The Wisdom of Proverbs Study #9 THE WISDOM OF PROVERBS Someone once said that wisdom is knowing the consequences of our actions. The book of Proverbs certainly qualifies as wisdom by this measure. The proverbs tell us what will happen when we do what is right and also when we do what is wrong. The consequences may not happen as we expect or when we expect, but the proverbs promise they will happen. We can gain wisdom in several ways. We can gain from experience often doing it wrong the first time. We can gain from the experience of others often from what they have done wrong the first time. Or we can gain wisdom from God by reading His Word, believing what He tells us, and doing it right the first time. We hope this study of Proverbs will greatly increase your wisdom and allow you to do the right thing the first time. Instructions This Bible study is arranged by general topics. You may want to pick specific topics that are of greatest interest first. But it would be a good idea to start with the first three lessons because they lay a foundation of God s nature, our response to Him, and the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. This Bible study can be used independently, but we highly encourage you to do it with a few other people because we learn so much from others. Each week has seven daily lessons on a common theme. The reading for Day 1 of each week (in bold italics) should be discussed in the study group. The remaining lessons are for personal study. 1 st Week During your small group meeting the first week: 1. Read aloud the introduction and Week 1 comments, The Nature of God, found on page 3. Discuss these comments before reading the Bible verses for Day 1. 2. Read aloud the verses for Day 1 (in bold italics) on page 7, make observations, and discuss the meaning of the verses. 3. Finally, discuss how to apply these verses to your lives. An illustration of this method is given below. (See Example for Day 1.) During the remainder of the week, study the daily verses on your own by using the method of observing, interpreting, and applying. Record what you are learning each day. This will make it easier to share with others at the next meeting and will also help you remember what you are learning. To maintain a close walk with God, spend time daily with Him in His Word. 2 nd and Following Weeks During the small group meeting the second week: 1. Spend the first half of the time sharing how you each applied the lessons of the past week to your life. 2. During the second half of your time together, discuss the comments for the coming week s lesson, and read aloud the verses for Day 1 of that week ( in bold italics), then discuss them together. Again, during the remainder of the week, study the daily verses on your own. Page 1 of 10
Study #9 The Wisdom of Proverbs Example for Day 1 As you read the Scripture for each day, use this pattern of study: Observe What does the Bible say? God used His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to create the heavens and the earth (Proverbs 3:19-20). Proverbs 20:12 takes this to the personal level by explaining that God also made ears that hear and eyes that see. Interpret What does the Bible mean? It is clear that God is taking credit for every created thing I see around me, just as He did in the book of Genesis. He is also taking credit for all the various parts that make up my body and how the parts work. The Bible tells me that creation is God s witness that He exists. Apply What truths can I put into practice, and what changes should I make? I can gain a greater appreciation of God and His character by viewing all creation around me as the work of God. Instead of taking it for granted, I should think about what He s done, which will inspire awe, worship, and thankfulness. Some days may have only a few verses to read, while other days may have a chapter. Whatever the reading may be, take time to think about the passage and how it applies to your life. As you study, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into a greater