Introductory Instructions: The contrast between the wisdom poems (chs. 1–9) and the discrete sayings (chs. 10–31) is striking. The former are strongly hortatory and didactic, leaving little to be verified by personal experience. At the most, it is the teacher’s experience that is verified (e.g., 7:6–27). These instructions are presented with utmost confidence and promise, but also with no little cajoling, even threats. They are to be read as an introduction to the way in which one hears the sayings that follow. Some scholars (see R. N. Whybray, Composition) recognize ten didactic instructions in chapters 1–7, mainly on the basis of the occurrence of “my son,” and the command to hear/obey the teaching that follows. But there is little agreement on the length of the…