How are the proverbs structured?

Answer 1

If you are talking about form analysis like songs then it won't work. Proverbs have no structure per say.

This is a general outline for the book of proverbs.

Wisdom for young men Prov 1:1 - 9:18

wisdom for all people Prov 10:1 - 24:34

wisdom for leaders Prov 25:1 - 31:31

There are four different forms that the writer used in writing the Proverbs. They are always written in two-line form.

In the first way of writing the Proverbs the second line has the same meaning as the first line, but it is said in a different way. For example:

Proverbs 1:5 - "let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."

The word "wise" is synonymous with "discerning", as "add to their learning" is synonymous to "get guidance."

The second way the Proverbs were written is the second line is in contrast to the first line. For example:

Proverbs 10:4--"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

The word "lazy" is in contrast to the word "diligent." The word "poor" contrasts the word "wealth."

The third way the Proverbs were written is where the second line expands further on the idea of the first line. For example:

Proverbs 16:3 --"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

This proverb shows that if we commit what we do to the Lord, the second line expands with that idea showing that the Lord will make our plans succeed.

The fourth method of writing the Proverbs is a truth from the first line is backed up with a life experience or story in the second line. For example:

Proverbs 25:28--Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

The main idea is a man who lacks self-control. The illustration of what that is like is a city whose walls are broken down.