Proverbs

Classic commentaries on Proverbs tend not to deal with interpretive issues. They tend to state the obvious and give little depth in looking for the one intended meaning of the author. It is easy to quote a proverb, and make a New Testament application that circumvents the interpretive process. A valid application of a proverb must naturally flow from an understanding of the words themselves. Proper interpretation requires consistent steps: (1) Study the meaning of key words in the original language. (2) Understand the abstractness of poetry and figurative language. (3) Honor the context. Except for chapters 1-9 and chapters 30-31 there isn't much local context. However, the expanded context of the entire book and the whole Bible must be considered. (4) Reduce each proverb to a principle, then apply the principle. Principles are rules. That is why the book is entitled: PROVERBS - The Rules of Wisdom.