Poetry in Proverbs

I love studying my bible… It is the only book I know of that each time I pick it up I can see something new!! And yet what amazes me is that it has remained relevant for the last six thousand years when today we hardly have time to learn something before it is already outdated!

I love the wisdom in Proverbs and I decided I will in my next few posts focus on some of the themes that run through the book. Since it was written by the wisest man who ever lived… who received his wisdom from God Himself…. it should be a book that we consult often for our life choices and decisions, should it not?

The original language of the book was of course Hebrew which is naturally a poetic language.
In case you have never heard of the poetic patterns it employs or just need to be reminded I will use this post to refresh your memory and then tomorrow begin my posts on the themes of Proverbs.

Understanding the poetic patterns used especially in the book of Proverbs but not limited to it … is a tool in your hand to make the meaning more clear.
While in English we are used to poetry that is organized according to parallels in sounds (rhyme), in Hebrew poetry is arranged according to parallels in thought.

One thought parallel is called ‘antithetical parallelism’ which is simply the contrasting of two ideas – ‘anti’ meaning opposite and ‘thetical’ meaning laid down.
One idea is stated and then the opposite idea is stated along side, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the idea presented.
Often these two ideas are connected by the word ‘But’.
For example….
In Prov. 10:27 the statement is given “The fear of the Lord prolongs life.”
Then the ‘antithetical’ idea is expressed ….“but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”
Another example is in Prov. 11:1.
The statement is made… “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord”
Then the opposite laid down beside it, “But a just weight is His delight!”
Two opposite expressions used to drive home the meaning of the idea that God demands honesty in business!

Another thought parallel is called ‘synonymous parallelism’, which of course is restating the same idea using different words. The two thoughts are often connected by the word ‘and’.
For example….
In Prov. 22:17 the statement is made, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise.”
In case you aren’t clear as to the meaning let it be put another way…..
“And apply your mind to my knowledge.”
Another example in Prov. 8:21 states..”That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance.” Don’t get it? Then listen to it put this way….”And I will fill their treasures.”

A third thought parallel is called ‘synethetic parallelism’ which means making a statement and then adding to it a statement that expands the meaning. The second line gives you more information than you were given in the first line. ( 'syne' having the meaning of before and after and 'thetic' being laid down)
An example is in Prov. 3:30. “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due” is the first or before statement. The second or after statement adds more information… “if he has done you no harm.”
The first statement on its own is open ended but with the information given in the second statement there is a qualifier in place, “if’ the person has done you no harm.
Another example is in Prov.16:4. The before statement is “The Lord has made all things for himself”, then the after statement leaves no doubt as to how inclusive this statement is, “Yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”

The Hebrew language also used numbers in an expressive way to structure lists.
When we who speak English say ‘there were two, no maybe three’ it suggests a memory lapse and suggests uncertainty. In Hebrew it is used not to suggest uncertainty but rather the opposite as an emphasis of certainty!
And example is found in Prov. 30:21-23.
“Under three things the earth quakes and under four, it cannot bear up!” By stating there are three before stating there are four is to the Hebrew mind saying “This is important – there are FOUR things I am going to list!”

Next time you read Proverbs see if you can pick out these poetic patterns and if you are paying attention you will also find this poetic tactic used in other books of the bible.

Tomorrow - "Wise advice to a Son"