Proverbs for Life

1. Proverbs for Life Lesson #1

2. Important background information about the book of Proverbs: • The English word Proverbs is made up of: • 1. PRO – for • 2. VERBA - words • 3. English Dfn: A short pithy saying with widespread use expressing basic truth

3. B. The Hebrew Word correctly translated as Proverb has a meaning much broader than our word in English. 1. The Hebrew word MISHCLE or MISCHAL (singular), a brief pithy saying that expresses wisdom through comparison or representation.

4. Pro 25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 1Ki_4:32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

5. The Structure of Proverbs: • Liner A + B + C + D = E • Circular A, C, A, D, B, C = E

6. 4 times in the Bible Solomon’s name is given as the author of this book: • Pro 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; • Pro 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. • Pro 25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. • 1 Kings 4:32 confirms Solomon’s connection with Proverbs : • 32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

7. a. Synonymous– side by side • Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; • and lean not unto thine own understanding. • The two parts have the same implication: trust in God not yourself

8. b. Antithetic - Contrast • Pro 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: • but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. • The two parts are opposites: Good vs Bad – see the word but often

9. c. Synthetic- supports or adds to each other • Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, • and thy thoughts shall be established. • The second builds on the first and is a result of it

10. Proverbs chapters 1-9 consists entirely of “Paternal” proverbs – father to son. Many of which are synonymous. • Proverbs chapters 10-15 are primarily antithetic – Interestingly they are not specifically Father to son! • Proverbs chapters 16- 22 are primarily synthetic • 5. Proverbs chapters 23-31 are extended stories – like a telescope add addadd. (31 is an acrostic).

11. The Organizational Structure of Proverbs • 1. The natural organization of Proverbs is divided by the three times that Solomon’s authorship is mentioned. • a. Proverbs exalting wisdom and show what opposes receiving wisdom: Proverbs 1-9 • b. Proverbs expounding prudence: Proverbs chapters 10-24 • c. Proverbs explaining prudence: Proverbs 25-31

12. III. Keys to Understanding Proverbs • We see God’s purposes for Proverbs • 1. To know wisdom • 2. To know instruction • 3. To perceive the words of understanding • 4. To receive the instruction of: • a. wisdom • b. Justice • c. Judgment • d. Equity • 8. Give: Subtly to the simple (shrewdness, craftiness) • 9. Knowledge and discretion (interestingly, it was discretion where Solomon failed)

13. It all boils down to three main things: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding • 1. Key verse of Proverbs: Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

14. 2. Biblical Fear • b. Pro 8:13 is Bibles DFN: 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. • c. John Wesley boiled it simply down to reverenceand obedience.

15. 3. How to learn it: Pro 2:1-9 • a. Verse 1: Receive = Attitude to accept WOG as truth as truth • Many people, esp those we counsel and teach say “YES I believe the Bible BUT”……………. • Right there is the problem; Not ready to receive!

16. 4. Knowledgeis knowing in your brain about something • a. Dictionary DFN: Awareness of facts; to discern, acknowledge or realize

17. 5. Understanding is how the facts (knowledge) relate to each other • a. Comes from spending time thinking about the facts: – ability to translate meaning from the facts

18. Wisdomthe ability to apply knowledge and understanding in order to get the best resultsin a particular situation. • knowing what to do next, given an understanding of the facts and circumstances

20. VI. Overall Counseling Principles from Proverbs • A. Pro 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. • God instructs us to DO what the Bible says is right, whether it feels right or not …..and then God will make your thoughts agree that it right. • The Bible teaches thatObedience leads to a correct attitude – not the other way around

21. B. Proverbs 16: 9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. • This verse is saying you determine which way that you want to go, and God will steer you in the exact direction that will bring the results that he wants.

22. C. Pro 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: • Don’t fear failure. We all fail at times but that does not define us nor take away our power. • God says that we already have the victory – so there is nothing to fear.

23. V. Proverbs about our attitude toward God vs. the World Pro 3:13-15 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Pro 13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: Pro 11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Pro 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

24. A. What do most people say is living the “Good Life”?

25. B. Fruitful – as in God sees eternal purpose in what we are doing. • 1Co_8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. – you are a living witness for Him • Col_1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

26. C. Do you have a joyful life?

27. But now look at Gods way: Pro 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. Pro 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. Pro 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Pro 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Pro 8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. Pro 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. Pro 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: Pro 8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

28. VI. Proverbs about our Relationship with God: • A. Proverbs about Prayer – How we talk to God • 1. God delights in our Prayers • Pro_15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. • 2. God always hears our prayers: • Pro_15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

29. 3. But, if we are in sin, our prayers become abomination to God • Pro 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. • 4. God encourages us to pray to Him about everything! • Phil 4:16 - Becareful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

30. 5. Point of application – • a. What does your prayer life look like? • b. How often do you pray? • c. How much do you pray? • d. Do you see God answering your prayers on a regular basis?

31. Larry’s Prayer Plan:

32. Homework – evaluate your prayer plan – If you don’t have one – Create it now

33. B. Proverbs about the Lord’s Word – How God talks to us(wisdom, knowledge and understanding) • 1. God commands that we get Wisdom – • Get = study WOG • Pro 4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

34. Point of application – • a. What does your Bible Study life look like? • b. How often do you Read? • c. How often do you truly study? • d. What are you doing with what God teaches you?

35. Homework – evaluate your time with God’s Word

36. C. Proverbs about the Lord’s Sacrifice– How we share Christ with others • 1. Part of having Wisdom is using what God has taught you and commands you to do. • Pro_11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

37. Point of application: Have you shared the Gospel this week? Month? Year?

38. Homework – evaluate your Gospel Sharing: What is your plan to share the Gospel – how are you intentionally doing it – what ministry are you in where people are getting saved on a regular basis? Do you know how to share the Gospel and if not what is your plan to learn (quickly).