(Chapters 10:1—22:16)
Solomon’s Wise Maxims
There is now a change in the style of the proverbs. Chapters 1-9 were instructive speeches, whereas here, in chapters 10:1–22:16, we have wise maxims. The wisdom in chapters 1–9 was given mostly in a series of verses dealing with one subject or lesson, but now it is in short one-verse maxims.
Notice, this section begins with the phrase, “The Proverbs of Solomon” (Prov. 10:1). This is not a proverb, but a title to this new section that we are now entering. This section will extend to chapter 22:16, having 375 verses in total. It is interesting that the numerical value of this title (assigning a number for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet) is exactly 375! This division of the book has two parts: the first is chapters 10–15, and the second is chapters 16–22:16.
Contrasting Parallelisms
(Chapters 10—15)
In this section Solomon teaches us wisdom by contrasts. Each one-verse maxim has two contrasting parts (with a couple of exceptions), often separated by the word “but.” The second part of the couplet restates the truth in a negative sense—i.e. a wise man does this, but a fool does that. They are called Contrasting Parallelisms. Much practical truth can be learned from comparing truth with error.
This part of Division II (chapters 10-15) has 184 verses contrasting righteous and wicked lifestyles. It outlines the basic cause-and-effect of human behaviour, and its inevitable outcome. The main subjects are:
Wise & foolish
Righteousness & wickedness
Rich & poor
Obedience & disobedience
Honesty & dishonesty
Pride & humility
Peace & strife
Love & hatred
Truth & deception
Godliness & ungodliness
Industry & laziness
Success & failure
Three Kinds of Fools in Proverbs
The most frequent comparison in Proverbs is that between wisdom and foolishness (approx. 75 verses). The fool in Proverbs is not so much a person who lacks mental powers as it is one who misuses them. It is not that he doesn’t reason, but that he reasons wrongly. A general observation on this topic is that “foolishness” (in the KJV Trans.) seems to be the absurd ideas and reasoning of a fool; whereas “folly” appears to be his absurd acts.
There are three kinds of fools in Proverbs, indicated in the use of three different Hebrew words.
Kes-eel—He is self-confident (Prov. 14:16; 26:5; 26:12; 28:26; 29:20). He flippantly disregards the counsel of others, especially his parents (Prov. 1:22; 1:32 (“prosperity” is complacency); 8:5; 10:1; 15:20; 17:16; 17:21; 17:25; 18:2; 19:13; 23:9). Being self-confident, he’s full of his own thoughts and opinions (Prov. 12:23; 14:7; 15:2; 15:7; 18:2; 18:7; 26:7; 26:9; 26:11; 26:20). This, perhaps, is a description of a young fool.
Ev-eel (a word used less frequently)—He refuses advice because he is hardened, set in his ways and can’t be corrected (Prov. 1:7; 7:22; 10:21; 12:15; 14:9; 15:5; 27:22). He’s angry and loves a fight (Prov. 12:16; 20:3; 27:3; 29:9). He also propounds his opinions (Prov. 10:8; 17:28). This, perhaps, is descriptive of an old fool, because it takes time to get hardened in one’s ways.
Nabal (a word used only three times)—is a vile and corrupt person. J. N. Darby translates it “vile.”
The subjects in these chapters are grouped loosely. The general themes are:
Chaps. 10-11 – Rewards for conduct.
Chap. 12 – Honesty & kindness.
Chap. 13 – The dangers of anger & violence.
Chap. 14 – The wise and the foolish.
Chap. 15 – Ordering our speech aright.
Complementing Parallelisms
(Chapters 16—22:16)
When we come to chapter 16 there is a subtle change in Solomon’s one-verse maxims. In chapters 10–15 the maxims were contrasting parallelisms, but they cease now, and a different kind of maxim begins. Instead of the second part of the verse contrasting the first part, it complements the first part. It restates the truth of the first part, expressing the same thought in a different way, reinforcing its meaning, or completing the thought. These are called Complementing Parallelisms. Note that the use of “but” is almost non-existent in this section. This style of maxim continues from chapter 16 through to chapter 22:16, with a couple of exceptions. (The last verse of chapter 15 might begin this group of maxims for it is a complementing parallelism.)
The subjects in these chapters are also loosely grouped together. The general themes are:
Chap. 16 – Man’s plans & God’s sovereignty.
Chap. 17 – Strife & peace.
Chap. 18 – The folly of self-centeredness.
Chap. 19 – The wealthy & the poor.
Chap. 20 – 22:16 – Righteousness & wickedness.