A Study in Proverbs

(Prov 31:1 NASB)  The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him. Prov 31:1:      Lemuel means "unto Elohim" or "dedicated to Elohim."  Strong's Concordance states that this is likely a name given to Solomon by his mother.  Jewish legend also...

(Prov 30:1 NASB)  The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: Prov 30:1:      According to Strong's Concordance, Agur is another name for Solomon and Jakeh is also another name for Solomon. One Rabbinic explanation...

(Prov 29:1 NASB)  A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. Prov 29:1:      If one ignores correction for too long, they will be broken beyond any possibility of healing (Zech. 1:3-6, Prov. 1:24-33).   (Prov 29:2 NASB) ...

(Prov 28:1 NASB)  The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. Prov 28:1:      The wicked can never rest because they know that their past can come back and haunt them at any time.  The Hebrew word for "bold" can also mean...

(Prov 27:1 NASB)  Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Prov 27:1:      There is too much uncertainly in life to boast about that which has not happened.   (Prov 27:2 NASB)  Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A...

(Prov 26:1 NASB)  Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. Prov 26:1:      The first part of the chapter discusses fools.  To begin with, honor is not fitting for a fool.   (Prov 26:2 NASB)  Like a sparrow in its flitting,...

(Prov 25:1 NASB)  These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed. Prov 25:1:      Apparently King Hezekiah had more proverbs of Solomon transcribed a couple hundred years after the previous section was written.   (Prov...

(Prov 24:1 NASB)  Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; (Prov 24:2 NASB)  For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. Prov 24:2:      This is another warning against associating with, or being envious of, evil men.  ...

(Prov 23:1 NASB)  When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; (Prov 23:2 NASB)  And put a knife to your throat, If you are a man of great appetite. (Prov 23:3 NASB)  Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food. Prov 23:3: ...

(Prov 22:1 NASB)  A good name is to be more desired than great riches, Favor is better than silver and gold. Prov 22:1:      A good name means someone with good character and a good reputation.  A good name is worth more than wealth. Favor (grace) is worth more than...

(Prov 21:1 NASB)  The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Prov 21:1:      We have seen numerous examples of this in Scripture.  Pharoah refused to let Israel leave because Elohim hardened his heart (Ex....

(Prov 19:1 NASB)  Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Prov 19:1:      Integrity is much better than wealth.   (Prov 19:2 NASB)  Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who makes...

(Prov 18:1 NASB)  He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. Prov 18:1:      This appears to be a warning against reclusive behavior.   (Prov 18:2 NASB)  A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his...

(Prov 15:1 NASB)  A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov 15:1:      It is easy to stir up anger with a few harsh words.  But there is no reason to stir up anger when it is not necessary.   (Prov 15:2 NASB)  The tongue of the wise...

(Prov 13:1 NASB)  A wise son accepts his father's discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Prov 13:1:      A wise son listens to and accepts his fathers discipline.  A foolish son does not.   (Prov 13:2 NASB)  From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys...

(Prov 10:1 NASB)  The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Prov 10:1:      This is a very basic truth in life.  This is a contrast between a wise son and a foolish son and the effects they have on their...