Proverbs

by The Navigators (Created by)

Overview

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A God-Shaped Life
See what a God-shaped life looks like when it gets lived out. Using memorable images and poetic turns of phrase, Proverbs describes what our everyday lives look like when we’ve put our spiritual lives in order. Find help for every decision, and apply life-giving insights to the broad range of challenges you experience in your life—family, friendships, injustice, desire, goodness, conflict, and more.

LifeChange
LifeChange Bible studies will help you grow in Christlikeness through a life-changing encounter with God’s Word. Filled with a wealth of ideas for going deeper so you can return to this study again and again.

Features

• Cover the entire book of Proverbs in 15 lessons
• Equip yourself to lead a bible study
• Imagine the Bible’s historical world
• Study word origins and definitions
• Explore thoughtful questions on key themes
• Go deeper with optional projects
• Add your notes with extra space and wide margins
• Find the flexibility to fit the time you have

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780891093480
Publisher:	Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date:	02/05/2019
Series:	LifeChange , #26
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	535,567
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.44(d)
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

The Navigators is an interdenominational, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people "know Christ and make Him known” as they look to Him and His Word to chart their lives.

Navigators have invested their lives in people for more than seventy-five years, coming alongside them life on life to study the Bible, develop a deepening prayer life, and memorize and apply Scripture, The ultimate goal is to equip Christ followers to fulfill 2 Timothy 2:2—to teach what they have learned to others.

Today, tens of thousands of people worldwide are coming to know and grow in Jesus Christ through the various ministries of The Navigators. Internationally, more than 4,600 Navigator staff of 70 nationalities serve in more than 100 countries.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Lesson One

PROVERBS 1:1-7; 1:20–2:10

Wisdom's Benefits

The opening chapters of Proverbs are meant to motivate us to study the book and introduce what the proverbs are about. Ask God to give you understanding as you study these first passages.

The beginning of knowledge (1:1-7)

Read 1:1-7.

1. Verse 1 identifies King Solomon as the primary author of the book. What do you learn from the following passages about the authors of some of the book's sections?

30:1 ___________________________________________

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31:1 ___________________________________________

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Men of Hezekiah (25:1). These were scribes (secretaries) of King Hezekiah, who lived about 250 years after Solomon. (Solomon reigned 970–930 BC, and Hezekiah reigned 715–686 BC. Isaiah lived during Hezekiah's reign.) These scribes compiled additional proverbs from Solomon's repertoire and listed them in chapters 25–29.

These same scribes may also have added the proverbs of Agur and Lemuel at that time.

Proverbs 22:17 and 24:23 mention "the sayings of the wise," which Solomon or the scribes may have collected.

Receiving (1:3). (NASB: "receive.") This word was used for plucking grapes and taking them for personal consumption.

Prudence (1:4). "Good judgment," "good sense."

Discretion (1:4). The ability to plan ahead and plot a course of action with foresight.

Simple (1:4). A person who is "naive" (NASB) and untaught. "He is not an imbecile, one who cannot comprehend, or a fool who despises wisdom. Instead, he is one whose exposure to life and wisdom has been limited. Because of inexperience he is gullible and easily influenced."

Guidance (1:5). (NASB: "counsel.") Literally, "steerings." The word has to do with moving one's life in the right direction.

2. What five purposes for Proverbs do you see in 1:2-6?

1:2a ___________________________________________

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1:2b ___________________________________________

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1:3 ____________________________________________

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1:4-5 __________________________________________

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1:6 ____________________________________________

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Beginning (1:7). The first and controlling principle, the essence. Possibly also the first step toward.

Fools (1:7). Unlike the simple, who are too inexperienced to understand wisdom, fools actively hate and avoid wisdom (see 1:22). The simple are on the fence, with the potential to become wise if they make the effort or fools if they choose not to.

3. Proverbs 1:7 states the theme of the book. How do people display "the fear of the Lord" in the following passages?

Exodus 20:18-21 ____________________________________

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Joshua 2:1-14 ______________________________________

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Job 1:1,4-5 ________________________________________

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Psalm 112:1; 128:1 _________________________________

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For Thought and Discussion: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (see Proverbs 1:7) and of wisdom (see 9:10). Do you think knowledge and wisdom are essentially the same, or is there a distinction? Explain.

Optional Application: a. Would you say your lifestyle shows that you really fear God in a healthy sense? Why or why not?

b. How can you grow in this area?

4. In light of these cross-references, how would you define "the fear of the Lord"?

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5. Why do you suppose this is the essence of or first step toward true knowledge?

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Warnings against rejecting wisdom (1:20-33)

Study Skill — Personification

Personification is "a rhetorical figure of speech in which inanimate objects or abstractions are endowed with human qualities or are represented as possessing human form." In Proverbs, wisdom is often personified as a woman.

City gate (1:21). The city gateway was the normal place where the city's leaders met to conduct official business.

6. Read 1:20-33. How accessible is wisdom for those who really seek it (see 1:20-21)?

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Mockers (1:22). (nasb: "scoffers.") Proud, arrogant people who are self-opinionated and full of insults and contempt.

