First, a short course in a key word we’ll call, “Every Way But”!

The smallest word in biblical Hebrew is written with the next to the smallest letter in the alphabet. The letter is the waw {pronounced vâve}. Beginning Hebrew students are told it means “and,” and so begins the “every way but” journey. This small word, often added to other words, is important to understanding the message. Hebrew often consists of strings of clauses. Waw can not only mean “and,” it can mean but, also, or, either/or, so, therefore, thus, that, so that, now! Don’t give up! It is, as always in Bible study, that the meaning comes from the context.

The lexical ambiguity of the waw becomes part of the puzzle in the hands of wise crafter of words, King Solomon. The original Hebrew readers had to try to understand Solomon’s sense with its use or sometimes nonuse. For English readers, this problem is often solved by the translator. And, since it’s crucial to know the type of parallelism being used (more on parallelism in coming articles), pay particular attention to its inclusion. In the previous post, Prov 27.17, it was translated “so.” In Prov 1.7 (a stark contrast in parallelism), its non-inclusion! Or, Prov 10.5 where it’s italicized by the NASB translators, ‘but,’ to let you know this isn’t part of the original text (Good English translations so mark words they’ve added for readability. If your translation doesn’t do this, consider adding a copy of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, as it’s very accurate, not flawless, but an excellent place to start).

Prov 27.17

Now you’re on your way to a much better understanding of these “gems” of wisdom, Proverbs!

A Brief Intro For Proverbs

While we’re starting our look into Proverbs at Prov 10.1, let’s set some context for what lies before, i.e., chapters 1-9. Proverbs begins with a brief introduction, then proceeds to “The Admonitions of the Father to the Son” in chapters 1-9. In this section “Wisdom” will make her case and make her call to all to follow her.

When we turn to Prov 10.1 and following, the 2^nd Section of Proverbs, it seems there is no rhyme or reason in the order which follows. It is suggested there is more than randomness in this and following sections. While there are myriads of facets where wisdom impacts human life, just like the Proverbs which follow coming at life from all directions, it’s very much worth noting that the first Proverb, Prov 10.1, deals with the home.

Two Paths: {Here are your ethical, moral points.}

wise son – Always remember that “wisdom” is an ethical, moral context, not an educational context. He makes choices consistent with the Lord’s ways, cf. Prov 1.3, righteousness, justice, equity. Prov 13.20, has learned a trade, been mentored, has skill training! This is a “skill in living” son!

foolish son – Here’s the opposite of the “wise son.” Just a note on the “fool” in Proverbs. There are 4 key words for “fool” in Proverbs. We have one in this verse. In a subsequent post we’ll have a discussion of the “fool” in Proverbs as an understanding of this trait is crucial to understanding God’s way of Wisdom.

Two Products: {Here are your two heart points.}

glad – our word carries the idea of “contentment.” It’s not just feelings but a physical and personal word, e.g., support, finances, care.

grieves – the painful emptiness for those we love who reject wisdom!

Two People: {Here are your two life impact places.}

father – write some thoughts down for how foolishness impacts.

mother – write some thoughts down for how foolishness impacts.

References To Consider

Prov 15.20; 17.21; 17.25; 23.24-25; 28.7; 29.3.

Consider “Family Relations”

To whom is Proverbs written to? The answer is fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. It’s also written to learners and the foolish. But, why did Proverbs start with the home? The smaller sphere is the crucial base from which the larger sphere, the community, will expand. This is “from the lesser to the greater” teaching. If you want to see why our country is in such desperate condition, consider this key lesson. The family has been attacked at every turn. It’s easily dissolved, we just trade one family for another. It’s vehemently attacked by “alternate lifestyles,” yet the Word of God declares such attacks as abominations! It’s deserted by many whose selfishness drives them to “do their own thing.” The family is deeply under attack by our enemy because it is the foundation from which community comes!

Some Sharpening For Your Own Life Today

Consider: The point of Proverbs is to honor the Lord with our lives. The starting place is the home! Don’t miss the motivational theology (it’s not unique to Proverbs either!). Positive character produces positive consequences. Negative character produces negative consequences. It’s the old “what you sow you reap” truth!

Now consider where your honor of parents needs to develop or be expressed.