Day 187. Proverbs 17-19

The wise voice of Proverbs takes for granted something of which we need to be reminded, beloved, that happiness is only possible for the individual in the context of a tidy, well-organized society in proper running order. So much of the Book of Proverbs deals with how to grease relationships so that the social machine is works properly. For instance, in order for things to go smoothly forgiveness is necessary. So we are told that "one who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend" (17:9). Authentic friendship is recommended not only because it is pleasant in itself, but also because it is the foundation of harmony in the social order—"Some friends play at friendship," the wise voice says, "but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin" (18:24). There are always pragmatic concerns just under the surface.
Sometimes the advice that is offered is more than just pragmatic—it seems more than a little bit amoral. The voice seems to recommend bribes as a way to grease the system and keep in going in your direction: "A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it: wherever they turn they prosper" (17:8), he says. It is undoubtedly true, but still a bit shady to say that "gift opens doors; it gives access to the great" (18:16). What is a gift and what is a kickback? Then at other times the voice condemns bribery fiercely: "The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice" (17:23). (Actually, as we noted before, there are many voices here in the Book of Proverbs, from many cultures and times, speaking from many moral points of view—some dogmatic, others pragmatic.)
And the principle emphasis is not so much on what is right—although religion and morality are commended--but on how to get along. There is a great deal of advice offered on governing the tongue and not giving way to anger. Think what you will, everything depends on what you say--"Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (18:21). So watch what you say, and you will get credit for all the wisdom you have—and then some. "One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding" (17:27)—don't talk too much and learn how to control your anger, the wise voice says. "Those with good sense are slow to anger," he tells his students, "and it is their glory to overlook an offense" (19:11). So keep your cool and don't blame others for your mistakes. There is profound truth in the proverb—"One's own folly leads to ruin, yet the heart rages against the LORD" (19:3). How often have all of us blamed God
for our own failures—I know I have more often than I care to remember.
In the orderly society that the wise voice of Proverbs imagines the virtuous always prosper, the wicked are punished, and fools live in destitution. Everything is fit and neat and as it should be. But that is not how reality is, and that presents a problem for the proponents of the wisdom tradition—this is that "cognitive dissidence" we talked about in the Book of Job. What do you do with untidy reality? Virtue is not always rewarded in this world. The wise are not always rich, and often fools are. "It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes" (19:10), the voice says—but it happens. And here we encounter the problem of evil in yet another instance. Where do these chaotic elements come from, and why doesn't an almighty, tidy, well-organized deity take care of them? Or he is not so almighty and tidy and well-organized as we had been led to believe? Is the Creator more like his creatures than we
ever thought? Is he also a victim of evil? It is a question that always lies in the background waiting to be answered. . . .