7. Observe how each of the three groups in 1:22 displays a lack of wisdom. What do they have in common?

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Rebuke (1:23). (nasb: "reproof.") A helpful kind of verbal correction. Solomon uses this word often, and he doesn't have in mind cutting remarks.

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8. How are the ways of wisdom and folly contrasted in 1:32-33?

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For Thought and Discussion: Why do you think Solomon chose to personify wisdom as a woman so often (see 3:1618; 4:36; 8:1-21; 9:14; 14:33)?

Optional Application: Accepting rebuke is a major virtue in Proverbs (see 3:11; 9:8; and so on). How are you at accepting rebuke?

For Thought and Discussion: Proverbs 1:33 says that those who heed wisdom will "live in safety." What about those godly Christians who suffer car accidents, violent crimes, and so on? Do these events prove that 1:33 is wrong?

The fear of the Lord (2:1-10)

Study Skill — Paraphrasing

Restating a verse in your own words is often a good way to ensure that you understand what the author is saying. This is especially helpful for proverbs, which are pithy but concentrated and sometimes elusive. When in doubt, check other translations of the Bible or ask a mature Christian to check your paraphrase for accuracy.

Heart (2:2). The Hebrew word refers to the core of us where we think, feel, choose, and believe basic beliefs. It is often translated "mind," so we shouldn't think of the heart just as the place of emotions.

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9. According to 2:1-5, how can one understand "the fear of the Lord"?

If (2:1-2) ______________________________________

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If (2:3) ______________________________________

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If (2:4) ______________________________________

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For Thought and Discussion: Why is it wise to pray passionately for wisdom? (See also 2 Chronicles 1:10; Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 1:17; Colossian 1:9; James 1:5.)

Optional Application: Design a short prayer for wisdom and record it on a 3x5 card. You might want to begin the rest of your studies of Proverbs with this prayer.

For Thought and Discussion: What are the benefits of memorizing Scripture (see 2:1-5)?

Knowledge of God (2:5). Knowing Him as a person, His character, His ways, and the truths He wants us to know.

Success (2:7). (NASB: "sound wisdom.") Elsewhere, this word is translated "sound judgment" (3:21; 8:14; 18:1). "In 2:7 it means success, the result of sound judgment."

Blameless (2:7). Not sinlessness, but moral and spiritual integrity.

10. Is the mere attainment of intellectual knowledge enough for wisdom, or does wisdom require that knowledge be acted upon in daily life (see 2:7-8)? Why?

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11. Many people ask, "How can I know God's will?" According to 2:1-9, what are some concrete steps to take?

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12. From 1:20-33, summarize why you should not reject wisdom.

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Optional Application: God gives victory to those who walk in integrity (see 2:7). Is there any sin in your life that you need to deal with?

For Thought and Discussion: How does receiving God's wisdom affect one's sense of personal well-being (see 2:10)?

13. Now summarize the main message of 2:1-10.

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Your response

14. What is the main way you would like to see your life change as a result of studying Proverbs?

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If you have not already done so, read the introduction on pages 9–12.

15. As you study, you may come across difficult concepts that you would like clarified or questions you would like answered. Jot them down at the end of the lesson you are working on so that you can pursue answers later.

If you have any questions about Proverbs 1–2 or the introduction, write them here.

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Optional Application: Do you take personal responsibility for how your life will end up? Consider memorizing 1:32-33.

For the group

This "For the group" section and the ones in later lessons are intended to suggest ways of structuring your discussions. Feel free to select what suits your group and ignore the rest. The main goals of this lesson are to begin to see what Proverbs is about and begin to know the people with whom you are going to study it.

Worship. Some groups like to begin with prayer and/or singing. Some share requests for prayer at the beginning but leave the actual prayer until after the study. Others prefer just to chat and have refreshments a while and then move to the study, leaving worship until the end. It is a good idea to start with at least a brief prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance and some silence to help everyone change focus from the day's busyness to the Scripture.

Warm-up. The beginning of a new study is a good time to lay a foundation for honest sharing of ideas, get comfortable with each other, and encourage a sense of common purpose. Go around the room and let each person finish these two sentences:

"One piece of wisdom my parents really tried to teach me was ..."

"One thing I want to get out of studying Proverbs is ..."

How to use this study. If the group has never used a LifeChange study guide before, you might take a whole meeting to get acquainted and go over the "How to Use This Study" section. Then you can take a second meeting to discuss lesson 1.

Go over the parts of the "How to Use This Study" section that you think the group should especially notice. For example, point out the optional questions in the margins. These are available as group discussion questions, ideas for application, and suggestions for further study. It is unlikely that anyone will have time or desire to answer all the optional questions. A person might do one "Optional Application" for any given lesson. You might choose one or two "For Thought and Discussion" questions for your group discussion, or you might spend all your time on the numbered questions. If someone wants to write answers to the optional questions, suggest a separate notebook.

