the way of righteousness and to avoid the way of wickedness Proverbs
4:10-19 1E. The way of wisdom Proverbs 4:10-13 2E. The way of wickedness
Proverbs 4:14-17 3E. Summary of contrast Proverbs 4:18-19 3D. Admonition to
self-discipline Proverbs 4:20-27 6C. Warning against adultery Proverbs 5:1-23
1D. Admonition to pay attention Proverbs 5:1-3 2D. Description of an adulteress
Proverbs 5:3-6 3D. Warning about the price of unchastity Proverbs 5:7-14 4D.
Encouragement to enjoy one’s God-given wife Proverbs 5:15-20 5D. Final judgment
given by God Proverbs 5:21-23 7C. Warnings against three follies and
abominations Proverbs 6:1-19 1D. The three follies Proverbs 6:1-15 1E. Putting
up security for a stranger Proverbs 6:1-5 2E. Being lazy Proverbs 6:6-11 3E.
Being a scoundrel or villain Proverbs 6:12-15 2D. The seven abominations
(arising out of Proverbs 6:12-15) Proverbs 6:16-19 8C. The folly of being
seduced by an adulteress Proverbs 6:20-35, Proverbs 7:1-27 1D. The foolishness
of adultery Proverbs 6:20-35 2D. The warning against the adulteress Proverbs
7:1-27 1E. Introductory exhortation Proverbs 7:1-5 2E. Observation of a
seduction Proverbs 7:6-23 1F. The setting Proverbs 7:6-9 2F. Her behavior
Proverbs 7:10-12 3F. Her solicitation Proverbs 7:13-20 4F. The cost of
acceptance Proverbs 7:21-23 3E. The moral from the father Proverbs 7:24-27 9C.
The story of wisdom Proverbs 8:1-36 1D. The appeal of wisdom Proverbs 8:1-5 2D.
The moral excellence of wisdom Proverbs 8:6-11 3D. The rewards of wisdom
Proverbs 9:12-21 4D. The priority of wisdom (Christ?) Proverbs 8:22-31 5D.
Epilogue Proverbs 8:32-36 10C. The invitation of wisdom and folly Proverbs
9:1-18 1D. The invitation of wisdom Proverbs 9:1-6 2D. The summary of wisdom`s
benefit Proverbs 9:7-12 1E. Encouragement to accept wisdom’s invitation Proverbs
9:7-9 2E. Wisdom in a nutshell Proverbs 9:10-12 1F. The origin of wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 2F. The longevity of wisdom Proverbs 9:11 3F. The responsibility
of wisdom Proverbs 9:12 3D. The invitation of folly Proverbs 9:13-18

2A. Topical arrangement of proverbs by Solomon and proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s
men (quoted from the NET BIBLE3) Proverbs 10:1-32, Proverbs 11:1-31, Proverbs
12:1-28, Proverbs 13:1-25, Proverbs 14:1-35, Proverbs 15:1-33, Proverbs 16:1-33,
Proverbs 17:1-28, Proverbs 18:1-24, Proverbs 19:1-29, Proverbs 20:30, Proverbs
21:1-31, Proverbs 22:1-6 and Proverbs 25:1-28, Proverbs 26:1-28, Proverbs
27:1-27, Proverbs 28:1-28, Proverbs 29:1-27

ADULTERY

Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; the one against
whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

Proverbs 29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever
associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

See also: Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:1-23, Proverbs 6:20-35, Proverbs 7:1-27,
Proverbs 23:26-28, Proverbs 30:20

ADVICE/COUNSEL

Proverbs 11:14 When there is no guidance a nation falls, but there is success in
the abundance of counselors.

Proverbs 12:5 The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked
are deceitful.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who
listens to advice is wise.

Proverbs 13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the
well-advised.

Proverbs 15:12 The scorner does not love one who corrects him; he will not go to
the wise.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers
they are established.

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise
by the end of your life.

Proverbs 20:18 Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice, likewise the
sweetness of one’s friend from sincere counsel.

ALCOHOL

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes
astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 21:17 The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves
wine and anointing oil will not be rich.

See also: Proverbs 23:19-21, Proverbs 23:29-35, Proverbs 31:4-7

ANGER/PATIENCE

Proverbs 11:23 What the righteous desire leads only to good, but what the wicked
hope for leads to wrath.

Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an
insult.

Proverbs 14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws
off restraint and is overconfident.

Proverbs 14:17 A person who has a quick temper does foolish things, and a person
with crafty schemes is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 The one who is slow to anger has great understanding, but the one
who has a quick temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:35 The king shows favor to a wise servant, but his wrath falls on
one who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up
wrath.

Proverbs 15:18 A quick-tempered person stirs up dissension, but one who is slow
to anger calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 16:14 A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death, but a wise person
appeases it.

Proverbs 16:32 Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one
who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.

Proverbs 17:27 The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays
calm is discerning.

Proverbs 18:23 A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers
harshly.

Proverbs 19:3 A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the
Lord.

Proverbs 19:11 A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to
overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like
dew on the grass.

Proverbs 19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty, but if you deliver
him from it once, you will have to do it again.

Proverbs 20:2 The king’s terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever
provokes him sins against himself.

Proverbs 21:14 A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly
subdues strong wrath.

Proverbs 21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and
easily-provoked woman.

Proverbs 22:8 The one who sows iniquity will reap trouble, and the rod of his
fury will end.

Proverbs 22:24 Do not make friends with an angry person, and do not associate
with a wrathful person, Proverbs 22:25 lest you learn his ways and entangle
yourself in a snare.

Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a soft tongue can
break a bone.

Proverbs 25:23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a gossiping tongue brings
forth an angry look.

Proverbs 25:28 Like a city that is broken down and without a wall, so is a
person who cannot control his temper.

Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but vexation by a fool is
more burdensome than the two of them.

Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before
jealousy?

Proverbs 29:8 Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away
wrath.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no
peace whether he is angry or laughs.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it
back.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up dissension, and a wrathful person is
abounding in transgression.

See also: Proverbs 6:34, Proverbs 14:35, Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 17:27,
Proverbs 30:32-33

DILIGENCE/LAZINESS (See also WORK)

Proverbs 10:4 The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently
becomes wealthy.

Proverbs 10:5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one
who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself.

Proverbs 10:26 Like vinegar to the teeth and like smoke to the eyes, so is the
sluggard to those who send him.

Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever
chases daydreams lacks wisdom.

Proverbs 12:24 The diligent person will rule, but the slothful will become a
slave.

Proverbs 12:27 The lazy person does not roast his prey, but personal possessions
are precious to the diligent.

Proverbs 13:4 The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but the
desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.

Proverbs 14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it
only brings poverty.

Proverbs 15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path
of the upright is like a highway.

Proverbs 18:9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.

Proverbs 19:15 Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and the idle person will go
hungry.

Proverbs 19:24 The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish, and he will not even
bring it back to his mouth!

Proverbs 20:4 The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at
harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.

Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes
so that you might be satisfied with food.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is
hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:25 What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands refuse to
work.

Proverbs 21:26 All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does
not hold back.

Proverbs 22:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I will be killed in
the middle of the streets!“

Proverbs 26:14 Like a door that turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his
bed.

Proverbs 26:15 The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to
bring it back to his mouth.

Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own estimation than seven people who
respond with good sense.

Proverbs 28:19 The one who works his land will be satisfied with food, but
whoever chases daydreams will have his fill of poverty.

See also: Proverbs 6:6, Proverbs 6:9, Proverbs 24:30, Proverbs 31:27

DISCIPLINE/CORRECTION (See also REBUKE)

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the
one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

Proverbs 10:17 The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one
who rejects rebuke goes astray.

Proverbs 12:1 The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who
hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 13:18 The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but
the one who accepts reproof is honored.

Proverbs 13:24 The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves
his child is diligent in disciplining him.

Proverbs 14:3 In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of
the wise protect them.

Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof
shows good sense.

Proverbs 15:10 Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way; the one
who hates reproof will die.

Proverbs 15:12 The scorner does not love one who corrects him; he will not go to
the wise.

Proverbs 15:32 The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever
hears reproof acquires understanding.

Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a
hundred blows on a fool.

Proverbs 18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a
flogging.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your child, for there is hope, but do not set your
heart on causing his death.

Proverbs 19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty, but if you deliver
him from it once, you will have to do it again.

Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn
prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand
knowledge.

Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and floggings for the backs
of fools.

Proverbs 20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the
innermost being.

Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of
discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for
the backs of fools!

Proverbs 29:15 A rod and reproof impart wisdom, but a child who is unrestrained
brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest; he will bring
you happiness.

Proverbs 29:19 A servant cannot be corrected by words, for although he
understands, there is no answer.

See also:

Discipline (מוּסָר)-- Proverbs 1:2-3, Proverbs 1:7-8, Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs
4:1, Proverbs 4:13, Proverbs 5:12, Proverbs 5:23, Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 7:22,
Proverbs 8:10, Proverbs 8:33, Proverbs 9:7, Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 16:22,
Proverbs 19:20, Proverbs 19:27, Proverbs 23:12-14, Proverbs 23:23, Proverbs
24:32, Proverbs 31:1.

Correction (תֹּוכַחַת)- Proverbs 1:23, Proverbs 1:25, Proverbs 1:30, Proverbs
3:11-12, Proverbs 5:12, Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 9:7-8(2X); Proverbs 25:12,
Proverbs 27:5, Proverbs 15:31, Proverbs 24:25, Proverbs 25:12, Proverbs 27:5,
Proverbs 28:23, Proverbs 29:1, Proverbs 30:6.

DISCERNMENT

This Hebrew word בִּין is the same as the word often translated understanding.
(See that heading.) The general statements made in defining understanding would
apply here. In some passages the word had the nuance of distinguishing between
certain choices or options and thus can be translated as some form of the word
discern.

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the
one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

Proverbs 14:6 The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none, but understanding is easy
for a discerning person.

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; it is known even in
the heart of fools.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 16:21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind
speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a
hundred blows on a fool.

Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the
eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one
who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.

Proverbs 18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person
seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn
prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand
knowledge.

Proverbs 28:7 The one who keeps the law is a discerning child, but a companion
of gluttons brings shame to his parents.

Proverbs 28:11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor
person can evaluate him properly.

See also: Proverbs 1:2, Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 8:9

FAITHFULNESS/UNFAITHFULNESS

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of
the unfaithful destroys them.

Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the
faithless will be captured by their own desires.

Proverbs 11:13 The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the
one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things, but the
faithless desire the fruit of violence Proverbs 13:15 Keen insight wins favor,
but the conduct of the unfaithful is harsh.

Proverbs 13:17 An unreliable messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy
brings healing.

Proverbs 14:14 The backslider will be paid back from his own ways, but a good
person will be rewarded for his.

Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good
exhibit faithful covenant love.

Proverbs 16:6 Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing
the Lord one avoids evil.

Proverbs 20:6 Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person - who can
find?

Proverbs 20:28 Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by
loyal love.

Proverbs 21:18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless
are taken in the place of the upright.

Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the Lord guard knowledge, but he overthrows the words
of the faithless person.

Proverbs 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful
messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the heart of his masters.

Proverbs 25:19 Like a bad tooth or a foot out of joint, so is confidence in an
unfaithful person at the time of trouble.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy
are excessive.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful person will have an abundance of blessings, but the
one who hastens to gain riches will not go unpunished.

FAMILY

1B. General family Proverbs 11:29 The one who troubles his family will inherit
nothing, and the fool will be a servant to the wise person.

Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened
ox where there is hatred.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a
house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are like a crown to the elderly, and the glory of
children is their parents.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in
adversity.

Proverbs 18:19 A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and
disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.

Proverbs 18:24 A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19:7 All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his
friends avoid him - he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.

Proverbs 11:29 The one who troubles his family will inherit nothing, and the
fool will be a servant to the wise person.

2B. Father

Proverbs 13:22 A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,
but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 13:24 The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves
his child is diligent in disciplining him.

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and it will be
a refuge for his children.

Proverbs 15:27 The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household, but
whoever hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 17:13 As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his
house.

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his
children after him.

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old
men is gray hair.

Proverbs 27:8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest, so is a person who wanders
from his home.

3B. Wife/Woman Proverbs 11:16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men
seize wealth.

Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who
rejects discretion.

Proverbs 12:4 A noble wife is the crown of her husband, but the wife who acts
shamefully is like rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears
it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 18:22 The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable, and receives a
pleasurable gift from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife
is like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife
is from the Lord.

Proverbs 21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house
in company with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and
easily-provoked woman.

Proverbs 25:24 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house
in company with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 27:15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are
alike.

Proverbs 27:16 Whoever hides her hides the wind or grasps oil with his right
hand.

4B. Children Proverbs 10:1 A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish
child is a grief to his mother.

Proverbs 10:5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one
who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not
listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof
shows good sense.