understanding of God. And this can be facilitated by sharing what you are learning with others. Paul instructed Timothy: The Challenge The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Anything that does not reproduce dies out. Therefore, it is not enough for you to gain a deeper relationship with God. For Christ s church to grow, believers need to faithfully plant the seeds of faith in others as well. The Good News must not stop with you. God wants you to reproduce spiritually by introducing others to faith in Christ and helping them grow in their faith. At the very beginning of the study, we strongly urge each person to commit to helping others go through the study. These others might be your own family, your friends, or co-workers. You can start such a group anytime you feel comfortable with the material you have already learned. You don t have to wait until the end of the study. Enjoy the Bible study! May the Lord bless you greatly, and may He use you to help others grow in their relationship with Him. Revised 6-25-2010 2008-2010 CCCI All rights reserved. Reprints of unchanged studies allowed. Contact: trulyfollowingjesus@ccci.org Page 2 of 10
The Wisdom of Proverbs Study #9 BRIEF COMMENTS ON THE WISDOM OF PROVERBS As you start this study, understand that these proverbs are not merely nice suggestions. Rather, they represent general principles of wisdom that God has established. We may not know when or how the consequences will occur that are promised in these proverbs, but they are promises and warnings. And when we heed the advice of these proverbs, we will reap a fulfilled life. WEEK 1 The Nature of God We start this Bible study by reminding ourselves of the nature of God: what He is like and who He is. The whole Bible teaches us about Him, but a number of the proverbs get right to the point. He created us and knows everything about us. He is in total control, and He will judge evil. Knowing these truths helps us view life and ourselves from His eternal perspective. WEEK 2 Our Response to God We can believe God exists. We can even believe He is all-powerful and He loves us greatly. But the real proof of our belief is if we respect, trust, and obey Him. A central purpose of the Bible is to encourage these three responses in our lives. Hopefully, these verses from Proverbs will set us on the right course. (Note: Some Bible versions translate respect as fear or reverence. ) WEEK 3 The Importance of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding Proverbs tells us that it is important to get wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. They are of far greater value than riches and fame. Wisdom tells us the consequences of our actions. Knowledge is what we learn from experience. Understanding is the ability to put wisdom and knowledge into practice. All three come from God, and we gain them by respecting and obeying Him. WEEK 4 A Personal Inventory Proverbs tells us to guard our heart above all else, for from it comes all good things and all bad things. (Also see Matthew 15:16-20.) Several verses in Proverbs give us tests to tell whether we are wise or foolish, good or evil. Use these verses to take a personal inventory and see how you are doing. WEEK 5 The Benefits of Godly Living God gives us many special promises of benefits we receive when we obey Him. These benefits include our homes, finances, protection, prayers, hopes, plans, health, reputation, and more. To enjoy these benefits, learn these promises of God and believe them for your life. These proverbs also warn us of the consequences of ungodly living. If you are not living a godly life, you should take these warnings seriously. WEEK 6 Your Relationships Your relationship with others is an important factor in determining the quality of your life. Your parents are your most important teachers. In fact, we grow up to be much like them. While you are growing up, your family provides support and encouragement. Similarly, your friends have a great influence on you. You can tell a lot about a person by the friends he chooses. Ultimately, your most important relationship will be with the person you marry. Proverbs has much to say about the kind of spouse a person should choose and how that person should treat his marriage partner. Page 3 of 10
