Proverbs = Promises?

The Proverbs 22:6 thread is at 30 pages and will probably be shutdown soon. I think the topic is good enough to keep discussing, so I'm starting this thread.

There are those who contend that the words "will not" in Proverbs 22:6 make that verse a promise. They then make it into an all-or-nothing proposition, that either Proverbs 22:6 is a promise, or God is a liar. It's not a stretch to say that the idea of God lying to us is anathema to every single person on this board, and I think it's important to get to the bottom of this.

Which of the following is true?

a) Proverbs 22:6 is a promise, therefore, every single proverb must be a promise.

b) Proverbs 22:6 isn't a promise, and all other proverbs aren't promises either.

Since the framers of the Proverbs = Promises debate seem to make this all-or-nothing, I don't think we can have a middle ground here. Either every proverb is a promise, or none of them are. If a middle ground is possible, please explain what that middle ground might be.

I do have a couple of questions in regards to a).

If a) is true, why is the book called Proverbs and not Promises? God is not the God of Confusion, right? But, if we have a book of promises, why are they called Proverbs?

If a) is true, are there any examples that seem to contradict the idea of even just one proverb not being a promise? Again, this is all or nothing, so if we have even example where a certain proverb obviously isn't a promise, then b) becomes true and the debate is over.

 

I'm fine with adding a 3rd option.