![]() The Hebrew word translated as “simple” here does not have anything to do with mental acuity or even urbane sophistication. But this conclusion would be based on a faulty understanding of the biblical meaning of the word “simple.” But Wait, There’s More! Those with even a modicum of self-esteem might conclude that this book was not written for them. “Simple” is not an adjective most people would like to have ascribed to them. In 1:4, we are told these proverbs will also give prudence to those who are simple. We are told that the proverbs will enable us to gain wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight ( 1:2), and receive instruction in prudent behavior so that we can do what is right and just and fair ( 1:3). The book of Proverbs provides an array of benefits to those are willing to internalize its wisdom. “For giving prudence to those who are simple…” Proverbs 1:4 The book shows how the message of the Bible is deepened for us by an appreciation for its literary techniques, cultural allusions, and theological focus on Jesus. I wrote 30 Old Testament Passages with Deeper Meaning to make these studies available for the wider church. ![]() And, when most biblical scholars write about these things, they often write for other biblical scholars. Most believers don’t have these opportunities to study biblical languages and cultural environment. This raised my understanding and appreciation for biblical literature to another level. Every year, we discovered a tactic that we had previously missed. One of my favorite courses invited students to search the creative ways biblical authors crafted their accounts to draw in readers and pack literary punch. I learned the original languages and began to see how the biblical authors used language in creative ways to add depth and power to their messages.Īfter my education, I taught Old Testament and ancient Near Eastern languages and literature for 24 years at Calvin Theological Seminary. Suspecting there was more to the stories than I was grasping, I pursued academic study. I soon realized that understanding the Old Testament might not be as easy as I had hoped. Studying the Old Testament seemed like a great way to start learning about the Bible and Jesus. Most of the Bible is the Old Testament, and Jesus himself said that the Old Testament Scriptures were all about him ( Luke 24:44 John 5:39). Navy nuclear submarine when I first understood the gospel, placed my faith in Jesus Christ, and began reading the Bible. I was hundreds of feet below the North Atlantic on patrol in a U.S. My love for the Old Testament began in an unusual place.
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