Study #9 The Wisdom of Proverbs WEEK 7 The Role of Authority Romans 13:1-5 tells us that God establishes rulers. Good rulers help us lead peaceful and happy lives. Evil rulers can make our lives miserable. Sometimes we get the evil rulers we deserve because of sin in the nation. But God still calls us to submit to our authorities. There are, however, situations where we may have to obey God rather than the authorities. The Prophet Jeremiah and the apostles had to make this choice (Jeremiah 26:1-24 and Acts 4:1-22). Notice that they still submitted themselves to their human authorities by accepting whatever punishment came as the consequence of their actions. Proverbs offers advice in dealing with authority, and it gives some pointed warnings about rebelling against that authority (Proverbs 24:21-22). WEEK 8 The Importance of Instruction and Correction We all need instruction in life, and our parents are our primary teachers. None of us are born knowing everything. Our parents have much experience in life, and they can teach us what is right and what is wrong. They can help us avoid problems that have bad consequences, but only if we are willing to learn. And when we head down the wrong path, we need correction. Proverbs also teaches that if a parent loves his child, he will correct him. If a person rejects correction, Proverbs warns of very serious consequences. WEEK 9 Your Attitudes Part 1 Our attitudes reveal much about our hearts. One negative attitude is pride, and God hates pride. Proverbs tells us that a proud person will be punished, and a humble person will be rewarded. Another negative attitude is anger. Proverbs teaches that a wise person will control his anger, while a foolish person is quickly angered. It is dangerous to be around people who are given to quick anger. WEEK 10 Your Attitudes Part 2 We all desire a happy life, and Proverbs tells us how to have it. We benefit from being kind and honest, and the quality of our life quickly changes for the better when we get the focus off ourselves and onto others. (As you read these verses, note that some Bible versions translate kindness as gracious, good, or lovingkindness. They may translate honest as upright, righteous, blameless, or godly. And they may translate happy as joyful, glad, blessed, pleasant, or cheerful. ) WEEK 11 Your Speech Our words are powerful both for good and for evil. The Bible tells us, We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check... Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (James 3:2, 5-6). The verses this week give important advice concerning your speech. WEEK 12 Your Actions If you maintain self-control, you can avoid many problems in life. One of the biggest is adultery. God gives very stern warnings about the sin of adultery. Our society, however, takes these warnings very lightly, and consequently, we suffer from broken homes. Proverbs also warns us against drunkenness. Drug addiction is the same as drunkenness because the person gives up his self-control. An excellent way to practice self-control is to work hard. This helps keep us out of trouble and builds lasting wealth. A lazy person is guaranteed poverty at some point in life. Page 4 of 10
The Wisdom of Proverbs Study #9 WEEK 13 Your Money Jesus says, It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Interestingly, those who are generous often end up with more, while those who are not generous often end up with less. It is important to be responsive to the needs of the poor. When we help the poor, we are lending to God, and He will repay us. If we ignore the poor, we insult God. Proverbs also tells us that wisdom is more important than money. In fact, money can cause many problems. We need to obtain it and use it as a blessing from God. If there is one message in the verses this week, it is this: Be