The aim of this study is a quest into the interpretation of Proverbs 1-9 to learn its meaning, i.e., its significance, value and relevance for the Christian church today. This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 sketches the problem that is to be researched and its background and the research methods and approach in this study. Chapter 2 investigates the review of literature on the exegesis of Proverb 1-9. It looks at the form, social setting and the purpose of Proverbs 1-9. It also investigates the relationship between Proverbs 1-9 and the Ancient Near Eastern wisdom. Chapter 3 investigates the form and literary analysis of Proverbs 1-9. It deals with the two literary genres in Proverbs 1-9, namely instructions and the wisdom speeches. The thesis argues in this chapter that the focus of this study is on the parental instructions in Proverbs 1-9. It analyses the structure of all the parental instructions. Chapter 4 deals with the exegetical study of Proverbs 1-9. The focus of this chapter is on the exegesis of the parental instructions in Proverbs 1-9. Chapter 5 is built on the outcome of the exegesis dealt with in Chapter 4 by extracting themes on child-rearing that will help Christian parents in their task of child-rearing. Chapter 6 summarises the findings and makes some recommendations on the further study of Proverbs 1-9. The central theoretical argument was that Proverbs 1-9 is the Word of God that needs to shed its light onto the contemporary issues on Child-rearing that the church is facing. In conjunction with this central theoretical argument was the argument that Proverbs 1-9 is an indispensable resource for the church in her task of guiding parents with regard to rearing their children properly. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Old Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The aim of this study is a quest into the interpretation of Proverbs 1-9 to learn its meaning, i.e., its significance, value and relevance for the Christian church today. This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 sketches the problem that is to be researched and its background and the research methods and approach in this study. Chapter 2 investigates the review of literature on the exegesis of Proverb 1-9. It looks at the form, social setting and the purpose of Proverbs 1-9. It also investigates the relationship between Proverbs 1-9 and the Ancient Near Eastern wisdom. Chapter 3 investigates the form and literary analysis of Proverbs 1-9. It deals with the two literary genres in Proverbs 1-9, namely instructions and the wisdom speeches. The thesis argues in this chapter that the focus of this study is on the parental instructions in Proverbs 1-9. It analyses the structure of all the parental instructions. Chapter 4 deals with the exegetical study of Proverbs 1-9. The focus of this chapter is on the exegesis of the parental instructions in Proverbs 1-9. Chapter 5 is built on the outcome of the exegesis dealt with in Chapter 4 by extracting themes on child-rearing that will help Christian parents in their task of child-rearing. Chapter 6 summarises the findings and makes some recommendations on the further study of Proverbs 1-9. The central theoretical argument was that Proverbs 1-9 is the Word of God that needs to shed its light onto the contemporary issues on Child-rearing that the church is facing. In conjunction with this central theoretical argument was the argument that Proverbs 1-9 is an indispensable resource for the church in her task of guiding parents with regard to rearing their children properly. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Old Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.