Usually in the Proverbs we see what is right, then what is wrong, or visa versa. Also, we see what a fool does compared to what the wise does, and what different “paths” they are going and what they will “earn”, for example. These are ethics and sanctions.
Here are the definitions of ethics and sanctions:
Ethics — moral principles that govern a person’s or group’s behavior.
Sanctions — a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule, or official permission or approval for an action.
Basically ethics means law. In Proverbs, Solomon, David’s son, writes to his son, telling him the laws of God, his mother, and him. For example, Solomon tells his son to stay away from strange women. This is in the law of God, Solomon’s wife and Solomon.
Solomon then goes on to explain to his son, the outcome of his actions he can choose (sanctions). For example, Proverbs 1:7:
“For the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(Proverbs 1:7)
What this passage is saying is that if Solomon’s son, or us, chooses to fear the Lord (in other words, respect God) we will become wise, because of God. On the other hand, if we be like fools, we will not receive wisdom and instruction to help us through this life on earth.
I encourage you to read a few verses of Proverbs. Not only is it instructing, but it helps you understand things and become a better person.
~Perrissa
Perrissa's 10th Grade School Blog 