Proverbs 15:20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person
despises his mother.

Proverbs 17:2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves
shamefully, Proverbs 17:21 Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his
grief, and the father of a fool has no joy.

Proverbs 17:25 A foolish child is a grief to his father, and bitterness to the
mother who bore him Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is the ruin of his father,
and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your child, for there is hope, but do not set your
heart on causing his death.

Proverbs 19:26 The one who robs his father and chases away his mother is a son
who brings shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will stray
from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is
pure and whether it is right.

Proverbs 20:20 The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be
extinguished in the blackest darkness.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of
discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 27:11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer
anyone who taunts me.

Proverbs 28:7 The one who keeps the law is a discerning child, but a companion
of gluttons brings shame to his parents.

Proverbs 28:1-24 The one who robs his father and mother and says, “There is no
transgression,” is a companion to the one who destroys.

Proverbs 29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever
associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

Proverbs 29:15 A rod and reproof impart wisdom, but a child who is unrestrained
brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest; he will bring
you happiness.

FAVOR

Proverbs 12:2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a
person with wicked schemes.

Proverbs 13:15 Keen insight wins favor, but the conduct of the unfaithful is
harsh.

Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king’s face there is life, and his favor is
like the clouds of the spring rain.

Proverbs 18:22 The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable, and receives a
pleasurable gift from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone
is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

Proverbs 19:12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like
dew on the grass.

Proverbs 28:23 The one who reproves another will in the end find more favor than
the one who flatters with the tongue.

THE FOOL

1B. Simple/Naïve/simpleton The simple person פֶּתִי (pě∙ṯî) is open-minded,
willing to believe anything (Proverbs 14:15). There is hope for him because he
may learn from the discipline of the mocker (Proverbs 19:25). If, however, he
refuses to move toward learning wisdom, he will slide aimlessly into temptation
(Proverbs 7:1-27). He is no half-wit but his bad example serves as a warning to
each of us, who also can follow his path to destruction (Proverbs 27:12),
preferring not to accept discipline in the school of wisdom (Proverbs 1:22-32).
As the least of those in the “fools” gallery, his example serves to warn
everyone.

Proverbs 14:15 A naive person believes everything, but the shrewd person
discerns his steps.

Proverbs 14:18 The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with
knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn
prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand
knowledge.

Proverbs 21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise
person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs 22:3 A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep
right on going and suffer for it.

Proverbs 27:12 A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep
right on going and suffer for it.

See also: Proverbs 1:4, Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 1:32, Proverbs 7:7, Proverbs
8:5, Proverbs 9:4, Proverbs 9:6, Proverbs 9:16 2B. The Mocker/Scoffer/Scorner
The mocker/scoffer/scorner (לֵץ lyṣ) (lets) has a hardened disdain of wisdom and
has earned a place in the fool’s gallery by being both morally incapable of
hearing and by delighting in leading others astray. He needs love and patience,
for argument does not affect him (Proverbs 9:7), and in the end he who mocks
will be mocked by God (Proverbs 3:34). The Net Study Bible has the following
note at Proverbs 14:6: “The “scorner” (לֵץ) is intellectually arrogant; he lacks
any serious interest in knowledge or religion. He pursues wisdom in a
superficial way so that he can appear wise. The acquisition of wisdom is
conditioned by one’s attitude toward it (J. H. Greenstone, Proverbs, 149).”

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not
listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 14:6 The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none, but understanding is easy
for a discerning person.

Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.

Proverbs 15:12 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the
way that leads to death.

Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn
prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand
knowledge.

Proverbs 19:28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked
devours iniquity.

Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and floggings for the backs
of fools.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes
astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise
person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs 21:24 A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,“ acts with
overbearing pride.

Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the scorner and contention will leave; strife and
insults will cease.

Proverbs 29:8 Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away
wrath.

See also: Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 3:34, Proverbs 9:7-8, Proverbs 9:12, Proverbs
24:9;

Three Hebrew words are usually translated by the general term fool:

3B. The Insensitive Fool The insensitive fool (כְּסִיל Kesil) is referred to
forty-nine times. He is dull to wisdom and spiritual truth. He likes his folly
(Proverbs 26:1126:11) and rejects the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:29). Thus, he
cannot even imagine himself mistaken (Proverbs 17:10).

Proverbs 10:1 A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a
grief to his mother.

Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads
slander is certainly a fool.

Proverbs 10:23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is
wisdom for the one who has discernment.

Proverbs 12:23 The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people
publicize folly.

Proverbs 13:16 Every shrewd person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his
folly.

Proverbs 13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools abhor turning
away from evil.

Proverbs 13:20 The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion
of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 14:7 Leave the presence of a foolish person, or you will not understand
wise counsel.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the
folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws
off restraint and is overconfident.

Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is
folly.

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; it is known even in
the heart of fools.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth
of the fool spouts out folly.

Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of
fools.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person
despises his mother.

Proverbs 17:10 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person
despises his mother.

Proverbs 17:12 It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of
her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no
intention of acquiring wisdom?

Proverbs 17:21 Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief, and
the father of a fool has no joy.

Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the
eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:25 A foolish child is a grief to his father, and bitterness to the
mother who bore him.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing
what is on his mind.

Proverbs 18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a
flogging.

Proverbs 18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his
life.

Proverbs 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is
perverse in his speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a servant
to rule over princes!

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife
is like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and floggings for the backs
of fools.

Proverbs 21:20 There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the
wise, but a foolish person devours all he has.

Proverbs 26:1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting
for a fool.

Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for
the backs of fools!

Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself
also be like him.

Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own
estimation.

Proverbs 26:6 Like cutting off the feet or drinking violence, so is sending a
message by the hand of a fool.

Proverbs 26:7 Like legs that hang limp from the lame, so is a proverb in the
mouth of fools.

Proverbs 26:8 Like tying a stone in a sling, so is giving honor to a fool.

Proverbs 26:10 Like an archer who wounds at random, so is the one who hires a
fool or hires any passer-by.

Proverbs 26:11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his
folly.

Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a
fool than for him.

Proverbs 28:26 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a
fool than for him.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it
back.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see someone who is hasty in his words? There is more hope
for a fool than for him.

See also: Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 1:32, Proverbs 3:35, Proverbs 8:5, Proverbs
23:9 4B. The Stubborn Fool The stubborn fool (אֱוִיל evil) is referred to
nineteen times (plus twenty-two times as folly and foolish (אִוֶּלֶת evilot).
This darker word suggests moral and spiritual stupidity and stubbornness. He
gives himself away as soon as he opens his mouth (Proverbs 17:28, Proverbs
24:7), is quarrelsome (Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 12:16) and has no sense of
proportion. Of special prominence is his moral insolence (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs
10:8, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 14:9, Proverbs 15:5). Unless his folly is removed
early (Proverbs 22:15), he has little hope of being changed (Proverbs 27:22).

Proverbs 10:8 The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks
foolishness will come to ruin.

Proverbs 10:10 The one who winks his eye causes trouble, and the one who speaks
foolishness will come to ruin.

Proverbs 10:14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads
to imminent destruction.

Proverbs 10:21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack
of wisdom.

Proverbs 11:29 The one who troubles his family will inherit nothing, and the
fool will be a servant to the wise person.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who
listens to advice is wise.

Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an
insult.

Proverbs 12:23 The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people
publicize folly.

Proverbs 13:16 Every shrewd person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his
folly.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears
it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 14:3 In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of
the wise protect them.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the
folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.

Proverbs 14:17 A person who has a quick temper does foolish things, and a person
with crafty schemes is hated.

Proverbs 14:18 The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with
knowledge.

Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is
folly.

Proverbs 14:29 The one who is slow to anger has great understanding, but the one
who has a quick temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth
of the fool spouts out folly.

Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof
shows good sense.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has
understanding follows an upright course.

Proverbs 16:22 Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses
it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.

Proverbs 17:12 It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of
her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one
who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.

Proverbs 19:3 A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the
Lord.

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool
quarrels.

Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself
also be like him.

Proverbs 26:55 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own
estimation.

Proverbs 26:11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his
folly.

Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but vexation by a fool is
more burdensome than the two of them.

Proverbs 27:22 If you should pound the fool in the mortar among the grain with
the pestle, his foolishness would not depart from him.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no
peace whether he is angry or laughs.

See also: Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 7:22, Proverbs 24:7-8;

5B. The Boorish Fool The boorish fool (נָבָל Nabal) is spoken of only three
times in Proverbs (Proverbs 17:7, Proverbs 30:22, Proverbs 30:32). Like the
other fools his mind is closed to God (Psalms 14:1) and to reason (1 Samuel
25:2-7). In the 1 Sam passage David nearly murdered a man by that name. The
nabal, boorish fool, is crude, rude and arrogant. As the worst kind of fool he
is despised by all.

Proverbs 17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are
lies for a ruler!

FRIENDSHIP/NEIGHBOR

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Proverbs 11:9 With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor, but by
knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Proverbs 11:12 The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who
has discernment keeps silent.

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way
of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:20 The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion
of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 14:20 A poor person is disliked even by his neighbors, but those who
love the rich are many.

Proverbs 14:21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever is kind to
the needy is blessed.

Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened
ox where there is hatred.

Proverbs 16:7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles
his enemies to himself.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the
closest friends.

Proverbs 16:29 A violent person entices his neighbor, and leads him down a path
that is terrible.

Proverbs 17:9 The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a
matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in
adversity.

Proverbs 17:18 The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up
financial security for his neighbor.

Proverbs 18:1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all
sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:24 A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but a poor person is separated from his
friend.

Proverbs 19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone
is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

Proverbs 19:7 All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his
friends avoid him-he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.

Proverbs 21:10 The appetite of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor is shown no
favor in his eyes.

Proverbs 22:11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious - the
king will be his friend.

Proverbs 25:8 Do not go out hastily to litigation, or what will you do afterward
when your neighbor puts you to shame?

Proverbs 25:9 When you argue a case with your neighbor, do not reveal the secret
of another person, Proverbs 25:10 lest the one who hears it put you to shame and
your infamy will never go away.

Proverbs 25:16 When you find honey, eat only what is sufficient for you, lest
you become stuffed with it and vomit it up.

Proverbs 25:17 Don’t set foot too frequently in your neighbor’s house, lest he
become weary of you and hate you.

Proverbs 25:18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow, so is the one who
testifies against his neighbor as a false witness.

Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar
poured on soda, Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a weary person, so is good
news from a distant land.

Proverbs 26:18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows, Proverbs
26:19 so is a person who deceives his neighbor, and says, “Was I not only
joking?“

Proverbs 27:6 The one whose appetite is satisfied loathes honey, but to the
hungry mouth every bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice, likewise the
sweetness of one’s friend from sincere counsel.

Proverbs 27:10 Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not
enter your brother’s house in the day of your disaster; a neighbor nearby is
better than a brother far away.

Proverbs 27:14 If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the
morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.

Proverbs 29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever
associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

Proverbs 29:5 The one who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.

GOVERNMENT/RULERS

Proverbs 11:10 When the righteous do well, the city rejoices; when the wicked
perish, there is joy.

Proverbs 11:11 A city is exalted by the blessing provided from the upright, but
it is destroyed by the counsel of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:14 When there is no guidance a nation falls, but there is success in
the abundance of counselors.

Proverbs 12:24 The diligent person will rule, but the slothful will become a
slave.

Proverbs 14:28 A king’s glory is the abundance of people, but the lack of
subjects is the ruin of a ruler.

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any
people.

Proverbs 14:35 The king shows favor to a wise servant, but his wrath falls on
one who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 16:10 The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his
pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.

Proverbs 16:12 Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is
established in righteousness.

Proverbs 16:13 The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one
who speaks uprightly.

Proverbs 16:14 A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death, but a wise person
appeases it.

Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king’s face there is life, and his favor is
like the clouds of the spring rain.

Proverbs 17:2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves
shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.

Proverbs 17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are
lies for a ruler!

Proverbs 17:11 An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger
will be sent against him.

Proverbs 17:15 The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the
innocent - both of them are an abomination to the Lord.

Proverbs 17:26 It is terrible to punish a righteous person, and to flog
honorable men is wrong.

Proverbs 19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone
is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

Proverbs 19:10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a servant
to rule over princes!

Proverbs 19:12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like
dew on the grass.

Proverbs 20:2 The king’s terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever
provokes him sins against himself.

Proverbs 20:8 A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with
his eyes.

Proverbs 20:18 Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance.

Proverbs 20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing
wheel over them.

Proverbs 20:28 Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by
loyal love.

Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of
water; he turns it wherever he wants.

Proverbs 21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is
from the Lord.

Proverbs 22:11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious - the
king will be his friend.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and it is the glory of
a king to search out a matter.

Proverbs 25:3 As the heaven is high and the earth is deep so the hearts of kings
are unsearchable.

