Proverbs/Ecclesiastes/James Receiving and Giving Correction 34 ISBN-13: 978-1-60657-056-2 SESSION 7 Copyright © 2011 by Christopher R

Home , Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Books of the Bible

WHY READ AND STUDY THE BOOKS OF PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, AND JAMES?

If you think that the real test of religion is how it works out in everyday life, you’re not alone. Several books in the Bible look primarily at how believing in God can help a person live the best possible life right here and now, on this earth. These books—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James*—explain how to draw on your faith to develop a style of practical living that’s honest, generous, and fair. They do this by sharing insights preserved in short, memorable sayings passed down from generation to generation. Some of these sayings make provocative observations that invite us to reflect on life: “Those who love money never have enough; those who love wealth are never satisfied with their income.” Other sayings use illustrations drawn from the natural world: “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” And many make a striking impression through the vivid pictures they create: “Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is one who rushes into a quarrel not their own.”

* Maybe you’re surprised that James is included in this study guide with two books from the First Testament. James is often grouped with the letters in the New Testament, but it actually has much more in common with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes than it does with those letters. The book of James is concerned with practical living as an expression of genuine faith, and it communicates through short statements and vivid illustrations just like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. You’ll find out more about this when you experience the book of James as a whole in session 21. For followers of Jesus, life in the age to come is going to be great—but how about some life before death? If you want to see the impact that believing in God can have on your daily life right now, get together with some friends and explore the timeless wisdom that these books have to share.

UNDERSTANDING THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, and JAMES Also available in the UNDERSTANDING THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE Understanding the Books of the Bible series:

John Genesis Biblical Apocalypses: Daniel/Revelation PROVERBS, Joshua/Judges/Ruth—March 2011 Thessalonians/Corinthians/Galatians/Romans—March 2011 ECCLESIASTES, Future releases: Exodus/Leviticus/Numbers New Covenants: Deuteronomy/Hebrews and JAMES Samuel–Kings Christopher R. Smith Amos/Hosea/Micah/Isaiah Zephaniah/Nahum/Habakkuk Jeremiah/Obadiah/Ezekiel Haggai/Zechariah/Jonah/Joel/Malachi

Psalms Books 1–3 Psalms Books 4–5/Song of Songs/Lamentations Job Chronicles/Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther

Matthew Mark Luke–Acts

Colossians/Ephesians/Philemon/Philippians/Timothy/Titus Peter/Jude/John CONTENTS

FOR LEADERS How These Study Guides Are Different 1

Biblica provides God’s Word to people through translation, publishing and Bible engagement PROVERBS in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin American, Middle East, and North America. Through its SESSION 1 worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God’s Word so that their lives are transformed The Wise and Foolish Ways of Life 13 through a relationship with Jesus Christ. SESSION 2 Everything You Do Flows from Your “Heart” 16 Biblica Publishing SESSION 3 We welcome your questions and comments. The “Heart” Expressed by How We Use Money and How We Speak 21 SESSION 4 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 USA www.Biblica.com The “Heart” Expressed in Relationships and Reputation 26 SESSION 5 What Brings the Content of the Heart out into Key Areas of Life 30 SESSION 6 Understanding the Books of the Bible: Proverbs/Ecclesiastes/James Receiving and Giving Correction 34 ISBN-13: 978-1-60657-056-2 SESSION 7 Copyright © 2011 by Christopher R. Smith Character Qualities: The Fear of the ordL 38 SESSION 8 13 12 11 / 6 5 4 3 2 1 Character Qualities: Humility 42 Published in 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ SESSION 9 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing Character Qualities: Self-control 45 from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews. SESSION 10 Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL Character Qualities: Diligence (Hard Work) 49 VERSION® TNIV®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.™ SESSION 11 All rights reserved worldwide. Character Qualities: Dependability 53 SESSION 12 A catalog record for this book is available through the Library of Congress. Character Qualities: Caution (Prudence) 57 SESSION 13 Printed in the United States of America Character Qualities: Justice 61 SESSION 14 Warnings Against Drunkenness and Sexual Immorality 66 SESSION 15 Warnings Against Gangs and Putting Up Security 70 ECCLESIASTES SESSION 16 FOR LEADERS Experiencing the Book of Ecclesiastes as a Whole 77 SESSION 17 Insights from Experience 83 SESSION 18 Insights from Observation 89 SESSION 19 The Practical Response to These Insights 94 SESSION 20 HOW THESE STUDY GUIDES Concluding Thoughts and Observations: “Remember Your Creator” 98 ARE DIFFERENT

JAMES SESSION 21 Experiencing the Book of James as a Whole 107 SESSION 22 The Value of Trials 111 SESSION 23 The Rich and the Poor from God’s Perspective 116 Did you know you could read and study the Bible without using any SESSION 24 chapters or verses? The books of the Bible are real “books.” They’re meant Keeping a Tight Rein on the Tongue 120 to be experienced the same way other books are: as exciting, interesting SESSION 25 works that keep you turning pages right to the end and then make you The Life that Flows from a New Heart 124 want to go back and savor each part. The nderstandingU the Books of the Bible series of study guides will help you do that with the Bible. While you can use these guides with any version or translation, they’re especially designed to be used with The Books of The Bible, an edition of the Scriptures from Biblica that takes out the chapter and verse numbers and presents the biblical books in their natural form. Here’s what people are saying about reading the Bible this way:

I love it. I find myself understanding Scripture in a new way, with a fresh lens, and I feel spiritually refreshed as a result. I learn much more through stories being told, and with this new format, I feel the truth of the story come alive for me.

Reading Scripture this way flows beautifully. I don’t miss the chapter and verse numbers. I like them gone. They got in the way.

3 Understanding Understanding Sayings of Agur Sayings of Agur series doesn’t do that. Instead, these study do that. Instead, series doesn’t > YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHOLE BOOKS UNDERSTAND YOU’LL Two of the sessions (session 16 and session 21) are overviews that 21) are of the sessions (session 16 and session Two a It’s a bit differently. has to be approached Proverbs The book of To help you get a feel for where you are in each book’s natural flow, natural flow, each book’s in are you for where get a feel help you To seen never you’ve house to watch a movie going to a friend’s Imagine study guides many Yet try this way? Who would ever movie to watch a Book of Proverbs Book of Proverbs have a great experience doing this. (If you’ve never done it before, give give done it before, never you’ve doing this. (If experience a great have fast the time and how it flows well be surprised at how it a try—you’ll be briefer and will overviewthe discussion these sessions, For passes.) impressions. their overall people to share designed to allow each meant to strike that are sayings independent of originally collection before. After only a couple of scenes, your friend stops the film and says, your After only a couple of scenes, before. best shot your give you When of it so far.” think tell me what you “So, know, friend says, “You seen, your based on the little you’ve at a reply, that always makes me think of this one.” a scene in another movie there’s watching you’re it, you know and before movie to a different switches He the middle of another film. a scene from read a few from paragraphs you They have to the Bible. take this approach book. The one book, then jump to a passage in another the Books of the Bible one book of meaning and the message on understanding focus guides Proverbs, of books entire the through read will group Your time. a at not just selected chapters or verses. and James, Ecclesiastes, as a whole, to and James experience the books of Ecclesiastes will let you through sections. Reading for considering their individual you prepare zooming before book at once will be like viewing a whole movie an entire aloud together books of the Bible that read in on one scene. Groups the readings in Proverbs and the sessions in Ecclesiastes will be headed by be headed by will in Ecclesiastes and the sessions in Proverbs the readings like this: a visual cue, - -

or to obtain a The Books of The Bible The Books of The

OF BIBLICAL BOOKS visit http://www.thebooksofthebible.info. Premium edi Premium visit http://www.thebooksofthebible.info. , YOU’LL FOLLOW THE NATURAL FLOW FLOW THE NATURAL FOLLOW YOU’LL This guide will take you through the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, of the books you through This guide will take Here are some of the ways you and your group will have a better will have group and your some of the ways you are Here For more information about information more For and study reading used to chapters and verses, people who are For I’ve been a reader of the Bible all of my life. But after reading just after reading my life. But all of of the Bible a reader been I’ve at what I’d I was amazed a few and verses, without chapters pages all these years. been missing the inspired Word of God. But it’s not. Those little numbers aren’t holy, holy, aren’t not. Those little numbers it’s But of God. Word the inspired without and James Ecclesiastes, and study Proverbs, read and when you before. clearly than ever hear their message more them, you’ll that the verse numbers were added more than three centuries after that? centuries than three added more numbers were that the verse system, it may feel like part up with the chapter-and-verse of grew you If Bible often come at the wrong places and break up the flow. Did you Did up the flow. places and break often come at the wrong Bible added were modern Bibles that the chapter divisions used in most know written? And after the biblical books were than a thousand years more unfold is illustrated in the outlines on pages 11 and 82.) You won’t go won’t You pages 11 and 82.) unfold is illustrated in the outlines on chapter divisions in the these books, because through chapter-by-chapter and James following their natural flow. (The way these first two books natural flow. their following and James experience of the Scriptures by using these study guides. by experience of the Scriptures system works and you find you can do a lot of things you couldn’t do you couldn’t you can do a lot of things find and you system works before. computer. You have to unlearn some old ways of doing things and learn old ways of doing things and learn to unlearn some have You computer. the new catch on to how not too long until you it’s some new ways. But ing the Bible without them may take a little getting used to. It’s like It’s to. may take a little getting used without them ing the Bible get a new system on your cell phone or upgrade the operating when you tions of this Bible will be available in Spring 2011 from Zondervan at 2011 from in Spring available will be tions of this Bible Christian retailer. favorite your low-cost copy low-cost

5 - - invite you to share deeply about your about your deeply to share invite you

Group members agree to keep what is shared in is shared to keep what agree members Group YOU’LL ALL SHARE DEEPLY YOU’LL EVERYBODY WILL PARTICIPATE EVERYBODY Group members will treat other members with respect at other members with respect members will treat Group To create a climate of trust where this kind of deep sharing is encour sharing is deep of kind this of trustclimate a where create To Confidentiality. stays said in the group strictly confidential. the group “What’s in the group.” Respect. ideas. over when disagreeing all times, even There’s plenty of opportunity plenty to participate. for everyone in the group There’s The discussion questions will and James that you’ll be considering. Group members can also read members can also read be considering. Group that you’ll and James As a leader, aloud or the discussion questions. the session introduction giving them these opportunities. people by quiet can easily involve you the questions, And everyone feel that they can speak up and answer will they invite the Instead, answers.” not looking for “right because they’re together to understand the Bible. to work group be found just to these questions can’t ideas and experiences. The answers each of meaning the on reflection require They up.” them “looking by your of light in to, belongs it book the of context wider the in saying, the kinds of abstract, academic ques personal experience. These aren’t connect the they’ll a test. Instead, tions that make the discussion feel like ways. life in practical, personal, relational passage to your Bible to should agree rules group a couple of ground that your are aged, here at its first meeting: the reading. If you’re using another edition of the Bible, you’ll be able to be able to you’ll of the Bible, another edition using you’re If the reading. by in this guide be indicated because they’ll sections easily identify these makes them obvious. other means that some lines, or by their opening Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, the sayings from can take turns reading Everyone - -

, you’ll find that the , you’ll The Books of The Bible The Books of The WHAT TO DISCUSS TO WHAT YOU’LL DECIDE FOR YOURSELVES DECIDE FOR YOURSELVES YOU’LL TOGETHER, YOU’LL TELL THE STORY YOU’LL TOGETHER, Each session gives creative suggestions for reading the passage you’ll you’ll passage the reading for suggestions creative gives session Each In each session of this study guide there are many options for discus are each session of this study guide there In be discussing. If you’re using you’re be discussing. If by white space match up with the sections of off natural sections it marks one meeting if you do want to cover all of them. do want to cover one meeting if you time and decide which one(s) to begin with, and what order to take them with, and what order time and decide which one(s) to begin can one question, you discussion of do get into an involved you up in. If than more the study over can extend out some of the others, or you leave tion. There’s no need to cut the conversation short to try to “get through through “get short the conversation no need to cut to try to tion. There’s all the questions ahead of through can read you leader, As a group it all.” sion. While each session could be completed by a group in about an hour in about an hour a group While each session could be completed by sion. conversa the questions could lead to an involved any one of and a half, highlighter, notebook, laptop, or some other means of noting meaningful laptop, or some other means of noting notebook, individual highlighter, may want to You the book of Proverbs. and discuss read as you sayings each week needed. in case they’re available some extras have read and discuss these all at once, and that’s what you’ll do in session 1. do in session what you’ll that’s and discuss these all at once, and read and a pencil, pen, a Bible member should bring leaders: Each to group Note challenge and encouragement spoken by parents to their children, that to their children, parents spoken by challenge and encouragement helpful to It’s its themes. whole book and introduce set the tone for the noting the proverbs that speak immediately to your life, and as you go as you and life, to your immediately speak that proverbs the noting message of the book. and discuss the overall also explore along you’ll of a series of longer speeches, words actually begins with Proverbs But edge of these sayings. So in the case of this book, it’s better to work up to work better of this book, it’s in the case sayings. So edge of these time each week, it a little at a read You’ll the partsfrom whole. to the the hearer with freshness and immediacy. Reading through the entire the entire through Reading and immediacy. with freshness the hearer the and impact, dulls for reflection allowing at once, without collection

community words in Scripture in Scripture words , you may want to , you . You can write out You . , you may want to begin may want , you italicized individual study home group Sunday school class Sunday AND INDIVIDUAL USE AND INDIVIDUAL of the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James. If you’re you’re If and James. Ecclesiastes, of the books of Proverbs, Do each session in midweek small groups. each session in midweek Do to each some response people to write/create Invite in worship that session that could be shared small-group or blog journal poetry, These might involve weekend. entries, artwork, dramas, videos, and so on. worship services, the weekend let people share During the topic of the on preaching and have these responses, can gather up Speakers session that was studied that week. and draw on their own people from heard comments they’ve experience of that session. to sum up the church’s reflections Encourage people to read each session’s Scripture passage Scripture each session’s people to read Encourage for sessions 1, 16, (except early in the week themselves by will gather to hear the and 21, when the whole church and the books of Ecclesiastes opening speeches in Proverbs out loud). read and James CLASSES, COMMUNITY BIBLE EXPERIENCES, EXPERIENCES, BIBLE COMMUNITY CLASSES, TIPS FOR HOME GROUPS, SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHOOL SUNDAY HOME GROUPS, TIPS FOR And on an official note, anytime you see And on an official note, anytime • • • This guide can also be used for If you’re using this guide in a using this guide you’re If using this guide in a you’re If a can also be used in connection with This study guide • your responses to the questions in a notebook or journal. (However, we we questions in a notebook or journal. (However, to the responses your in community!) and studying the Bible encourage reading really been added for emphasis. quotations in this book, the italics have have a time of singing and prayer before or after the study. or before and prayer a time of singing have experience Bible using it in this way: each meeting (or at least some meetings) by having dinner together. You You together. dinner having by meetings) some least at (or meeting each or after the before a time of singing and prayer have may also want to study. - When you get to a given question, have someone read aloud the someone read question, have get to a given When you You don’t have to discuss the questions in the order they appear in appear they order the in questions the discuss to have don’t You Most questions are introduced with some observations. with introduced These may questions are Most Read the selection out loud together. (The study guide will offer sug (The study guide will together. the selection out loud Read Have a member of your group read the introduction to the session out to the introduction read group a member of your Have Each session has three basic parts: basic has three Each session HOW TO LEAD GROUP STUDIES USING THIS GUIDE STUDIES USING LEAD GROUP HOW TO the observations (you can agree or disagree with them) in light of your with them) in light of your or disagree the observations can agree (you part only issue the at to get question the of Use Bible. the from reading one angle, or use all of the parts, choose. from as you observations and the question. As you answer the question, interact with observations answer As you and the question. of each question so that you do cover all of them. As the group leader, leader, group As the them. of all cover do you so that each question of questions and the observations the should read the meeting you before want to emphasize. them, and decide which ones you that introduce the study guide. You can choose to spend your time exploring just one or can choose to spend your You the study guide. a shorter can have discussion you two questions and not do the others. Or there are suggested discussion questions. Many of them have multiple have them of Many questions. discussion suggested are there ways of getting at an issue. just different really parts are that give some background to the history some background of the ancient world, or give and culture After these observations of the book. in the flow are you explain where Discussion Questions gestions for various ways you can do this for each session. For the book can do this for each session. For you ways gestions for various combined.) and discussion are reading of James, Reading from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James from Proverbs, Reading about the introduction and offer their own thoughts and examples. and offer their about the introduction loud to everyone. Then give group members the chance to ask questions members the chance to group loud to everyone. Then give Introduction to the Study Introduction

6 PROVERBS

The Sayings of Agur The Proverbs of Solomon Proverbs Opening Speeches (12) Speeches Opening “Sayings of the Wise” (30) Wise” of the “Sayings Proverbs of Solomon (375) of Solomon Proverbs More “Sayings of the Wise” (5) Wise” More “Sayings of the The Sayings of King Lemuel The The first speech is a prologue to the book The first speech is a prologue “compiled by the men of Hezekiah” (130) “compiled by the men of Hezekiah” THE BOOK OF PROVERBS THE BOOK COLLECTIONS OF SAYINGS IN SAYINGS OF COLLECTIONS The value of the Hebrew letters in Solomon’s name is 375 name letters in Solomon’s The value of the Hebrew The value of the Hebrew letters in Hezekiah’s name is 130 name The value of the Hebrew letters in Hezekiah’s The poem about a “wife of noble character” may be by another wise person SESSION 1

