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This PARALLEL SYMMETRY instructs us to follow the right path, the path of righteousness, wisdom and instruction.
1) There are many IMPERATIVES in this literary unit. The beginning marker states, Hear, my son which is an IMPERATIVE. Then there is an IMPERATIVE device in verse 10B, accept my sayings, the words spoken by a father. This is followed by eight IMPERATIVE elements that start in verse 13, each focused on the Holy Spirit′s instruction to make a change such as, Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.
2) There is a CORRELATION OF SEQUENCES, A-B-C and A′-B′-C′. The first sequence, verses 11 to 13, is the path of wisdom, righteousness, and obedience to instruction. The second sequence is the path of wickedness and evil who cause others to stumble, just like they stumble.
3) The LAST/LAST C elements tout the value of being corrected in C which is in CONTRAST with the wicked that refuse to change.
4) Verses 18 and 19 of the CLOSING SUMMARY is a CONTRAST between these same two paths: righteousness and wickedness. This contrast is further exemplified in chapters 10 to 15 of Proverbs. Show More Rhetoric Show Less Rhetoric
PARALLEL SYMMETRY:
... choose righteousness over wickedness ...
an imperative
BEGINNING MARKER: Hear, my son, (v10A)
accept the father′s teachings
IMPERATIVE
and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many. (v10B)
... the way of the righteous ...
the path of wisdom
A
I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. (v11)
effect: you will not stumble
B
When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. (v12)
IMPERATIVE: the righteous allow themself to be instructed
C
Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. (v13)
... the way of the wicked ...
IMPERATIVE: the path of the wicked
A′
Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on. (v14,15)
effect: make others stumble
B′
For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; and they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. (v16)
the wicked continue in their ways
C′
For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. (v17)
CLOSING SUMMARY: choose the path of the righteous over the wicked
SUM
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. (v18,19)
a personal address
sub-unit marker: My son, (v20A)
IMPERATIVE: obey My words, do not loose them
frame
give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; (v20B,21A)
IMPERATIVE: keep My words in your heart—they are life
a
Keep them in the midst of your heart, for they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. (v21B,22)
IMPERATIVE: from your heart will spring life
a′
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. (v23)
IMPERATIVE: put away false words
b
Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. (v24)
IMPERATIVE: focus on righteousness
b′
Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. (v25)
IMPERATIVE: do not deviate from this path, turn from evil
frame
Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil. (v26,27)