The Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament

Teachings of the book. All the other instructions of the book are based on what has been said about the acquisition of Wisdom. Relations between men and women are considered and how to judge in court, how someone should vouch for someone, lend and so on. The most important thing is seen – that which leads a person to God, helps a person to fulfill God's decree or, on the contrary, turns him away. A righteous life in moderation, in abstinence, with prayer leads to this; all debauchery, theft, lies, and so on turn away from this life. And it is in this vein that certain paths of human life are evaluated.

At first glance, it may seem that from chapter 10 onwards, the Book of Proverbs breaks down into unrelated teachings. The reader who begins it for the first time is perplexed – why did the wise Solomon and the collectors of his parables not be able to bring them into at least some kind of system? Parables about wealth, anger, patience, and so on. It would be easier and more convenient to read. Why was this not done? Did you not have enough strength, or is there some secret?

On the second and subsequent readings, you begin to notice that some phrases are repeated, while changing in one of their parts. And if you choose similar expressions, you can get an interesting "three-dimensional" picture and make sure that the book has an ingenious internal structure.

For example, I will give two small selections.

The first is devoted to strife, which many consider an inevitable attribute of human coexistence.

He who covers up a transgression seeks love; and whoever reminds him of him again removes his friend (17:9).

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins (10:12).

From arrogance comes strife, but among those who consult wisdom (13:10).

A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, and a patient person calms down strife (15:18).

The beginning of a quarrel is like a breakthrough of water; leave the quarrel before it flares up (17:14).

It is an honor for a man to leave a quarrel behind; but every fool is fervent (20:3).

Drive away the blasphemer, and strife will be removed, and strife and strife will cease (22:10).

Where there is no more wood, the fire is extinguished, and where there is no earpiece, the strife subsides.

Coal is for heat and wood for fire, and a quarrelsome man is for stirring up strife (26:20-21).