THE WISE AND FOOLISH WAYS OF LIFE

Book of Proverbs > Opening Speeches

INTRODUCTION The book of Proverbs is made up of several collections of practical sayings, passed down from generation to generation, that represent the distilled wisdom of experience. (See the outline on page 11.) Solomon, the third king of Israel, was renowned for his wisdom, and he was an avid collector and creator of proverbs. This book preserves over five hundred of his proverbs, as well as the sayings of other wise people of the ancient world. Before the collections of sayings begin, the book of Proverbs presents a series of speeches that praise the practical benefits a person can receive by pursuing the wisdom that’s embodied in these sayings. These speeches make up the first third of the book and set the tone for Proverbs as a whole by introducing its overall themes. Above all, the speeches establish a fundamental contrast between being “wise” and being “foolish.” These terms don’t refer to how intel- ligent or educated a person is. This is moral and spiritual language. The “wise” person always takes God into account when choosing a course of

The Wise and Foolish Ways of Life 15 DISCUSSION announces the book’s purpose.) the book’s announces instruction . . .” father’s son, to your “Listen, my aloud . . .” open wisdom calls in the “Out . . .” accept my words if you son, “My . . .” son, do not forget my teaching “My (ending, instruction . . .” a father’s “Listen, my sons, to evil”) foot from “keep your . . .” son, pay attention to my wisdom “My neighbor your put up security for have son, if you “My . . .” . . .” command father’s son, keep your “My . . .” up my commands store and son, keep my words “My not wisdom call out? . . .” “Does the just before (ending “Wisdom has built her house . . .” Solomon”) of heading “The proverbs What things struck you most as you listened to the opening What things struck you most as you What’s the main advice that’s given in these speeches? are was written a long time ago, but its sayings Proverbs  like, share one or If you’d speeches in the book of Proverbs? explain and for yourself, two of the statements you highlighted why they were meaningful for you.  words? How would you express it in your own  examples of meant to be timeless. What are some present-day the kinds of things these speeches are talking about? • • • • • • • • • • • - By * .” Lord , the opening speeches in the book of , the opening speeches in the book READING “The proverbs of Solomon son of David” (This speech David” Solomon son of of “The proverbs written in large and small capital letters is a translation of the divine name The Books of The Bible The Books of The • In them can recognize you Bible, of the edition another using you’re If Whenever something strikes you with freshness and immediacy, and immediacy, and freshness with you strikes something Whenever Have the people in your group take turns reading the speeches at the the speeches at the take turns reading group the people in your Have This session will get you into the book of Proverbs by taking you by taking Proverbs you into the book of get This session will Lord” Lord” * “ “Yahweh.” from their opening lines: from Proverbs are on pages 1123–37. There are a couple of blank lines between lines between a couple of blank are There on pages 1123–37. are Proverbs each speech. you continue to note meaningful sayings week by week, you’ll build a build you’ll week, continue to note meaningful by week you sayings apply the to as you can refer that you personal collection of proverbs life. own larger themes of the book to your want to highlight or underline it in your Bible, or put a star next to it Bible, your want to highlight or underline it in As a laptop computer. it in a notebook or on in the margin, or record tween the “wise” and the “fool” and how their lives turn out differently. turn out differently. their lives and how and the “fool” the “wise” tween might You it in some way. mark life today, hear it speaking to your you beginning of the Proverbs. This should take about 45 minutes. Listen for beginning of the Proverbs. particularly be contrast the develop, speeches these themes major the themes of the book in the following sessions.) in the following themes of the book through the opening speeches that introduce its message and themes. its speeches that introduce the opening through major trace the these speeches often as we occasion to revisit have (We’ll differently the life of a “fool” turns out from the life of a person who is from turns out “fool” the life of a differently “wise.” that God exists; they just live as if God didn’t matter, and as if no one else and as matter, didn’t as if God they just live exists; that God how describe in vivid detail These speeches to teach them. had anything action. This way of proceeding is spoken of as the “fear of the is spoken of as the way of proceeding action. This deny necessarily They don’t God. to regard without live “fools” contrast,

The Wise and Foolish Ways of Life 14

Everything You Do Flows From Your “Heart” 17 - - become the kind of become the READING who can live in the wise way it describes. in the wise way it live who can After the opening speeches, the book of Proverbs presents several several presents Proverbs of book the speeches, opening the After the first 25 prov take turns reading group members of your the Have This is the fundamental theme of the book, and we’ll begin exploring we’ll theme of the book, and This is the fundamental cite and discuss a small this guide, it will only be possible to In collection” of some of his most insightful and telling observations of about collection” life. the erbs in this collection, ending with “When by, the storm has swept After each proverb, gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” wicked are pause briefly so that people can absorb its meaning and highlight it for strike you most. You’ll find that many of them will relate to the discussion find that many of them will You’ll most. strike you the book in end of the reach you the time by And raised. that are topics expressed be able to see its full thematic message should session 15, you right now. found most meaningful life to your in the sayings you’ve many others that represent in the book. These of the proverbs percentage complementary of life, from shed further light on the same areas perspec evening’s entire an of basis the provide easily could proverb one Any tives. a over need well would that meets weekly since a group discussion. But are proverbs these representative the book that way, decade to go through a life-long you to the book and hopefully to generate to introduce offered sayings. and empowering in its collection of provocative interest the wisdom of experience in a collections of short sayings that express Solomon’s of collection is of 375 The first way. memorable concise and also used as numbers, and 375 is the letters were Hebrew, In proverbs. “signature a name. This is therefore of the letters in Solomon’s total value approaching the book this way. It’s not providing practical advice that practical not providing It’s the book this way. approaching its deepest At successful in life. to be happy and can follow just anyone to is trying us how to show of Proverbs the book level, people thematic this continue we’ll follow that sessions the In session. this in it the book. Each time you’ll all over from proverbs drawing on approach, the sayings that collect and mark to continue and of Proverbs more read - SESSION 2 SESSION

INTRODUCTION Another approach would be to consider the proverbs in topical would be to consider the proverbs Another approach It won’t be possible to synchronize the reading and discussion exactly the reading to synchronize be possible won’t It As you read through the book of Proverbs session by session, stor session by the book of Proverbs through read As you Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs > Solomon’s Book of Proverbs groups. The book provides practical advice on a variety of subjects: practical advice on a The book provides groups. food, drink, health, marriage, sex, parenting, friendship, money, work, a danger in there’s so forth. crime, death, and However, speech, anger, recognize how this finds expression through its individual sayings. through this finds expression how recognize collection, talking about whatever sayings they find most interesting, will sayings they find most interesting, collection, talking about whatever they discussion every and freewheeling certainly a lively But time. have the foundational message of the book and necessarily appreciate wouldn’t a variety of topics are all mixed together, so that each one can strike the strike can one each that so together, mixed all are topics of variety a collection by Proverbs through who work People force. with fresh hearer for each session. The sayings in the book of Proverbs aren’t organized by organized aren’t Proverbs book of for each session. The sayings in the the book, observationsof the collections in topic; instead, within each on that strike you, you’ll also be discussing its major themes and overall overall also be discussing its major themes and you’ll that strike you, message. ing up its wisdom by recording and reflecting on individual statements and reflecting recording ing up its wisdom by EVERYTHING YOU DO FLOWS DO FLOWS YOU EVERYTHING “HEART” FROM YOUR

Everything You Do Flows From Your “Heart” 19 Who do you know who’s best able to help you understand Who do you know who’s best able together that God would Conclude this session by praying How well would you say you know yourself? Where would you say you know yourself? Where How well would share an experience, if If you feel comfortable doing so, Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. me, See if there is any offensive way in and lead me in the way everlasting. —how much more do human hearts!” in closer a person lives As much more —how  what’s qualities really going on inside you? What personal make them good at this?  you. Begin by reading this reveal each of your own hearts to 139 together: prayer from Psalm by saying this ancient End who wishes pray out loud. Then let anyone (If this topic is of particular interest to you, keep an eye out for the an eye keep to you, this topic is of particular(If interest  deep, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being you place yourself place self-knowledge, and 1 being the consistent, accurate really know who I am”? think I “I don’t where you often say,  something and where you did or said had one recently, you’ve you eventually had. Were then immediately wondered why you speak or act as you did? able to figure out what led you to prayer together: prayer Lord understanding, for they pray as and God, with closer relationship and godly wisdom in their heart. more And the what’s them can show God people’s into the depths of clearly they can see the more acquires, someone deep purposes of the human heart “The hearts—including are their own: insight draw them out.” have waters, but those who the “heart.”) in the book that talk about many other proverbs - DISCUSSION weighs the heart.” This is why we may often This is why the heart.” weighs Lord But there’s hope. God, who knows the deepest secrets of the uni of the secrets the deepest who knows hope. God, there’s But The problem is, our “heart” or core-of-being is so deep within us or core-of-being is, our “heart” The problem The foundational insight of the book of Proverbs is that each person Proverbs of The foundational insight of the book At the end of the reading, let people mention one or two proverbs let people mention one or two proverbs the end of the reading, At You might want to put a small mark, paper clip, or sticky note or sticky note clip, paper want to put a small mark, might You wondering, “Why did I do that? How could I have said that?” could I have wondering, “Why did I do that? How the destructionhearts:and our into see can before open lie “Death verse, are right, but the are find ourselves and why we are, we who know really don’t feel that we that it’s difficult to understand. It’s hard for someone else to know: “Each else to know: for someone hard It’s difficult to understand. that it’s Our its joy.” bitterness, and no one else can share own its heart knows think all their ways may “People for us to know: heart hard is even own actions. Towards the end of the book, in a later collection of Solomon’s proverbs, proverbs, in a later collection of Solomon’s the end of the book, Towards Who the heart.” reflects life so one’s the face, water reflects “As told, we’re and deep inside, will inevitably come out in our words truly we are, says, and does flows out of this core. The sixth opening speech warns, The sixth opening out of this core. says, and does flows it.” heart, from your for everything do flows all else, guard you “Above has a core of being, known as the “heart.” Everything a person thinks, person a Everything “heart.” the as known being, of core a has that particularly their lives. they spoke to struck them and explain how artificial divisions, so to give you a sense of where the real breaks in the real breaks the a sense of where you artificial divisions, so to give by collection reading ignoring chapter divisions and just we’re book are, collection.) throughout your study of Solomon’s proverbs, because there are so many are there because proverbs, of Solomon’s study your throughout numbers are chapter (The traditional breaks. no natural with of them, in your Bible at the place where you stopped reading, so that you can can so that you stopped reading, you at the place where Bible in your your startingeasily find helpful for the next session. This may be place read a larger number of proverbs in later sessions; this session is designed session is designed later sessions; this in number of proverbs a larger read recording.) and reflecting, startedto get you reading, on themselves if they wish. If anyone doesn’t understand one of the proverbs, proverbs, one of the understand doesn’t anyone they wish. If if themselves help explain it. (You’ll as a whole can group say so, and the they should

Everything You Do Flows From Your “Heart” 18 E verything Y Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart, SESSION 3 and give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, wisdom and understanding, Lord, that I may carry out your holy

ou D o F lows F rom Y and true command. Amen.

THE “HEART” EXPRESSED BY HOW WE USE MONEY AND HOW WE SPEAK our “H eart ”

Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, continued

INTRODUCTION In this session you’ll read more of the “signature collection” of Solomon’s proverbs, and you’ll continue discussing Proverbs’ theme of the “heart” as the core of being.

Most of the sayings in this collection are made up of two lines. These lines work together in one of three basic ways: 1. The second line may draw a contrast with the first: “Wise children bring joy to their father, but foolish children bring grief to their mother.” 2. The second line may repeat the meaning of the first line, to -re inforce it: “Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.” (Similarly, the two lines may be used to create a comparison: “As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them.”) 3. The second line may add something to what the first line says: “The blessing of theLord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”

20 21

The “Heart” Expressed By How We Use Money and How We Speak 23 brings wealth, without painful ord L from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to from the poor amasses it for another, the poor.” for their children’s “Good people leave an inheritance children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” “The great treasure, but house of the righteous contains the income of the wicked brings ruin.” “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor made by a lying tongue is a fleeting fortune “A and a deadly snare.” “The blessing of the “no trouble comes with it.”) toil for it.” (Or, but whoever gathers “Dishonest money dwindles away, money little by little makes it grow.” “Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit Do you know a person or family that has “bad money”? Do you know anyone who suddenly came into a lot of suddenly came know anyone who Do you proverbs aloud and decide each of the following Read • • “Good money is . . .” “Bad money is . . .” • • • • Once you’ve discussed these proverbs, have each person in discussed these proverbs, have each person Once you’ve and share their answers: the group complete these sentences proverbs on this same topic, draw on noted other (If you’ve them to help fill out the portrait of the two kinds of money.)  Why would you describe their money this way? Do you know  an inheritance, receiving the as by winning money (such lottery, able to buy and was an insurance settlement), or getting they do with this wanted? What did anything they pretty much the money did it last? What did their use of money? How long in their hearts? say about what was  money”whether it’s or describing “good or “bad money,” between the two: drawing a contrast of money they have, shows shows of money they have, what kind READING DISCUSSION , will accumulate “good money.” It will last a long time and It money.” , will accumulate “good

Lord We saw in the last session that every person has a core-of-being, We because it lies so deep within difficult to know that’s or “heart,”

But money also reveals what’s in a person’s heart another way. Not Not heart way. another person’s in a what’s money also reveals But The first of these spheres is money. Money is a prime area where the area where Money is a prime is money. The first of these spheres Take turns reading the next 50 proverbs in this collection, beginning the next 50 proverbs turns reading Take As you listen to these proverbs, notice how the two lines are working working two lines are the notice how to these proverbs, listen As you trouble, and soon disappear. So Proverbs often cautions that we shouldn’t shouldn’t that we often cautions Proverbs So and soon disappear. trouble, pursue wisdom, a steadily if we But pursue money as an end in itself. be a by-product. will ordinarily money” supply of “good increasing bring joy and satisfaction with it. Those who live without regard to God to regard without and satisfaction with it. Those who live bring joy if they make lots of it, it will come with Even “bad money.” will acquire how much money they have, but much money they have, how fear the in live who wise, are who Those life. their living been they’ve how of the long as we can afford it, we can pretty much get anything we want. much get anything we can pretty it, can afford long as we that express what’s in the heart. in what’s that express So desires. our fulfill to capability the us gives it because heartoverflows them. However, because everything anyone says or does flows from their from because everything says or does flows anyone them. However, heart, character and quality can be seen in certain its personal spheres 1 to note the sayings that particularly strike them. After the reading, give give that particularlyto note the sayings strike them. After the reading, they found especially two proverbs people a chance to talk about one or lives. meaningful for their own briefly after each proverb to let the meaning sink in and to work as a sink in and to work to let the meaning proverb briefly after each continue should People clear. aren’t any sayings that to understand group with “As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to sluggards are so the eyes, to smoke and the teeth to vinegar “As with the plunder desire and ending with “The wicked those who send them,” pause to Remember flourishes.” righteous the of the root but evildoers, of together in one of these ways. together in

The “Heart” Expressed By How We Use Money and How We Speak 22

The “Heart” Expressed By How We Use Money and How We Speak 25 (If the topics of money and speech are of particular interest to you, to you, of particular interest are of money and speech the topics (If keep an eye out for the many other proverbs that talk about them.) that talk about proverbs for the many other out keep an eye - -

Think of a person who’s been helpful and influential in your Often we excuse something we’ve said by insisting, “Oh, I “Oh, said by insisting, Often we excuse something we’ve If someone could see all of your expenses for the past year, for the past year, of your expenses could see all If someone What a person says, particularly when they’re free to say whatever say whatever to free particularlyWhat a person says, when they’re ex their heart is directly of life where area they want, is a second

life. Are there particular sayings of theirs that you remember and repeat, treasuring them like “choice silver”? Share one or more of these sayings with the group. didn’t really mean that.” If words inevitably express what’s in didn’t say something they don’t the heart, can a person ever really mean?   In this area as well, what matters is quality, not quantity. Just because Just not quantity. is quality, what matters as well, this area In a person or family that has “good money”? “good or family that has a person makes it What good?  your priorities in life? how would they describe is of little value.” “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but “The mouth of the is of little value.” the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” blessing to others, not a constant stream of worthless or deceptive words. of worthlesswords. or deceptive blessing to others, not a constant stream but the heart of the wicked silver, “The tongue of the righteous is choice the prudent hold their tongues.” (Or, to paraphrase, “whenever there are are there “whenever paraphrase, to (Or, the prudenttongues.” their hold encour Proverbs going on.”) is probably something wrong many words, in prudent quantities, that will be a words, ages us to speak valuable wise. Indeed, the more a person talks, the more they may be trying a person talks, the more to the more wise. Indeed, but words, multiplying is not ended by “Sin or rationalize. hide, excuse, knowledge on their lips.” knowledge them make this doesn’t at a loss for words, never talker,” a person is a “real mouth. “The heartswise make their mouths prudent, of the and their lips will not find foolish, for you the away from “Stay instruction.” promote 2 heart in your come out of your will what’s put it simply, To pressed.

