Thursday, September 19 – Proverbs 7, 8

1. What metaphor does Solomon use to advise young people to keep the law? Proverbs 7:2

2. Read Proverbs 7:6-23 carefully. Note the dangerous steps that lead the young man into a sinful situation of fornication and adultery that separates him from God. What precautions should he take?

3. To what does Solomon compare the unsuspecting young man who falls into the trap of the ungodly woman? Proverbs 7:22-23

4. In what places is the cry of wisdom heard? Proverbs 8:1-3

5. Who benefits from wisdom? Proverbs 8:9

Commentary and Reflection:

In Proverbs 7, Solomon encourages an honest and close relationship with wisdom. Using an example from his own experience, he illustrates the subtlety of a prostitute and the desperate naivety of a frivolous young man. Solomon warns against such wayward behavior.

In chapter 8, Solomon calls for wisdom and prudence. He presents the fruits of wisdom and its excellent rewards, showcasing its nature, power, riches, and eternity. Wisdom should be desired for the blessings it provides.

“The humblest Christian who accepts the revelation of God in His Word has a foundation for belief that is as firm as the throne of God. He may well be considered to have developed a better understanding of the real nature of the universe than the wisest unbeliever (see Ps. 25:14; 1 Cor. 2:14; PK 31).” SDABC, Proverbs 8:9

On the beautiful promise in verse 17 about finding the Lord, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary says, “This means to seek so diligently that one rises early in the morning to press the search. Because of the distractions of worldly affairs, and the deceitfulness of the human heart, persevering diligence is required to maintain a saving relationship with true wisdom and with God.” SDABC, Proverbs 8:17

The following deserves careful consideration. In Proverbs 8:22, wisdom says, “The Lord possessed me.” Let’s see what the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary says about this statement in the following paragraphs:

“The meaning of vs. 22 to 31 has been the cause of much discussion through the centuries. The LXX has the following introduction to the subject: “If I declare to you the things that daily happen, I will remember also to recount the things of old.”

There is an obvious parallel in this passage to the work of the second person of the Godhead (see PP 34). However, the passage is allegorical, and caution must be exercised not to press an allegory beyond what the original writer had in mind. Interpretations derived must always be in harmony with the analogy of Scripture.

Some have sought to find support here for the view that there was a time when Christ was not in existence, and that He was created, or brought forth, by the Father as the beginning of His work of establishing an orderly and inhabited universe. Dogmatic conclusions from figurative, parabolic passages are unjustified. The misleading results of such a course may be demonstrated in the popular interpretation of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Verification of doctrinal beliefs should always be sought in the literal statements of the Bible. For literal statements on the subject under discussion see Micah 5:2; John 1:1; 8:54; cf. DA 24. Compare also the following: “In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived” (DA 530). “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father” (EGW RH April 5, 1906). “Christ is the pre-existent, self-existent Son of God. … He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God” (Ev 615; see also DA 19, 24, 25).

In the light of these statements the reading of modern translations that depart from the Hebrew to follow the LXX and read “created” instead of “possessed” (for example, RSV), can lead to unwarranted conclusions.” SDABC, Proverbs 8:22

The interpreter of Scripture needs to differentiate between analogy or comparison and a literal passage. Christ is the eternal Son of God, without beginning or end. Wisdom takes on a role personifying the Messiah, just as John uses “The Word” or “the Logos,” but, notably, it says, “and the Word was GOD.”

I wish you many blessings as you diligently study the Word of God!