Reflections on Proverbs 1-9
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The Players
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Solomon |
Daddy |
The Criminal |
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Wisdom |
Grandpa |
The Son |
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The Adulteress |
Folly |
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These reflections on Proverbs 1-9 begin like a playbill
introducing ‘characters’ because Proverbs 1-9 is much
like a play. It is the story of a father teaching
and exhorting his son to choose wise paths in life.
Solomon
At the very beginning of Proverbs, before any of the
tale takes place, the playwright comes up on the stage
to introduce himself and introduce his play.
Daddy
Immediately after Solomon introduces his play, Daddy
takes the stage. Daddy has the clear mission of teaching
his son about choosing wise paths in life. He eloquently
and passionately encourages his boy to get Wisdom,
whatever the costs. Daddy even introduces his son
to ‘tutors’ to speak about Wisdom – these ‘tutors’
speak either in favor of Wisdom or in favor of shortcuts.
The Criminal
The first character Daddy introduces is the Criminal.
The Criminal understands that prosperity is desirable
but he doesn’t recommend the way of Wisdom. That would
be too much work and would take too long. Instead
he recommends a shortcut “If you see something you
want, you take it. If someone gets hurt in process,
oh well.” Daddy emphatically says “Don’t take the
shortcut.”
Wisdom
The next character Daddy introduces is Wisdom herself.
Wisdom, to Daddy, is not just a concept or principle
to live by but an actual creature, a person; though
certainly not a human being. Perhaps she’s an angelic
creature. We don’t know. Regardless, Daddy invites
her to take the stage and speak to his son.
Grandpa
After Wisdom speaks Daddy has a lot to say to his
son before introducing another character – Grandpa.
Grandpa is a man of few words, but he does make good
use of them and encourages his grandson to take the
path of Wisdom.
The Son
The next new character to take the stage is the son.
But this is a picture of the son at the end of his
life if he chooses not to take the path of Wisdom.
The Adultress
The next new character Daddy introduces is the Adulteress.
The Adulteress understands that pleasure is desirable,
but she doesn’t recommend the way of Wisdom; that
marriage stuff is a lot of work! Instead she recommends
a shortcut – adultery. Daddy emphatically says “Don’t
take the shortcut.”
Folly
At the end of the story Folly takes the stage. Folly
has the shortest speech but her intent is clear. “Whether
you want prosperity or pleasure or anything else,
take the shortcut.” Daddy ends chapter 9 by saying
“Don’t take the shortcut.”
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