The “Heart” Expressed By How We Use Money and How We Speak 24

The “Heart” Expressed in Relationships and Reputation 27 - .” of friends we of friends we Lord , drawing on the wisdom , drawing what kind observations READING DISCUSSION ,” the more we will make friends with wise, godly will make friends with wise, godly we the more ,” on people shows what kind of people we really are. “As “As are. really what kind of people we on people shows Lord gets expressed. It’s revealed, first of all, in revealed, It’s gets expressed. Our relationships are a third area of life where what’s in our heart what’s of life where area a third are relationships Our Our relationships reveal what’s in our hearts in another way as well. hearts in our as well. way in another what’s reveal relationships Our No, these proverbs are essentially are proverbs these No, begin collection, this in proverbs 50 next the reading turns Take that speak particularly and to you, the proverbs Continue to mark “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked but the way carefully, “The righteous choose their friends friends soon comes to ruin, who has unreliable “One leads them astray.” is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” but there we have The effect with the wise “Walk so one person sharpens another.” iron, sharpens iron mouth of a fool.” The path of wisdom only opens up before people whose people whose before The path of wisdom only opens up mouth of a fool.” of the in the “fear as they live being reshaped hearts are their sinful talk, and so the innocent trapped by are ning with “Evildoers amends for sin, mock at making and ending with “Fools escape trouble,” but goodwill is found among the upright.” one or two of them after the reading. share 1 by the our hearts been shaped have Like attracts like. The more have. of the “fear we will make God, the more for regard without live we people. The more about us, either. care and who won’t God, about care friends who don’t “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.” (“I to pervertin secret accept bribes “The wicked the course of justice.” out of legal trouble”?) way to bribe your be able you’ll promise what’s seeing, been we’ve As work. to tends life how about experience, of heart determine what happens throughout will ultimately in a person’s to and easy ways for just anyone quick aren’t these proverbs their life. So these sayings are God, to regard without For those who live find success. in the is a proverb the useless legs of one who is lame “Like just words. . - commandments SESSION 4 SESSION

. Some of them would be very. Some promises INTRODUCTION These proverbs also aren’t also aren’t These proverbs As you read these proverbs, recognize that they aren’t that they aren’t recognize these proverbs, read As you In this session you’ll continue reading Solomon’s proverbs, and you’ll and you’ll proverbs, Solomon’s continue reading this session you’ll In Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, continued > Solomon’s Book of Proverbs ing if we thought they were promises, such as, “The poor are shunned by shunned such as, “The poor are promises, thought they were ing if we (“I them!” avoid friends their do more much relatives—how their all times”?) on hard fall ever that everyone if you promise will abandon you officials of low rank.” (“I promise that if you do good work, you’ll get an you’ll do good work, you promise that if (“I low rank.” officials of disturb But others would be discouraging and even influential position.”) encouraging to take that way, such as, “Do you see those who are skilled see those who are you such as, “Do encouraging to take that way, They will serve kings, they will not serve in their work? before before them” and “Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in or they will be to their folly, fools according and “Answer them” contradictory!) they’re orders, these are (If eyes.” their own They’re not orders to follow. Many of them would be difficult to put to follow. orders not They’re not example, the pair that says “Do into practice as commandments, for will be just like yourself or you to their folly, fools according answer direct expression. direct discuss two more areas of life where the “heart,” the core of being, finds being, of core the “heart,” the where life of areas more two discuss THE “HEART” EXPRESSED IN EXPRESSED IN THE “HEART” AND REPUTATION RELATIONSHIPS

The “Heart” Expressed in Relationships and Reputation 29

Lord Think of someone whose public reputation has suddenly Think of someone whose public reputation or sales position Do you know someone in a service “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be “A circumstances in life where we have to choose between “a circumstances in life where we have riches”? Do you know someone who good name” and “great they pursued honor and integrity name” because has a “good the group about them if even though it cost them money? Tell people who’ve lost their you can. Can you give examples of riches” instead? they went after “great name” because “good  did they go wrong? changed from good to bad. Where  etc.) who you’d auto mechanic, dry cleaner, (car dealer, recommend to a friend without hesitation? What qualities do they have that make you vouch for their reputation? In a society that judges by superficial, inborn characteristics such as inborn characteristics superficial, judges by a society that In is matters What quantity. not quality, of matter a is too, Reputation,  Are there sometimes esteemed is better than silver or gold.” contrast, those who quietly but consistently do good may eventually be eventually may good do consistently but quietly who those contrast, “Whenand celebrated. so does contempt, comes, wickedness recognized the city “When the righteous prosper, reproach.” and with shame comes shouts of joy.” are when the wicked perish, there rejoices; what the people who have but of you, heard many people have not how think of you. of you heard Character has a social footprint: “The crucible has a social footprint: Character and the furnace for silver their praise.” by tested but people are for gold, fear of the living in the who isn’t and talent, a person appearance while a godly factor,” recognition very a may initially achieve high “positive in a really what’s sooner or later, But in obscurity. person may languish unjust actions are these in their actions. If heart will be expressed person’s By and destructive the person will get a bad reputation. to other people, -

If you know someone who’s been betrayed by “fake If you know someone who’s been Think of someone who’s been a good influence on Think of someone who’s been a good If we want to be wise and “choose our friends carefully,” wise and “choose our friends carefully,” If we want to be A fourth area of life where our heart is revealed is in our reputation. is in our reputation. our heart is revealed of life where A fourth area People can quickly achieve mean fame or celebrity. This doesn’t

share has told it, see what general lessons you can draw from share has told it, see what general all of the stories.  naming any names or friends,” tell what happened (without who has a story to revealing any identities). Once everyone  How has their you over the course of a close relationship. are you a better In what ways off on you”? character “rubbed Where are you beginning person because of their influence? yourself? to have the same effect on other people  should we about doing this? What qualities how should we go signs that someone would look for in a friend? What are the be a bad friend to have? Just as the blessing of God is seen not in having a lot of money, but lot of money, not in having a is seen blessing of God as the Just

character. Rather, reputation is the way a person is regarded by the com the by is regarded a person way is the reputation Rather, character. a long period of time. munity of people who interact with them over 2 short-term little to do with notoriety for all kinds of things that have but the rich have many friends.” many but the rich have quantity. Fake friends, who are only around for what they can get out of for what they can get out only around friends, who are Fake quantity. by their neighbors, shunned even “The poor are a dime a dozen. are you, in having good money; and not in having a lot to say, but in having in but say, to lot a having in not and money; good having in lot of friends seen in not necessarily having a so it’s good things to say; not a matter of quality, but in having good friends. It’s (being “popular”), character, and you take on theirs. take on and you character, and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” When you’re you’re When harm.” of fools suffers wise, for a companion and become on your they begin to take another person, with relationship in a close

The “Heart” Expressed in Relationships and Reputation 28

What Brings the Content of the Heart Out Into Key Areas of Life 31 - in airing delight the upright.” ,” our tastes actually ,” to those who have no no to those who have joy detest Lord in understanding, but in wicked schemes, but those who have but those who have in wicked schemes, DISCUSSION pleasure pleasure in wisdom.” “Folly brings “Folly in wisdom.” the dishonest; the wicked detest delight to your soul.” to your evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.” from get no mercy evil; their neighbors crave pleasant Based on the understanding you developed in session 3 of Based on the understanding you developed Give group members a few moments to reflect on areas our life first through the “pleasure principle.” We find it enjoyable We find it enjoyable principle.” “pleasure the our life first through According to Proverbs, what’s in our heart its way out into works what’s to Proverbs, According As we live our lives in the “fear of the in the “fear our lives live As we  money” why a person living explain “good and “bad money,” be attracted to “badwithout regard for God would actually money” money.” rather than to “good  in their lives where their tastes have changed, so that wiser As a group, pray courses of action are now more appealing. (For the following questions, and throughout this study guide, if any this study guide, questions, and throughout the following (For gets our core-of-being accounts for how principle” “pleasure This and gratifying to do things that correspond with our heart’s deepest with our heart’s do things that correspond and gratifying to find intentions. “Fools understanding For been discussing. we’ve of life in the four specific areas expressed or just many words,” speak “good example, it determines whether we find no “Fools words: will choose as friends: who we also determines It opinions.” their own “The righteous unde once pleasurable become choices that were change, so that wrong us. The fourthsirable, and right choices begin to attract opening speech my up store and words my accept you “If says, Proverbs of the book in heart, . . . wisdom will enter your and knowledge commands within you will be of the sayings you’ve been marking or recording for yourself sheds further sheds yourself for recording or been marking you’ve of the sayings them to the group.) mention subjects being discussed, light on the 1 sense, but those who have understanding keep a straight course.” “The course.” understanding keep a straight have sense, but those who wicked

SESSION 5 SESSION READING INTRODUCTION Take turns reading the next 50 proverbs in this collection, marking in this collection, marking 50 proverbs the next reading turns Take So far we’ve seen that every person has a core of being, or “heart,” seen that every or “heart,” of being, has a core person far we’ve So Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, continued > Solomon’s Book of Proverbs share its joy,” and ending with “The path of life leads upward for the and ending with “The path of life leads upward its joy,” share of the dead.” to the realm prudent going down to keep them from the ones that strike you and each sharing one or two of them at the end. the at them of two or one sharing each and you strike that ones the can else one no and bitterness, own is heart“Each with knows Begin reputation is. In this session, we’ll consider the specific means by which consider the specific means this session, we’ll is. In reputation of life. in these areas the content of the heart gets expressed directly into anyone’s heart, but its character is revealed by how a person a person how by heart, is revealed but its character into anyone’s directly what their and friends are, who their what they say, uses their money, that embodies who they truly are deep down inside. It’s difficult to see inside. It’s deep down that embodies who they truly are WHAT BRINGS THE CONTENT OF THE THE CONTENT BRINGS WHAT AREAS OF LIFE KEY OUT INTO HEART

What Brings the Content of the Heart Out Into Key Areas of Life 33 . How then . How Lord ’s purpose that prevails.” prevails.” purpose that ’s Lord works out everything to its proper end.” out everything works end.” to its proper Lord Have you ever had an experience where you felt that God Have you ever had an experience .” “The .” what’s in a person’s heart will find its way out into their life. People heart life. out into their its way will find in a person’s what’s Everything else being equal, these three principles will ensure that ensure principles will equal, these three else being Everything  “saved you from yourself” what by providentially overruling of your choices? would otherwise have been the consequences intervene in some other Or have you seen God apparently what people’s hearts way to accomplish his purposes, despite your experience with the were leading them to do? If so, share group if you can. by an unanticipated turn of events, or a bad initiative was events, or a bad turn of by an unanticipated thwarted? unexpectedly admit that there reverently we This brings us back to the place where his own purposes on earth purposes on otherwisewould what despite his own because happen “Many principle.” “providential hearts. the is This people’s in what’s of the plans in a human heart, but it is the are no plan that can succeed against the is no wisdom, no insight, “There Lord though Even for us to know. just too profound some things that are are insights great help us reach the path of wisdom may eventually following in is always at work inscrutable providence hearts, God’s into our own the by directed steps are person’s “A the background. way?” understand their own can anyone 4 their hearts consequences, good or bad, of the choices will experience the will tells us that this process also Proverbs However, lead them to make. to further decide may sovereignly God overruled. sometimes be divinely , - Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on are Lord

Can you think of a situation you’ve seen or heard about Can you think of a situation you’ve Can you think of movies you’ve seen that accurately seen that accurately Can you think of movies you’ve Several other proverbs suggest that God sometimes acts more di sometimes acts more suggest that God proverbs other Several and bad ones rewarded are that good initiatives to make sure rectly What’s in our hearts also gets expressed in our lives through the through in our lives hearts in our also gets expressed What’s kinds whatever has set up the world so that God principle.” “return

 in which a good initiative was “coincidentally” advanced show people who’ve done wrong to others living happily ever show people who’ve done wrong to after? who’s done good for others unpredictably receiving good who’s done good for others unpredictably a person who’s plotted things themselves, or by depicting Can you think of other against others falling into trouble? principle” and unrealistically movies that contradict the “return  either by showing someone principle,” illustrate the “return together, both silently and aloud, thanking God for doing this God for doing and aloud, thanking both silently together, it. him to continue lives, and asking work in your “repay everyone according to what they have done.” This is the “payback This is the done.” to what they have everyone according “repay justice in our world. active God’s of an expression It’s principle.” but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.” “Trouble pursues pursues “Trouble wicked schemes.” but he condemns those who devise will God with good things.” rewarded but the righteous are the sinner, 3 thwarted. of the “The eyes are the from people obtain favor “Good the wicked and the good.” later, people always get a taste of their own medicine, whether bitter or medicine, whether get a taste of their own people always later, sow. what you reap You sweet. leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.” “Whoever seeks who pays back evil for good.” the house of one leave Sooner or it.” for but evil comes to those who search good finds favor, into our own lives. “If anyone digs a pit, they themselves will fall into a pit, they themselves digs anyone “If lives. into our own seen the you’ve (If back on them.” it will roll a stone, rolls it; if anyone will never “Evil here.) Coyote E. Wile cartoons, think “Roadrunner” 2 will come back for others plan and prepare bad, we of things, good or

What Brings the Content of the Heart Out Into Key Areas of Life 32

Receiving and Giving Correction 35 - ”: “since you you ”: “since Lord DISCUSSION the hard way: by experiencing the painful consequences of making way: by the hard Proverbs tells us that one method of getting a better heart tells us that one method is to learn Proverbs It’s much better to learn the easy way: by taking wisdom’s advice and advice wisdom’s taking by way: easy the learn to better much It’s and oth themselves can spare correction and receive who give People You’ll notice a change after the first five proverbs in this session’s session’s in this proverbs five first the after a change notice You’ll ers a lot of heartache ers a heart.a good the way to on “Whoever disregards heeds correction and shame, but whoever discipline comes to poverty “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool is honored.” “Whoever the way to life, but heeds discipline shows comes to ruin.” leads others astray.” correction ignores whoever the meaning of the first line, or extend that meaning in some way. first line, or extend that meaning in the meaning of the 1 and values need to change our that we choices, and recognizing wrong opening speech, the third further want to avoid pain. In priorities if we not choose to fear the says to those who “did Wisdom I in turn will laugh all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, disregard We you.” I will mock when calamity overtakes when disaster strikes you; wisdom say we hear and suffer badly for it; direction head in the wrong smarten perhaps we and up. so”; “I told you advice and accept in the first place. “Listen to accepting its correction There’s wise.” the among counted be will you end the at and discipline, earlier generations, of practical experience, bequeathed by a huge store food,” my eat “Come, sayings. collected these in taking the for available mixed. drink the wine I have “and wisdom says in the last opening speech, the way of insight.” walk in will live; simple ways and you your Leave “A bribe is seen as a charm by those who give it; they think success will it; they think success those who give by bribe is seen as a charm “A come at every turn.” proverbs, Solomon’s of collection” the “signature in point this To reading. contrast with the each saying has most often drawn a the second line of restate typically second line will the of the collection, rest In the line. first SESSION 6 SESSION tears down the house of the tears down Lord READING INTRODUCTION So if we want to have a good life, we need to have a good heart. How heart. a good need to have How a good life, we to have want if we So To this point, we’ve seen that what’s in our hearts will inevitably what’s seen that this point, we’ve To Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, continued > Solomon’s Book of Proverbs ones that strike you. Begin with “The Begin ones that strike you. and end with boundary stones in place,” but he sets the widow’s proud, Take turns reading the next 50 proverbs in this collection, noting the the next 50 proverbs turns reading Take session, there’s a hard way, and an easier way. way, a hard session, there’s leading them to do. leading them to do. this in see we’ll As transformed? and shaped heartsour can properly be also intervenes directly to reward good courses of action and to thwart also intervenes to reward directly hearts are what people’s own purposes despite bad ones, and to fulfill his built into the way the world works: People find pleasure in doing things find pleasure People built into the way the world works: that match the intentions of their hearts; the good or bad that people God lives; comes back into their own lives try to send out into others’ be expressed in key areas of life: our finances, words, friendships, and friendships, of life: our finances, words, in key areas be expressed has principles God seen that this happens through We’ve reputation. RECEIVING AND GIVING CORRECTION RECEIVING

Receiving and Giving Correction 37 - A woman approaches one of her friends to warn her that of her friends to approaches one A woman her. is hiding his prison record from the guy she’s dating one of his buddies he’s concerned A guy in college tells get he’s been drinking lately when they about how much friends to watch sports. together with their has given a summer job to the child A business owner to confront the young employee of a friend, but needs and chronically late for work. about being careless If you have parents in your group, have them share one If you have parents in your group, • • • practice correction is in the family. Parents have a particular have respon Parents is in the family. practice correction Proverbs stresses often that one of the most important often that places to stresses Proverbs  thing they’ve hearts learned so far about how to shape godly together as a Pray within their children through correction. have wisdom, kindness, group for these parents, that they will and patience for this important work. discuss together what insights they’ve what insights discuss together to provided about how make As appropriate, effectively. wisely and offer correction differently. have been done about what could suggestions 3 hearts sibility and a special opportunity to help shape their children’s way they should go, and off on the children age. “Start a young from [their who love “Those it.” turn from they will not old when they are even to discipline them.” careful are children] disciplines those ord L discipline, and do discipline, and do s ’ ord L he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” he loves, as a father of counsel, but with many advisers “Plans fail for lack they succeed.” “Thefountain of life, turning a teaching of the wise is a person from the snares of death.” “A fool spurns a parent’s fool spurns discipline, but whoever heeds “A prudence.” correction shows the “My son, do not despise because the not resent his rebuke,

Get volunteers in your group to act out the following Each of the following proverbs describes a source describes a the following proverbs Each of • • • • Because correction is such an important is a means of developing correction Because and advice to encourages us to offer correction good heart, Proverbs

 situations. (They can fill in the details of the situation as they see fit.) After these three role-plays have been performed, sources.  as a group, together Working and advice. of correction guidance can is, and explain how each source identify what can give see if group members from it. Then be received advice they’veexamples of dependable received from these learning.” of others. The last opening speech says, “Do not rebuke mockers or they rebuke mockers not “Do of others. The last opening speech says, the wise Instruct you. the wise and they will love rebuke will hate you; righteous and they will add to their and they will be wiser still; teach the idea to offer unsolicited advice to people who don’t want to hear it. But want to hear it. who don’t idea to offer unsolicited advice to people the insights they will benefit from heart, the more the better a person’s receive cautionaryreceive advice: “Whoever in the end a person will rebukes from “Wounds rather than one who has a flattering tongue.” gain favor not a good It’s a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” heading in the wrong direction is always difficult, and needs to be done direction heading in the wrong ultimately be grateful to people should with tact and good timing. But 2 think they’re someone you Telling it ourselves. as receiving others, as well

