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Parables / Proverbs
Proverbs 1:6 “To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise”
The Hebrew word for Proverbs is Masal H4912 – māšāl, meaning sentences of ethical wisdom, to draw parallels, need superior mental action. It means to represent something, to compare. To speak in proverbs is to speak in poetry. The root word Masal means to rule and have dominion.
One of the first parables that was told that we saw in the old testament, was when Nathan told David a parable to drive through a very deep point of David’s sin, in 2 Samuel 12 (click here to read more). It was only when Nathan explained the parable, that David realized the impact of his sin. We also know that Yeshua told parables all the time, and sometimes His own disciples had to ask the meaning of the parables. In Matthew 13:10-12 we read, “The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance.”
Discipline and Teachings - Father and Mother, Evil fools
Proverbs 1:7-8 “Fools despise wisdom and discipline. My son, heed the discipline of your father, And do not forsake the Torah of your mother; For they are a fair wreath on your head, And chains about your neck.”
We are given this beautiful picture of a Father AND Mother. Yeshua also reminded how important they are in Matthew 15:4, “For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” Yeshua was quoting the ten commandments, but also a Torah command on how to discipline a child that does not honor their parents. The father is a classical picture of discipline, and a mother usually reminds us of the rules and practices teaching all day long. For those who despise the fathers’ discipline and the mothers’ teaching are called fools.
The Hebrew word for fools is Evil H191 – ‘ĕvîl! How about that – the evil ones are the foolish ones who, according to Hebrew meaning, despises wisdom, mocks when guilty, and is quarrelsome. At the end of Proverbs 1, verse 32 “the prosperity/indifference/complacency of fools shall destroy them“.
The Company you keep
Proverbs 1:10 “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in.”
Interestingly Psalm 1 (click here to read more) with David, the Psalm was about “The company you keep“. The rest of Proverbs 1, David’s son Solomon talks about the exact same thing!
Psalm 1 also started with a tree bearing fruit in the right season (verse 3), and Proverbs 1:31 says, “Therefore let them eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own counsels.”
Proverbs 2:12-15, 20 “Wisdom will save you from the way of evil, from the person who speaks devious things, from those who abandon the paths of righteousness to walk the ways of darkness, from those who enjoy doing evil, from those who find joy in the deviousness of evil. Their paths are crooked. Their ways are devious… So walk in the way of good people and stay on the paths of righteous people.”
