ligion means a well furnished intellect employing the best means to
accomplish the highest ends." This statement is correct as far as the
side of duty emphasized is concerned.

Nature of Proverbs. (1) There is a voice of wisdom which speaks words
of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, prudence, subtility, instruction,
discretion and the fear of Jehovah, and furnishes us with good advice
for every condition of life. (2) There is a voice of folly, which
speaks words of folly, simplicity, stupidity, ignorance, brutishness
and villainy, and lifts her voice wherever wisdom speaks. (3) Wisdom
is contrasted with folly, which often issues in simplicity and
scorning. (4) Wisdom is personified, as if it were God speaking about
the practical, moral, intellectual and religious duties of men. (5)
Christ finds Himself in the book, Lu. 24:27, and if Christ be
substituted for wisdom, where it is found, a new and wonderful power
will be seen in the book.

Scheme of the Considerations Found in Proverbs. The first sphere-the
home, father and children, 1:8-9 and Chs. 2-7. Key-word here is "my
son." The second sphere-friendship; companions is the important word.
1:10-19. The third sphere-the world beyond.

Analysis.

I. Praise of Wisdom. Chs. 1-9. This is shown by contrast with folly.

1. The design and some fundamental maxims, 1:1-19.

2. Wisdom's warnings, 1:20 end.

3. Wisdom will reveal God and righteousness and save one from
wicked men and strange women, Ch. 2.

4. Description of the life of wisdom, Ch. 3.

5. Wisdom the best way, Ch. 4.

6. The strange woman, Ch. 5.

7. Against various evils, Ch. 6.

8. Wisdom's warnings against the seductions of an adulterous, Ch.
7.

9. Wisdom makes an appeal, Ch. 8.

10. Wisdom gives her invitations, Ch. 9.

II. Practical Proverbs of Solomon. 10:1-22:16. These are separate and
cannot be classified.

III. Words of the Wise. 22:17-24 end. Sometimes called commendations
of justice. There are several authors, but no common topic.

IV. Proverbs of Solomon, copied by the scribes of Hezekiah, Chs. 25-
29.

V. Words of Agur. Ch. 30.
From one who has tried "to find out God unto perfection and found the
task above him."

VI. Words of Lemuel, Ch. 31.

1. The duty of Kings, 1-9.

2. The praise of a virtuous woman or good wife, 10-31.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Collect passages that tell of the
rewards of virtue and piety. (2) Cite passa