generous to others and help the needy. WEEK 14 Foolish and Evil People Some people are tempted to associate with evil people because these people appear successful. But their success is temporary, and God s final judgment has not yet been revealed against them. Wisdom tells us to flee from the presence of evil and foolish people. Otherwise, we can easily become involved in their sins and share their punishment. (Some Bible versions use the word scoffer, scorner, or mocker to describe people who make fun of wisdom.) WEEK 15 Conclusion Secrets to Success As we end this Bible study, it seems fitting to review a few key secrets that will make life successful: Obey the Lord, trust Him in all things, and seek His wisdom. King Solomon, who wrote most of the Proverbs, summed everything up at the end of Ecclesiastes: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Revised 6-25-2010 2008-2010 CCCI All rights reserved. Reprints of unchanged studies allowed. Contact: trulyfollowingjesus@ccci.org Page 5 of 10
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The Wisdom of Proverbs Study #9 THE WISDOM OF PROVERBS Week 1 The Nature of God Day 1 God Created the Earth and How It Works 3:19-20; 8:27-29; 20:12 Day 2 God Knows Everything about Us 5:21; 15:3; 15:11; 20:27; 24:11-12 Day 3 What God Hates 6:16-19; 11:1; 12:22; 16:5; 17:15; 21:27 Day 4 God s Response to Good and Evil 3:31-33; 10:29; 11:20-21; 12:2; 15:8-9, 15:26 Day 5 God Also Judges Our Motives 16:2; 21:2 Day 6 God Is in Control of Our Lives 16:1 16:9; 19:21; 21:30-31 Day 7 God Is in Control of Everything 16:4 16:33; 21:1 Week 2 Our Response to God 1. Importance of Respecting God 1:7; 9:10; 14:2 2. Benefits of Respecting God 3:7-8; 10:27; 14:26-27; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17-18; 28:14 3. Trust God with Everything 3:5-6; 30:5 4. Consequence of Trusting in Ourselves 14:12; 28:26 5. Rewards of Obedience 7:2; 19:16; 21:21; 29:18 6. Consequences of Disobedience 17:11; 19:16; 28:9 7. Our Response to God s Correction 3:11-12 Week 3 The Importance of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding 1. The Purpose of Proverbs 1:1-7 2. Warning against Rejecting Wisdom 1:20-33 3. Benefits of Wisdom 2:1 3:26 4. Wisdom Is Supreme 4:1-19 5. Call of Wisdom 8:1-21 6. Wisdom Was the First of the Lord s Works 8:22-36 7. Contrast of Wisdom and Folly 9:1-18 Week 4 A Personal Inventory 1. Importance of Our Heart Attitude 4:20-23 2. Known by Our Thoughts 12:5; 12:15; 14:8; 14:15; 17:24; 21:29 3. Known by Our Words 10:11; 10:14; 10:32; 12:6; 14:3; 15:2; 15:28 4. Known by Our Actions 10:5; 10:8; 12:26; 14:15; 15:5; 27:12; 28:1 5. Known by Our Values 11:3; 12:10; 12:12; 13:5; 14:9; 21:20 6. Known by Our Control of Anger 12:16; 14:16; 29:11; 29-22 7. Rewards of the Wise and the Foolish 3:35; 14:18; 14:24 Week 5 The Benefits of Godly Living 1. God s Blessings of Food, Home, Family 3:33; 10:3; 12:7; 13:25; 14:11 2. God s Financial Blessings 10:2; 10:22; 11:18; 13:22; 14:24; 15:6 3. God s Protection 2:7-8; 3:21-26; 12:21; 14:32; 18:10; 30:5 4. God s Answer to Prayer 15:8; 15:29; 28:9 5. Your Hopes and Plans 10:24; 11:23; 23:17-18; 15:22; 16:1-3; 16:9 6. Your Health 3:7-8; 4:20-22; 9:10-11; 10:27; 14:30 7. Your Reputation 4:7-9; 6:32-33; 18:12; 19:11; 20:3; 21:21; 22:4; 25:9-10; 27:18 Page 7 of 10
Study #9 The Wisdom of Proverbs Week 6 Your Relationships 1. Importance of a Parent s Teaching 1:8-9; 22:6; 23:22-25 2. Consequences of Not Respecting Parents 19:26; 20:20; 28:24; 30:17 3. Advice concerning Your Family 11:29; 15:27; 17:13; 18:19; 24:3-4; 24:27 4. How to Pick Your Friends 13:20; 14:7; 18:24; 24:1-2; 28:7 5. Advice concerning Friends 1:10-19; 16:28; 17:9; 25:17-19; 27:6; 27:10 6. Qualities of an Excellent Wife 31:10-31; 12:4; 14:1; 19:14 7. How a Wife Should Be Treated 5:15-19 Week 7 The Role of Authority 1. How Authorities Should Act 8:12-16; 16:10; 17:7; 20:26; 20:28; 25:1-5; 28:2, 28:15-16; 29:4; 29:12; 29:14; 31:1-9 2. How We Should Respond to Authorities 16:13-14; 22:11; 22:29; 25:6-7; 25:15 3. How We Should Not Respond 14:35; 20:2; 