Proverbs 25:4 Remove the dross from the silver, and material for the silversmith
will emerge;

Proverbs 25:5 remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be
established in righteousness.

Proverbs 25:6 Do not honor yourself before the king, and do not stand in the
place of great men;

Proverbs 25:7 for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,“ than to
put you lower before a prince, whom your eyes have seen.

Proverbs 25:8 Do not go out hastily to litigation, or what will you do afterward
when your neighbor puts you to shame?

Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a soft tongue can
break a bone.

Proverbs 27:23 Pay careful attention to the condition of your flocks, give
careful attention to your herds, Proverbs 27:24 for riches do not last forever,
nor does a crown last from generation to generation.

Proverbs 28:2 When a country is rebellious it has many princes, but by someone
who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.

Proverbs 28:3 A poor person who oppresses the weak is like a driving rain
without food.

Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep
the law contend with them.

Proverbs 28:7 The one who keeps the law is a discerning child, but a companion
of gluttons brings shame to his parents.

Proverbs 28:12 When the righteous rejoice, great is the glory, but when the
wicked rise to power, people are sought out.

Proverbs 28:15 Like a roaring lion or a roving bear, so is a wicked ruler over a
poor people.

Proverbs 28:16 The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who
hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked gain control, people hide themselves, but when
they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs 29:4 A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts
tribute tears it down.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no
peace whether he is angry or laughs.

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked.

Proverbs 29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be
established forever.

Proverbs 29:18 When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!

Proverbs 29:26 Many people seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord
that one receives justice.

HEART OF MAN/INNER BEING

Proverbs 11:20 The Lord abhors those who are perverse in heart, but those who
are blameless in their ways are his delight.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who
promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:23 The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people
publicize folly.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging
word brings him joy.

Proverbs 13:3 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging
word brings him joy.

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is
like a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools abhor turning
away from evil.

Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and with its joy no one else
can share.

Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be
grief.

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the
bones.

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; it is known even in
the heart of fools.

Proverbs 15:4 Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse
tongue breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 15:11 Death and Destruction are before the Lord - how much more the
hearts of humans!

Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a painful heart
the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a cheerful
heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth
of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 15:30 A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health
to the body.

Proverbs 16:1 The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the
tongue comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord
evaluates the motives.

Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; the one who
guards his way safeguards his life.

Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to
share the spoils with the proud.

Proverbs 16:21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind
speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 16:23 A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds
persuasiveness to his words.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and
healing to the bones.

Pro 17:3 The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold,
likewise the Lord tests hearts.

Proverbs 17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one
who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries
up the bones.

Proverbs 18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his
life.

Proverbs 18:18 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into
the person’s innermost being Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of a
person is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:14 A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness - but who can
bear a crushed spirit?

Proverbs 18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person
seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 19:3 A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the
Lord.

Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves
understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards his life; the one who
despises his ways will die.

Proverbs 19:21 There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of
the Lord which will stand.

Proverbs 19:23 Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live
satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.

Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in a person’s heart is like deep water, but an
understanding person draws it out.

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart clean; I am pure from my sin“?

Proverbs 20:27 The human spirit is like the lamp of the Lord, searching all his
innermost parts.

Proverbs 20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the
innermost being.

Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of
water; he turns it wherever he wants.

Proverbs 21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord
evaluates the motives.

Pro 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart - the agricultural product of the wicked
is sin.

Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse, but the one who
guards himself keeps far from them.

Proverbs 22:11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious - the
king will be his friend.

Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of
discipline will drive it far from him.

Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar
poured on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Proverbs 26:22 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels; they go down
into a person’s innermost being.

Proverbs 26:23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an
evil heart.

Proverbs 26:24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, but he
stores up deceit within him.

Proverbs 26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are
seven abominations within him.

Proverbs 26:26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit, his evil will be
uncovered in the assembly.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice, likewise the
sweetness of one’s friend from sincere counsel.

Proverbs 27:11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer
anyone who taunts me.

Proverbs 27:19 As in water the face is reflected as a face, so a person’s heart
reflects the person.

Proverbs 28:14 Blessed is the one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens
his heart will fall into evil.

Proverbs 29:23 A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly
spirit will gain honor.

HONESTY/DISHONESTY

Proverbs 10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness
delivers from mortal danger.

Proverbs 10:9 The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but
the one who behaves perversely will be found out.

Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads
slander is certainly a fool.

Proverbs 11:1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but an accurate weight is his
delight.

Proverbs 11:18 The wicked person earns deceitful wages, but the one who sows
righteousness reaps a genuine reward.

Proverbs 12:5 The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked
are deceitful.

Proverbs 12:17 The faithful witness tells what is right, but a false witness
speaks deceit.

Proverbs 12:19 The one who tells the truth will endure forever, but the one who
lies will last only for a moment.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who
promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:22 The Lord abhors a person who lies, but those who deal truthfully
are his delight.

Proverbs 13:5 The righteous person hates anything false, but the wicked person
acts in shameful disgrace.

Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity, but
wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained quickly will dwindle away, but the one who gathers
it little by little will become rich.

Proverbs 14:5 A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out
lies.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the
folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness rescues lives, but the one who breathes lies
brings deception.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth
of the fool spouts out folly.

Proverbs 16:11 Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in
the bag are his handiwork.

Proverbs 16:13 The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one
who speaks uprightly.

Proverbs 17:4 One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel; a liar
listens to a malicious tongue.

Proverbs 17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are
lies for a ruler!

Proverbs 17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one
who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out
lies will not escape punishment.

Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out
lies will perish.

Proverbs 19:22 What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor
person is better than a liar.

Proverbs 19:28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked
devours iniquity.

Proverbs 20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures - the Lord abhors both of
them.

Proverbs 20:17 Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet to a person, but afterward
his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:23 The Lord abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are
wicked.

Proverbs 21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and
forth; they seek death.

Proverbs 21:28 A lying witness will perish, but the one who reports accurately
speaks forever.

Proverbs 25:14 Like cloudy skies and wind that produce no rain, so is the one
who boasts of a gift not given.

Proverbs 25:18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow, so is the one who
testifies against his neighbor as a false witness.

Proverbs 26:18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows, Proverbs
26:19 so is a person who deceives his neighbor, and says, “Was I not only
joking?”

Proverbs 26:23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an
evil heart.

Proverbs 26:24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, but he
stores up deceit within him.

Proverbs 26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are
seven abominations within him.

Proverbs 26:26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit, his evil will be
uncovered in the assembly.

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth
works ruin.

Proverbs 28:13 The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but
whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.

Proverbs 28:16 The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who
hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies,all his ministers will be wicked.

See also: Proverbs 6:19

HONOR

Proverbs 11:16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.

Proverbs 13:18 The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but
the one who accepts reproof is honored.

Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever
shows favor to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor
comes humility.

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility
comes before honor.

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool
quarrels.

Proverbs 21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty,
and honor.

Proverbs 22:4 The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor
and life.

Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable for
people to seek their own glory.

Proverbs 26:1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting
for a fool..

Proverbs 26:8 Like tying a stone in a sling, so is giving honor to a fool.

Proverbs 27:18 The one who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever
takes care of his master will be honored.

Proverbs 29:23 A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly
spirit will gain honor.

INSTRUCTION

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not
listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:13 The one who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but
whoever esteems instruction will be rewarded.

Proverbs 13:14 Instruction from the wise is like a life-giving fountain, to turn
a person from deadly snares.

Proverbs 16:20 The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success, and
blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 16:21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind
speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 16:23 A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds
persuasiveness to his words.

Proverbs 19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards his life; the one who
despises his ways will die.

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise
by the end of your life.

Proverbs 19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will stray
from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise
person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

INTEGRITY

Proverbs 10:9 The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but
the one who behaves perversely will be found out.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of
the unfaithful destroys them.

Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity, but
wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Proverbs 17:26 It is terrible to punish a righteous person, and to flog
honorable men is wrong.

Proverbs 29:10 Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity; as for the
upright, they seek his life.

JOY

Joy denotes not only the emotional gladness of disposition but also involves the
entire personality (Proverbs 15:30). Outside of Proverbs it is frequently
associated with the heart (Psalms 19:8). Many occasions and objects bring joy;
such as a wise son (Proverbs 10:1), an apt reply (Proverbs 25:23) and a cheerful
look (Proverbs 15:30).

Proverbs 10:1 A wise child makes a father rejoice, but a foolish child is a
grief to his mother.

Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the
wicked will remain unfulfilled.

Proverbs 11:10 When the righteous do well, the city rejoices; when the wicked
perish, there is joy.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who
promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and with its joy no one else
can share.

Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be
grief.

Proverbs 15:20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person
despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:23 A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at
the right time - how good it is!

Proverbs 15:30 A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health
to the body.

Proverbs 17:21 Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief, and
the father of a fool has no joy.

Proverbs 21:15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who
do evil.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice, likewise the
sweetness of one’s friend from sincere counsel.

Proverbs 27:11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer
anyone who taunts me.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the
wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever
associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

Proverbs 29:6 In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare, but a
righteous person can sing and rejoice.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest; he will bring
you happiness.

See also: Proverbs 2:14, Proverbs 5:18, Proverbs 12:25, Proverbs 15:21, Proverbs
23:15-16, Proverbs 23:24-25, Proverbs 24:17-18.

JUDGMENT, LACK OF

This particular phrase comes from the Hebrew חֲסַר־לֵב (ḥā∙sēr lēḇ), literally
meaning lacks heart. The word heart לֵב (lēḇ):is used some six hundred times in
the Old Testament with a wide variety of meanings. It is the most frequently
used word for man’s immaterial aspects. Here the idea relates to perception and
awareness. It is very close to the words discernment (See under that title.) and
understanding (See under that title.) It is in contrast with the phrase wise in
heart (Proverbs 10:8, Proverbs 11:29, Proverbs 16:23). The Net Bible translates
the word as a metonomy of association for “wisdom” (DBD s. v. 3) and once for a
person lacking “sense” (Proverbs 15:21).

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the
one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

Proverbs 10:21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack
of wisdom.

Proverbs 11:12 The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who
has discernment keeps silent.

Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever
chases daydreams lacks wisdom.

Proverbs 15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has
understanding follows an upright course.

Proverbs 17:18 The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up
financial security for his neighbor.

Proverbs 28:16 The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who
hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

See also: Proverbs 6:32, Proverbs 7:7, Proverbs 9:4, Proverbs 24:30

JUSTICE/INJUSTICE

Proverbs 12:5 The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked
are deceitful.

Proverbs 13:23 There is abundant food in the field of the poor, but it is swept
away by injustice.

Proverbs 16:8 Better to have a little with righteousness than to have abundant
income without justice.

Proverbs 16:10 The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his
pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.

Proverbs 16:11 onest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in
the bag are his handiwork.

Proverbs 16:33 The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is
from the Lord.

Proverbs 17:15 The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the
innocent - both of them are an abomination to the Lord.

Proverbs 17:23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of
justice.

Proverbs 17:26 It is terrible to punish a righteous person, and to flog
honorable men is wrong.

Proverbs 18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a
righteous man of justice.

Proverbs 18:17 The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent
begins to cross-examine him.

Proverbs 19:28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked
devours iniquity.

Proverbs 20:8 A king sitting on the throne to judge separates out all evil with
his eyes.

Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord
than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:7 The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they
refuse to do what is right.

Proverbs 21:15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who
do evil.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord
understand it all.

Proverbs 28:17 The one who is tormented by the murder of another will flee to
the pit; let no one support him.

Proverbs 29:4 A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts
tribute tears it down.

Proverbs 29:7 The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor; the
wicked does not understand such knowledge.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no
peace whether he is angry or laughs.

Proverbs 29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be
established forever.

Proverbs 29:24 Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy; he hears the oath
to testify, but does not talk.

Proverbs 29:26 Many people seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord
that one receives justice.

See also: Proverbs 1:3, Proverbs 2:8-9, Proverbs 8:20, Proverbs 24:23-25

KINDNESS

Proverbs 11:17 A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself
trouble.

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous person cares for the life of his animal, but even the
most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging
word brings him joy.

Proverbs 14:21 The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever is kind to
the needy is blessed.

Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever
shows favor to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the
Lord will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 28:8 The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest gathers it
for someone who is gracious to the needy.

KNOWLEDGE Proverbs 10:14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish
speech leads to imminent destruction.

Proverbs 11:9 With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor, but by
knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Proverbs 12:1 The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who
hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 12:23 The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people
publicize folly.

Proverbs 13:16 Every shrewd person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his
folly.

Proverbs 14:7 Leave sthe presence of a foolish person, or you will not
understand wise counsel.

Proverbs 14:18 The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with
knowledge.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth
of the fool spouts out folly..

Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of
fools.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 17:27 The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays
calm is discerning.

Proverbs 18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person
seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 19:2 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person
seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn
prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand
knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will stray
from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge
are like a precious jewel.

Proverbs 21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise
person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs 22:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he
overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

Proverbs 28:2 When a country is rebellious it has many princes, but by someone
who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.

The LORD/Yahweh

1B. Sovereignty of Yahweh Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good.

Proverbs 15:11 Death and Destruction are before the Lord - how much more the
hearts of humans!

Proverbs 20:12 The ear that hears and the eye that sees - the Lord has made them
both.

Proverbs 22:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord
evaluates the motives..

Proverbs 29:13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord
gives light to the eyes of them both.

2B. Character of Yahweh Proverbs 11:1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but an
accurate weight is his delight.

Proverbs 11:20 The Lord abhors those who are perverse in heart, but those who
are blameless in their ways are his delight.

Proverbs 12:2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a
person with wicked schemes.

Proverbs 12:22 The Lord abhors a person who lies, but those who deal truthfully
are his delight.

Proverbs 15:8 The Lord abhors the sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayer of
the upright pleases him.

Proverbs 15:9 The Lord abhors the way of the wicked, but he loves those who
pursue righteousness.

Proverbs 15:26 The Lord abhors the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are
pure.

Proverbs 16:5 The Lord abhors every arrogant person; rest assured that they will
not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:11 Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in
the bag are his handiwork.

Proverbs 17:15 The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the
innocent - both of them are an abomination to the Lord.

Proverbs 20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures - the Lord abhors both of
them.

Proverbs 20:23 The Lord abhors differing weights, and dishonest scales are
wicked.

3B. Divine intervention of Yahweh Proverbs 10:3 The Lord satisfies the appetite
of the righteous, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no
sorrow to it..

Proverbs 15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he maintains the
boundaries of the widow.

Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the
righteous.

Proverbs 16:1 The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the
tongue comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:2 All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord
evaluates the motives.

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord works everything for its own ends - even the wicked for
the day of disaster.

Proverbs 16:7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles
his enemies to himself.

Proverbs 16:9 A person plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:33 The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is
from the Lord.

Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold,
likewise the Lord tests hearts.

Proverbs 18:22 The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable, and receives a
pleasurable gift from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife
is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the
Lord will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 19:21 There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of
the Lord which will stand.

Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will pay back evil!“ Wait for the Lord, so that he
may vindicate you.

Proverbs 20:24 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord - so how can
anyone understand his own way?

Proverbs 20:27 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord - so how can
anyone understand his own way?

Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord like channels of
water; he turns it wherever he wants.

Proverbs 21:2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord
evaluates the motives.

Proverbs 21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he
overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom and there is no understanding, and there is no
counsel against the Lord.

Proverbs 21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is
from the Lord.

Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the Lord guard knowledge, but he overthrows the words
of the faithless person..

Proverbs 15:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is
thirsty, give him water to drink, Proverbs 25:22 for you will heap coals of fire
on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

4B. Fear of Yahweh Proverbs 10:27 Fearing the Lord prolongs life, but the life
span of the wicked will be shortened.

Proverbs 14:2 The one who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but the one
who is perverted in his ways despises him.

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and it will be
a refuge for his children.

Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the Lord is like a life-giving fountain, to turn
people from deadly snares.

Proverbs 15:17 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth and
turmoil with it.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor
comes humility.

Proverbs 16:6 Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing
the Lord one avoids evil.

Proverbs 19:23 Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live
satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.

Proverbs 22:4 The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor
and life.

See also: Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 1:28-29 ff; Proverbs 2:1-5, Proverbs 3:7,
Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 23:17, Proverbs 24:21, Proverbs 31:30 5B.
Trust in Yahweh Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will
be established.

Proverbs 16:20 The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success, and
blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person
runs to it and is set safely on high.

Proverbs 28:25 The greedy person stirs up dissension, but the one who trusts in
the Lord will prosper.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of people becomes a snare, but whoever trusts in the
Lord will be set on high.

6B. Miscellaneous about Yahweh Proverbs 10:29 The way of the Lord is like a
stronghold for the upright, but it is destruction to evildoers..

Proverbs 11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness
delivers from mortal danger.

Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever
shows favor to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 19:3 A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the
Lord.

Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; the one against
whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord
understand it all.

LOVE/HATE

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads
slander is certainly a fool.

Proverbs 13:24 The one who spares his rod hates his child, but the one who loves
his child is diligent in disciplining him.

Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good
exhibit faithful covenant love.

Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened
ox where there is hatred.

Proverbs 16:6 Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing
the Lord one avoids evil.

Proverbs 17:9 The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a
matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in
adversity.

Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves
understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 19:22 What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor
person is better than a liar.

Proverbs 20:6 Many people profess their loyalty, but a faithful person - who can
find?

Proverbs 20:28 Loyal love and truth preserve a king, nd his throne is upheld by
loyal love.

Proverbs 21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty,
and honor.

Proverbs 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

See also: Proverbs 3:3, Proverbs 5:19, Proverbs 8:17, Proverbs 8:21, Proverbs
12:1, Proverbs 17:19, Proverbs 21:17, Proverbs 22:11, Proverbs 29:3, Proverbs
31:26

MISCELLANEOUS

Proverbs 11:17 A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself
trouble.

Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but an
abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the
way that leads to death.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the
way that leads to death.

Proverbs 25:25 Like cold water to a weary person, so is good news from a distant
land.

Proverbs 26:27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it; the one who rolls a
stone - it will come back on him.

Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow; for you do not know what a day may
bring forth.

Proverbs 27:7 The one whose appetite is satisfied loathes honey, but to the
hungry mouth every bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:20 As Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so the eyes of a
person are never satisfied.

Proverbs 27:21 As the crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, so a
person is proved by the praise he receives.

Proverbs 28:21 To show partiality is terrible, for a person will transgress over
the smallest piece of bread.

Proverbs 29:21 If someone pampers his servant from youth, he will be a weakling
in the end.

MONEY

1B. Bribery Proverbs 15:27 The one who is greedy for gain troubles his
household, but whoever hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 17:8 A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever
he does he succeeds.

Proverbs 17:23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of
justice.

Proverbs 19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone
is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

Proverbs 21:14 A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly
subdues strong wrath.

Proverbs 29:4 A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts
tribute tears it down.

See also: Proverbs 6:35

2B. Security

Proverbs 11:15 The one who puts up security for a stranger will surely have
trouble, but whoever avoids shaking hands will be secure.

Proverbs 17:18 The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up
financial security for his neighbor.

Proverbs 20:16 Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger,
and when he gives surety for strangers, hold him in pledge.

Proverbs 22:26 Do not be one who strikes hands in pledge or who puts up security
for debts.

Proverbs 22:27 If you do not have enough to pay, your bed will be taken right
out from under you!.

Proverbs 27:13 Take a man’s garment when he has given security for a stranger,
and when he gives surety for a stranger, hold him in pledge.

See also: Proverbs 6:1

3B. Greed Proverbs 10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but
righteousness delivers from mortal danger.

Proverbs 11:26 People will curse the one who withholds grain, but they will
praise the one who sells it.

Proverbs 15:27 The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household, but
whoever hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 22:16 The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the
one who gives to the rich - both end up only in poverty.

Proverbs 28:8 The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest gathers it
for someone who is gracious to the needy.

Proverbs 28:22 The stingy person hastens after riches and does not know that
poverty will overtake him.

Proverbs 28:25 The greedy person stirs up dissension, but the one who trusts in
the Lord will prosper.

Proverbs 29:4 A king brings stability to a land by justice, but one who exacts
tribute tears it down.

4B. Generosity

Proverbs 11:24 One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy, but another
withholds more than he should and comes to poverty.

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides
water for others will himself be satisfied.

Proverbs 18:16 A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before
important people.

Proverbs 19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone
is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

Proverbs 21:25 What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands refuse to
work.

Proverbs 21:26 All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does
not hold back.

Proverbs 22:9 A generous person will be blessed, for he gives some of his food
to the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 The one who gives to the poor will not lack, but whoever shuts
his eyes to them will receive many curses.

5A. Miscellaneous Proverbs 10:16 The reward which the righteous receive is life;
the recompense which the wicked receive is judgment.

Proverbs 11:16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.

Proverbs 11:18 The wicked person earns deceitful wages, but the one who sows
righteousness reaps a genuine reward.

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained quickly will dwindle away, but the one who gathers
it little by little will become rich.

Proverbs 13:22 A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,
but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous is abundant wealth, but the income
of the wicked brings trouble.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire
understanding is more desirable than silver.

Proverbs 17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no
intention of acquiring wisdom?

Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife
is from the Lord.

Proverbs 20:14 “It’s worthless! It’s worthless!“ says the buyer, but when he
goes on his way, he boasts.

Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance gained easily in the beginning will not be blessed
in the end.

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the
lender.

Proverbs 27:23 Pay careful attention to the condition of your flocks, give
careful attention to your herds, Proverbs 27:24 for riches do not last forever,
nor does a crown last from generation to generation.

Proverbs 27:25 When the hay is removed and new grass appears, and the grass from
the hills is gathered in, Proverbs 27:26 the lambs will be for your clothing,
and the goats will be for the price of a field.

Proverbs 27:27 And there will be enough goat’s milk for your food, for the food
of your household, nd for the sustenance of your servant girls.

Proverbs 28:16 The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who
hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Proverbs 29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever
associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

PEACE

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who
promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the
bones.

Proverbs 16:7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles
his enemies to himself.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a
house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no
peace whether he is angry or laughs.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest; he will bring
you happiness.

PRIDE/HUMILITY

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes
wisdom.

Proverbs 12:9 Better is a person of humble standing who nevertheless has a
servant, than one who pretends to be somebody important yet has no food.

Proverbs 13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the
well-advised.

Proverbs 15:25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he maintains the
boundaries of the widow.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor
comes humility.

Proverbs 16:5 The Lord abhors every arrogant person; rest assured that they will
not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a
fall.

Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to
share the spoils with the proud.

Proverbs 17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are
lies for a ruler!

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility
comes before honor.

Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart - the agricultural product of the
wicked is sin.

Proverbs 21:24 A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,“ acts with
overbearing pride.

Proverbs 22:4 The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor
and life.

Proverbs 25:6 Do not honor yourself before the king, and do not stand in the
place of great men;

Proverbs 25:7 Do not honor yourself before the king, and do not stand in the
place of great men;

Proverbs 25:14 Like cloudy skies and wind that produce no rain, so is the one
who boasts of a gift not given.

Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own
estimation.

Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a
fool than for him.

Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own estimation than seven people who
respond with good sense.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and
not your own lips.

Proverbs 28:11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor
person can evaluate him properly.

Proverbs 29:23 A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly
spirit will gain honor.

PRUDENT

Proverbs 12:16 A fool’s annoyance is known at once, but the prudent overlooks an
insult.

Proverbs 12:23 The shrewd person conceals knowledge, but foolish people
publicize folly.

Proverbs 13:16 Every shrewd person acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his
folly.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the
folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:15 A naive person believes everything, but the shrewd person
discerns his steps.

Proverbs 14:18 The naive inherit folly, but the shrewd are crowned with
knowledge.

Proverbs 15:5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof
shows good sense.

Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife
is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn
prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand
knowledge.

Proverbs 22:3 A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep
right on going and suffer for it.

Proverbs 27:12 A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep
right on going and suffer for it.

See also: Proverbs 1:4Proverbs 8:5, Proverbs 8:12

QUARRELS

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

Proverbs 13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the
well-advised.

Proverbs 15:18 A quick-tempered person stirs up dissension, but one who is slow
to anger calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the
closest friends.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a
house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before
strife breaks out!

Proverbs 17:19 The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression; whoever builds
his gate high seeks destruction.

Pro 18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.

Proverbs 18:18 A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between
strong opponents.

Proverbs 18:19 A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and
disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife
is like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 20:3 It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool
quarrels.

Proverbs 21:9 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house
in company with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and
easily-provoked woman.

Proverbs 22:10 Drive out the scorner and contention will leave; strife and
insults will cease.

Proverbs 25:24 It is better to live on a corner of the housetop than in a house
in company with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person
passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own.

Proverbs 26:20 Where there is no wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no
gossip, contention ceases.

Proverbs 26:21 Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a
contentious person to kindle strife.

Proverbs 27:15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are
alike.

Proverbs 27:16 Whoever hides her hides the wind or grasps oil with his right
hand.

Proverbs 28:25 The greedy person stirs up dissension, but the one who trusts in
the Lord will prosper.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up dissension, and a wrathful person is
abounding in transgression.

See also: Proverbs 6:14, Proverbs 30:33 REBUKE (See also DISCIPLINE/CORRECTION)
Proverbs 13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not
listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on those
who are evil and those who are good.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a
house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 19:2 It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who
acts hastily makes poor choices.