Receiving and Giving Correction 36

Character Qualities: The Fear of the Lord 39

- - Lord ” is the source ” is the source Lord person: “The fear of the wise READING ” is also the distinguishing characteristic of DISCUSSION Lord Look back over the proverbs you’ve marked or recorded marked back over the proverbs you’ve Look of all the other qualities of a who’s able to live out its moral and spiritual ideal. When it’s focusing focusing When it’s spiritual ideal. out its moral and able to live who’s The foundational quality called the “fear of the The foundational quality called the Proverbs uses two different groups of terms to describe the person the to describe of terms groups different uses two Proverbs  talk about the “wise” and “prudent” Note the ones that so far. and those who have “insight” and “knowledge,” as opposed to “fools” that describe and “mockers.” Also note the ones versus the “wicked,” “sinners,” “upright,” etc. the “righteous,” can you get from these “wayward,” etc. What further insights proverbs by knowing that they’re two talking about the same from different perspectives? kinds of people, just viewing them Take turns reading the next 50 proverbs in this collection, beginning collection, beginning in this the next 50 proverbs turns reading Take 2 but fools despise wisdom and instruc is the beginning of knowledge, “fear of the The tion.” 1 heart, it describes them shaped this person’s on the influences that have like “knowledge” as having things and “prudent,” with terms like “wise” and “mocker,” the “fool,” These terms contrast with the and “insight.” When the book is focus instruction. or reject so on—those who ignore these influences, it been shaped by who’s ing on the way a person lives contrast by and “upright,” with terms like “righteous” describes them etc. “wayward,” “sinners,” “wicked,” with those who are with “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever but whoever an offense, over covers “Whoeverwith love foster would curry “Many with ending and friends,” close separates matter the repeats Each gifts.” and everyone is the friend of one who gives with a ruler, favor sayings that particularly speak to note and share person should continue to them. SESSION 7 SESSION

.” Lord INTRODUCTION In practical terms, the reshaping of our hearts means that we develop of our hearts develop means that we practical terms, the reshaping In The power for inner change comes from the work of God’s Spirit in God’s of the work for inner change comes from The power Proverbs seeks to give us a storehouse of wisdom that will serve us a storehouse as seeks to give Proverbs Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, continued > Solomon’s Book of Proverbs hearts. But first we’ll explore a foundational quality that’s the source of all source the a foundational quality that’s explore we’ll first hearts. But of the the others: the “fear essential character qualities. In the following sessions, we’ll look at several look at several we’ll sessions, the following essential character qualities. In our of substance the become can they how discover and qualities these of take place, and to cut through the rationalizations we use to excuse our use to excuse the rationalizations we take place, and to cut through way of living. current moral correction, not “simple, easy steps to success.”) easy steps to success.”) not “simple, moral correction, change has to us where is also needed to show knowledge our hearts. But that we become people who are able to live out its moral and spiritual out its moral and able to live become people who are that we are can do this; these proverbs seen, not just anyone ideal. (As we’ve continual positive correction in our lives. This will shape our hearts This will shape our in our lives. so correction continual positive CHARACTER QUALITIES: CHARACTER THE LORD THE FEAR OF

Character Qualities: The Fear of the Lord 41 caution (prudence) trustworthiness) (honesty, dependability justice • • •

, - and Lord Lord tremble before God before tremble evil is avoided.” Proverbs Proverbs avoided.” is evil walks uprightly, but those walks uprightly, Lord Lord ? It’s a fundamental attitude of the attitude a fundamental ? It’s doesn’t dare do anything that would that anything do dare doesn’t ” and not daring to do wrong will Lord fall into trouble.” In practical terms, to practical In fall into trouble.” Lord ord L hearts

harden their harden ” would have to develop this quality in order to avoid humility self-control diligence (hard work) person: “Whoever the fears ord L In the next six sessions we’ll look at some of the other In the next six sessions we’ll look at Often “fearing as regarding God God” is explained • • • doing wrong. them. Divide your group into teams of two or three people, them. Divide your group into teams to each team, and assign one of the qualities listed below a person who “fearedhave them describe a scenario where the  encourages us to build into character qualities that Proverbs the our lives. “Fearing qualities and others like inevitably require us to cultivate these suggest that we are afraid of what God might do to us, or suggest that we are afraid of what healthy to Is it wrong. let happen to us, if we do something or why not? What other be “afraid” of God in this way? Why doing anything that would motives might a person have for not displease God?  actually being afraid of with reverence and respect, but not of not daring to do anything that’s the notion him. However, before him, seems to displeasing to God, of “trembling” What, then, is the fear of the is the fear of the What, then, righteous ity into our hearts: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the eyes; own in your not be wise ity into our hearts: “Do shun evil.” is to hate evil”; “through the fear of the of fear the “through evil”; hate to is can build this foundational qual we so that urges us to accept correction be displeasing to God. “Blessed are those who always those who are “Blessed be displeasing to God. but those who fear the “To is wrong. know anything we means not doing fear God heart.the fears who person A a in their ways.” devious him are who despise

Character Qualities: The Fear of the Lord 40

Character Qualities: Humility 43 - pride hate ”; “Haughty eyes eyes ”; “Haughty —produce sin.” sin.” —produce ” is “haughty eyes” (a ” is “haughty eyes” wisdom wicked hates

all the proud of heart. all the proud Be ,” that is, by not daring to do not daring to is, by that ,” Lord detests

Lord Lord DISCUSSION is to hate evil” and then immediately adds, “I and then is to hate evil” Lord Without naming any names or revealing any identities, can naming any names or revealing any Without What is it about pride that makes God hate it so much? What is it about pride that makes jor themes of character development. We’ve just seen that shaping just seen that We’ve of character development. jor themes and that it describes and instruction as “wise,” correction shaped by The book of Proverbs ties the quality of humility directly to its ma of humility directly ties the quality Proverbs of The book heart describes a person whose has been seen that Proverbs We’ve Pride blocks the process that’s designed to give us good hearts designed to give because that’s process blocks the Pride  listen you describe a situation where someone you know didn’t  sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” In the eighth opening speech, of this: They will not go unpunished.” sure “the the list of what the first thing on warned us about, and we experience bitter consequences. “Pride goes “Pride consequences. bitter experience we and about, us warned brings a person “Pride a fall.” destruction,haughty spirit before a before in spirit gain honor.” but the lowly low, figure for an attitude of pride). In a later speech, wisdom says that “to speech, wisdom says that In a later for an attitude of pride). figure fear the and arrogance.” 2 when it’s to “wicked”) (as opposed that same person as “righteous” The book uses the they live. of how viewing the perspective them from to warn against pride: “Whenlanguage of both perspectives pride comes, comes then comes disgrace, but with humility field of the heart—theand a proud unplowed better know think we We correction. it makes us unwilling to receive is strife, “Where there way. else and just do things our own than anyone When, out is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” there that godly fall into all the traps listen to advice, we to refuse of pride, we people could have of God-fearing friends and the wisdom of generations 1 the a good heart “fearing by begins strongest of the some using sayings, Several God. displeases that anything of One displeasing pride is to God. how show language in the book, “The says, proverbs Solomon’s SESSION 8 SESSION that sheds light on one’s that sheds light on one’s Lord READING ,” informed by wisdom and knowledge, and wisdom and knowledge, informed by ,” INTRODUCTION Lord Take turns reading the next 50 proverbs in the “signature collection” collection” in the “signature 50 proverbs the next reading turns Take In the next several sessions, we’ll look at specific character qualities look sessions, we’ll the next several In Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, continued > Solomon’s Book of Proverbs with “The human spirit is the lamp of the inmost being.” of Solomon’s proverbs, beginning with “The poor are shunned by all their shunned beginning with “The poor are proverbs, of Solomon’s them!” and ending avoid do their friends much more relatives—how it’s the opposite of pride. the it’s session with an essential quality that ultimately decides whether a person session with an essential quality that because it determines how will be wise or foolish, wicked or righteous, This is the quality of humility— correction. willing a person is to receive that the “fear of the that the “fear begin in this We’ll builds into our lives. Spirit, the Holy by empowered CHARACTER QUALITIES: HUMILITY CHARACTER

42 C haracter Q ualities to good advice because they were too proud? What happened SESSION 9 to them?

 Can you describe a situation when someone you know refused to listen to advice at first, but then humbled themselves and did what the wise counselors in their life were : H umility recommending? What happened in this situation? CHARACTER QUALITIES: SELF-CONTROL

Because pride, in the sense of arrogant self-sufficiency, is so deadly, it can’t be given any place in our lives; it has to be “mortified” (killed 3 Book of Proverbs > Solomon’s Proverbs, concluded off). One way to do this is by consistently practicing specific actions that express so much humility, pride can’t survive them. Proverbs gives examples of humble behavior like this: “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than for him to humiliate you before INTRODUCTION his nobles.” “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an In this session you’ll finish reading through the 375 proverbs in the outsider, and not your own lips.” “signature collection” of Solomon’s sayings. In the discussion, you’ll ex-  Describe what it would look like for someone today to plore another character quality of a heart that’s been shaped by wisdom: follow the advice of the two proverbs just quoted. self-control.

 What other genuinely humble actions would “mortify” Before you begin the reading and discussion, give group members pride? Choose one of them, try to put it into practice in the the opportunity to report on the experiences they’ve had since your last days ahead, and at your next session report how things went. session in “mortifying” pride.

READING Take turns reading the final 50 proverbs in this collection, beginning with “Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure,” and ending with “Those who oppress the poor to in- crease their wealth and those who give gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”

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Character Qualities: Self-control 47 What other traits or attitudes also make people more likely What other traits or attitudes also back from the brink” How can a person learn to “step and Who do you know who models good self-control you know who models Who do in their drinking. The sayings in the book come from an agricultural setting from drinking. The sayings in the book come simply an emotion; as such, it’s morally neutral, neither right nor morally neutral, neither right as such, it’s simply an emotion; Proverbs also stresses the importance the in eating and of self-control also stresses Proverbs It’s also vitally important for us to control our anger. Anger itself is also vitally important anger. our for us to control It’s  circumstances might an to lose their tempers? Under what control of their anger? ordinarily even-tempered person lose  it’snot let their anger rise to a level where bound to explode?  they’reHow do you think speech? what they able to control say so well? make people more examples of a couple of traits that gives Proverbs 3 and uncertain. limited would lead Overindulgence were resources where resources using up too many of a person’s both by to poverty, directly living: a to make needed work the hard from them distracting by and wine and oil loves will become poor; whoever pleasure “Whoever loves not join those who drink too much wine or “Do be rich.” will never tempers, we regress morally. No matter how much wisdom and maturity much how matter No morally. regress tempers, we act we in to anger, give we when under other circumstances, show we’d vent full give “Fools foolish things”; do like fools. “The quick-tempered This unleashes the destructive into our effects of anger to their rage.” angry dissension, and a hot-tempered person stirs up “An relationships: person commits many sins.” to losing their tempers: being impatient and being easily offended. prone quick-tempered the but understanding, great have patient are who “Those at once, but the prudent their annoyance show “Fools display folly”; an insult.” overlook 2 lose our we When our anger. to control for us not it is wrong But wrong. - DISCUSSION

In which of these ways have you seen a lack of self-control In which of these ways have you seen What other proverbs have you already noted that talk What other proverbs have you already Proverbs shows how important self-control is by illustrating it in illustrating important is by self-control how shows Proverbs “Those who guard of these is speech. of life. One key areas several

gossiping. (Share examples if you can—appropriately.) In (Share examples if you can—appropriately.) gossiping. which of these areas would you most like to have more self- control in your own speech?  too much; answering in speech harm relationships: talking without thinking; revealing more than is appropriate;  about self-control in speech? What do they teach us? Self-control in speech also means not blurtingalso means in speech everything out you Self-control Self-control in this area means, for one thing, not talking too much. means, for one thing, in this area Self-control After the reading, let group members share a few of their favorite few a of their favorite share members let group reading, After the worthy keep a secret.” “Gossips separate close friends.” “Without wood a separate close friends.” “Gossips worthy a secret.” keep dies down.” goes out; without a gossip a quarrel fire blurts out folly.” One of the most important One self-control ways to practice blurts folly.” out a confidence, but the trust betray not gossiping. “Gossips in speech is by know, but discerning what’s appropriate to share in any given situation. given any in share to appropriate what’s discerning but know, heart fool’s a but to themselves, prudent“The knowledge their keep before listening—that is folly and shame.” “The heart the righteous of listening—that is folly and shame.” before its answers.” weighs are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their thought wise if they keep silent, are see someone who you also means not talking too soon. “Do It tongues.” answer “To hope for a fool than for them.” is more speaks in haste? There “Those who have knowledge use words with restraint.” “Even fools “Even restraint.” with use words knowledge “Those who have 1 to those who speak rashly will come but their lips preserve their lives, ruin.” proverbs from the entire collection. the entire from proverbs

Character Qualities: Self-control 46 C haracter Q ualities gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and SESSION 10 drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Conditions are still the same in many parts of the world today. In more affluent countries, where food is abundant and affordable, eating and drinking too much doesn’t usually lead directly to poverty (but it is linked to many serious health problems). But overconsumption : S elf of goods, purchased on credit, is still the ruin of many households that - control never learn to live within their means. CHARACTER QUALITIES: DILIGENCE (HARD WORK)  Obesity has been identified as the #1 public health threat in affluent countries. The health problems associated with being overweight are actually causing these countries’ average life expectancies to go down. Why are so many people Book of Proverbs > Sayings of the Wise in these countries so overweight? (What are the spiritual dimensions of the problem?)

 In less affluent countries today, what products or activities INTRODUCTION do people spend money on that they could otherwise use to The next two collections in the book of Proverbs are “sayings of have a better standard of living? the wise.” These collections are smaller, their authors and compilers are anonymous, and many of their sayings are several lines longer than  Is it a form of gluttony to rack up so much credit card Solomon’s. Nevertheless, they continue to explain and illustrate the vi- debt on consumer purchases that you can barely afford the sion of life that’s already been developed in the opening speeches and in minimum payments? Explain. If you know someone who’s the long collection of Solomon’s proverbs. been able to pay off their credit cards after getting deeply into In this session you’ll begin reading the “sayings of the wise.” In the debt, share their story. discussion, you’ll consider the character quality of diligence, or hard work. This quality is illustrated in the book of Proverbs by the contrast  In what other areas of life is it important to exercise self- between the “diligent” person, who works hard and persistently, and the control? “sluggard” or lazy person, who avoids work and is always looking for an easy way out.

READING Take turns reading the first 20 “sayings of the wise.” The first is several lines long and begins, “Pay attention and turn your ear to the

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Character Qualities: Diligence (Hard Work) 51 - work so they can meet their needs, and some of their and some of their can meet their needs, so they work bury are in the dish and their hands “sluggards wants. But This is an to their mouths.” bring them back too lazy to even aren’t “sluggards” but it illustrates how overstatement, basic needs. own to meet their motivated always trying elaborate to get rich quick through They’re involve off because these don’t pay schemes that never their anything. “Those who work produce to hard working food, but those who chase fanta abundant land will have brings a work “All hard of poverty.” their fill sies will have talk leads only to poverty.” but mere profit, Reword each of the proverbs just quoted to bring it out of each Reword Have group members work in pairs to write short Have group members overstated parody, Proverbs also promises valuable rewards to the rewards valuable also promises Proverbs parody, overstated In addition to warning against the sluggard, sometimes through sometimes through addition to warning against the sluggard, In  and peasants—into your its ancient context—a world of kings own culture. How would we express the same assurances of prosperity and promotion today? •  dialogues, set in today’s these world, that illustrate one of dialogue should take characteristics of the “sluggard.” The person. Have each place between a sluggard and a diligent once it’spair read their dialogue for the group written (or act it out improvisationally). 2 but diligent hands diligent. “Lazy hands make for poverty, person who’s hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced “Diligent bring wealth.” of the diligent filled, but the desires appetite is never sluggard’s “A labor.” skilled [diligent] in their you see those who are “Do fully satisfied.” are They will serve kings; they will not serve officials of work? before before rank.” low , these sayings are set apart each from , these sayings are DISCUSSION

the riches of the hunt.” for work. by the usual incentives not motivated They’re for them; their works appetite of laborers “the Ordinarily, people at least other words, In them on.” hunger drives And there’s no talking them out of it. “Sluggards are wiser are out of it. “Sluggards no talking them And there’s discreetly.” people who answer than seven eyes in their own in plow do not the moment. “Sluggards seize They don’t season; so at harvest look but find nothing.” time they roast any game, but the diligent feed on “The lazy do not “Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and will grow sleep or you not love “Do food to spare.” will have you often an outrageous one, for an excuse, They always have I’ll a lion outside! says, ‘There’s “The sluggard not working. (if I trybe killed in the public square!’” to go out to work). They don’t like to get out of bed. “As a door turns on its like to get out of bed. They don’t attached!) (They’re bed.” turns on the hinges, so a sluggard The Books of The Bible The Books of The person who will never amount to anything because they don’t work work amount to anything because they don’t person who will never The book of Proverbs paints a vivid portrait of the “sluggard,” the “sluggard,” paints a vivid portrait of the Proverbs The book of

• • • • (In (In

hard to reach their goals. Some of the distinguishing characteristics of the of the distinguishing characteristics their goals. Some to reach hard an agricultural setting) are: (once again illustrated in sluggard 1 20. There’s a lot of thematic continuity between these sayings, so there’s so there’s these sayings, between continuity lot of thematic a 20. There’s than one of them at a time.) more no harm in reading these, stop when the subject changes; leave a brief pause before the next a brief pause before subject changes; leave these, stop when the to come out exactly to get the total worry don’t if you begins. Don’t reader another by a little extra white space. In many other editions of the Bible, Bible, many other editions of the white space. In a little extra another by like indications have doesn’t Bible your headings. If numbered they have talk about making trouble.” Continue to note and share the sayings that the sayings and share Continue to note making trouble.” talk about speak particularly to you. sayings of the wise”; the twentieth says, “Do not envy the wicked, do the wicked, do not envy says, “Do twentieth the the wise”; sayings of for their hearts their company; and their lips plot violence, not desire

Character Qualities: Diligence (Hard Work) 50 C haracter Q ualities  How does diligence reflect the “fear of the Lord”? In other SESSION 11 words, why is it displeasing to God if we don’t work hard to reach our goals and fulfill our dreams?

