controlling motive in life and conduct. They breathe a profound
religious spirit and a lofty religious conception, but put most stress
upon the doing of religion in all the relations of life. Davison says:
"For the writers of Proverbs religion means good sense, religion means
mastery of affairs, religion means strength and manliness and success,
religion 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.