Proverbs 25:12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a
wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens.

Proverbs 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Proverbs 28:23 The one who reproves another will in the end find more favor than
the one who flatters with the tongue.

Proverbs 29:1 The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly
be destroyed without remedy.

See also Proverbs 1:23, Proverbs 1:25-30, Proverbs 3:11-12, Proverbs 5:12,
Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 9:7-8, Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 13:18,
Proverbs 15:5, Proverbs 15:10-12, Proverbs 15:32, Proverbs 29:15-25, Proverbs
30:6

REVENGE

Proverbs 17:13 As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his
house.

Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will pay back evil!“ Wait for the Lord, so that he
may vindicate you.

Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is
thirsty, give him water to drink, Proverbs 25:22 for you will heap coals of fire
on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

RICH/POOR (See also MONEY)

Proverbs 10:4 The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently
becomes wealthy.

Proverbs 10:15 The wealth of a rich person is like a fortified city, but the
poor are brought to ruin by their poverty.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing from the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no
sorrow to it.

Proverbs 11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness
delivers from mortal danger.

Proverbs 11:16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.

Proverbs 11:24 One person is generous and yet grows more wealthy, but another
withholds more than he should and comes to poverty.

Proverbs 11:28 The one who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous
will flourish like a green leaf.

Proverbs 13:7 There is one who pretends to be rich and yet has nothing; another
pretends to be poor and yet possesses great wealth.

Proverbs 13:8 The ransom of a person’s life is his wealth, but the poor person
hears no threat.

Proverbs 13:18 The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but
the one who accepts reproof is honored.

Proverbs 13:21 Calamity pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

Proverbs 13:22 benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,
but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 13:23 There is abundant food in the field of the poor, but it is swept
away by injustice.

Proverbs 13:25 The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite, but the
belly of the wicked lacks foo Proverbs 14:21 The one who despises his neighbor
sins, but whoever is kind to the needy is blessed.

Proverbs 14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it
only brings poverty.

Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is
folly.

Proverbs 14:31 The one who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever
shows favor to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous is abundant wealth, but the income
of the wicked brings trouble.

Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth and
turmoil with it.

Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened
ox where there is hatred.

Proverbs 16:8 Better to have a little with righteousness than to have abundant
income without justice.

Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to
share the spoils with the proud.

Proverbs 16:20 The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success, and
blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a
house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 17:5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Creator; whoever rejoices
over disaster will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one
who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

Proverbs 18:11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like
a high wall in his imagination.

Proverbs 18:23 A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers
harshly.

Proverbs 19:1 A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly.

Proverbs 19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but a poor person is separated from his
friend.

Proverbs 19:7 All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his
friends avoid him - he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.

Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves
understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife
is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:15 Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and the idle person will go
hungry.

Proverbs 19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the
Lord will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 19:22 What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor
person is better than a liar.

Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you become impoverished; open your eyes
so that you might be satisfied with food.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty, but everyone who is
hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and
forth; they seek death.

Proverbs 21:13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will
cry out and will not be answered.

Proverbs 21:17 The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves
wine and anointing oil will not be rich.

Proverbs 21:20 There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the
wise, but a foolish person devours all he has.

Proverbs 21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty,
and honor.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor
more than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the creator of
them both.

Proverbs 22:4 The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor
and life.

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the
lender.

Proverbs 22:9 A generous person will be blessed, for he gives some of his food
to the poor.

Proverbs 22:16 The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the
one who gives to the rich - both end up only in poverty.

Proverbs 28:3 A poor person who oppresses the weak is like a driving rain
without food.

Proverbs 28:6 A poor person who walks in his integrity is better than one who is
perverse in his ways even though he is rich.

Proverbs 28:8 The one who increases his wealth by increasing interest gathers it
for someone who is gracious to the needy.

Proverbs 28:11 A rich person is wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor
person can evaluate him properly.

Proverbs 28:19 The one who works his land will be satisfied with food, but
whoever chases daydreams will have his fill of poverty.

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful person will have an abundance of blessings, but the
one who hastens to gain riches will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 28:22 The stingy person hastens after riches and does not know that
poverty will overtake him.

Proverbs 28:27 The one who gives to the poor will not lack, but whoever shuts
his eyes to them will receive many curses.

Proverbs 29:7 The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor; the
wicked does not understand such knowledge.

Proverbs 29:13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord
gives light to the eyes of them both.

Proverbs 29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be
established forever.

RIGHTEOUS/WICKED

Proverbs 10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness
delivers from mortal danger.

Proverbs 10:3 The Lord satisfies the appetite of the righteous, but he thwarts
the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the speech of the
wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of
the wicked will rot.

Proverbs 10:9 The one who conducts himself in integrity will live securely, but
the one who behaves perversely will be found out.

Proverbs 10:11 The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the
speech of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:16 The reward which the righteous receive is life; the recompense
which the wicked receive is judgment.

Proverbs 10:20 What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the
wicked think is of little value.

Proverbs 10:21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack
of wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is
wisdom for the one who has discernment.

Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire
will be granted.

Proverbs 10:25 When the storm passes through, the wicked are swept away, but the
righteous are an everlasting foundation.

Proverbs 10:27 Fearing the Lord prolongs life, but the life span of the wicked
will be shortened.

Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the
wicked will remain unfulfilled.

Proverbs 10:29 The way of the Lord is like a stronghold for the upright, but it
is destruction to evildoers.

Proverbs 10:30 The righteous will never be moved, but the wicked will not
inhabit the land.

Proverbs 10:31 The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the
one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the speech
of the wicked is perverse.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of
the unfaithful destroys them.

Proverbs 11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness
delivers from mortal danger.

Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way,
but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness.

Proverbs 11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the
faithless will be captured by their own desires.

Proverbs 11:7 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the
faithless will be captured by their own desires.

Proverbs 11:8 The righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked
turns up in his stead.

Proverbs 11:9 With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor, but by
knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Proverbs 11:10 When the righteous do well, the city rejoices; when the wicked
perish, there is joy.

Proverbs 11:11 A city is exalted by the blessing provided from the upright, but
it is destroyed by the counsel of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:16 A generous woman gains honor, and ruthless men seize wealth.

Proverbs 11:17 A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself
trouble.

Proverbs 11:18 The wicked person earns deceitful wages, but the one who sows
righteousness reaps a genuine reward.

Proverbs 11:19 True righteousness leads to life, but the one who pursues evil
pursues it to his own death.

Proverbs 11:20 The Lord abhors those who are perverse in heart, but those who
are blameless in their ways are his delight.

Proverbs 11:21 Be assured that the evil person will certainly be punished, but
the descendants of the righteous will not suffer unjust judgment.

Proverbs 11:23 What the righteous desire leads only to good, but what the wicked
hope for leads to wrath.

Proverbs 11:27 The one who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but the one who
searches for evil - it will come to him.

Proverbs 11:28 The one who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous
will flourish like a green leaf.

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is like a tree producing life, and the
one who wins souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:31 If the righteous are recompensed on earth, how much more the
wicked sinner!

Proverbs 12:2 A good person obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a
person with wicked schemes.

Proverbs 12:3 No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root
cannot be moved.

Proverbs 12:5 The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked
are deceitful.

Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood, but
the words of the upright will deliver them.

Proverbs 12:7 The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the righteous household
will stand.

Proverbs 12:8 A person is praised in accordance with his wisdom, but the one who
has a twisted mind is despised.

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous person cares for the life of his animal, but even the
most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 12:12 The wicked person desires a stronghold, but the righteous root
endures.

Proverbs 12:13 The evil person is ensnared by the transgression of his speech,
but the righteous person escapes out of trouble.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but those who
promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:21 The righteous do not encounter any harm, but the wicked are
filled with calamity.

Proverbs 12:26 The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way
of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:28 In the path of righteousness there is life, but another path
leads to death.

Proverbs 13:5 The righteous person hates anything false, but the wicked person
acts in shameful disgrace.

Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards the one who lives with integrity, but
wickedness overthrows the sinner.

Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the
wicked goes out.

Proverbs 13:17 An unreliable messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy
brings healing.

Proverbs 13:19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools abhor turning
away from evil.

Proverbs 13:21 Calamity pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

Proverbs 13:22 A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,
but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 13:25 The righteous has enough food to satisfy his appetite, but the
belly of the wicked lacks food.

Proverbs 14:2 The one who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but the one
who is perverted in his ways despises him.

Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.

Proverbs 14:11 The household of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of
the upright will flourish.

Proverbs 14:14 The backslider will be paid back from his own ways, but a good
person will be rewarded for his.

Proverbs 14:17 A person who has a quick temper does foolish things, and a person
with crafty schemes is hated.

Proverbs 14:19 Those who are evil will bow before those who are good, and the
wicked will bow at the gates of the righteous.

Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good
exhibit faithful covenant love.

Proverbs 14:32 The wicked will be thrown down in his trouble, but the righteous
have refuge even in the threat of death.

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any
people.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on those
who are evil and those who are good.

Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous is abundant wealth, but the income
of the wicked brings trouble.

Proverbs 15:8 The Lord abhors the sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayer of
the upright pleases him.

Proverbs 15:9 The Lord abhors the way of the wicked, but he loves those who
pursue righteousness.

Proverbs 15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path
of the upright is like a highway.

Proverbs 15:26 The Lord abhors the plans of the wicked, but pleasant words are
pure.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth
of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the
righteous.

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord works everything for its own ends - even the wicked for
the day of disaster.

Proverbs 16:7 When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he even reconciles
his enemies to himself.

Proverbs 16:8 Better to have a little with righteousness than to have abundant
income without justice.

Proverbs 16:12 Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is
established in righteousness.

Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; the one who
guards his way safeguards his life.

Proverbs 16:27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and his slander is like a
scorching fire.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the
closest friends.

Proverbs 16:29 A violent person entices his neighbor, and leads him down a path
that is terrible.

Proverbs 16:30 The one who winks his eyes devises perverse things, and one who
compresses his lips brings about evil.

Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of
righteousness.

Proverbs 17:4 One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel; a liar
listens to a malicious tongue.

Proverbs 17:5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Creator; whoever rejoices
over disaster will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:11 An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger
will be sent against him.

Proverbs 17:13 As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his
house.

Proverbs 17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one
who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

Proverbs 17:23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of
justice.

Proverbs 18:3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with
shame comes a reproach.

Proverbs 18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a
righteous man of justice.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person
runs to it and is set safely on high.

Proverbs 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is
perverse in his speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:15 Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and the idle person will go
hungry.

Proverbs 19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards his life; the one who
despises his ways will die.

Proverbs 19:28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked
devours iniquity.

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed are his
children after him.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is
pure and whether it is right.

Proverbs 20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing
wheel over them.

Proverbs 20:30 Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the
innermost being Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable
to the Lord than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart - the agricultural product of the
wicked is sin.

Proverbs 21:7 The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they
refuse to do what is right.

Proverbs 21:10 The appetite of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor is shown no
favor in his eyes.

Proverbs 21:12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he
overthrows the wicked to their ruin.

Proverbs 21:15 Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who
do evil.

Proverbs 21:18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless
are taken in the place of the upright.

Proverbs 21:21 The one who pursues righteousness and love finds life, bounty,
and honor.

Proverbs 21:25 What the sluggard desires will kill him, for his hands refuse to
work.

Proverbs 21:26 All day long he craves greedily, but the righteous gives and does
not hold back.

Proverbs 21:27 The wicked person’s sacrifice is an abomination; how much more
when he brings it with evil intent!

Proverbs 21:28 A lying witness will perish, but the one who reports accurately
speaks forever.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor
more than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse, but the one who
guards himself keeps far from them.

Proverbs 22:8 Thorns and snares are in the path of the perverse, but the one who
guards himself keeps far from them.

Proverbs 25:4 Remove the dross from the silver, and material for the silversmith
will emerge;

Proverbs 25:5 remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be
established in righteousness.

Proverbs 25:26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous
person who gives way before the wicked.

Proverbs 26:23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an
evil heart.

Proverbs 26:24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, but he
stores up deceit within him.

Proverbs 26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are
seven abominations within him.

Proverbs 26:26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit, his evil will be
uncovered in the assembly.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked person flees when there is no one pursuing, but the
righteous person is as confident as a lion.

Proverbs 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep
the law contend with them.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord
understand it all.

Proverbs 28:6 A poor person who walks in his integrity is better than one who is
perverse in his ways even though he is rich.

Proverbs 28:9 The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his
prayer is an abomination.

Proverbs 28:10 The one who leads the upright astray in an evil way will himself
fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

Proverbs 28:12 When the righteous rejoice, great is the glory, but when the
wicked rise to power, people are sought out.

