The fourth chapter of Proverbs continues its regular themes. Some of the verses contain new ideas. Others are fundamentally restatements of the theme of the importance of wisdom especially as an instrument of religion. The approach is to make an impression by means of repetition. Repetition is often boring but can be pleasant if done properly. An example would be Psalm 136 which has 26 verses, all ending with the phrase, “for until forever is His kindness”. Here repeating something the reader likes and believes is pleasing.
In Proverbs the lesson is that a great amount of wisdom, which is very deep, will strengthen a person's belief in God and His Torah. Also the greater the knowledge, the greater the faith. Knowledge is a friend and ally not something that will make a person into an apostate. However the reader may need many reassurances on this, especially if the idea is under attack. As a result this theme is repeated often, at least in the opening chapters.
Proverbs frequently addresses the readers as sons. In chapter four verse three the author refers to himself as son who received this instruction from his parents saying, “For I was a son to my father, tender and [like] the only one, before my mother”. Rashi explains that this means that the author was the son that was more beloved. As a result the quality of the advice itself and education used to convey it was the best possible and given in the spirit of tender love.
The motive is to increase the credibility of the advice and exhortations that are given. Not only is this King Solomon himself speaking, but he is recounting his upbringing from his father, King David, as well as his education in the royal palace. Even more so Solomon was reckoned by the holy One, blessed be He as His own son and trusted to build the Temple as it says, “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish his royal throne forever. . . . I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to Me”, (2 Samuel 7:13-14). We are given a glimpse of being raised in the palace of the king and if it is possible to perceive with Hashem as our father.
This knowledge was imparted during the susceptibility of childhood and accompanied by parental affection. Therefore it is seen as having surpassing intrinsic excellency, cherished in the heart, and to be retained at all costs. The Malbim explains that the musar that is received from one’s father is very selected and valuable because the father wants to hand down good direction to all of his children. This is even more so to his favorite who has been entrusted with things that are lofty and important.
The Midrash Agada comments, “says HaKadosh Baruch Hu, many precepts I have commanded upon you; and for what? Rather it is to give you merit. I said to you to take the red heifer. Was it for me? No, rather it was for your purity. I said to you take to me donations. It was for you so that I should dwell in your midst. I said you should take pure oil. Do I need the light? I did it for you so you should protect yourself. For the soul of a man is like a candle as it says, “The candle of God is the soul of a man”, (Proverbs 20:27).
לע"נ האמא מלכה בת חיים ז"ל נלב"ע טז ניסן תשנ"ח
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