 Is it possible for a person to be too “diligent,” in other

: D iligence (H ard W ork ) words, to work too hard? How does a person know when they’ve worked “enough”? What’s the difference between CHARACTER QUALITIES: DEPENDABILITY doing excellent, skilled work and trying to do everything perfectly?

Book of Proverbs > Sayings of the Wise, continued Book of Proverbs > More Sayings of the Wise

INTRODUCTION In this session you’ll read the rest of the “sayings of the wise,” and also explore another characteristic of the heart that’s shaped by the fear of the Lord. Proverbs speaks in many places of qualities like honesty, integrity, loyalty, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. All of these can be summed up by the term “dependability.” A dependable person can be counted on to do and say what they’re supposed to, at the right time and in the right way.

READING Take turns reading the last 10 sayings in the first collection of “sayings of the wise,” and the 5 sayings in the short collection that follows. Begin with, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures,” and end with the warning against being a “sluggard” that concludes, “poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”

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Character Qualities: Dependability 55 detests lying lips, but he delights in delights he but lips, lying detests Lord “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a loves at all times, and a brother is friend “A time of adversity.” who betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone gossip “A talks too much.” can be trusted, but an enemy from a friend “Wounds multiplies kisses.” and incense bring joy to the heart, and the “Perfume their heartfelt pleasantness of a friend springs from advice.” Describe a time when a friend stood by you when you Describe a time when a friend stood to do some work on your about to hire a contractor You’re Read each of the following proverbs and explain in your each of the following Read • • • • to tell the truth. Proverbs draws a contrast between being loyal/ draws a contrast between to tell the truth. Proverbs count on to stand by them with help and good advice when they help and good them with to stand by count on Being dependable also means that other people can count on you dependable also means that other people can count on you Being Another aspect of dependability is being someone your friends can your is being someone of dependability Another aspect  really needed them to.  and you like the work house. He has excellent references, drawing up he’s done on some other houses. But as you’re an agreement with him, you catch him in a lie. Are you still comfortable having him do the work for you?  they’re of a dependable friend own words what characteristic describing: 3 better trustworthy “Whatlies: loyalty; is telling and person a in desired is “The liar.” a than poor be to trustworthy.” people who are 2 to ruin, friends soon comes but there who has unreliable “One need you. than a brother.” who sticks closer is a friend - - DISCUSSION

Reword this proverb using modern-day Reword examples: “Those Think of an important task you were entrusted with that you Think of an important task you were Share an experience, if you’ve had one recently, when had one recently, Share an experience, if you’ve In several places Proverbs uses the figure of the “messenger” to “messenger” the of the figure uses Proverbs places several In had no Israel Ancient the importanceillustrate of dependability.

who guard a fig tree will eat its fruit, and those who protect their masters will be honored.” fulfilled successfully. What obstacles did you have to overcome What obstacles did you have to overcome fulfilled successfully. a time when you felt like giving there ever to complete it? Was up? How were you able to keep going?  the deadline.) What caused this person to fail in their the deadline.) What caused this person of information? Not taking responsibility: Carelessness? Lack things seriously? Something else?   they were entrusted someone failed to fulfill the responsibilities example, someone misplaced (For with on your behalf. approved because it missed your application and it wasn’t to fulfill a specific task. him.” “To send a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s of a fool is like cutting off one’s the hands send a message by “To him.” Israel of the messenger in ancient The figure feet or drinking poison.” trusted someone else by in our world today who’s to anyone corresponds reliable the messenger was: “Like a snow-cooled drink at harvestat drink time snow-cooled a “Like was: messenger the reliable is a trustworthy[the heat of the summer] messenger to the one who sends regular duties they couldn’t leave, messengers were often casual labor often casual were messengers leave, duties they couldn’t regular for the specific task of carryingers, hired information and transacting depended on how of those who sent them. Much business on behalf vices. When people needed to conduct business at a distance, they had they distance, a at business conduct to needed people When vices. family and servants typically had Since a “messenger.” to do it through 1 postal or delivery no regular ser were there or internet, and telephones

Character Qualities: Dependability 54 C haracter Q ualities (In this session, we’ve only been able to look at a few aspects of the SESSION 12 related qualities that make up dependability: honesty, integrity, loyalty, trustworthiness, etc. As you’ve read through Proverbs, if you’ve noted other sayings that talk about this quality, share them with the group and discuss how they fill out the picture here.) : D ependability CHARACTER QUALITIES: CAUTION (PRUDENCE)

Book of Proverbs > Hezekiah’s Collection, Part 1

INTRODUCTION There’s a second collection of Solomon’s sayings in the book of Proverbs. They were collected by “the men of Hezekiah king of Judah” about 250 years after Solomon lived. This shows how proverbs were passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation before being recorded in writing. As a tribute to this later king who valued Solomon’s wisdom, the collection contains 130 proverbs, which reflects the numerical value of the Hebrew letters in Hezekiah’s name. This collection has two parts. The first 75 sayings show us another side of Solomon as a creator and collector of proverbs. These are often several lines long, and many of them develop figures of speech (“like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land”). The last 55 proverbs in this collection are two-line sayings that describe the righteous and the wicked. In this session, you’ll start reading the first part of this “Hezekiah collection.” In the discussion, you’ll consider another character quality that the “fear of the Lord” builds into a person’s heart: caution. This is often spoken of as “prudence” in Proverbs. It doesn’t mean being hesitant to

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Character Qualities: Caution (Prudence) 59 ) “is cautious in friendship.” Prudent people Prudent ) “is cautious in friendship.” Lord Not assuming you can handle anything that comes up can handle anything that comes Not assuming you information first. information all by yourself. Making sure you’re not exposed to unnecessary risks. to unnecessary not exposed you’re Making sure verifying it. told without everything you’re Not believing Not acting on desires without having the necessary having the necessary on desires without Not acting

Name a person you’ve been close to whose influence Name a person you’ve Have you had an experience where a prudent person experience where a prudent person Have you had an b. c. d. e. finances. “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; your fields and get in order outdoor work your finances. “Put being prudent. “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the being prudent. “The righteous choose their friends carefully, Proverbs also describes a particular way of being prudent in our Proverbs Relationships are an area of life where Proverbs particularly stresses particularlystresses Proverbs life where of an area are Relationships  What grateful for. you’re has shaped your character in a way person well? (This could made you want to get to know this choose our we can’t be a relative as well as a friend: While we become close to.) relatives, we can choose which ones  from a threat or danger you couldn’t helped protect you it with the group. foresee? If so, share 3 the condition of your know you sure “Be house.” after that, build your provide . . . The lambs will your herds. attention to careful flocks, give milk to feed your of goats’ plenty will have with clothing, and . . . you you an ancient agrarian sayings from (to apply these other words In family.” 2 This saying can be translated more way of the wicked leads them astray.” (meaning someone whose life is shaped righteous person” “A literally, the fear of the by hearts and and lives, will shape their own that their friendships recognize friends will have consider what kind of influence potential they carefully associate do not not make friends with the hot-tempered, on them. “Do may learn their ways and get or you easily angered, with those who are ensnared.” yourself - - and shun evil, Lord READING DISCUSSION yourself. Looking over situations more carefully before committing over situations more carefully before Looking

In which of the following ways would you like to be more a. Proverbs tells us that the cautious person examines a situation Proverbs committing to a considering all of the intangibles, before carefully,

having been more prudent in this way would have helped you.)  free to, an experience where prudent? Why? (Share, if you’re Prudence is opposed to haste, which is not taking the time to plan is opposed to haste, which is not taking the time Prudence Take turns reading the first 40 proverbs in this collection, beginning the first 40 proverbs turns reading Take comes up, I know I can handle it.” “The wise fear the it.” I can handle I know comes up, feels secure.” and yet but a fool is hotheaded [impetuous] simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” anything, but the prudent thought to their steps.” simple believe give the attitude that says, “Whatever of presumption, also the opposite It’s ahead, verify the facts, and think things through. “Desire without knowl “Desire the facts, and think things through. ahead, verify “The way.” the miss feet hasty will more much good—how not is edge up badly. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep “The prudent see danger and take up badly. going and pay the penalty.” whole world, prudent people recognize that much in any situation will that much in any situation whole world, prudent people recognize not exposed to un they’re so they make sure their control, be beyond shaping necessary when to get out of a situation that’s risks. They know course of action. “The wisdom of the prudentcourse of action. “The wisdom of the thought to their is to give the over sovereignty his acknowledge and God they fear Because ways.” 1 with “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is out a gloryis the search to a matter; conceal to God of “It with one who grabs a stray dog by and ending with, “Like the glory of kings” not their own.” who rushesthe ears is someone into a quarrel take decisive steps in life. (That’s a characteristic of the sluggard instead.) instead.) sluggard characteristic of the a steps in life. (That’s take decisive leap. you before looking caution or prudence foresight: means Rather,

Character Qualities: Caution (Prudence) 58 C haracter Q ualities culture to ourselves today), first make sure that you have a dependable SESSION 13 source of income, and then take on only those expenses it enables you to afford.  Does your society encourage people to be “prudent” like this with their finances? If you or someone you know follows

: C aution (P rudence ) specific financial practices and disciplines that you feel are “prudent,” describe what they are. CHARACTER QUALITIES: JUSTICE

Book of Proverbs > Hezekiah’s Collection, Part 1, continued

INTRODUCTION So far we’ve looked at several of the character qualities that Proverbs encourages us to build into our lives. The book promises that, everything else being equal, if we cultivate qualities like self-control, hard work, dependability, and prudence, our efforts will succeed, and we’ll be pros- perous and happy. But Proverbs knows only too well that everything else is not equal. It notes that the world is full of wicked people who exploit and oppress others, depriving them of the fruit of their labors. “There are those . . . whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humankind.” “An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.” So is there any point trying to live in the right way, if the wicked are just going to seize everything? Why suffer with the innocent when you could prosper with the ruthless? Knowing that people will ask these questions, Proverbs emphasizes repeatedly that God is on the side of justice, not the side of injustice. God will defend the poor and defeat the wicked: “Do not exploit the poor

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Character Qualities: Justice 63 them both.” God is on the God them both.” detests

; all the weights in the bag are of his in the bag are ; all the weights dishonest scales, but accurate weights dishonest scales, but accurate weights Lord Lord detests

Lord Giving generously, without sparing Giving generously, honor of God Giving in of from other proverbs aware you’re Other aspects find favor with him.” “Differing weights and differing “Differing with him.” find favor measures—the Using lighter weights and smaller measures to give the poor to give and smaller measures lighter weights Using if that even worth in trade, knowing less than their money’s fight back. being cheated, they can’t they’re they recognize veryThe book uses language to oppose this practice: strong “The scales and balances side of justice in this matter: “Honest belong to the making.” boundary people of their land: to deprive stones Moving an ancient boundary your stone set up by move not “Do is on the side of justice: “The again, God Once ancestors.” What organizations do you know that are effectively and do you know that are effectively What organizations • • • practice justice in our own personal dealings with others. This personal dealings practice justice in our own Another essential aspect of fighting injustice in the world is to Another essential aspect of fighting • • What’s one step you’d like to take to practice more generosity practice more generosity like to take to What’s one step you’d and compassion?  the poor in your community and around reliably helping the and shelter, clothing, such as food, water, world with needs one or person a chance to describe medicine? Give each they’retwo organizations and share in supporting, confident current in the group can help with their about ways that others had the opportunity to projects and initiatives. If anyone has work on the field, let them tell about visit an organization’s what they saw. 2 warns Proverbs of the powerless. means not cheating or taking advantage practices of its time: dishonest and exploitive specifically against several

Lord READING DISCUSSION ,” and God will bless it. “Whoever the and God oppresses ,” Lord Being kind to the needy

Silently consider how well you’re living out these aspects of Silently consider how well you’re • To work against injustice in the world, Proverbs stresses, first of stresses, against injustice in the world, Proverbs work To to giving freely the poor, and compassion to generosity all, show

 this character quality: Take turns reading the next 35 proverbs in this collection. Begin with in this collection. Begin 35 proverbs the next reading turns Take You’ll also continue reading Hezekiah’s collection of sayings, which collection of Hezekiah’s also continue reading You’ll their food with the poor.” of the “fear of the of the “fear is kind to the needy but whoever contempt for their Maker, poor shows they share for be blessed, themselves will “The generous God.” honors help meet their needs. “Blessed are those who are kind to the needy.” kind to the needy.” those who are are help meet their needs. “Blessed is an expression This generosity without sparing.” “The righteous give 1 milk to feed your family and to nourish your women servants.” Continue servants.” women your and to nourish family your milk to feed the sayings that speak particularlydiscuss and to you, to note and share unclear. that are any proverbs group in your neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’” and end with the challenge to neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’” plenty of goats’ will have concludes, flocks that “You of one’s take care “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives a deceives who is one death of arrows flaming shooting maniac a “Like continues to speak to the many different topics addressed in the book as topics addressed to the many different continues to speak a whole. explore some of the ways Proverbs shows us we can be part of God’s work work part can be us we God’s of shows some of the ways Proverbs explore of justice in the world. mark of godliness is to join in this work: “The righteous care about justice about justice care “The righteous work: is to join in this of godliness mark we’ll this session In no such concern.” have but the wicked for the poor, because they are poor and do not crush not do and court,poor in needy the the for are they because a distinguishing So life.” will exact life for up their case and will take

Character Qualities: Justice 62

Character Qualities: Justice 65 ” can help ensure ord L Where in the world today do we see societies destabilized do we see societies the world today Where in all-powerful, today no longer have a single, countries Many  hang on to because their rulers are trying to and disintegrating power through corruption?  power is divided up among various Instead, leader-for-life. keep and elections and term limits branches of government, situation, in office. In this more complex people from staying on the collective efforts of all justice depends society-wide What are some ruler. citizens, not just the character of the specific ways that those who “fear the justice throughout their societies today? judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.” “By “By forever.” established be will throne his fairness, with poor the judges for bribes greedy who are but those a country gives justice a king stability, tear it down.” - tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the but house of the proud, the tears down

Lord boundary stones in place.” widow’s those curse “People limiting supply: by prices up Driving on those blessing pray God’s grain, but they who hoard willing to sell.” who are Today we live in a truly globalized economy, so that the we live in a truly globalized economy, Today In your own society, what are some of the ways that one what are some of the ways In your own society, In addition to compassion for the needy and fair dealing between fair dealing between addition to compassion for the needy and In the need for society-wide justice. The stresses individuals, Proverbs

The sayings in the book of Proverbs were created and collected at a created were Proverbs The sayings in the book of interact with them face to face. If you or a group you belong to interact with them face to face. If you to promote greater (such as your church) is doing something and use, tell the group justice through what you purchase about it. If not, who advocates for those who can’t? If not, who advocates  and use resources affect the choices we make to buy products world, even if we never lives of people in other parts of the  (For cheat or exploit another person? person might try to What back the odometer on a used car.) example, by turning to people who think they’veremedies are available been effectively? use these remedies equally cheated? Can everyone • long, stable reigns. “Remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, king’s the from officials wicked “Remove reigns. stable long, king a “If righteousness.” through established be will throne his and cial authorities in the land. Solomon and Hezekiah, as kings, maintained and Hezekiah, cial authorities in the land. Solomon contain proverbs of collections their and realms, own their in justice kings to do right so they could have many admonitions for their fellow time when countries were ruled by kings who were also the highest judi ruled kings who were by time when countries were and enforced by those in power. When a country is run wicked and by those in power. by and enforced long-term is there corrupt when justice prevails, people, it falls apart. But stability. 3 obeyed honest standards, fair and by society needs to be governed entire

