A.14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
B.15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
B’. and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
A’.18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
I’m new to the concept of chiastic structure in the Bible but I think I found one with this chiastic structure inside of it. Or am I reaching?
I see it in Proverbs 4:10-20
A (10) (Hear), O my son, and (receive my sayings); and the years of thy life shall be many.
B (11,12) I have taught thee in (the way of wisdom); I have led thee in right paths.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt (not stumble.)
C (13-15) Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Enter not into (the path of the wicked), and go not in the (way of evil men.)
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
D (16,17) For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
C’ (18) But (the path of the just) is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
B’ (19) The (way of the wicked) is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
A’ (20) My son, (attend to my words); (incline thine ear unto my sayings.)
The only thing that’s kind of tripping me up is the reverse order of B, C, C’ B’ but everything else (words and/or concepts) seems to flow. Am I seeing this correctly or was it just a reach?
Thanks Dev for your comment. I think your proposal is well worth considering. Just one suggestion comes to mind and that is to look at the bigger picture as well. Is it the case that the Proverbs are divided up into larger chunks by the introduction “My son” which occurs in 4:10 and 4:20? So I would be looking for patterns within these units. At the end of the day we are looking to understand the scriptures more exactly rather than seeking a particular pattern. Your proposal certainly identifies repeating key words and phrases which is always very helpful in following the sense of the passage.
Thank you for the insight! It is helpful and, I will definitely take this into consideration going forward.