Bible Study: Proverbs January 31, 2006
PROVERBS 1
As a brief introduction to proverbs, we should consider a few definitions that are important for our understanding of the text and structure so that we have an appreciation for God's word.
Definition: Proverb
- a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn - A proverb (from the Latin proverbium) is a pithy saying, which had gained credence through widespread or frequent use. Most proverbs express some basic truth or
practical precept. A proverb, which describes a basic rule of conduct, may also be known as a "maxim". If a proverb is distinguished by particularly good style it may be known as an aphorism.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proverb - A short saying or statement in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept.
www.apsu.edu/wet/whatis.html
Definition: Wisdom
- Wisdom is often meant as the ability and desire to make choices that can gain approval in a long-term examination by many people. In this sense, to label a choice
"wise" implies that the action or inaction was strategically correct when judged by widely-held values.However true wisdom cannot be measured in terms of popular consensus.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom - is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; it is synonymous with insight, good sense, and sound judgment. It means to have "deep
understanding", "to have keen discernment", "to have sanctified common sense", "to have the capacity for sound judgment". WISDOM IS THE PROPER APPLICATION OF BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE!
www.calvarychapel.com/redbarn/terms.htm - The Book of Proverbs is generally written in a style that is Hebrew Poetry. Unlike our poetry, which has a special emphasis on rhyme and meter, that is not the structure of Hebrew poetry. Here we have God's living word that means as much in English or any other language as it does for the original Hebrew.
- Are these wise sayings promises, or are they more guidelines for how life can be anticipated? In other words, if we always do "this" will we always "get" that?
- What is the most difficult element of this Proverb to accept? Is there something here that doesn't seem fair?
God granted Solomon wisdom because he asked for it with the intent to rule God's people well. His wisdom gained him such notoriety that dignitaries from other countries would travel to view the glory of God's Temple and witness first hand the wisdom of Solomon. However, we also know that Solomon fell into folly, aka sin, and did not maximize his potential. Before we get too egotistical, how often do we fail to utilize the wisdom that God has given us in the smallest of things to control our own life, let alone the lives of a nation? The book of Proverbs contains wisdom from God that we must heed. Lets Read 1st Kings 4:29 – 4:34
Another important element for our understanding is to carefully let the spirit guide our understanding personally and not dwell on absolutes that we would like to project onto others.
Lets read Proverbs 1 (this is the NASB, but the NKJ is also an excellent version)
Prov 1
1:1 The Usefulness of Proverbs
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching; 9 Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit; 13 We will find all kinds of precious wealth, We will fill our houses with spoil; 14 Throw in your lot with us, We shall all have one purse," 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, 16 For their feet run to evil And they hasten to shed blood. 17 Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood; They ambush their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors.
20 Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; 21 At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: 22 "How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing And fools hate knowledge? 23 "Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 "Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; 25 And you neglected all my counsel And did not want my reproof; 26 I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, 27 When your dread comes like a storm And your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD. 30 "They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. 31 "So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices. 32 "For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33 "But he who listens to me shall live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil." NASU
Notable Elements
Vs 1-9 is the introduction to the importance of wisdom in one's life. We should discuss "the fear of the Lord" and make sure that the term reverence is understood as the word we would use today. However, isn't fear healthy, especially with respect to our consideration of God?
Vs 10-19 tells us how we should not exist and why. It takes our own life away. Lets consider the practical and the spiritual aspect of these verses.
Vs 20-33 gives us a warning and the repercussions associated with not pursuing wisdom in ones life. What elements stand out here that convicts us in our actions?
Vs 5-6 I believe should be read in a complete sentence because not doing so isolates elements that makes the intention clear and aid in our understanding.
Proverbs 1 begins is a warning to get our attention. The book of Proverbs, like many of the Psalms starts out with struggle and trial, but as we progress, we will see liberty, health, and an implied promise of well being that comes from the teachings. As we progress to Proverbs 2 & 3 (next week) then we will see the benefits and promises.
Questions to consider: