Reading for January 10th

Read Proverbs 1.1-7. In 1.1-9.18: Speeches and Instructions. In 1.1-7: Introduction and purpose of the book. In verse 1: Egyptian and biblical wisdom books, contrary to the customary anonymity of ancient litature, give the name of the author, who was normally a king or prominent coutrier advising his son or disciple. Solomon, famed for his wisdom, is named as the author, or, as we misght say, patron of the entire book. In verses 2-7: There are fourteen (two times seven) different nouns for wisdom or wise sayings in order to show totality. Verses 2-3 are concerned with learning., v. 4 with teaching, v. 5 with the teacher or sage, v. 6 with understanding wisdom writings and v. 7 (in climatic position) with fear of the Lord. In verse 4: The simple are naive or uninstructed people, either because of their youth or, sometimes, because of their carelessness. In the latter case the term has a negative connotation. In verse 7: The verse is the climax of the introduction, for the Lord is the source of blessings for the wise. The phrase wisdom and instructions reprises the same phrase in v. 2a. Fear of the Lord is the traditional (and not fully satisfacttory) translation of "yir'at YHWH," literally "revering the Lord." The phrase means giving to one's God what is due, knowing and accepting one's place in the universe. It primarily designates neith an emotion (fear) nor general reverence, but rather a conviction that one should honor and serve a particular god. Comments or Questions..