Discuss the relationship between ethics and sanctions in Proverbs 1-7.”
The book of Proverbs within The Bible is incredibly important in the world today. This is the book that to me talks about ethics and sanctions the most. It also talks about these concepts a lot deeper than the other books we have read. Sanctions basically mean consequences. This is the book that explains these consequences the best. King Solomon is telling proverbs to his son. These are about how the world works. He tells his son very important information that is linked very deeply with the role of what is right and what is wrong. His son is being educated on morals. This is important because the King is also talking to the reader and Christians all over.
As stated previously, The book of proverbs has a deep connection with ethics, morals, and sanctions. Within the first chapter of the book, Sin and evilness is discussed. Solomon is telling his son to stay away from people with bad hearts. This means do not get mixed up with people who are wrong and evil. He wants his son to keep his distance from the sinners because they are self destructive. He tells the story of highway robbers who stalk the travelers in order to steal from them at night. He explains that he will fall just like their victims. Within this chapter sanctions plays a large role. If someone does something to someone else, then the same thing will happen to them it is an example of the golden rule. Treat others how you want to be treated.
The second chapter discusses wisdom. It does this by telling a tale of a women crying in the street asking for people to listen to her, however nobody pays attention to the sobbing female. Wisdom does promise to laugh at the people’s down falls and problems. This chapter is very important because of the morals in it. Because nobody paid attention to the women who needed an ear to listen, they would surely never be wise, and they would be mocked by wisdom.“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This quote makes sense as if people were to fear God, they will not do evil things. This quote itself is almost a sanction as there is a consequence. You will not have wisdom, if you do not fear the Lord and his power. The education and discussion of wisdom goes on to a few more chapters.
However, chapters 5 through 7 discuss Slothfulness. Solomon warns his son to stray away from adultery, as it is a sin. Solomon is sure to explain that although the pleasure is short term, It ruins the mind and soul, and could destroy the person committing the acts. He is very clear of consequences in this chapter.
Within the book of proverbs, ethics and sanctions are wrapped up tight with what the narrative has to say. This book in the Bible is one of the most important in total. It hold the most important messages within all the texts.
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