 |  |
"To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise and their dark
sayings" (Prov. 1: 6).
At the first glance, one may think that something is astray in this translation, for how
else could anyone understand a proverb, apart from its interpretation? We must put into
practice a rule which is to be explained later in this series, namely, the observance of
parallels.
To understand a proverb . . . . . and the interpretation.
The words of the wise . . . . . and their dark sayings.
A proverb is obviously the word of the wise, therefore, if the rule of parallels be a
sound one, the "interpretation" should have something in common with "dark sayings".
This word translated "interpretation" is found in Hab. 2: 6, where it is translated
"taunting". The Companion Bible renders it "satire, or the point of what is said". One
may translate "the words of the wise", and give the most literal and consistent equivalents
that can be conceived, and yet miss the "point", and if this be so, we are giving chaff for
wheat. The A.V. finishes the introduction to the book of Proverbs at verse six. It should
however include verse seven:
"For putting a distinct meaning into a proverb or an enigma;
Into the words of the wise and their intricate things;
The fear of the Lord is the main knowledge:
A wisdom and a discipline that fools despise" (Prov. 1: 6, 7 Miller).
One may have the most fool-proof of systems, but no amount of method will take the
place of that initial qualification "the fear of the Lord". There needs to be not only the
intelligent use of the concordance but a heart in concord with the will of God when the
"point" of the passage is to be discovered and presented.
Another word translated "interpret" is found in Eccles. 8: 1:
"Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?"
The Hebrew word pesher "interpretation" occurs but once, but the parallel Chaldee
p'shar is used in Dan. 2: 14 - 7: 16 thirty-two times, and always in connection with
dreams of prophetic import given to Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar or Daniel. The
recurring thought of Ecclesiastes is expressed in the question "what shall come to pass
hereafter?" and consequently this passages in Eccles 8: 1 deals more with prophetic
interpretation than the humbler service contemplated in this series.
When Joseph would hide his identity from his brethren we read:
"He spake unto them by an interpreter" (Gen. 42: 23).
Here the Hebrew word is luts a foreigner, and is allied with melitsah "taunt" and
"point", already considered in Prov. 1: 6. Its primitive meaning and most frequent
translation is that of a "scorner". The word luts means to speak unintelligibly, in a