It will also be helpful for discussion notes, prayer requests, answers to prayer, application plans, and so on.

Invite everyone to ask questions about how to use this guide and how your discussions will go.

Reading. It is often helpful to refresh everyone's memory by reading the passage aloud before discussing the questions. Reading all of this week's passage is probably unreasonable, so ask someone to read 1:1-7 and someone else to read 2:1-10.

Introduction. Ask a few questions about the background material, such as,

• What is a good, short definition of "wisdom"?

• What is a proverb?

• Why were the proverbs written?

Group members don't need to memorize all of the information in the introduction on pages 9–12, but that material should help them understand the background of Proverbs.

Questions. The central issues of this lesson are, "What is the fear of the Lord? Why is it essential? How is it attained?" Understanding 1:7 and 2:1-5 will lay a foundation for the rest of your study, so concentrate your discussion around questions 3–5, 9, 12, and 13. Make sure the group leaves with a practical grasp of what a healthy fear of the Lord is. Most people have misconceptions about this idea.

Wrap-up. The group leader should have read lesson 2 and its "For the group" section. At this point, he or she might give a short summary of what members can expect in that lesson and the coming meeting. This is a chance to whet everyone's appetite, assign any optional questions, omit any numbered questions, or warn members of possible difficulties.

Encourage any members who found the overview especially difficult. Some people are better at seeing the big picture than others. Some are best at analyzing a particular verse or paragraph, while others are strongest at seeing how a passage applies to their lives. Urge members to give thanks for their own and others' strengths and to give and request help when needed. The group is a place to learn from each other. Later lessons will draw on the gifts of close analyzers as well as overviewers and appliers, practical as well as theoretical thinkers.

Prayer. Many groups like to end with prayer. This can include prayers that respond to what you've learned in Proverbs or prayers for specific needs of group members. Some people are shy about sharing personal needs or praying aloud in groups, especially before they know the other people well. If this is true of your group, then a song and/or some silent prayer, and a short closing prayer spoken by the leader, might be an appropriate end. You could also share requests and pray in pairs.

Because 2:1-5 talks about crying out for wisdom, you might make this a focus of your prayer.

My Son

The frequent occurrence of "my son" and "my sons" in Proverbs has raised a question about Solomon's audience. There are two theories:

1. The verses in Proverbs were originally spoken orally to the students of Solomon's royal court.

2. The verses were originally spoken by Solomon and others to their sons in home settings.

Sid Buzzell writes, "Favoring the school environment is the fact that learners were sometimes called 'sons' of their teachers.

Favoring the home environment is the fact that instruction was given by mothers (1:8; 6:20; also note 23:19,22-26) as well as by fathers."

Chart of Proverbs

Theme: The way to become skilled in godly living is to learn and put into practice the wisdom God provides.

Wisdoms's Value

The Way of Wisdom Is Superior

1:1-7 Prologue: The purpose and theme of Proverbs is stated.

1:8-19 Avoid bad company.

1:20-33 Be careful not to reject wisdom.

2 The way of wisdom has many moral benefits.

3:1-20 Wisdom enhances every aspect of life.

3:21-35 Wisdom involves kindness and righteousness.

4 Wisdom is supreme.

5 Wisdom warns against adultery.

6:1-19 Wisdom warns about the futility of folly.

6:20-35 Wisdom warns against sexual immorality.

7 Wisdom warns against the enticing adulteress.

8 Wisdom's call is issued to all mankind.

9 Both wisdom and folly invite men to their "homes."

Solomon

Advice doe Living

10–15 Solomon contrasts righteousness and wickedness.

16:1–22:16 Solomon encourages godly living.

22:17–23:35 Solomon gives advice on various practices.

24 Solomon gives advice on various people.

25–26 Solomon gives advice on relationships with others.

27–29 Solomon gives advice on various activities in life.

Agur and Lemuel

Reflections

30 Agur gives observations about God and life.

31:1-9 Lemuel speaks about God.

31:10-31 The ideal wife is described.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Proverbs"
by .
Copyright © 2010 The Navigators.
Excerpted by permission of NavPress.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

How to Use This Study, 5,
The Book of Proverbs (Introduction), 9,
Part I — Foundations: Wisdom Versus Folly,
One — Wisdom's Benefits (1:1-7; 1:20–2:10), 15,
Chart of Proverbs, 26,
Two — Wisdom's Benefits Continued (3:1–4:27), 27,
Three — The Futility of Folly, 37,
Part II — Perspectives of Wisdom,
Four — God and Man, 49,
Five — The Family, 59,
Six — Friendship, 69,
Seven — Sexual Purity, 79,
Eight — The Blessings of Righteousness, 87,
Nine — Humility Versus Pride, 95,
Ten — Hard Work Versus Laziness, 101,
Eleven — Proper Speech, 109,
Twelve — Emotions, 117,
Thirteen — Wealth and Poverty, 123,
Fourteen — Life and Death, 133,
Fifteen — Looking Back (Challenge and Review), 139,
Study Aids, 145,