Explore the Bible Lesson Preview March 2, 2014 Seek Wisdom s Way Background & Lesson: Proverbs 1:1-19 Motivation: My Dad read the book of Proverbs once a month for decades. As a result, he was renowned as a counselor and proclaimed by Bro. John to be the wisest man I know. Although Dad dropped out of formal education after the eighth grade, he believed that God s wisdom provided true understanding for success. Examination: I. Guide to Wisdom (1-7) A. Author & Date: The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel. (1) HCSB, p. 1022: Author: Solomon is credited with the proverbs in chapters 1-29 of the book of Proverbs (1:1; 10:1). There is biblical evidence that Solomon was wise and a collector of wise sayings (1 Kg 3:5-14; 4:29-34; 5:7, 12; 10:2-3, 23-24; 11:41). Chapters 1-24 may have been written down during his reign, 970-931 B.C. The proverbs in chapters 25-29 were Solomon s proverbs collected by King Hezekiah, who reigned 716-687 B.C. (25:1). The last two chapters are credited to Agur and Lemuel (30:1, 31:1), about whom nothing else is known. An editor was inspired to collect the proverbs of Solomon, Agur and Lemuel into the book we now have. B. Literature Proverbs (1) The book is composed primarily of one verse wisdom sayings which grab the reader s attention by wit, paradox, common sense, and symbolism ( Believer s Study Bible, p. 844). Generally, there is not context, so each proverb is to be studied individually. 1 / 8
C. Purpose For learning what wisdom and discipline are; for understanding insightful sayings (2) HCSB, p. 1031: 1-2 Wisdom is having mastery of a subject knowledge; it encompasses discipline, knowledge, prudence, and other virtues. It is the ability to apply knowledge to overcome any problem in life. Biblical wisdom, which is a gift from God (2:6), includes morality and the knowledge of God. Discipline has to do with warnings about the consequences of errant behavior, or loving correction to those who have failed to heed such warnings. It can involve physical punishment. The Hebrew word is often translated instruction (v. 3) because the goal is always edification and education, not just punishment. Understanding means internalizing knowledge so that it directs action. Insightful sayings are those that reveal truth. D. Themes 1. Instructional Wisdom For receiving wise instruction (3) These proverbs are always in the second person, as a teacher to a pupil or a parent to a child (cf. 1-9, 22:17-24; 22; 31:1-9). Often these proverbs use the imperative tense with accompanying motives for obedience. This category may overlap with the following categories. (1 Cor. 1:30; 9:19-27). 2. Moral and Ethical Wisdom righteousness, justice, and integrity (3) shrewdness (4) knowledge and discretion (5). HCSB, p. 1031: 1-3 Wise instruction is literally the discipline of prudence. Prudence is skill or cleverness; a talent for insight, observation, or scrutiny; practical wisdom that leads to success. The word is translated wise/wiser/wisdom (v. 3; 14:35; 16:23; 17:2; 21:11, 16), prudent (10:5), discerning (15:24), understands (16:20), succeeds (17:8), sensible (19:14), and considers (21:12). This cleverness is morally guided by righteousness (agreement with God s directives), 2 / 8
justice (restoration of what is right), and integrity (what is straight, right and fair). 3. Theological Wisdom The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. Verse six speaks of the challenge of obtaining wisdom. As a counterpoint, verse 7 reveals that wisdom comes from God (James 1:5). HCSB, p. 1031: 1: 7 The fear of the Lord involves awe, reverence, love and trust in God. It accompanies knowledge, humility, obedience, and blessing (8:13; 10:27; 14:26-27; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4). The beginning is what must come first, the prerequisite; it is also the chief or supreme principle (4:7). All three kinds of fool are obstinately immoral (1:22; 17:7). This fool (Hb weiyl ) is self-sufficient and detests wisdom or any advice or correction. Theological wisdom is based on three foundational premises: a. Belief in God (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 14:1; 53:1) b. Knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6; Phil. 3:10; Matt. 7:21) c. Commitment to God (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) II. Admonition to Learn (8-9) A. Pupils My Son (8) Proverbs was probably used as a textbook for practical living. Whereas Proverbs generally directs the emphasis toward the son, the New 3 / 8