Character Qualities: Justice 64

Warnings Against Drunkenness and Sexual Immorality 67 READING DISCUSSION drunk. “Wine is led astray is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever One of the things that Proverbs warns can “sink the ship” is getting the ship” warns can “sink of the things that Proverbs One Finish reading the “proverbs of Solomon compiled by the men of by compiled of Solomon the “proverbs reading Finish partsecond the in out collection this of proverb opening the Read ending with that follow, reading the 26 proverbs Then take turns “Whentogether: the wicked rise proverb middle the read a group, As seek an ending with “Many 26 proverbs, the next reading turns Take detest “The righteous aloud together: proverb the last read Finally, explored in our last session, “It is not for kings to drink wine, not for is not for kings to drink wine, not in our last session, “It explored lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, rulers beer, to crave drunkenness Chronic also rights.” their of oppressed the all deprive and not join those who drink and health. “Do productivity a person’s destroys and drowsiness . . . become poor, too much wine . . . for drunkards the righteous are as bold as a lion.” the righteous are who close their poor will lack nothing, but those to the “Those who give many curses.” to them receive eyes . .” . to power audience with a ruler . . .” the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.” 1 when it sparkles at wine when it is red, not gaze “Do is not wise.” them by the end it bites like a snake smoothly! In down when it goes in the cup, had too much to drink is not person who’s A and poisons like a viper.” can easily be led astray into unwise in command of their senses. They for justice we example, in light of the concern and unjust actions. For Hezekiah.” The last 55 proverbs in this collection are two-line sayings two-line are in this collection 55 proverbs The last Hezekiah.” of last and middle, first, The wicked. the and righteous the describe that the two. contrast between a direct these sayings draw but pursues, one no though flee wicked “The group: a as together loud - - ” To ” To Lord. SESSION 14 SESSION .” Proverbs has much more to say about has much more Proverbs .” Lord INTRODUCTION In the next two sessions we’ll conclude our consideration of Proverbs conclude our consideration of Proverbs the next two sessions we’ll In Over the past few sessions we’ve looked at several character qualities at several looked the past few Over sessions we’ve Book of Proverbs > Hezekiah’s Collection, Part 2 Collection, Part > Hezekiah’s Book of Proverbs that might sink the ship. ment, Proverbs sounds clear warnings about these traps. Yes, you have to have you Yes, sounds clear warnings about these traps. ment, Proverbs out for anything to watch chart also have the right course in life, but you if we’re inexperienced and not yet trained in wisdom. They can can They wisdom. in trained our ruin yet not and inexperienced we’re if of the in the “fear the chance to live have ever we before lives develop the path of character can follow and preserve us so we protect by looking at the warnings it gives about several traps that people com people that traps several about gives it warnings the at looking by make to easy are that mistakes serious are These life. in into fall monly introduction to the book will encourage you to revisit its sayings over over its sayings to revisit to the book will encourage you introduction ahead. again in the years and over these qualities and others like them, but it’s not possible to consider all but it’s these qualities and others like them, this wisdom within this shortof its extensive guide. Hopefully study that reflect the “fear of the the that reflect WARNINGS AGAINST DRUNKENNESS AND DRUNKENNESS AGAINST WARNINGS IMMORALITY SEXUAL

Warnings Against Drunkenness and Sexual Immorality 69 .” The adulterous woman “has left the partner the left “has woman her of adulterous The .” Lord Give some recent examples of well-known, successful examples of well-known, successful Give some recent people’s lives of other What are the destructive effects on forms of sexual immorality that are more common in our day forms of sexual immorality that are such as premarital sex than they were in the time of Proverbs, keep from getting caught and pornography? How can people up in these activities? However, this doesn’t mean that Proverbs depicts women as entirely entirely depicts women as mean that Proverbs this doesn’t However, of the is an expression only within marriage sexual relations Having  had publicly disgraced because they people who’ve been What did this cost them? sexual relations outside of marriage. to lose risk it all by having Why do people who have so much these affairs?  youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. . . . None who go . . . None God. she made before the covenant and ignored youth paths of life.” to her . . . attain the to blame for sexual immorality. There are other warnings throughout warnings throughout other are There for sexual immorality. to blame lust in not “Do and desires: eyes own their for men to control the book told are Men of the adulteress). (speaking heartyour beauty” after her in the wife of your “Rejoice marriage vows: own to be faithful to their with her love.” be intoxicated ever . . . may you youth the of “fear

Do you know anyone who’s become addicted to drugs or who’s become addicted to drugs Do you know anyone What kinds of life-ruining What kinds can a person make mistakes Another warning that Proverbs sounds very clearly is against sexual Another warning that Proverbs primarily took this was written, the book the time At immorality.

The opening speeches in the book offer several extended warnings offer several The opening speeches in the book  work? this affected their relationships and alcohol? How has and get to recognize their need for help, Have they been able to their ongoing recovery? it? If so, what are some of the keys personally? Have you been able to help them consequences are so serious, why do people still use drugs so serious, why do people still use consequences are give up What can help a person and alcohol recreationally? this behavior?  so occasionally if they only do drunk or high, even who gets If the potential an alcoholic or drug addict? and aren’t “Jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he no mercy and he will show fury, husband’s a arouses “Jealousy takes revenge.” will lead to being “taken” for a lot of money or to being punished severely for a lot of money or to being punished severely will lead to being “taken” of her house . . . lest not go near the door a jealous husband. “Do by the house of another.” toil enrich and your wealth strangers feast on your against adultery. Because they are addressed from fathers to sons, they from addressed they are Because against adultery. This, they warn, woman.” a “wayward caution against being seduced by money, and gifts. “Adultery” in this case was only a step removed from from in this case was only a step removed and gifts. “Adultery” money, prostitution. sex was not common. But, as the warnings in the book show, some young some young the book show, as the warnings in sex was not common. But, them adventure, who would give married women tried to attract lovers man (married or single) and someone else’s wife. In ancient Israel, young young ancient Israel, wife. In else’s man (married or single) and someone able to the age of 14, as soon as they were around married women were premarital homes. So in their father’s then, they lived Until children. have 2 a between sexual relations meaning in this culture the form of adultery, clothes them in rags.” (If Proverbs were written today, it would also warn it written today, were Proverbs (If in rags.” clothes them high on drugs,against getting effects.) this has these same since

Warnings Against Drunkenness and Sexual Immorality 68

Warnings Against Gangs and Putting Up Security 71 DISCUSSION How active are gangs where you live? How organized are How active are gangs where you adultery, they also caution at length against becoming part against at length also caution they of gangs. adultery, Just as the opening speeches offer several long warnings against as the opening speeches offer several Just  or local branches of they: are they loose, informal groups teenagers not sure, check with some national gangs? (If you’re into a formal or informal What draws a person you know.) to people who get gang? What kinds of things happen involved in gangs that can destroy their futures? What are the most effective ways of encouraging people not to join gangs, or to leave them if they have joined? Then have one person read the first part of the “sayings of King the first partread of the one person Then have criminal activity, through attraction of these gangs is that, strong One In fact, this is the very first specific topic addressed in the book: “If sinful book: in the the veryis fact, this addressed topic specific first In us; ‘Come along with they say, in to them. If give do not men entice you, with son, do not go along blood . . .’—my lie in wait for innocent let’s extend the warning: Later speeches on their paths.” them, do not set foot left . . . who have the ways of wicked men from “Wisdom you will save ways.” the straight paths to walk in dark than they could get honestly. wealth members can quickly get a lot more will get all sortsvaluable of sense of belonging. They also get a strong “We “we recruiters promise, the gang things and fill our houses with plunder,” members will also be expected to support the But the loot.” will all share violence. as through as well “takings,” future gang with all of their own own warns, that they may ultimately pay with their Proverbs likely, It’s go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the paths of all who are “Such lives: the life of those who get it.” Lemuel,” up to “defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Have another another Have needy.” and poor the of rights the “defend to up Lemuel,” noble character.” wife of of “a the description person read 1 - -

SESSION 15 SESSION

READING INTRODUCTION Take turns reading the sayings of Agur. the sayings of Agur. turns reading Take In this session we’ll finish reading through the book, and also con the book, reading through finish this session we’ll In The book of Proverbs concludes with two short of sayings collections Proverbs The book of Book of Proverbs > Sayings of Agur Book of Proverbs of King Lemuel Book of Proverbs > Sayings clude our thematic consideration by looking at two more warnings it looking at two more clude our thematic consideration by about common traps that people fall into. gives pendent composition, a poem whose 22 lines begin with the consecutive the consecutive begin with lines whose 22 poem a composition, pendent alphabet.) letters of the Hebrew the rest of the book. (The description of “a wife of noble character” at “a wife of noble character” of the book. (The description of the rest an inde It’s another writer. the very yet from end of the book may come by men named Agur and Lemuel. We don’t know anything else about know don’t We men named Agur and Lemuel. by the in lived life a for vision, common a shared they clear it’s but them, collected in whose sayings are and the “wise” with Solomon fear of God, WARNINGS AGAINST GANGS AND GANGS AND AGAINST WARNINGS SECURITY PUTTING UP

Warnings Against Gangs and Putting Up Security 73 - Lord” Common traps in life that can “sink the ship” before our before the ship” Common traps in life that can “sink shaped hearts are The “heart” as the core of being as the core The “heart” in our words, is expressed “heart” in our The way what’s and reputation relationships, use of money, in our heart out into these draw what’s The principles that and God’s justice, God’s “return,” of life: pleasure, spheres sovereignty giving by way” our hearts can be shaped the “easier How correction and receiving The character qualities of a good heart, in the rooted all of the “fear Give everyone in the group the chance to share two or Give everyone in the group the chance considered its major themes: considered You’ve now read all the way through the book of Proverbs, and also and also book of Proverbs, the the way through all read now You’ve  three main things they’ve Proverbs, gotten out of this study of and what they’ve life. learned about themselves and about another bibli and discussing reading begin the next session, you’ll In • potential returns? If so, what safeguards can a person put in a person put in safeguards can returns? If so, what potential losses? protect against excessive place to • • • • • cal book in the wisdom tradition, Ecclesiastes. It’s similar to Proverbs in to Proverbs similar It’s wisdom tradition, Ecclesiastes. cal book in the style, and it speaks from written in a slightly different many ways, but it’s on this earth. well to live a complementary how about perspective 3

The basic principle behind the warning against putting up The basic principle behind the warning A charitable organization that your mother has long A charitable organization that your Another repeated warning in the book of Proverbs is against putting is the book of Proverbs warning in Another repeated Ancient particularly for another person, up security for a stranger.

do we do this in our world today? Do you know anyone who’s been ruined financially because they risked too much of this kind of exposure? Is a certain amount of risk justified by  put our finances at risk by making security is that we shouldn’t know and we don’t them vulnerable to the actions of people control. In what other ways, besides co-signing loans, can’t defaults, the bank can collect the entire debt from all of them defaults, the bank can collect the entire mother has been or from any one of them. Your together, asked to co-sign,asks your advice about what to do. and she What do you tell her? supported wants to acquire some property and build a supported wants to acquire some Because most of its income is from voluntary new building. donations, the bank that’s asks it to have offering a mortgage a number of its supporters co-sign will be the loan. The signers that if the organization “jointly and severally liable,” meaning  Proverbs warns that it’s foolish and risky to do this for someone you and risky to do this for someone you foolish warns that it’s Proverbs who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the security for debts; if you who shakes hands in pledge or puts up very under you.” your bed will be snatched from means to pay, don’t know: “Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, “Whoever suffer, up security for a stranger will surely know: puts don’t one not be “Do is safe.” in pledge to shake hands refuses but whoever resources to back the debt. (The modern equivalent is co-signing a loan equivalent to back the debt. (The modern resources for another person.) the confidence of the lender had to get the backing of someone in the the lender had to get the backing the confidence of defaulted. they if the obligation meet to agree would who community own pledge their shake hands with the lender to This person would Israel did not have an extensive system of financing and credit such as we such as and credit system of financing an extensive did not have Israel have but didn’t a financial obligation who incurred A person today. have 2

Warnings Against Gangs and Putting Up Security 72 ECCLESIASTES SESSION 16

EXPERIENCING THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES AS A WHOLE

Book of Ecclesiastes (Overview)

INTRODUCTION Read this introduction aloud in your group and give people a chance to ask questions about it before reading through Ecclesiastes together.

Ecclesiastes is another book in the Bible that comes from the wisdom tradition. It has many similarities to Proverbs: It presents short sayings that are the distilled wisdom of experience, and it considers the wise and foolish ways of life in order to advise how best to live in this world. But there’s a significant difference: while Proverbs contains collections of sayings that are meant to be engaged one at a time, Ecclesiastes is a single extended discourse with individual sayings woven into it. So it’s appropriate to begin our consideration of Ecclesiastes by experiencing it all at once, which we’ll do in this session. Because the author of Ecclesiastes is called the “son of David, king in Jerusalem,” he’s often identified with Solomon. However, within the book, he prefers to be known simply as “the Teacher.” He’s given this title at the beginning and the end of the book. Many interpreters understand it to mean that he was someone who addressed an assembly, or

Experiencing the Book of Ecclesiastes as a Whole 79 - - - - .) It’s .) It’s hebel hebel refers to anything refers ,” is an accidental ,” hebel . (It occurs 37 times in the . (It is to be praised.” In one place In is to be praised.” hebel Lord all your meaningless days all your .” When used more figuratively, figuratively, When used more .” vapor ; but a woman who fears the —equaling the numerical value of the letters in the word of the letters in the word value —equaling the numerical * As you listen to Ecclesiastes, you’ll frequently hear the word “mean hear the word frequently you’ll listen to Ecclesiastes, As you Ecclesiastes is looking specifically at what happens “under the sun,” sun,” the “under happens what at specifically looking is Ecclesiastes fleeting book of this conclusion in the sessions ahead. While this larger “reflection” larger “reflection” While this ahead. in the sessions of this conclusion is neverthe book, the discourse for the a loose structure pattern provides poetry between rambling, alternating almost repetitive, less intentionally life, of description book’s the mirror to designed is form This prose. and “round the wind that goes its opening speech by in which it symbolizes on its course.” returning ever and round, term the Hebrew translating ingless,” lenge people who are living only for this life. It exposes how temporary exposes how living only for this life. It lenge people who are the days of this meaningless life “all that a 38th occurrence, agree interpreters * Most under the sun— you has given that God not found in many early Greek It’s during the copying process. duplication that arose of the book. and Aramaic versions important to understand how this term is being used. It doesn’t indicate doesn’t term is being used. It this important to understand how and of life being absurd in the modern, existential sense “meaningless” this to it. Rather, bring we what than purpose other or sense having no precarious, describes something that is fleeting, temporary, word Hebrew as the mist that such or “vapor,” means a “mist” literally and uncertain. It off in the sun. The word appears in the morning and quickly burns fortune a lying tongue made by “A is used in this literal sense in Proverbs: is a fleeting and beauty deceptive, says, “Charm is last, as when Proverbs that doesn’t is meaning: specific this have to appears the term itself, Ecclesiastes within and . . . for youth young are be happy while you young, who are “You uncertain is something if won’t or inference, by But [fleeting].” are vigor sense of meaning in life, and this is the source be a reliable last, it can’t hear when you So in Ecclesiastes. in which the term is most often used a reli “not this to indicate something that’s understand “meaningless,” of enduring meaning.” able source to chal in order deliberately limits its perspective that is, on this earth. It - Better one handful with tranquillity than two Better I saw that all toil and all achievement spring I saw that all toil and all achievement fold their hands and ruin themselves. Fools from one person’s envy of another. This too is envy of another. one person’s from meaningless, a chasing after the wind. wind. handfuls with toil and chasing after the .)

Qoholeth ) is derived from the Hebrew word for an assembly or gathering an assembly or for word the Hebrew from ) is derived ). (The name of the book, Ecclesiastes, is a Greek translation of this of translation Greek a is Ecclesiastes, book, the of name (The ). As the discourse unfolds, the shorter (minor) reflections in As the discourse unfolds, the shorter (minor) reflections In other words, reflecting on his observation, the Teacher considers on his observation, reflecting the other words, In Observation Consideration Conclusion While Ecclesiastes contains proverbs and poems, it’s largely made it’s and poems, proverbs contains While Ecclesiastes Qoholeth qahal these leads to the same overall conclusion, which is repeated seven times seven conclusion, which is repeated these leads to the same overall for people than to eat is nothing better in the course of the book: “there the meaning explore We’ll and drink and find satisfaction in their toil.” Ecclesiastes are gathered up to form longer (major) reflections. Each of up to form longer (major) reflections. gathered are Ecclesiastes distinguishing feature of Ecclesiastes: Sayings may be matched against Sayings of Ecclesiastes: distinguishing feature as we’ve Proverbs, In perspective. a well-rounded one another to provide own.) noted, sayings usually stand on their on. But he concludes that they shouldn’t work so hard, out of envy— so hard, work he concludes that they shouldn’t on. But (This example illustrates another striving. restless just are that their lives that if people don’t do at least some work, they won’t have enough to live enough to live have won’t they do at least some work, that if people don’t conclusion.) Here’s a brief example of one of the book’s “reflections.” In “reflections.” a brief example of one of the book’s conclusion.) Here’s consist of single proverbs: it, both the consideration and the conclusion conclusions often express judgments: “it is good to . . .” or “better is this or “better is “it is good to . . .” judgments: conclusions often express but this systematically, proceed don’t reflections (Some . . . than that.” of observation, these same elements they still present and consideration, sidering it from various perspectives. In the process, proverbs may be may proverbs process, the In perspectives. various from it sidering a conclusion is drawn; these Finally, insights. different quoted to bring in up of a series of “reflections.” The reflection is an approach to wisdom to wisdom an approach is reflection The “reflections.” of series a of up making an observation begins by teaching that typically and then con ( title Hebrew gathered people together to hear his wisdom, because this title “Teacher” because this title “Teacher” hear his wisdom, people together to gathered (

Experiencing the Book of Ecclesiastes as a Whole 78

Experiencing the Book of Ecclesiastes as a Whole 81 DISCUSSION Had you ever read Ecclesiastes before? If so, how was before? If ever read Ecclesiastes Had you favorite parts of the book? What sayings What were your discovered in this session, how Based on what you’ve  through? If different this time of the book your experience what were your first never heard Ecclesiastes before, you’d impressions?  What what perspectives did you appreciate? did you like, and there some sayings that you like about the book? Were didn’t ask (If so, make a note of them, and really bothered you? that them when you get to the session your group to discuss they appear.) explores the part of the book where  you, “So, what’swould you answer someone who asked the book of Ecclesiastes about?” - - - . If you’re us you’re If . .” Ecclesiastes agrees agrees Ecclesiastes .” Lord The Books of The Bible The of Books The READING As you read the book aloud together, picture yourselves sitting in yourselves picture aloud together, the book read As you As you listen to the book, note how the discourse is punctuated by the discourse is punctuated by listen to the book, note how As you Each person can read as much or as little as they’d like and then let like and then as much or as little as they’d Each person can read Read through the book of Ecclesiastes out loud. This will take about This out loud. Ecclesiastes book of the through Read discourse with clusters of short sayings. a group back in ancient Israel that has gathered together to hear this that has gathered back in ancient Israel a group listening to him as he spins out his thoughts and punctuates his Teacher, say how good it is for people to “eat and drink and find satisfaction in satisfaction find and drink and “eat to people for is it good how say to that effect. or similar words their toil,” they offer observations, and conclusions, usually (but not considerations, larger conclusions, which all Also notice the seven always) in that order. tion, or just a prose section, and stop when the kind of writing changes.) tion, or just a prose by how and try the shorter “reflections” to recognize poems and proverbs, the next person take their turn. (You may want to read just a poetical sec may want to read the next person take their turn. (You ing another edition, you should find it right after the book of Proverbs.) Proverbs.) should find it right after the book of ing another edition, you the following the book unfolds by see how can you the reading During chart page 82. on 45 minutes. (It’s on pages 1179–93 in 1179–93 pages on (It’s minutes. 45 food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; to the to the brilliant or favor or wealth food come to the wise happen to them all.” but time and chance world like this one, where all such rewards are uncertain and precarious, uncertain and precarious, are all such rewards where world like this one, nor does the strong, is not to the swift or the battle to race because “the rewards of a heart reshaped by the “fear of the the “fear by of a heart reshaped rewards but wisdom, and that it leads to these things, to pursue valuable that it’s in a pursuing them as ends in themselves—not it warns urgently against ence between Ecclesiastes and the book of Proverbs. Proverbs promises promises Proverbs the book of Proverbs. and Ecclesiastes ence between as the speech and gracious, influential good friends, reputation, wealth, and uncertain rewards like wealth and reputation are, to encourage to encourage are, and reputation wealth like and uncertain rewards differ This is another enduring. more for things that are live people to

Experiencing the Book of Ecclesiastes as a Whole 80 OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES SESSION 17

Title “The words of the Teacher . . .”

