III. WISE SAYINGS 22:17--24:34

A third major section of the Book of Proverbs begins with 22:17. This is clear from several indicators. The proverbs lengthen out again from the typical one verse couplet that characterizes 10:1-26:16 (cf. chs. 1-9). The phrase "my son"appears again as in chapters 1-9. The reason the writer gave the following proverbs (22:17-21) introduces the first sub-section (22:17-23:11). We read in 22:20 (in the Hebrew text) that a group of 30 sayings will follow.

The emphasis in 22:17-24:34 is on the importance of applying the instruction previously given.

Emphasis

Section

The value of wisdom

chs. 1-9

The examples of wisdom

10:1-22:16

The application of wisdom

22:17-24:34

The reason many scholars believe Solomon did not write the 36 sayings of the wise (22:17-24:34) is this. The title, "These also are sayings of the wise [or sages, plural],"in 24:23a suggests several writers rather than one.

"The plur. sagespoints to the existence of a special class of wise men, who were oral teachers or writers. The utterances of these men formed a distinct body of thought, part of which is preserved in the Book of Proverbs . . ."¹⁵⁶

The word "also"in 24:23a apparently refers to the similar title in 22:17 suggesting that these sages, not Solomon, wrote the proverbs in 22:17-24:22.

The 36 sayings divide into two groups: "the [30] words of the wise"(22:17), and six more "sayings of the wise"(24:23).

 A. Thirty Sayings of the Wise 22:17-24:22

Many scholars have called attention to the similarities between Proverbs 22:17-24:22, the 30 sayings of the wise, and The Instruction of Amen-em-Ope.¹⁵⁷The Instruction of Amen-em-Opeis a piece of Egyptian wisdom literature that scholars have dated in the New Kingdom period (ca. 1558-1085 B.C.). Both sets of proverbs contain 30 sayings each, both use the "my son"terminology, and both follow the same structural design. This design includes an introduction stating why the writer gave the instruction followed by 30 independent sections of sayings on diverse subjects. However a difference between these two collections is significant. The writer or writers of the biblical proverbs, evidently not Solomon, said their purpose was that the readers' "trust may be in the Lord"(22:19). However, Amen-em-Ope expressed no such hope nor any belief in a personal God. As I mentioned earlier in these notes, the biblical writers' purpose and faith distinguish the Book of Proverbs from all other ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature.¹⁵⁸

 B. Six More Sayings of the Wise 24:23-34

The first sentence in 24:23 indicates that what follows was not part of the collection of 30 sayings that preceded. Other wise men (lit. sages) evidently provided these proverbs.

24:23-25 This saying advocates justice and straight talk. It is particularly relevant for judges of all kinds.

24:26 One paraphrase of this verse is as follows: "The right word spoken seals all, like a kiss on the lips."¹⁷⁹Truthful speech is a mark of friendship.

"As a sincere kiss shows affection and is desirable, so an honest (and perhaps straightforward) answer shows a person's concern and therefore is welcomed."¹⁸⁰

24:27 The farmer must pay more attention to the cultivation of his fields than to his personal comfort. Likewise everyone should put a well-ordered life, including financial security, ahead of getting married and starting a family. In a broader application, we should keep first things first.¹⁸¹

24:28 Being a witness against a neighbor means testifying against someone. Keep quiet unless your testimony is necessary, and keep truthful when you do speak.

24:29 The quotation expresses the opposite of the golden rule (cf. 20:22; Matt. 5:43-45; Rom. 12:9).

24:30-34 Poverty comes as a robber in that it overtakes the sluggard surprisingly and or suddenly. Continued laziness leads to poverty.

This section of 36 wise sayings begins and ends with a reference to the poor (cf. 22:22-23; 24:30-34). Poverty has some obvious connections with folly, though not every poor person is a fool.