Proverbs 28:15 Like a roaring lion or a roving bear, so is a wicked ruler over a
poor people.

Proverbs 28:18 The one who walks blamelessly will be delivered, but whoever is
perverse in his ways will fall at once.

Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked gain control, people hide themselves, but when
they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice; when the
wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:6 In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare, but a
righteous person can sing and rejoice.

Proverbs 29:7 The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor; the
wicked does not understand such knowledge.

Proverbs 29:10 Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity; as for the
upright, they seek his life.

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his ministers will be wicked.

Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the
righteous will see their downfall.

Proverbs 29:24 Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy; he hears the oath
to testify, but does not talk.

Proverbs 29:27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous, and the one
who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.

SPEECH

1B. Cursing Speech Proverbs 20:20 The one who curses his father and his mother,
his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.

Proverbs 26:2 Like a fluttering bird or like a flying swallow, so a curse
without cause does not come to rest.

Proverbs 27:14 If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the
morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.

Proverbs 28:27 The one who gives to the poor will not lack, but whoever shuts
his eyes to them will receive many curses.

2B. Flattering Speech Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 28:23 The one who reproves another will in the end find more favor than
the one who flatters with the tongue.

Proverbs 29:5 The one who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his steps.

3B. Gossiping Speech Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and
the one who spreads slander is certainly a fool.

Proverbs 11:13 The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the
one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the
closest friends.

Proverbs 17:9 The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a
matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into
the person’s innermost being.

Proverbs 20:19 The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do
not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.

Proverbs 26:20 Where there is no wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no
gossip, contention ceases.

Proverbs 26:22 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels; they go down
into a person’s innermost being.

4B. Lying Speech Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the
one who spreads slander is certainly a fool.

Proverbs 12:17 The faithful witness tells what is right, but a false witness
speaks deceit.

Proverbs 12:19 The one who tells the truth will endure forever, but the one who
lies will last only for a moment.

Proverbs 12:22 The Lord abhors a person who lies, but those who deal truthfully
are his delight.

Proverbs 15:4 Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse
tongue breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 16:13 The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one
who speaks uprightly.

Proverbs 17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are
lies for a ruler!

Proverbs 17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one
who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

Proverbs 21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is like a vapor driven back and
forth; they seek death.

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth
works ruin.

5B. General Speech Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but
the speech of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:11 The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the
speech of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the
one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

Proverbs 10:14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads
to imminent destruction.

Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred utters lies, and the one who spreads
slander is certainly a fool.

Proverbs 10:19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who
restrains his words is wise.

Proverbs 10:20 What the righteous say is like the best silver, but what the
wicked think is of little value.

Proverbs 10:21 The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack
of wisdom.

Proverbs 10:31 The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the
one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing, but the speech
of the wicked is perverse.

Proverbs 11:9 With his speech the godless person destroys his neighbor, but by
knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

Proverbs 11:11 A city is exalted by the blessing provided from the upright, but
it is destroyed by the counsel of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:12 The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who
has discernment keeps silent.

Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait to shed innocent blood, but
the words of the upright will deliver them.

Proverbs 12:13 The evil person is ensnared by the transgression of his speech,
but the righteous person escapes out of trouble.

Proverbs 12:14 A person will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words,
and the work of his hands will be rendered to him.

Proverbs 12:18 Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words
of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging
word brings him joy.

Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things, but the
faithless desire the fruit of violence.

Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards his words guards his life, but whoever is
talkative will come to ruin.

Proverbs 14:3 In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of
the wise protect them.

Proverbs 14:7 Leave the presence of a foolish person, or you will not understand
wise counsel.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up
wrath.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth
of the fool spouts out folly.

Proverbs 15:4 Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse
tongue breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of
fools.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:23 A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at
the right time - how good it is!

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous considers how to answer, but the mouth
of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 16:1 The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the
tongue comes from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:10 The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his
pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.

Proverbs 16:13 The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one
who speaks uprightly.

Proverbs 16:21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind
speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 16:23 A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds
persuasiveness to his words.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and
healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil, and his slander is like a
scorching fire.

Proverbs 17:4 One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel; a liar
listens to a malicious tongue.

Proverbs 17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are
lies for a ruler!

Proverbs 17:27 The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays
calm is discerning.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one
who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing
what is on his mind.

Proverbs 18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the
fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

Proverbs 18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a
flogging.

Proverbs 18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his
life.

Proverbs 18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens - that is his folly
and his shame.

Proverbs 18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied, with
the product of his lips is he satisfied.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love
its use will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is
perverse in his speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:27 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked
devours iniquity.

Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge
are like a precious jewel.

Proverbs 20:19 The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do
not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.

Proverbs 20:25 It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, “Holy!“ and only
afterward to consider what he has vowed.

Proverbs 21:23 The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from
troubles.

Proverbs 22:11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious - the
king will be his friend.

Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is like a deep pit; the one against
whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.

Proverbs 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word
skillfully spoken.

Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a soft tongue can
break a bone.

Proverbs 25:23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a gossiping tongue brings
forth an angry look.

Proverbs 26:23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an
evil heart.

Proverbs 26:24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, but he
stores up deceit within him.

Proverbs 26:25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are
seven abominations within him.

Proverbs 26:26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit, his evil will be
uncovered in the assembly.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and
not your own lips.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see someone who is hasty in his words? There is more hope
for a fool than for him.

UNDERSTANDING

Understanding is a character trait arising from intimacy with God that enables
one to discern true insight into the essence of a matter (or life, etc.) as seen
from God’s perspective.

Proverbs 10:23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is
wisdom for the one who has discernment.

Proverbs 11:12 The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who
has discernment keeps silent.

Proverbs 13:15 Keen insight wins favor, but the conduct of the unfaithful is
harsh.

Proverbs 14:6 The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none, but understanding is easy
for a discerning person.

Proverbs 14:29 The one who is slow to anger has great understanding, but the one
who has a quick temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:21 Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense, but one who has
understanding follows an upright course.

Proverbs 15:32 The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever
hears reproof acquires understanding.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire
understanding is more desirable than silver.

Proverbs 16:22 Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses
it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.

Proverbs 17:27 The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays
calm is discerning.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing
what is on his mind..

Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves
understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in a person’s heart is like deep water, but an
understanding person draws it out.

Proverbs 20:24 The steps of a person are ordained by the Lord - so how can
anyone understand his own way?

Proverbs 21:16 The one who wanders from the way of wisdom will end up in the
company of the departed.

Proverbs 28:2 When a country is rebellious it has many princes, but by someone
who is discerning and knowledgeable order is maintained.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord
understand it all.

Proverbs 29:19 A servant cannot be corrected by words, for although he
understands, there is no answer.

VIOLENCE

Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the speech of the
wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:11 The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the
speech of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things, but the
faithless desire the fruit of violence.

Proverbs 16:29A violent person entices his neighbor, and leads him down a path
that is terrible.

Proverbs 21:7 The violence done by the wicked will drag them away because they
refuse to do what is right.

WISDOM/WISE

Proverbs 10:5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one
who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself.

Proverbs 10:8 The wise person accepts instructions, but the one who speaks
foolishness will come to ruin.

Proverbs 10:11 The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the
speech of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found in the words of the discerning person, but the
one who lacks wisdom will be disciplined.

Proverbs 10:14 Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads
to imminent destruction.

Proverbs 10:23 Carrying out a wicked scheme is enjoyable to a fool, and so is
wisdom for the one who has discernment.

Proverbs 10:31 The speech of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom, but the
one who speaks perversion will be destroyed.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes
wisdom.

Proverbs 11:29 The one who troubles his family will inherit nothing, and the
fool will be a servant to the wise person.

Proverbs 12:8 A person is praised in accordance with his wisdom, but the one who
has a twisted mind is despised.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own opinion, but the one who
listens to advice is wise.

Proverbs 12:18 Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words
of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not
listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the
well-advised.

Proverbs 13:14 Instruction from the wise is like a life-giving fountain, to turn
a person from deadly snares.

Proverbs 13:20 The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion
of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears
it down with her own hands.

Proverbs 14:3 In the speech of a fool is a rod for his back, but the words of
the wise protect them.

Proverbs 14:6 The scorner seeks wisdom but finds none, but understanding is easy
for a discerning person.

Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the
folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:16 A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool throws
off restraint and is overconfident.

Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is
folly.

Proverbs 14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; it is known even in
the heart of fools.

Proverbs 14:35 The king shows favor to a wise servant, but his wrath falls on
one who acts shamefully.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly, but the mouth
of the fool spouts out folly.

Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the heart of
fools.

Proverbs 15:12 The scorner does not love one who corrects him; he will not go to
the wise.

Proverbs 15:14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools
feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:20 A wise child brings joy to his father, but a foolish person
despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:24 The path of life is upward for the wise person, to keep him from
going downward to Sheol.

Proverbs 15:31 The person who hears the reproof that leads to life is at home
among the wise.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor
comes humility.

Proverbs 16:14 A king’s wrath is like a messenger of death, but a wise person
appeases it.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold; to acquire
understanding is more desirable than silver.

Proverbs 16:21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning, and kind
speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 16:23 A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds
persuasiveness to his words.

Proverbs 17:2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves
shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.

Proverbs 17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no
intention of acquiring wisdom?

Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the
eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise, and the one
who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.

Proverbs 18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the
fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

Proverbs 18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person
seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 19:8 The one who acquires wisdom loves himself; the one who preserves
understanding will prosper.

Proverbs 19:11 A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to
overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise
by the end of your life.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes
astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 20:26 A wise king separates out the wicked; he turns the threshing
wheel over them.

Proverbs 21:11 When a scorner is punished, the naive becomes wise; when a wise
person is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs 21:20 There is desirable treasure and olive oil in the dwelling of the
wise, but a foolish person devours all he has.

Proverbs 21:22 The wise person can scale the city of the mighty and bring down
the stronghold in which they trust.

Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom and there is no understanding, and there is no
counsel against the Lord.

Proverbs 25:12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a
wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens.

Proverbs 27:11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer
anyone who taunts me.

Proverbs 28:26 The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but the one who
walks in wisdom will escape.

Proverbs 29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but whoever
associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

Proverbs 29:8 Scornful people inflame a city, but those who are wise turn away
wrath.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person, there is no
peace whether he is angry or laughs.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool lets fly with all his temper, but a wise person keeps it
back.

Proverbs 29:15 A rod and reproof impart wisdom, but a child who is unrestrained
brings shame to his mother.

WORK (See also Diligence/Laziness)

Proverbs 10:5 The one who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but the one
who sleeps during the harvest is a son who brings shame to himself.

Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever
chases daydreams lacks wisdom.

Proverbs 12:14 The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever
chases daydreams lacks wisdom.

Proverbs 14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but merely talking about it
only brings poverty.

Proverbs 16:26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges
him to work.

Proverbs 18:9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.

Proverbs 27:18 The one who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever
takes care of his master will be honore Proverbs 27:23 Pay careful attention to
the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds, Proverbs
27:24 for riches do not last forever, nor does a crown last from generation to
generation.

Proverbs 27:25 When the hay is removed and new grass appears, and the grass from
the hills is gathered in, Proverbs 27:26 the lambs will be for your clothing,
and the goats will be for the price of a field.

Proverbs 27:27 And there will be enough goat’s milk for your food, for the food
of your household, and for the sustenance of your servant girls.

Proverbs 28:19 The one who works his land will be satisfied with food, but
whoever chases daydreams will have his fill of poverty.

3A. 3A. Thirty sayings of the wise Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23:1-35, Proverbs
24:1-22 Proverbs 22:17 Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise, and
apply your heart to my instruction.

Proverbs 22:18 For it is pleasing if you keep these sayings within you, and they
are ready on your lips.

Proverbs 22:19 So that your confidence may be in the Lord, I am making them
known to you today - even you.

Proverbs 22:20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and
knowledge, Proverbs 22:21 to show you true and reliable words, so that you may
give accurate answers to those who sent you?

1B. Proverbs 22:22 Do not exploit a poor person because he is poor and do not
crush the needy in court, Proverbs 22:23 for the Lord will plead their case and
will rob those who are robbing them.

2B. Proverbs 22:24 Do not make friends with an angry person, and do not
associate with a wrathful person, Proverbs 22:25 lest you learn his ways and
entangle yourself in a snare.

3B. Proverbs 22:26 Do not be one who strikes hands in pledge or who puts up
security for debts.

Proverbs 22:27 If you do not have enough to pay, your bed will be taken right
out from under you!

4B. Proverbs 22:28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone which was put in place
by your ancestors.

5B. Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will take his
position before kings; he will not take his position before obscure people.

6B. Proverbs 23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what
is before you, Proverbs 23:2 and put a knife to your throat if you possess a
large appetite.

