Daniel Doriani points out four ways in which Proverbs paints an accurate and vivid picture of our Saviour.

What follows is a summary of this article.

1. Jesus the good worker

Many Proverbs mock laziness, e.g. Prov 24:30-34; 26:14f; 20:13, and praise hard work, e.g. Prov 10:4–5; 12:9, 11, 14, 27; 16:26; 18:9.

Jesus knew that he must work while he had opportunity, Jn 9:1-5.  He worked hard, Jn 5:17, toiling through the night as he prayed , Lk 6:12, teaching his disciples, Jn 13:30–17:26, and suffering for his people, Mt 26:36–75. He would complete his life’s work, Jn 4:34; Jn 17, and be satisfied with the results of his labour Isa 53:11; Jn 5:36; 19:30.

2. Jesus the faithful son

The ideal son heeds his father’s instruction, Prov 4:1, keeps his heart pure, Prov 4:23; Jn 8:46; follows the path set by his father, Prov 4:26f.

Jesus is the faithful Son in all these respects, Lk 9:22, 46; Jn 8:46; 12:23–28; Acts 2:23.  He completes the work assigned to him by his Father, especially by giving his life for his people, Jn 5:19, 36; 10:17–18).  He gives others the right to become sons of God themselves, Jn 1:12f; Heb 2:8b-15.

3. Jesus the true friend

Proverbs stresses loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, Prov 17:17; 18:24; 19:4, 6; 27:6–10.

The Lord was a true friend of Abraham and Moses, revealing himself to them and helping them in their time of need, Gen 18–19; James 2:23; Ex 33:7–11; 34:6).  Jesus was a true friend when he laid down his life for his friends.

[Not discussed by Doriani is Jesus’ friendship of the Twelve, who he chose to ‘be with him’.  We think especially of his loyalty and faithfulness to Peter].

4. Jesus the wisdom of God incarnate

The child Jesus was filled with wisdom, Lk 2:40, 52. Later, crowds would marvel at his wisdom, Mt 13:54. He claimed to be wiser even than Solomon, Mt 12:42; cf. 1 Kings 4:32; Matt. 11:19. For Paul, Jesus is the power and wisdom of God, 1 Cor 1:24, 30). In him all wisdom is hidden Col 2:3.