Today we will examine the book of Proverbs. Proverbs fall within a class of poetry which is described as wisdom literature. In other words, Proverbs are short poems which provide advice on living well. They can be somewhat difficult for the modern reader who is steeped in a scientific and technical culture. Rather than the precise descriptions used to relay information in our age, Proverbs relays advice through parallels or comparisons within our experience of the world around us. In this way, Proverbs are almost a type of riddle in which the one who solves it gains great insight into the world. 

The book Proverbs does not download information in paragraph form. We must therefore take a very different approach when reading Proverbs. It must be considered line by line while we carefully contemplate the descriptive language to identify deep underlying patterns between nature, God, and present circumstance to know how to act and what to value in each situation. As such, Proverbs does not provide easy answers. Rather, it develops within us a deeper knowledge (i.e. wisdom) that enables us to live in harmony with both God and the world.

How to Read a Proverb: Three Types of Parallels 

As stated above, Proverbs relates information through comparisons or what scholars refer to as “parallelism”. Parallelism refers to a two-fold structure which comprises most of the lines within proverbs. There are three different types of parallelism. Understanding each type of parallelism and identifying which type we are reading at a given moment can help us better understand the passage or solve the riddle each line of Proverbs is setting before us. 

Synonymous parallelism: In lines which use synonymous parallelism, the second half of the line repeats the thought contained in the first half of the line. In other words, the second half of the line provides a variation which expresses the same idea. For example, in reference to the value of Wisdom,

“Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;

love her, and she will safeguard you”

Proverbs 4:6

Antithetic parallelism: In this type of parallelism, the second half of the line presents a contrast to the first half. It is important to note that the contrast does not have to be a direct opposite. 

“A wise son loves correction,

but the scoffer heeds no rebuke.”

Proverbs 13:1

Synthetic parallelism: In this case the second half of the line is not a comparison or contrast, but an expansion of the idea contained in the first half of the line. 

“Fools take no delight in understanding,

but only in displaying what they think.”

Proverbs 18:2

Recognizing the type of parallelism helps us understand the key to solving the riddle. Does the second half of the line restate the idea in a new manner, provide a contrast to be avoided, or provide deeper insight into living the advice more fully? The answer to this question will help us know how to interpret the advice and employ it more effectively in our lives.

Two Types of Wisdom

Proverbs calls us to draw on two types of understanding to discern wisdom. The first is knowledge of the natural world and human interaction. We see this in verses such as

“Like the sparrow in its flitting, like the swallow in its flight,

a curse uncalled-for never lands.

The whip for the horse, the bridle for the ass,

and the rod for the back of fools.”

Proverbs 26:2-3

In verses such as these, comparisons are drawn in reference to interaction with the natural world. Again, we must look past superficial commonalities to find a deeper commonality to serve as a reference point to govern our human-to-human interaction.

The second type of wisdom provided is what could be called “divine wisdom”. These proverbs convey wisdom about God or the cosmic order. It must be remembered that the ancients also believed in an ordered universe. In modern times, we often limit our idea of an ordered universe to the material and scientific. However, the ancients also understood that there is a moral order. There is a human to divine relationship and wisdom lies in understanding our place in this cosmic relationship and that God is the fountain of this cosmic order. Proverbs 8 is a great example of this. 

“The LORD begot me, the beginning of his works,

the forerunner of his deeds of long ago;

From of old I was formed,

at the first, before the earth.

When there were no deeps I was brought forth,

when there were no fountains or springs of water;

Before the mountains were settled into place,

before the hills, I was brought forth;

When the earth and the fields were not yet made,

nor the first clods of the world.

When he established the heavens, there was I,

when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep;

When he made firm the skies above,

when he fixed fast the springs of the deep;

When he set for the sea its limit,

so that the waters should not transgress his command;

When he fixed the foundations of earth,

then was I beside him as artisan;

I was his delight day by day,

playing before him all the while,

Playing over the whole of his earth,

having my delight with human beings.

Now, children, listen to me;

happy are they who keep my ways.

Listen to instruction and grow wise,

do not reject it!

Happy the one who listens to me,

attending daily at my gates,

keeping watch at my doorposts;

For whoever finds me finds life,

and wins favor from the LORD;

But those who pass me by do violence to themselves;

all who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 8:22-36

Thus, the true order of things is revealed. God is Wisdom itself. Human wisdom ultimately lies in placing ourselves in right order to God. Doing so leads to human flourishing both in our spiritual life and in our relationship with those around us.