Proverbs 23:3 Do not crave that ruler’s delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

7B. Proverbs 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to become rich; be wise enough to
restrain yourself.

Proverbs 23:5 When you gaze upon riches, they are gone, for they surely make
wings for themselves, and fly off into the sky like an eagle!

8B. Proverbs 23:6 Do not eat the food of a stingy person, do not crave his
delicacies;

Proverbs 23:7 for he is like someone calculating the cost in his mind. “Eat and
drink,“ he says to you, but his heart is not with you;

Proverbs 23:8 you will vomit up the little bit you have eaten, and will have
wasted your pleasant words.

9B. Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the
wisdom of your words.

10B. Proverbs 23:10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone, or take over the
fields of the fatherless, Proverbs 23:11 for their Protector is strong; he will
plead their case against you.

11B. Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to the words
of knowledge.

12B. Proverbs 23:13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; even if you strike
him with the rod, he will not die.

Proverbs 23:14 If you strike him with the rod, you will deliver him from death.

13B. Proverbs 23:15 My child, if your heart is wise, then my heart also will be
glad;

Proverbs 23:16 my soul will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

14B. Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but rather be zealous in
fearing the Lord all the time.

Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

15B. Proverbs 23:19 Listen, my child, and be wise, and guide your heart on the
right way.

Proverbs 23:20 Do not spend time among drunkards, among those who eat too much
meat, Proverbs 23:21 because drunkards and gluttons become impoverished, and
drowsiness clothes them with rags.

16B. Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise
your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:23 Acquire truth and do not sell it - wisdom, and discipline, and
understanding.

Proverbs 23:24 The father of a righteous person will rejoice greatly; whoever
fathers a wise child will have joy in him.

Proverbs 23:25 May your father and your mother have joy; may she who bore you
rejoice.

17B. Proverbs 23:26 Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes observe my
ways;

Proverbs 23:27 for a prostitute is like a deep pit; a harlot is like a narrow
well.

Proverbs 23:28 Indeed, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the
unfaithful among men.

18B. Proverbs 23:29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has
complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has dullness of the eyes?

Proverbs 23:30 Those who linger over wine, those who go looking for mixed wine.

Proverbs 23:31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the
cup, when it goes down smoothly.

Proverbs 23:32 Afterward it bites like a snake, and stings like a viper.

Proverbs 23:33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will speak
perverse things.

Proverbs 23:34 And you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
and like one who lies down on the top of the rigging.

Proverbs 23:35 You will say, “They have struck me, but I am not harmed! They
beat me, but I did not know it! When will I awake? I will look for another
drink.“

19B. Proverbs 24:1 Do not envy evil people, do not desire to be with them;

Proverbs 24:2 for their hearts contemplate violence, and their lips speak harm.

20B. Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is
established;

Proverbs 24:4 by knowledge its rooms are filled with all kinds of precious and
pleasing treasures.

21B. Proverbs 24:5 A wise warrior is strong, and a man of knowledge makes his
strength stronger;

Proverbs 24:6 for with guidance you wage your war, and with numerous advisers
there is victory.

22B. Proverbs 24:7 Wisdom is unattainable for a fool; in court he does not open
his mouth.

23B. Proverbs 24:8 The one who plans to do evil will be called a scheming
person.

Proverbs 24:9 A foolish scheme is sin, and the scorner is an abomination to
people.

24B. Proverbs 24:10 If you faint in the day of trouble, your strength is small!

25B. Proverbs 24:11 Deliver those being taken away to death, and hold back those
slipping to the slaughter.

Proverbs 24:12 If you say, “But we did not know about this,“ does not the one
who evaluates hearts consider? Does not the one who guards your life know? Will
he not repay each person according to his deeds?

26B. Proverbs 24:13 Eat honey, my child, for it is good, and honey from the
honeycomb is sweet to your taste.

Proverbs 24:14 Likewise, know that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it,
you will have a future, and your hope will not be cut off..

27B. Proverbs 24:15 Do not lie in wait like the wicked against the place where
the righteous live; do not assault his home.

Proverbs 24:16 Although a righteous person may fall seven times, he gets up
again, but the wicked will be brought down by calamity.

28B. Proverbs 24:17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and when he stumbles
do not let your heart rejoice, Proverbs 24:18 lest the Lord see it, and be
displeased, and turn his wrath a way from him.

29B. Proverbs 24:19 Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of wicked
people, Proverbs 24:20 for the evil person has no future, and the lamp of the
wicked will be extinguished.

30B. Proverbs 24:21 Fear the Lord, my child, as well as the king, and do not
associate with rebels,

Proverbs 24:22 for suddenly their destruction will overtake them, and who knows
the ruinous judgment both the Lord and the king can bring?

4A. Further saying of the wise Proverbs 24:23-24 Proverbs 24:23 These sayings
also are from the wise: To show partiality in judgment is terrible:

Proverbs 24:24 The one who says to the guilty, “You are innocent,“ peoples will
curse him, and nations will denounce him.

Proverbs 24:25 But there will be delight for those who convict the guilty, and a
pleasing blessing will come on them.

Proverbs 24:26 Like a kiss on the lips is the one who gives an honest answer.

Proverbs 24:27 Establish your work outside and get your fields ready; afterward
build your house.

Proverbs 24:28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do
not deceive with your words.

Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will
pay him back according to what he has done.“

Proverbs 24:30 I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one who
lacks wisdom.

Proverbs 24:31 I saw that thorns had grown up all over it, the ground was
covered with weeds, and its stone wall was broken down.

Proverbs 24:32 When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it; I received
instruction from what I saw:

Proverbs 24:33 “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands
to relax, Proverbs 24:34 and your poverty will come like a bandit, and your need
like an armed robber.

5A. The sayings of Agur Proverbs 30:1-33 1B. Introduction Proverbs 30:1 2B.
Knowledge about God Proverbs 30:2-9 1C. Man in contrast to God Proverbs 30:2-4
2C. The Word of God Proverbs 30:5-6 3C. Priorities in prayer Proverbs 30:7-9 3B.
Observations about life Proverbs 30:10-33 1C. Man’s sinfulness Proverbs 30:1-14
2C. Things never satisfied Proverbs 30:15-16 3C. The importance of obedience
Proverbs 30:17 4C. Four amazing ways Proverbs 30:18-19 5C. The way of an
adulteress Proverbs 30:20 6C. Four big problems Proverbs 30:21-23 7C. Four small
wise creatures Proverbs 30:24-28 8C. Four things with stately bearing Proverbs
30:29-31 9C. The danger of pride and evil Proverbs 30:32-33 6A. The sayings of
King Lemuel Proverbs 31:1-9 1B. Advice concerning women Proverbs 31:1-3 2B.
Advice on moderation Proverbs 31:4-7 3B. Advice on the helpless Proverbs 31:8-9
7A. Epilogue: The Acrostic Poem on the Noble Wife Proverbs 31:10-33 This
acrostic poem corresponds to the prologue. The woman of noble character
epitomizes wisdom which is often personified as a woman in the introduction
(Proverbs 1:8-33, Proverbs 2:1-22, Proverbs 3:1-35, Proverbs 4:1-27, Proverbs
5:1-23, Proverbs 6:1-35, Proverbs 7:1-27, Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs 9:1-18). The
following outline is taken from “The Meaning and Function of Proverbs 31:10-31
in the Book of Proverbs” (Tom R. Hawkins, Ph.D. dissertation, Dallas Theological
Seminary, 1995). The ideal woman’s contribution and character is summarized from
the perspective of her entire lifetime. The outline is based on the exposition
contained in the dissertation.

1B. The Worth and Work of the Noble Wife Proverbs 31:10-18 1C. Her Worth to Her
Husband Proverbs 31:10-12 2C. Her Work in Selecting Raw Materials Proverbs 31:13
3C. Her Work in Providing Food Proverbs 31:14-15 4C. Her Work in Producing a
Profitable Business Proverbs 31:16-18 2B. The Noble Wife’s Hands Proverbs
31:19-20 1C. Producing Thread Proverbs 31:19 2C. Extending to the Poor Proverbs
31:20 3B. The Accomplishments and Praise of the Noble Wife Proverbs 31:21-29 1C.
The Noble Wife’s Provision for Her Family Proverbs 31:21-25 1D. Luxurious
Clothing for Her Family Proverbs 31:21 2D. Coverings for Her Bed and Fine
Clothing for Herself Proverbs 31:22 3D. A Respected Position of Leadership for
Her Husband Proverbs 31:23 4D. Financial Security Giving Assurance for the
Future Proverbs 31:24-25 2C. The Noble Wife’s Praiseworthy Character Qualities
Proverbs 31:26-27 1D. Her Wise Words and Gentle/Reliable Instruction Proverbs
31:26 2D. Her Diligent Supervision of the Household Proverbs 31:27 3C. The Noble
Wife Praised by Her Family Proverbs 31:28-29 1D. Her Children Proverbs 31:28 2D.
Her Husband Proverbs 31:29 4B. The Poet’s Coda of Praise Proverbs 31:30-31 1C.
Praise of the Noble Wife’s Character Based on the “Fear of Yahweh” Proverbs
31:30 2C. Praise of the Noble Wife’s Works at the City Gate Proverbs 31:31

1 Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The
Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (1:903). Wheaton,
IL: Victor Books.

2 From Bruce K. Waltke, Ph.D., Dallas Seminary Class notes on Wisdom Literature,
circa 1968)

3 Biblical Studies Press. (2006; 2006). The NET Bible First Edition; Bible.
English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press. The freee online
Bible is available from www.bible.org.


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  CHAPTER 3: 03 - JOEL: INTRODUCTION, OUTLINE, AND ARGUMENT
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Joel: Introduction, Outline, and Argument

Study By: Tom Hawkins From the Series: OT: Introductions, Outlines, and
Arguments

Title

The book is universally called Joel after its author. The name means "Yahweh is
God."

Author

Of the prophet Joel, we know nothing, except that he was the son of Pethuel
(Joel 1:1), of whom nothing is known.

Date and Setting

It is debated whether Joel is one of the earliest prophets or the latest.
Freeman summarizes well the critical arguments for a late date (Hobart Freeman,
An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets, pp.147-48). The strongest
arguments, however, favor an early date. Some of the strongest refer to the
enemies of Israel enumerated in the book. These were the Phoenicians,
Philistines, Greeks and Sabeans (Joel 3:4-8). No mention is made of the later
Assyrians and Babylonians. E. B. Pusey also gives strong argument for an early
date by the direct quotations taken from Joel in the later prophets. Joel 3:16
is quoted in Amos 1:2; Joel 3:18 is quoted in Amos 9:13; and Joel 1:15 is quoted
word for word in Isaiah 13:6 (E. B. Pusey, The Minor Prophets, 2 vols.,
1:143-46). The absence of the mention of a king in Joel is not unusual since
Obadiah, Jonah, Nahum and Habakkuk are pre- exilic and do not mention a king
either. Further, there was a period in Judah’s history when Queen Athaliah had
usurped the throne (841-35 B.C.) after the death of her husband, King Ahaziah.
Joash was in seclusion for those years and, even after 835 B.C., was ruling
under the regency of the high priest (2 Chronicles 23:1-21). This may also help
explain the prominence of the priests. Thus, we are on fairly safe ground, based
on current information, to date the book at around 835 B.C.

It should also be noted as further evidence for an early date for the book that
it is located in the Hebrew canon between Hosea and Amos. This indicates that
Jewish tradition considered the book of early origin (Merrill F. Unger,
Introductory Guide to the Old Testament, p. 377).

While Baal worship was outwardly defeated during the years when Jehoiada lived,
the worship of the people was more outward and formal and did not originate from
true heart repentance (cf. Joel 2:12-13). This fact was made obvious years,
later after Jehoiada died, when the people turned again to the worship of Baal.
The immediate occasion for the message of Joel seems to have been a locust swarm
which invaded Judah sometime before Joel wrote. This ominous and catastrophic
event provided the backdrop for Joel’s call to repentance. Joel used this
agricultural calamity as the picture of a yet future devastation which could be
avoided by true repentance.

