The Fear of the Lord and Fatherly Discipline: A Rhetorical Analysis of Prov 14:23–15:24

The analysis of this group of proverbs (14:23–15:24) following the rules of Biblical and Semitic Rhetoric confirms its coherence on various levels of composition. This group is initial subsequence of the central sequence (Prov 14:23–17:20) in the First Solomonic Collection (10:1–22:16). It contains seven parts (14:23–27; 14:28–34; 14:35–15:4; 15:5–7; 15:8–12; 15:13–17; 15:18–24) which are grouped into three passages in the following concentric manner: A B / C D C’ / A’B’. The title “The fear of the Lord and Fatherly Disciple” features the main themes that emerge from the entire composition. The earthly dimension of human discipline converges with the fear of the Lord as an expression of divine discipline, which, when accepted and practiced, leads to eternal life.