Introduction
The name of this book of wisdom, Mishlei, is translated to English as ‘Proverbs’, but that is perhaps too limited a designation. The Hebrew word mashal, from which the name Mishlei is derived, is more akin to an extended metaphor than a pithy saying.
Sefer Mishlei contains the collected wisdom of Shlomo, the wisest king to sit on the throne in Jerusalem. In Melachim I 3:5-14, the Bible relates how this son of King David achieved such greatness. Hashem appeared to Shlomo in a dream and offered him whatever his heart desired. Young King Shlomo asked only for the wisdom to guide God’s people in righteousness. So pleased was the Lord with Shlomo’s request that He granted Shlomo’s wish and in addition, also him great wealth and success.
Proverbs 6 (King Solomon)23 For the commandment is a lamp, The teaching is a light, And the way to life is the rebuke that disciplines. KEE NAYR mitz-VAH v’-TO-rah OR v’-DE-rekh kha-YEEM to-kh’-KHOT mu-SAR כג כִּי נֵר מִצְוָה וְתוֹרָה אוֹר וְדֶרֶךְ חַיִּים תּוֹכְחוֹת מוּסָר׃