Problems

One of the major problems in the book concerns the description of the army in
Joel 2:2-11. Is Joel describing God’s judgment in the form of another (most
agree chapter one describes actual locusts) actual and literal locust plague? Or
does he use locusts as a figure of a future invasion from the North? In support
of the literal view Freeman suggests the following arguments:

1. Locusts are an instrument of divine judgment (Deuteronomy 28:38-39,
Deuteronomy 28:42; 1 Kings 8:37) 2. Joel’s description fits the locust plague
very well

3. The army destroys vegetation--like real locusts. There is no reference to
death, plunder, or the destruction of cities and the taking of captives, like
human armies do

4. The locusts are described as being like horses (Joel 2:4), chariots (Joel
2:5) and a mighty army (Joel 2:5), not vice versa. Thus, the description is of
literal locusts

5. The "large and mighty army" (Joel 2:2) and "his army" (Joel 2:11) are in Joel
2:25 identified with four kinds of literal locusts (Freeman, Introd. to OT
Prophets, p. 153) In support of the view that the locusts are a figure of a
future invasion are the following considerations:

1. The imagery of this section goes far beyond a plague of locusts. Nations
(pl.) are terrified (Joel 2:6). The assault includes the city and its houses,
whereas locusts attack only vegetation (Joel 2:9). Locusts affect crops for one
year; this army affects it for more than one year (Joel 2:25). This army does
unprecedented damage, "such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to
come" (Joel 2:2)

2. The locusts of chapter one are used in chapter two as symbols and forerunners
of a greater devastation at a later time. The prophet’s use of symbolism
explains how he can compare the locusts to a human army. Other Near Eastern
parallels use locusts to compare with armies and vice versa (John A. Thompson,
"Joel’s Locusts in the Light of Near Eastern Parallels," Journal of Near Eastern
Studies 14 (January 1955):52-55)

3. The invasion is from the North (Joel 2:20), but locusts always come from the
South (Pusey, Minor Prophets p. 150). Further, the locusts are always driven in
the direction of the wind, not in two different directions as this army will be
(Pusey, Minor Prophets, p. 187). In this regard, the term translated "Northern"
(NIV) is unsuitable to designate literal locusts (Freeman, Introd. to OT
Prophets, p. 153) In view of the above it seems best to see that the actual
historical occurrence of a locust plague (Joel 1:1-20) is the occasion for
Joel’s prophecy. In his prophecy he may perhaps refer to the Assyrians or even
the Babylonians, who both approached Israel from the North. However, the law of
double reference must here apply for Joel’s main subject is to call the people
to repentance in view of the impending "Day of Yahweh," in which Yahweh will
sovereignly call His people to repentance during a time of unique astronomical
signs (Joel 2:10, Joel 2:30-31). Ultimately the book of Joel will find its
fulfillment in the Great Tribulation, the time of Jacob’s trouble, preceding the
judgment of the nations (Joel 3:2) and the establishment of the millennial
kingdom (Joel 3:10, Joel 3:17-21). The second major problem in the book concerns
the fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 (Joel 3:1-5 in the Hebrew Bible). Peter quotes
this passage (Acts 2), and the question concerns the relationship of Joel’s
passage to the day of Pentecost. There are several views:

1. Joel’s passage was fulfilled partially in his own day and was terminated at
the day of Pentecost. This view was held by Grotius and some Jewish commentators
but is largely rejected because the context of Joel is clearly eschatological
(Freeman, Introd. to the OT Prophets, p. 154)

2. The Joel passage found fulfillment in Acts 2:1-47. E.J. Young is
representative of this view. It should be rejected because the context of Joel
is millennial, and the Spirit simply was not poured out on all flesh as Young
assumes (Freeman, Introd. to the OT Prophets, p. 154)

3. The Joel passage is not fulfilled in Acts 2:1-47. Ryrie says concerning the
Acts 2:1-47 passage, the fulfillment of this prophecy will be in the last days,
immediately preceding the return of Christ, when all the particulars (e.g.,
[Joel 2:31] and Revelation 6:12) of the prophecy will come to pass. Peter
reminded his hearers that knowing Joel’s prophecy, they should have recognized
what they were seeing as a work of the Spirit, not a result of drunkenness
(Ryrie Study Bible note at Acts 2:16-21).

Elsewhere Ryrie has said that Peter used Joel 2:1-32 as a homiletical device to
draw people’s attention to the fact that the Holy Spirit, not drunkenness,
explained what they had seen and to urge people to call on the name of the Lord
(Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21) (Charles Ryrie, "The Significance of Pentecost," Bib.
Sac. 112 [October-December 1955]:334). In a similar vein Applewhite goes a bit
further and says that Peter’s use of Joel was theological (Barry Applewhite,
"Chronological Problems of Joel" [Th.M. thesis, DTS, 1976], p.45). In support of
this view it has been pointed out that Peter does not use the normal fulfillment
formula like he did in Acts 1:16. The "This is that" (KJV) or "This is what was
spoken" (NIV) could mean that the same Holy Spirit was at work in the outpouring
on Pentecost. Further, it has been pointed out that the work of the Holy Spirit
at Pentecost was His baptizing act to usher in the church age while the
fulfillment of Joel 2:1-32 will be to usher in the millennium. Finally, it
should be noted that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Joel will be fulfilled
after Israel’s national repentance. This view is correct as far as it goes but
does not adequately explain the relationship between the day of Pentecost and
Peter’s use of Joel 2:1-32. The fourth view seems to solve this problem

4. Peter’s use of Joel 2:1-32 is an illustration of the law of double reference.
Peter in Acts 2:1-47 used Joel 2:28-32 as a proof that the advent of the Spirit
on the day of Pentecost was the fulfillment of prophecy anticipated in Joel.
This parallels Ezekiel 36:25-27, where the prophet prophesied the future
ministry of the Spirit in promoting obedience to the decrees of God. This
fulfillment actually fulfills the eschatological significance of the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47). Similarly, Passover was fulfilled in the death of
Christ. Thus, both the death of Christ and the advent of the Spirit fulfilled
their respective antecedent feasts. They are not to be repeated. Both are
fulfilled. The second reference, however, refers to the experiential benefits or
blessings that would follow national repentance. This fulfillment of Joel
2:1-32, in its larger context, will take place at a later time at the end of the
Tribulation and will usher in the millennium and be accompanied by the signs in
the heavens as seen in the seven bowls of the wrath of God (Revelation 16:1-21)
just preceding the Second Advent of Christ.

Thus, it can be said that Peter used Joel to prove that the advent of the Spirit
was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and that "this" day of Pentecost
was the fulfillment of the predicted "day of Pentecost" (Acts 2:1; Leviticus
23:15-22). Peter also used the Joel passage to urge his hearers to repentance
(Joel 2:32 and Acts 2:21, Acts 2:38-41). Peter does not deal with the final
fulfillment of Joel 2:1-32 in the coming day of national repentance following
the signs in the heavens (Joel 2:30-31). These anticipated blessings of this
event are dealt with in Joel 3:1-21 (chap. 4 in Heb.) Theme and Purpose

Joel was written because of a locust plague (described in chap. 1) in order to
call Israel to repentance (Joel 1:13-20; Joel 2:12-17). The locust plague was
only a forerunner of much greater judgment in the coming day of Yahweh. This
judgment would take the form of an invading army (Joel 2:1-11) and devastating
signs in the heavens (Joel 2:10, Joel 2:30-31) followed by divine judgment in
the nations (Joel 3:2, Joel 3:12-16) and blessing for Israel (Joel 3:16-21).

Contribution to the Bible

Joel provides a framework for later prophetic development of the theme "day of
Yahweh" (the LORD). All of the prophets build upon common themes of the call to
repentance, judgment of the nations and eventual blessing for Israel.

Christ in Joel

Christ can be seen in His relation to the coming messianic blessing. It is
possible, indeed probable, that Joel 2:23 should be translated, "for he has
given you a teacher for righteousness." If so, this is a reference to Messiah.
The context clearly calls for Messiah’s presence (Joel 2:26-27 and Joel 2:32,
Joel 3:1-2).

Summary Outline of Joel

I. The locust plague--calling for repentance Joel 1:1-20 II. The invader from
the North--calling for repentance Joel 2:1-27 III. The day of Yahweh revealed
Joel 2:28-32, Joel 3:1-21

Outline of Joel I. The locust plague--calling for repentance Joel 1:1-20 A. The
introduction Joel 1:1 B. The invasion of locusts Joel 1:2-4 C. The call to
repentance Joel 1:5-14 1. The appeal to the drunkards Joel 1:5-7 2. The appeal
to the people Joel 1:8-12 3. The appeal to the priests Joel 1:13 4. The appeal
to the elders Joel 1:14 D. The announcement of the day of Yahweh Joel 1:15-20
II. The invader from the North--calling for repentance Joel 2:1-27 A. The
invasion described Joel 2:1-11 1. The warning concerning the day of Yahweh Joel
2:1-2 2. The destruction of that day Joel 2:3 3. The description of the invader
Joel 2:4-9 4. The circumstances of invasion Joel 2:10-11 B. The call to
repentance Joel 2:12-17 C. Yahweh’s answer Joel 2:18-27 1. Blessing for Israel
Joel 2:18-19 2. Removal of the invaders Joel 2:20 3. Restoration of blessings
Joel 2:21-27 III. The day of Yahweh revealed (Heb text: 3:1-4:21) Joel 2:28-32,
Joel 3:1-21 A. The advent of the Spirit Joel 2:29 B. The signs in the heavens
Joel 2:30-31 C. The regathering of Israel to the land Joel 2:32 D. The judgment
and the blessing Joel 3:1-21 1. Judgment on the nations Joel 3:1-16 a a.
Judgment declared Joel 3:1-2 b. The reason for judgment Joel 3:3-8 c. The
proclamation of judgment Joel 3:9-12 d. The execution of judgment Joel 3:13-16 a
2. Blessing upon Israel Joel 3:16-21 a. Israel’s protection Joel 3:16-17 b.
Israel’s blessings Joel 3:18 c. Israel’s enemies Joel 3:19 d. Israel’s
permanence Joel 3:20 e. Israel’s pardon Joel 3:21 a f. Yahweh’s presence Joel
3:21 b Argument of Joel

Joel opened his message with a statement that the desolation of the locust
plague was unforgettable (Joel 1:1-3). The successive waves of locusts totally
destroyed all vegetation (Joel 1:4). This set the stage for an appeal to the
drunkards, who had no wine (Joel 1:5-7). The land was not productive (Joel
1:8-10); rather, drought conditions prevailed (Joel 1:11-12). The priests were
urged to lead the nation (Joel 1:13) in fasting and calling the elders of the
people to repentance and supplication to Yahweh (Joel 1:14).

If Israel did not repent, there would come a day in which Yahweh will deal very
severely with His people (Joel 1:15-20). There would be no food; joy and
gladness would depart; crops would not grow; granaries would be unused; the
livestock would suffer from lack of pasture; range fires would devastate; and
there would be no water in the empty stream beds. The past locust plague
provided the background for the future invader (Joel 2:1-11) from the North
(Joel 2:20). This desolation has a double reference, not only to a future
Assyrian or Babylonian invasion, but most especially to the climactic invasion
during the campaign of Armageddon in the distant future. This day of Yahweh will
be one of darkness, gloom and cloudy blackness (Joel 2:2). The earth will shake.
The sun and moon will be darkened and the stars no longer shine (Joel 2:10).
Yahweh is sovereign and will use this army to accomplish His awesome purpose
(Joel 2:11).

Therefore, now is the time for repentance (Joel 2:12-17). In that great day when
God intervenes for His people, He will send prosperity to Israel, and no longer
will Israel be an object of scorn to the nations (Joel 2:18-19). This invading
army from the North will be driven out, part into the Dead Sea and part into the
Mediterranean Sea, resulting in their total destruction (Joel 2:20).

Israel need not fear, for Yahweh will do great things for His people (Joel 2:20
b). Rain will once again fall on the land; a Teacher of Righteousness (the
Messiah) will accompany the prosperity. (It is also possible to render the
phrase "in righteousness the autumn rains" for better parallelism.) Israel will
live in prosperity and never again be shamed (Joel 2:27).

After all the desolation of the foreign invader, Yahweh will respond on behalf
of His people by sending His Spirit (Joel 2:28-20). This again has a double
reference. First, it applied to the day of Pentecost, which was completely
fulfilled in Acts 2:1-47. Second, it refers to the time at the beginning of the
millennium when the Spirit will be poured out on the entire believing remnant
who has survived the Tribulation. It is this remnant who will see the
accompanying signs in the heavens (Joel 2:30-31) during those climactic days
before the return of Messiah. At that time everyone who calls on the name of the
Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32). Israel will be restored in that great day, and
all nations will be summoned for judgment (Joel 3:1-2; cf. Matthew 25:31-46).
Meanwhile, Israel’s enemies will be called to account for their treatment of
Israel in the day of the prophet (Joel 3:4-8).

Judgment is to be proclaimed among the nations. They should beat the implements
of agriculture into weapons of warfare and assemble in the valley of Jehoshaphat
to stand accountable for their treatment of Israel and for their wickedness
before God (Joel 3:9-13; cf. Revelation 19:1-21). They will be judged
(Revelation 3:14-16 a) but Israel will be secure (Joel 3:16 b). Jerusalem will
be holy (Joel 3:17), and prosperity will once again flow into the barren land of
Israel (Joel 3:18; Ezekiel 47:1-23). Israel’s enemies will be punished (Joel
3:19), but Judah will be inhabited forever, a forgiven people (Joel 3:20-21). In
that day the shout of worship will resound through the whole earth, "Yahweh
dwells in Zion!"


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