Theme Statement: “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. . . . ‘Everything is meaningless.’”

Poem: INSIGHTS FROM EXPERIENCE “Generations come and generations go . . .”

First Major Reflection Book of Ecclesiastes > First Major Reflection Contains shorter reflections that end, “This is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Poem: “There is a time for everything . . .”

Second Major Reflection INTRODUCTION Third Major Reflection Right after its opening title, Ecclesiastes makes its theme statement. It’s the provocative assertion that will recur throughout the book: Fourth Major Reflection “Everything is meaningless.” That is, none of the things people typically Contains shorter reflections that begin, “I saw . . . under the sun” wear themselves out for actually provide enduring meaning and satisfac- Fifth Major Reflection tion in this life. The book then rephrases this thought in the form of a Contains shorter reflections that end, “no one can discover/who can discover?” question: “What does anyone gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” The implication of this question is, “Before you work Major reflections all culminate in the same conclusion: Sixth Major Reflection really hard to get something, you need to ask yourself whether the payoff Seventh Major Reflection is going to be worth it.” The rest of the book will demonstrate that, for "It is good for people to eat and drink find satisfaction in their toil." Contains shorter reflections that end, “No one knows/you do not know” most of the goals people pursue, it won’t necessarily be worth it. Poem: Once the overall theme has been announced, the extended discourse “Remember your Creator . . .” of the book begins, with a poem. It’s a meditation on the natural world, describing the futility of making original achievement and lasting fame Theme Statement: one’s goals in life. “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Everything is meaningless!’” A series of five short “reflections” follows. The conclusion in each Epilogue one is that life on earth (life “under the sun” or “under the heavens”) is “Not only was the Teacher wise . . .” “a chasing after the wind”—that is, a hopeless pursuit of things we can never ultimately attain. But these five reflections are then gathered up

Insights From Experience 85 - - with much wisdom comes much because what is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is crooked because Understanding wisdom, madness and folly is a chasing Understanding after the wind grief. the more knowledge, and the more sorrow, always going to find that you’re live, you matter how No on this earth. something missing here there’s unreal naïve, happier and better off if they have are People life works. istic ideas about how All the things that are done under the sun are meaningless done under the sun are All the things that are . . . what is lacking cannot be counted. Get volunteers from your group to form teams of two Get volunteers from your group to For how many years into the future would you like your future would you many years into the how For bound or technical achievement is If any artistic, cultural, cal sequence of observation-consideration-conclusion. Instead, the cal sequence of observation-consideration-conclusion. Instead, The first two short reflections in this section don’t follow the typi follow don’t reflections in this section The first two short • These observations this way: could be paraphrased • •  of the two and “con” or three people to debate the “pro” can observations above, in their paraphrased form. (People argue for a position even if they’re not entirely convinced it’s correct.) Give the teams a few minutes to prepare their arguments, then let each one present its side of the question for up to five minutes. Afterwards, give both teams a couple of  and remembered? to be recognized achievements  that’s only a repetition of something to be, in some sense, to try to do what incentive do people have already been done, really creative things? • 2 based first, and then the observations expressed they’re conclusions are stated: on are remembrance of people of old, and even those who are yet to come will to come will yet are those who old, and even of people of remembrance them.” who follow those by not be remembered READING DISCUSSION

wind”). “Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also “Then I turned my thoughts to consider a of it is meaningless, (ending, “All madness and folly” chasing after the wind”). under the sun . . .” “I hated all the things I had toiled for chasing after the (ending, “This too is meaningless, a “I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.” Israel was king over Teacher, “I, the in and increased grown I have ‘Look, “I said to myself, wisdom . . .’” with pleasure I will test you now, ‘Come “I said to myself, . . .’” world, where the sun, the wind, and the water move in endless in move water the and the wind, sun, the where world, The opening poem in the book of Ecclesiastes uses the natural The opening poem in the book of

• • • • • Have someone else read the poem that comes next, beginning with, the poem that comes someone else read Have reflections. They begin: read the people different five Then have Have someone read the book’s title, and then the opening assertion title, the book’s someone read Have

cycles, to illustrate that there’s really no originality or lasting renown renown lasting or originality no really there’s that illustrate to cycles, which wipes out the memory repetition, of in human culture—only is no “There is nothing new under the sun”; “There what came before. 1 “Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” come and generations go, but the earth“Generations remains and question that express its overall theme. its overall and question that express the way to a more satisfying and meaningful life “under the sun.” satisfying and meaningful life “under the way to a more satisfaction in their toil [work]. This . . . is from the hand of God.” This God.” hand of the This . . . is from in their toil [work]. satisfaction at intervals and point the book will reappear same conclusion throughout into a larger (major) reflection by the introduction of a more positive positive of a more by the introduction (major) reflection into a larger drink and find than to eat and can do nothing better “People conclusion:

Insights From Experience 84

Insights From Experience 87 ] reward strategy to postpone short-term for all my toil.” This answers the question that the question answers This toil.” for all my reward “I really don’t like my job, and I have to work a lot of like my job, and I have to work “I really don’t I’m setting myself up for a great hours, but at least retirement.” lot in terms of relationships, hobbies, “I’ve sacrificed a but I’m building a great institution and even my health, generations into that my successors will guide for many the future.” have plenty of We’ll “God put us on this earth to work. time to rest in heaven.” present enjoyment for the sake of anticipated future present enjoyment for the sake of Is it ever an appropriate say about the would What do you think the Teacher Based on this reflection, how would you answer someone how would you answer someone Based on this reflection, • • •  some hours example, studying hard and working long rewards? (For or working 80 to 100 hours a week for to become a doctor, to pay off loans.) Once a a couple of years right after college goal like this, how can they person has achieved a significant between working towards shift gears and find a better balance present? Do you know further goals and enjoying life in the effectively? someone who’s been able to do this  proverbs that advocate diligence and warn against being a and of Ecclesiastes sluggard? Based on your study of Proverbs, to this point, how would you respond to someone who said, “I etc.), and if I or playing sports, enjoy playing music (or acting, I’ll just make enough money at that to support a family, can’t  who said: and this was the and this was opens with: “Whatthe book gain [what is anyone’s does anyone this sun?” Experiencing toil under the labors at which they all their from taken away from be that can never is something present in the enjoyment in the future. achievements to your no matter what happens you, . No matter how great your your great matter how . No . (This is “incidental pleasure,” . (This is “incidental pleasure,” on the earth while they’re doing it while they’re : fleeting, transient, temporary). He also observed: fleeting, transient, temporary). hebel

The core of this long reflection is the Teacher’s description of how of description Teacher’s is the reflection of this long The core in life, thought was worthwhilehe pursued what he and rewarding

In short, the Teacher concludes, it makes no sense to work hard all hard concludes, it makes no sense to work Teacher short, the In The Teacher recognized, first of all, that nothing he’d worked for worked he’d that nothing first of all, recognized, Teacher The minutes to rebut the other side. The remaining group members group members side. The remaining rebut the other minutes to on who won. can vote The Teacher discovered that his own projects were a source of joy for him of joy a source were own projects that his Teacher discovered The heart labor, took delight in all my on them: “My while he was working that they will enjoy that they will enjoy of meaning in life.) as the source pursued as an end in itself, not pleasure matter how long your accomplishments last after you’re gone, ultimately you’re accomplishments last after long your matter how be forgotten. And so, he says, a person should disappear and you’ll they’ll find work They should happening in the present: instead for what’s live believe will happen in the future will happen in the future believe no going to die in the end. And you’re and reputation, achievements tarnish his legacy. what you the sake of life in the present—for the time—and not enjoy worked for would be put in the hands of someone who might be wise, worked and his accumulated wealth but who might also be foolish and squander had been foolish and wasted their abilities. Everyone, no matter how no matter how Everyone, had been foolish and wasted their abilities. the And dies. and health, in declines old, grows eventually lived, they’ve that after his death everything he’d to his horror, teacher also realized, that even though he had lived well—responsibly and creatively—his life and creatively—his well—responsibly though he had lived that even those who of the lives like earthly an just perspective, from end, would would last for a long time into the future: “When time into the future: would last for a long I surveyed all that everything toiled to achieve, my hands had done and what I had was ( meaningless” none of this was really worth living for, in and of itself. worth living for, none of this was really undertook a variety of interesting projects, and indulged in the pleasures in the pleasures and indulged projects, undertook of interesting a variety reputation he earned a In the process, has to offer. that life and diversions that end, he discovered in the kings. But greatest as one of his nation’s 3 and possessions, wealth great acquired He as a result. and what he learned

Insights From Experience 86 live with my parents, because I’m not going to waste my life SESSION 18 working at some boring job just to pay the bills.”

INSIGHTS FROM OBSERVATION

Book of Ecclesiastes > Second, Third, and Fourth Major Reflections

INTRODUCTION The first major reflection in the book of Ecclesiastes was based primarily on what the Teacher learned from his own experience. After that reflection reaches its conclusion, the book restarts with another poem. It then restates its overall question (“What do workers gain from their toil?”). It then offers another series of shorter reflections that are now based on what the Teacher has observed about life. Instead of being introduced by accounts of his own experiences, most of these reflections begin with him saying “I saw” a certain thing “under the sun.” In this part of the book the overall conclusion, that it’s good for people to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their work, is repeated three times. The first two times it comes after single reflections that are relatively brief, perhaps to emphasize this important conclusion right after it’s first been stated. The third time, the conclusion comes, as it does more typically in other parts of the book, after a number of different reflections on various subjects. It pulls them all together into another major reflection as this observation-based portion of the book draws to a close.

88 89

Insights from Observation 91 . In a paradoxical way, way, a paradoxical . In beyond this life, but we life, but we this beyond significant while we’re doing it while we’re beyond this life to understand exactly why or how. And so the And exactly why or how. life to understand this beyond Give group members a few minutes to read through a few minutes to read through Give group members but are nevertheless always looking beyond time. The Teacher is Teacher The time. beyond neverthelesslooking always are but The next reflection pursues the idea that people are time-bound reflection pursues the idea that people The next see doing so can share one or more of the “times” they’vedoing so can share one or more of loud, that God would silently and out together, identified. Pray show each person why it’sthem to be in this appropriate for or at least give them the assurance that it is. “time” right now, God Teacher explains how the second part the of this reflection, In  one or more “times” that they’rethe poem and identify literally or They can take the terms either living in right now. this someone might decide that in example, (For figuratively. season of their life, it’sbecause they’ve a “time to mourn,” because they’ve lost a loved one; it’s a “time to throw away,” and it’sbeen simplifying their possessions; a “time to speak,” things that have been because they need to address some who are comfortable going on in their workplace.) Those and our understanding of God’s character with the facts that we observe character with the facts that we and our understanding of God’s the sun.” “under of physical them with the reality confronting human beings by “tests” translated The word what follows. death and the impossibility of knowing is paradoxically of selecting or choosing. God carries the notion here “test” 2 is in the world. there injustice unresolved much see how to distressed and the judgment on the righteous must execute that God concludes He reconcile our moral sense this life. This is the only way to wicked beyond is that while we are time-bound, “eternity” has been set in our hearts. We We hearts. has been set in our “eternity” time-bound, are we is that while do in this life is we that what know can’t good God’s can do is enjoy best we again, that the advises, once Teacher find work and and drinking”) “eating by (represented gifts in the present and satisfying enjoyable that’s way the surest is somehow of the present experience authentic having this also counting for eternity. are that our lives to know - READING DISCUSSION

on the days of their lives, because God keeps them oc keeps because God on the days of their lives, cupied with gladness of heart”). “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” go to the house steps when you your “Guard in a district, and justice and see the poor oppressed you “If rights denied . . .” evil under the sun.” seen a grievous “I have reflect (ending, “They seldom evil” “This too is a grievous “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from spring from achievement I saw that all toil and all “And envy of another.” one person’s I saw something meaningless under the sun.” “Again foolish king than an old but a poor but wise youth “Better . . .” “And I saw something else under the sun.” I saw something else under “And was taking that oppression I looked and saw all the “Again place under the sun.” The eloquent poem that begins this partThe eloquent poem that begins this of the book is an extended has made God stated at its conclusion: illustration of the truth that’s

• • • • • • • Then have different people read the reflections in this part of the read the people different Then have • • Have someone read the poem that introduces this next part this next introduces the poem that the of read someone Have why a given time is right for one thing rather than for another. This is This is time is right for one thing rather than for another. why a given The other part has laid on the human race.” God one part of the “burden refreshing experiences, for the destruction of old things and the creation destructionthe creation for experiences, the and things old of refreshing know also don’t why this is so, and we know don’t we of new ones. But 1 God knows in its time. That is, everything beautiful (or “appropriate”) and difficult both for lives our in seasons and times right are there that book. They begin: that follows, ending, “God will call the past to account.” will ending, “God that follows, book, beginning, “There is a time for everything, is “There book, beginning, season for every and a conclusion read the also This person should the heavens.” activity under

Insights from Observation 90

Insights from Observation 93 After questioning twice whether anyone really gains anyone really twice whether After questioning how little the be surprised shouldn’t says we The Teacher to discuss other parts of Give group members the chance by watching this video Conclude your session, if you wish, of The Byrds, in a reunion concert, playing “Turn, Turn, Turn,” Turn,” Turn, playing “Turn, of The Byrds, in a reunion concert, in this section: www. their song based on the opening poem (Note: David youtube.com/watch?v=aNopQq5lWqQ. Crosby’s gain is a side effect of medication to prevent a weight time to heal . . .”) “A liver transplant from being rejected.  that “two acknowledges Teacher from their toil, the anything return for their they have a good than one, because are better experience, and in your own to this passage, According labor.” how does the “work”relationship pay off? of investing in a  line of for their labors, because a whole poor have to show skimming off their crops. Based is to the king, officials, right up the book, do you think he’s heard in the rest of on what you’ve to resign ourselves to this? saying we just have  on or ask questions this section that they want to comment about. 