Testament makes clear that God is no respecter of persons and that His wisdom is for all (Acts 10:34; James 1:5). B. Perception Listen to your Father s instruction It bears repeating that to gain God s wisdom, we must approach Him in humility, in need, as a learner, rather than as one who has all the answers. (Rev. 3:17). C. Parents and don t reject your mother s teaching (8) Here s a reminder to parents of their key role in God s plan for instructing children. We cannot abdicate our responsibility to Christian schools or Life Bible Study. Children need to hear Godly instruction from parents both in word and deed. (1 Pet. 5:1-6) D. Promise For they will be a garland of grace on your head and a gold chain around your neck (9) Explore the Bible Commentary, Winter 2004, p. 57: This verse adds a promise for those who heed parental instruction. When parent s teachings are received, they will be a garland of grace on you head and a gold chain around your neck. This kind of adornment was not typical for common folk but was often worn by leaders. Pharaoh gave Joseph fine clothes and jewelry, including a gold necklace, when he set him over Egypt (Gen. 41:42). The promise here is that those who heed the counsel of their parents will rise as leaders because of their wisdom. Perhaps we could go as far as to say that this statement promises a change in external appearance. Those who are well-trained by parents have an impressive presence; they are adorned with a noble bearing. III. Warning Against Folly (10-19) A. Peer Pressure My son, if sinners entice you, don t be persuaded (10) The example given in this passage emphasizes the persuasive power of peers. Peer pressure is not just a test for adolescents; adults face the same kind of trials. 1. Watch the company you keep (1 Thes. 5:22). 2. Understand that temptation will come; be prepared for it! 4 / 8
3. You are responsible before God to resist temptation (Gen. 3:6; 2 Sam. 11:2-4; James 1:14-15, 4:7-8) B. Perilous Plans (11-14) 1. Enticement Come with us (11). The proliferation of gangs is a stark testimony to the unchanging enticement of sin. (Eph. 5:1-17, esp. 7, 11). 2. Entrapment Let s set an ambush and kill someone (11). The proverb uses an extreme example (possibly murder one ) of premeditated crime. Most readers would respond I would never consent to that! However, sin is sin to God (James 2:10). The process that leads to a capital crime is similar to that which leads to any sin. C. Proposed Prosperity We ll find all kinds of valuable property (13) Several foundational truths are contained in this passage: 1. Sanctity of life (Prov. 6:16-17) 2. Substance of prosperity (Matt. 6:21) 3. Seduction of sin (Ps. 16:11; Heb. 11:25) D. Predestined Product My Son, don t travel that road with them, or set foot on their path (15) 1. Their feet run toward trouble (16) This plan began with a heinous crime; often, sin 5 / 8
begins rather innocently and then runs to evil. (16) Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and demand a higher price than you re willing to pay. (Ps. 1; Eph. 4:27; 2 Pet 2:21-22). 2. It is foolish to spread a net where any bird can see it (17) Evil s temptation is often subtle. For one who would say this could never happen to me, the writer provides a word-picture. The whole point of a trap is to surprise the prey. If temptation provided a glimpse of the consequences of sin, it wouldn t be very tempting. 3. But they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives. Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it. (18-19) The wages of sin have not been affected by inflation (Rom. 6:23). Obadiah writes, As you have done, it shall be done to you. (13) The laws of sowing and reaping remain (Gal. 6:7; 1 Pet. 4:16-19). a. One reaps what one sows. b. One reaps more than one sows. c. One reaps later than one sows. (2 Cor. 9:6-7) Application: 1. God s wisdom is better than man s wisdom (James 3:13-17). 2. God s wisdom is available to those who trust in Him (Prov. 3:5). 3. God s wisdom is practical and applicable every day (2 Cor. 9:8). 6 / 8
Bible Teaching Packet: Item 1: Poster: Biblical Wisdom Writings; Item 2: Poster: Unit 1; Item 3: Handout: Key to Knowledge Biblical Illustrator: p. 11 - Solomon: All We Know **You may access David s Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: www.hfbcbiblestudy.org Dates: 1/21 3/4 Living Proof Bible Study; 2/23 M 1:8 Anniversary Sunday; 2/23 Make it Your Church Orientation; 3/2 Multi-Gen Worship Service; 3/9 Daylight Saving Time begins; 3/9 Deacon s meeting/church Conference; 3/16 Ben Stuart speaking @ Loop; 3/19 NO MIDLINK Spring Break; 3/29 Deacon Widow/Widowers Luncheon; 3/30 High 5 Choir in Worship; 4/4 FBA Warrior Day; 4/6 Deacon s Meeting/Church Conference; 4/6 Leadership Lunch; 4/10 Summit Celebrates; 4/12 SPF Hippity Hoppin Easter - SPF; 4/12 - Deacon s Wives Brunch; 4/13 Palm Sunday; 7 / 8
4/13 AMP/Wired Sunday; 4/16 No Midlink; 4/17 Broken for you service childcare avail. 4 and under; 4/18 Good Friday, Church offices closed; 4/20 Easter Sunday/No LBS; 4/25 ReCreate Date Night; 4/25-26 Deacon s Retreat; 4/27 Peter Williams speaking@ all campuses; 4/28 Staff Wives Fellowship; 5/2-4 Summit Spring Retreat; 5/3 - CBS Graduation; 5/4 Houston 1:8 Kickoff/High 5 Concert/HS Senior Celebration; 5/4 Deacon s Meeting/Church Conference @ Sienna; 5/11 Mothers Day Event SPF; 5/18 Parent Commitment; 5/26 Memorial Day Church offices closed; 5/27 - Daycation begins; 5/30 ReCreate Date Night/Next Gen Summer Kickoff Night. 8 / 8