Proverbs Study Guide TEXT - Clover Sites

1 Introduction Wisdom is the art of knowing the right thing to do and doing it at the right time. The book of James gives us a solid description of Heaven s wisdom: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17) Wisdom is more than education. Wisdom is no respecter of one s education or intelligence level. In this way, wisdom is on an equal playing field and obtainable by anyone willing to seek it. How about you? Do you want wisdom? Would you like to know how to raise successful children? Would you like to know how to operate a good business? How about your dating life?

2 Need some wisdom about that guy or girl you re seeing? The Book of Proverbs has something to say about it. We have an entire book in the Bible dedicated to giving us the answers we so desperately seek. This Study Guide is designed to help you gain the most from your experience. Wisdom is so essential that we cannot afford to miss it! The lessons in this booklet are arranged to coincide with our Sunday celebration topics. If you miss a Sunday, the teaching will be online at Let s get started! As we begin, take a moment and write a note to yourself in the box. Respond to the statement: One thing I could really use some wisdom about Week 1: The beginning of wisdom The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

3 Proverbs 9:10 Wisdom is like love, we cannot touch it, but we sure can feel it. We cannot go online and buy a box of wisdom. Wisdom cannot be possessed, but it can be obtained. We operate with a fair amount of wisdom every day. For example, you probably put on a seatbelt before driving. Our experience tells us that wearing a seatbelt is a wise thing to do when driving. Likewise, you probably do not make a habit of walking down dark city streets at night. Conventional wisdom has taught you that it s just not safe. So wisdom is already a part of your daily living. If you have children, you spend much of your time training them to use wisdom in their decision-making. To begin our Study in wisdom, let s look at the source from where it springs.

4 If I cannot buy it at Wal-mart, where can I get it? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Think about this. What does this mean? _____ _____. Let s dig deeper by reading the following Proverbs . We ve got to figure this out! READ Proverbs 1:7 Notice the word but in this proverb. It means Solomon is contrasting two concepts. What two concepts is he contrasting? _____. How does this contrast help us to understand wisdom better? _____ _____ From this, is a smart person automatically a wise person? Explain. _____ _____ READ Proverbs 2:1-8 According to verse 4, what is required of me if I am to get wisdom? _____. This might sound goofy, but God is really smart.

5 We all know this as a fact, but few experience it as a life directing principle. Practically speaking, how does the belief that God is brilliant change the way you live your life? _____ _____ READ Proverbs 1:1-6 In Proverbs 9:1 it says that wisdom has seven pillars . It has been suggested that these seven pillars can be found in these 6 verses. Here they are, as found in the New International Version of the Bible: Words of Insight Disciplined Life Prudent Life Knowledge Discretion Learning Guidance #1 Using your own words, take a moment and write a brief definition of each of these concepts. #2 What do these seven concepts teach you about wisdom? From our Study today we have learned that wisdom does not just fall out of the sky.

6 It is a treasure that requires a search, a trove of infinite jewels from God s very heart and we must dig for it. Congratulations! By engaging in this Study , you have begun the quest. To complete this chapter, there is one more scripture for you to view. READ James 1:5. This wisdom quest begins with a request: God, please give me wisdom. It s there for the asking. Begin today. Week 2: four fouls The fool says in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. ~Psalm 14:1 Sometimes it helps to see what we shouldn t be to learn about what we should be. In our search for wisdom it is helpful to see what is NOT wisdom.

7 If you were asked to give the opposite of wise, you would probably answer fool . This makes sense and you would be incomplete. To gain a better understanding of wisdom, Proverbs contrasts four different types of people with the wise. All of them lose out on the benefits of God s good wisdom and each is worse than the one before. There is the sluggard, the simpleton, the fool and ultimately, the mocker. Let s take a deeper look into the twisted world of these four fouls and see what we can learn from their negative example. (caution! Avoid the temptation to compare someone you know to one of these types of people.) Let s begin by observing the slothful existence of the sluggard.

8 As you read the following Proverbs , make a list of the characteristics of the sluggard. Proverbs 1:32 Proverbs 6:6-11 Proverbs 10:26 Proverbs 19:24 Proverbs 20:4 Proverbs 26:13-16 God created the Sabbath for us to rest. In fact, He commands us to rest! So, what is the difference between godly rest and being slothful? _____ _____ Notice that the sluggard is long on excuses and short on action. Remember, this is not only referring to physical work like mowing the lawn or housecleaning. In a bigger way, the sluggard is lazy towards the things of God. He is lazy in his pursuit of wisdom. Consider this, how strong is your personal pursuit of God s wisdom? _____ _____ Characteristics of a The sluggard is lazy.

9 The simpleton is na ve. Look at these Proverbs and make another list of the simpleton s character traits. Proverbs 1:22 Proverbs 7:7 Proverbs 9:4-6 Proverbs 14:15 Proverbs 14:18 In your Study , is there a way out for the simpleton? If so, what is it? _____ _____ And now, we move on to the fool! So much is said about the fool that we really cannot cover it all in this Study . But let s at least get started. Get your pen ready, Proverbs uses many words to describe the fool. Proverbs 1:22 & 32 Proverbs 9:13-18 Proverbs 12:15-16 Proverbs 14:1 & 7-8 Proverbs 15:2 & 5 Proverbs 17:12 Proverbs 21:20 Proverbs 28:26 Proverbs 29:9 & 11 The worst foul of all is the mocker. This person has become hardened in their foolishness to the point of being proud in his opposition of God s wisdom.

10 Proverbs 1:22 Proverbs 9:7-8 Proverbs 14:6 Proverbs 15:12 Proverbs 21:11 & 24 Proverbs 22:10 Proverbs 29:8 The bottom line is, you don t want to be a sluggard, simpleton, fool or a mocker! So, we had better get busy in our pursuit of God s wisdom! We ve got a lot to learn! Characteristics of a Characteristics of a Characteristics of a Week 3: killing pride In his pride, the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. ~Psalm 10:4 There are two kinds of pride. There is the pride of a 4 year old who just learned to tie their shoes, Look Mommy, I did it ALL BY MYSELF! This is not bad at all. In fact, it s sweet to celebrate the good accomplishments of our loved ones.