23:1-3; 24:21-22 4. Advice about Working for Others 10:26; 14:23; 18:9; 25:13; 27:18; 30:10 5. God s View of Justice 17:15; 17:26; 18:5; 21:2-3; 24:11-12; 24:23-25 6. Importance of Fairness 21:15; 28:4-5; 29:7; 29:26 7. God s Influence and Ours over Rulers 21:1; 14:34; 28:2 Week 8 The Importance of Instruction and Correction 1. Advice of a Father 4:1-27 2. Benefits of Listening to Your Parents 1:8-9; 3:1-2; 6:20-24; 23:22 3. Listen to the Wise 13:14; 22:17-21; 25:12 4. Consequences of Not Listening 13:13; 28:4; 28:9 5. Correction Is a Proof of Love 3:11-12; 13:24; 19:18; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17 6. The Results of Accepting Correction 10:17; 12:1; 15:5; 15:31-32; 19:20; 22:15 7. The Consequences of Rejecting Correction 13:18; 15:10; 29:1 Week 9 Your Attitudes Part 1 1. God Hates Pride 6:16-19; 8:13; 16:5; 21:4 2. Those Who are Proud Will Suffer 11:2; 13:10; 15:25; 16:18; 29:23 3. God Blesses Those Who Are Humble 3:34; 15:33; 22:4 4. What You Can Be Proud About Jeremiah 9:23-24 5. It Is Wise to Control Your Anger 12:16; 14:29; 15:18; 19:11; 29:11 6. Warnings regarding Anger 10:12; 15:1; 25:28; 27:4; 29:22 7. Beware of Angry People 19:19; 22:24-25 Week 10 Your Attitudes Part 2 1. Rewards of Kindness 3:3-4; 11:17; 12:25; 14:21; 22:11 2. God s Attitude toward the Honest 3:32; 15:8 3. Contrasts of Honesty and Dishonesty 10:9; 11:3; 11:6; 13:6; 28:18 4. Benefits of an Honest Life 2:7; 2:21-22; 14:32; 15:19; 20:7; 21:29 5. What Brings Happiness 3:13-18; 5:18; 13:12; 16:24; 21:15; 28:14 6. Happiness Is Good Medicine 15:13; 15:15; 17:22 7. How to Deal with Enemies 20:22; 24:17-18; 24:28-29; 25:21-22 Page 8 of 10
The Wisdom of Proverbs Study #9 Week 11 Your Speech 1. Speech of Good and Bad People Compared 10:11-14; 10:20-21; 12:13; 14:3; 15:2; 15:7; 15:28 2. Good Words Are Helpful 12:18; 12:25; 15:4; 15:23; 16:21; 16:24; 18:20-21; 25:11 3. Foolish or Evil Talk Is Harmful 10:10; 11:11; 17:20; 18:6-7; 26:18-19 4. It Is Wise to Stay Quiet 10:19; 13:3; 17:27-28; 18:13; 21:23; 29:20 5. Warnings against Lying 12:19; 12:22; 19:1; 19:9; 21:6; 30:5-6 6. Warnings against Gossip 11:13; 16:28; 18:8; 20:19; 25:9-10; 26:20 7. Don t Be a False Witness 6:16-19; 14:5; 14:25; 19:5; 21:28; 25:18 Week 12 Your Actions 1. Self-control Is Our Defense against Sin 25:28; 4:23-27; 16:32; 22:5 2. God s Warnings against Adultery 2:16-19; 5:1-23; 6:20-29 3. How to Identify an Adulteress 5:3-6; 6:24-25; 7:10-21; 9:13-18 4. The Consequences of Adultery 2:18-19; 5:1-14; 6:27-35; 7:22-27 5. Warnings against Drunkenness 20:1; 21:17; 23:19-21; 23:29-35; 25:28 6. Contrasts of Laziness and Hard Work 10:4-5; 12:24; 12:27; 13:4; 21:25-26 7. Characteristics of a Lazy Person 6:6-11; 10:26; 18:9; 24:30-34; 26:13-16 Week 13 Your Money 1. It Is Important to Give 3:9-10; 3:27-28; 11:25; 22:9 2. What Happens to Those Who Don t Give 11:24; 21:13; 28:8; 28:27 3. Things More Important Than Money 3:13-15; 8:18-21; 22:1 4. Hard Work and Time Bring Lasting Wealth 12:11; 13:11; 14:23; 20:21; 21:5-6; 23:4-5; 28:19-20; 28:22 5. Sometimes It Is Better to Be Poor 13:8; 15:16-17; 16:8; 19:1; 28:6; 30:7-9 6. Dangers of Riches 11:28; 18:11; 23:4-5; 27:20; 28:11 7. It Is Important to Help the Poor 14:21; 14:31; 17:5; 19:17; 21:13; 22:22-23; 28:27 Week 14 Foolish and Evil People 1. Don t Make Fun of Wisdom 9:7-8; 9:12; 14:6; 15:12; 19:29; 21:11; 22:10 2. Avoid Quarrels 17:14; 18:6; 18:18-19; 20:3; 26:17; 26:21 3. Stay Away from Violent People 3:31-32; 4:14-17; 13:2; 21:7; 24:1-2 4. Warnings against Foolishness 9:13-18; 18:2; 18:7; 19:3; 19:10 5. How to Deal with Foolish People 23:9; 26:1-12; 29:9 6. Consequences of Being Evil 2:22; 5:21-23; 6:12-15; 14:19; 14:32; 20:30; 22:5; 22:8; 25:26; 29:16 7. The Fate of Evil People Psalm 37:1-40 Week 15 Conclusion Secrets to Success 1. Keep God s Commands 3:1-2; 7:1-3; 16:20 2. Trust the Lord with All Your Heart 3:5-6; 16:3; 28:25-26 3. Gain Wisdom 8:12-21 4. Fear God and Keep His Commandments Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Page 9 of 10
Study #9 The Wisdom of Proverbs Page 10 of 10