How would you answer the question that the man without In your life right now, are you pursuing “two handfuls with are you In your life right now, Even if you have a strong faith in the afterlife, consider the a strong faith in the afterlife, consider Even if you have of the individual sayings in Proverbs, it would take far longer than longer far take would it in Proverbs, individual sayings the of Just as it would take well over a decade to consider in depth each a decade to consider over as it would take well Just

finally asks himself: “For whom am I toiling, and why am I whom am I toiling, finally asks himself: “For depriving myself of enjoyment?” change if you decided that one handful, with tranquility, was with tranquility, change if you decided that one handful, better than two with toil?  who’s just trying to make more and more money, any family,  toil,” or “one handful with tranquility”? have to What would knows (for certain) whether people really live on after death? whether people really live on after knows (for certain) What’s living as if you were certain of the difference between the afterlife? the afterlife and living with faith in  is intended to challenge people question here, which Teacher’s minded they’rewho are “so heavenly no earthly good”: Who section; choose the ones that are most interesting to your group. to your most interesting section; choose the ones that are to return to the wisdom teaching of both books frequently in the years in the years to the wisdom teaching of both books frequently to return many of the shorterahead. And it will be possible to consider reflections. this some ways to get into the ones in provide The questions that follow this study guide can permit to consider each of the individual sayings this study guide can permit to consider you Hopefully this guide will encourage Ecclesiastes. in and reflections 3 for certain that they’ll live on after death is their “burden” on earth. The “burden” is their on after death live for certainthey’ll that here we do and satisfaction in the work is to find joy solution, once again, that, at least. can count on and now—we People’s refusal to accept that death will be the end of them points them of them points death will be the end to accept that refusal People’s to know their inability But destiny. lifetime to their eternal this beyond calling out humanity from among the animals by provoking them with provoking the animals by among humanity from calling out mortal. like the animals—they’re just that physically they’re the insight

Insights from Observation 92

The Practical Response to These Insights 95 - - - - to de to ) it.” discover discover READING DISCUSSION ), a chasing after the wind.” The first shorter the wind.” ), a chasing after hebel “Whatever been named . . .” exists has already .” good name is better than fine perfume . . “A seen both of these . . .” this meaningless life of mine I have “In I turned my mind to understand . . .” “So if the wise claim “Who is like the wise?” ending, “Even ( comprehend they cannot really they know, “I have seen another evil under the sun . . .” “I have tion and contentment that will be developed throughout this fifth throughout tion and contentment that will be developed The first two shorter reflections introduce the themes of modera themes the introduce reflections shorter two first The • • • • • As the discourse moves into this fifth major reflection (which charac reflection major into this fifth moves As the discourse reflections that make up this read the shorter people different Have • 1 you need to have—a do children how many ask, They reflection. major Every couple thousand years? need to live—a long do you How hundred? try need to do you have, to get it? At don’t see something you time you to stop acquiring and extending so they can startsome point people have continuity; but the rest follow a new They end with a declaration pattern: follow rest continuity; but the term uncertainty specific the the of use often They life. of repeats reflection futile efforts life. (The last to understand scribe people’s or “comprehend.”) translated “discover” times; it’s this term three section. They begin: teristically culminates in a call for people to “eat and drink and be glad” be glad” and drink and for people to “eat culminates in a call teristically re the way the shorter a change in there’s . in their toil”), . . “joy and find shorter such Previously and concluded. introduced within it are flections “saw . . . Teacher by descriptions of what the introduced were reflections with the observation concluded “this that and they were under the sun,” ( too is meaningless providing and concluded this way, in this section is introduced reflection - - - turn out might

SESSION 19 SESSION INTRODUCTION Having demonstrated how uncertain life really is—it’s both unpre both is—it’s uncertain really life how demonstrated Having A transition now occurs in the extended discourse in Ecclesiastes. To To in Ecclesiastes. occurs in the extended discourse A transition now Book of Ecclesiastes > Fifth Major Reflection Book of Ecclesiastes restrained, balanced approach, avoiding extremes, cultivating content cultivating extremes, avoiding balanced approach, restrained, while humble, serious, and cautious, even ment, and being appropriately life in the present. seeking to enjoy dictable and not fully understandable—the Teacher turns to discuss the Teacher dictable and not fully understandable—the a counsels He endeavors. our bring to should consequently we attitude well in the longer term), and which still leave us the time and energy to in the longer term), and which still leave well living it. life while we’re enjoy has repeatedly counseled a different approach: pursuing projects that we that pursuing projects approach: counseled a different has repeatedly (that doing them we’re find satisfying and fulfilling while try to attain results they’re hoping for in the future. But there’s no guar there’s But hoping for in the future. try they’re to attain results they’ll if they are, and even be achieved, will ever antee that these results Teacher shortthe so And time. a relatively in forgotten be and disappear and observation, that the way most people live “under the sun” is not the sun” and observation, “under most people live that the way to joys, present most of life’s out, foregoing wear themselves wise. They this point, the Teacher has been tryinghas experience from demonstrate, to Teacher the point, this THE PRACTICAL RESPONSE TO TO RESPONSE THE PRACTICAL THESE INSIGHTS

The Practical Response to These Insights 97 - - upright (men and women), but they’ve all upright (men and women), but they’ve everyone Even if the Teacher doesn’t really disparage all women, really doesn’t Even if the Teacher the chance to discuss Once again give group members How prepared are you for bad times when they come, and they come, and bad times when are you for How prepared is found in this section: “I have found one upright man among a found one upright man “I have is found in this section: One of the most controversial statements in the book of Ecclesiastes of Ecclesiastes statements in the book of the most controversial One  of woman by using the why does he describe a certain kind Do these images apply images of a snare, a trap, and chains? a man also use these accurately to some women? Could he sees the woman in his life because images inappropriately, the wind”? as an obstacle to his “chasing after  have comments or other parts of this section that they questions about.  through going you when you’re of them are how accepting God allows you offended when you surprised and them? Are life? difficulties in to experience who is a in the discourse, he describes a “woman A moment earlier thousand, but not one upright woman among them all.” But this state But one upright woman among them all.” thousand, but not a be Instead, it may perspective. own Teacher’s the reflect not may ment with it. to disagree quoting in order day that he’s popular saying of the “The says, He chains.” whose heart are is a trap and whose hands snare, his cause may this realizes He her.” escape will God who pleases man are he clarifies that there So listeners to think he disparages all women. reflections on life—includ to be true in his finding” “not some things he’s in a thousand, may be one upright man ing the popular idea that there says, “This only have Teacher the an upright woman. Instead, but never made God I found”: of many schemes”). gone astray (“in search 3 of life that the he warns against as a enjoyment amusement

What’s the difference between the As a group, watch this Bud Light “Stranded” commercial As a group, watch this Bud Light “Stranded” It’s been said that just beyond “enough” lies “too much.” lies It’s just beyond “enough” been said that The next reflection (beginning “a good name is better than fine “a good name is better than fine reflection (beginning The next people that encourage is made up of a series of proverbs perfume”)

perpetual pursuit? a product and design a commercial for it that appeals to the a product and design a commercial qualities of patience, self-control, quietness, and contentment.  commends and the Teacher in life: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt3GsTPgSGo. (If you in life: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt3GsTPgSGo. search find the commercial using this link, use an internet can’t seen for cars, you’ve engine.) Think about other commercials depict the quiet, serious restaurants, electronics, etc. Do they an escape from it? Choose side of life, or do they encourage  about what really matters and discuss what message it sends time and effort will you need to spend making money; when you need to spend making money; time and effort will a position have enough to live on? How high will you honestly a positive your life’s purpose and have will you need to fulfill be “too what kind of position would influence on the world; and interfere with this? high”  will How large a house for you? will be “enough” How much your and your family? How much of you need for yourself we must accept that we’ll have both good times and bad times. have must accept that we’ll we to accept and embrace the serious side of life and not always be looking to accept and embrace the serious side encourage amusement, and entertainment.for diversions, proverbs These that stress and contentment, and self-control, patience, of qualities the 2 enjoying what they do have. Otherwise, they may as well have never lived lived never Otherwise, have do have. they as well what may they enjoying place. in the first

The Practical Response to These Insights 96

Concluding Thoughts and Observations: “Remember Your Creator” 99 - - - READING “I have seen something else under the sun . . .” “I have “I also saw under the sun . . .” to the land whose king was a servant . . .” “Woe they pour rain on the earth.” full of water, clouds are “If end the sun,” to see and it pleases the eyes “Light is sweet, (fleeting). meaningless” and vigor are ing “youth • • • • • be this major reflection, the poem that follows someone read Have the closing declaration (“Meaningless! someone read have Finally, The Teacher’s discourse ends as it began, with the declaration, declaration, with the it began, as ends discourse Teacher’s The who knewby someone with an epilogue written The book concludes in the book, beginning the sixth major reflection someone read Have the up make that reflections shorter the read people have Then “the spirit returns to God who gave it.” who gave to God spirit returns “the to the book. is meaningless!”) and the epilogue . . . Everything his sayings to others—with a warning, worthy of the Teacher himself, to himself, Teacher a warning, worthyhis sayings to others—with of the them. in studying and following moderation use appropriate nor plan is neither working “there and ending on all this” I reflected “So nor wisdom.” ning nor knowledge They begin: major reflection. seventh and ending youth” the days of your in Creator your ginning “Remember advice to “be happy while you are young . . . before the days of trouble the days of trouble . . . before young are “be happy while you advice to come.” the is, That meaningless!” is Everything Meaningless! “Meaningless! not a reliable for are that people hope and strive earthly rewards future of enduring meaning. source or at least knew who wants to recommend about him, and Teacher, the and all this

on SESSION 20 SESSION

INTRODUCTION . . .” The admonition for people to eat and drink . . .” all this

about This seventh and final major reflection is followed by a poem, just reflection is followed and final major This seventh The last part sums up all that has been Ecclesiastes of the book of Seventh Major Reflections Book of Ecclesiastes > Sixth and Book of Ecclesiastes > Sixth Book of Ecclesiastes > Epilogue as poems came before and after the first major reflection in the book. and after the first major as poems came before the reinforce This poem is a symbolic description of old age, designed to unpredictability of life by saying “no one knows” or “you do not know” do not know” or “you one knows” saying “no of life by unpredictability what is to come. it’s characteristically built out of a series of shorter reflections. These characteristically built out of a series of shorter reflections. it’s the Teacher stresses phrase: the conclude with a different now reflections and seventh major reflections in the book. The sixth is relatively brief, brief, relatively The sixth is in the book. major reflections and seventh begins Teacher as the admonition to highlight this recurring in order and reflection is longer, major to wind up his discourse. The seventh concluded the sixth twice in this section, creating is repeated their work and enjoy said previously. The Teacher says literally, “So I reflected I “So Teacher says literally, The said previously. “REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR” YOUR “REMEMBER CONCLUDING THOUGHTS THOUGHTS CONCLUDING AND OBSERVATIONS:

Concluding Thoughts and Observations: “Remember Your Creator” 101 Other sayings praise the wisdom of making a variety of Other sayings praise the wisdom Several of the sayings that illustrate wise conduct show that illustrate wise conduct show Several of the sayings the implication is In the context of the book as a whole, proverbs. Each one of them is an “example of wisdom.” The Teacher The of wisdom.” “example of them is an Each one proverbs. The seventh major reflection in the book is made up mostly of shortin the book is made reflection major The seventh effectiveness, you’ll also have greater enjoyment. Describe an also have greater enjoyment. Describe effectiveness, you’ll past the become skillful enough at to get activity that you’ve from it. “hardyou now get a “rush” slogging” stage, so that  and long-term short-term investments in life, including both “Invest in many days you may receive a return”; ones. (“After seven ventures, yes, in eight”; “Sow your seed in the morning be idle, for you do not know and at evening let your hands not a “balancedwhich will succeed.”) Do you have portfolio,” energy, investing your finances, time, in terms of how you’re and hopes? Or do you have “all of your eggs in one basket”? What beliefs about the future, and how much control we have over it, are expressed by these contrasting approaches?  right to working hard and having the in addition how, in order to resources, it’s have skill (“wisdom”) necessary to that begins “whoever at the series of proverbs succeed. Look into it”digs a pit may fall and ends “the charmer receives no described? What minimum fee.” What six activities are being expertise is required for each one?  skill, and thus greater that if you do something with greater 2 the foolish the wise and between that draw contrasts proverbs begins with proverbs of next set conduct. The of wise specific illustrations or provide to be encourages people laziness, the rafters sag”) (beginning “Through maintain a “balanced portfolio,” and to and decisive, diligent, discreet, because of the uncertainty of endeavors of life. pursuing a variety from from , the dead are simply gone. “Never again will simply gone. “Never , the dead are DISCUSSION

When the overall conclusion of the book is repeated after When the overall conclusion of the A country/gospel song says, “This world is not my home, What will you miss most about this world when you have to What will you miss most about this The sixth major reflection in Ecclesiastes considers the observation Ecclesiastes considers in reflection major The sixth the end. They’re dies in lived, they’ve that everyone, how no matter

in general have a “good return for their labor.” What is the return for their labor.” in general have a “good last? payoff in this life of making a marriage, specifically,  to his recurring adds something this reflection, the Teacher and enjoying your work. He advice about eating and drinking already you love.” We’ve says, “Enjoy life with your wife, whom heard him acknowledge that people who invest in relationships die? (If you don’t think you’ll miss anything, explain why.) miss anything, think you’ll die? (If you don’t  through.” Do you agree or disagree? Why? I’m just a-passin’  to a “betterleave it—even if you expect to go place” when you of the next. He wants us to value and appreciate this opportunity and not miss it by and appreciate us to value wants He disparaging this life in favor or by in the future rewards pursuing elusive they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.” The Teacher’s Teacher’s The a partthey have that happens under the sun.” in anything joys of unique intended to affirm this world as a place statements are and passions that a person has the opportunity to experience only once. other biblical teachings about heaven and the resurrection. Rather, Rather, and the resurrection. about heaven other biblical teachings earth today on our perspective keenly. People who believe in an afterlife will be troubled by the Teacher’s Teacher’s the by troubled be will afterlife an in believe who People keenly. and not or emotions dead as having no knowledge description of the negate necessarily don’t these statements But activities. any pursuing noted, the book deliberately limits its perspective to what happens on to what perspective its limits deliberately the book noted, is felt most that perspective earth, places where and this is one of the 1 already forgotten. As we’ve they’re quickly and relatively seen again, never

Concluding Thoughts and Observations: “Remember Your Creator” 100

Concluding Thoughts and Observations: “Remember Your Creator” 103 What is your overall response to the ideas expressed in What is your overall response to the Proverbs insists that we should respect the elderly. Is the the elderly. insists that we should respect Proverbs near the end of your life, sitting in a yourself Picture us with—make you want to go out and do while you still can? us with—make you want to go out  helpful to you? How Ecclesiastes? How has this book been with the way you tend to has it perhaps disrupted or conflicted approach life?  doing that here? Teacher  teeth, dim eyes, and deaf wheelchair with trembling limbs, no one that Ecclesiastes leaves ears. What does this picture—the their physical capabilities will be much more limited, to get them to use will be much more their physical capabilities while they meaningfulthe most in capabilities now, those possible ways them. still have “strong men” that stoop are the legs. The teeth are the “grinders” that “grinders” the The teeth are the legs. are that stoop men” “strong the windows” looking through “those are eyes the “cease,” and few” “are that close to the street” the “doors are and the ears dim,” who “grow probably The almond blossoms fades.” of grinding “sound so that the difficulty grasshopper symbolizes and the injured white hair, represent such literally, more described are age of old characteristics Some walking. The robbers. and being afraid of heights and sleeping as having trouble portrait to the time when is designed to make people look ahead overall - to all [of this]”). The point to all [of this]”). The answers

worry about paying for it later. money left over, we can use that for recreation. money left over, no matter what else recreation to make sure it happens, comes up. If we’ve met all our obligations and still have some obligations and still have some If we’ve met all our set aside a certain amount in our budget for We We go out and have fun whenever we feel like it, and We

Is this a good enough moral rule in life? Explain. Is this a good enough moral rule Another controversial saying is found in this section: is found in this controversial saying Another c. a. b. The poem at the end of Ecclesiastes symbolically describes the fail The poem at the end of the book as ing health of old age. Light has been used throughout This reflection culminates in a final repetition of the admonition to reflection culminates in a final This told to “follow people are Young it. living this life while we’re enjoy

 is that if you’re going to enjoy the pleasures of this life, you’ve of this life, you’ve going to enjoy the pleasures is that if you’re to some money—thus the admonitions got to have at least Which of your resources responsibly. be diligent and manage like to take to describes the approach you’d the following best this?  this In context, however, everything.” is the answer for “Money for laughter” “a feast is made mean that while may simply and this (in for all of money is required life merry,” “wine makes “money the Hebrew idiom,

who “see the sun”). Now fading life is depicted by the sun, moon, and fading life is depicted by Now the sun”). who “see the symbolism of In dim and the sky becoming overcast. stars growing the hands; the are that tremble this poem, the “keepers of the house” 4 described as those for example, are alive, a symbol for life (those who are do. these things God will bring you into judgment.” In other words, fulfill other words, In into judgment.” will bring you these things God but be restrained ambitions wholeheartedly, your and pursue desires your for everything to God answer you to have that you’ll the knowledge by 3 that for all see, but know eyes heart your the ways of your and whatever

Concluding Thoughts and Observations: “Remember Your Creator” 102 JAMES SESSION 21

EXPERIENCING THE BOOK OF JAMES AS A WHOLE

Book of James (Overview)

INTRODUCTION Read this introduction aloud in your group and give people a chance to ask questions about it before reading through James together.

Although the book of James has typically been treated as a letter (like Paul’s epistles to the Romans or the Ephesians), it’s not really a letter at all. Even though it begins like a letter, it doesn’t develop like one. Instead, it’s a collection of sayings and observations about life, written in the same stream of wisdom teaching that flows through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Like the teachers and sages whose sayings are recorded in those books, James stresses the importance of practical wisdom for living a “good life.” In keeping with the message of Proverbs, James identifies the “heart” as the driving force behind what people say and do, and he urges his readers to cultivate character qualities such as perseverance, self-control in speech, justice, and generosity to the poor. And like the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, James warns about the unpredictability of life. Using the Teacher’s characteristic language and imagery, he insists, “You do not even

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Experiencing the Book of James as a Whole 109 - . If . If The Books of ” in Proverbs) leads to ” in Proverbs) The Books of The Bible The Books of The Lord READING DISCUSSION . (The person who starts should read the letter-like opening and . (The person who starts should Which of the things that James says struck you the most? Have people take turns reading the individual teachings that make the individual teachings that people take turns reading Have back and the teachings flow listen to the book, note how As you  Why? (Everyone in the group should try to mention at least one thing.) Within the book, the teachings aren’t grouped together by topic, so by together grouped aren’t book, the teachings the Within take should This together. loud out James of book the through Read ance in times of trial, justice for the poor, gracious and prudent gracious speech, justice for the poor, ance in times of trial, of the (like the “fear faith in Jesus and how the sessions ahead, after look at these themes in We’ll living. “righteous” session. the whole book in this through reading on pages 1687–91 in about 15 minutes. (It’s James in the table of contents.) can find another edition, you using you’re space in by a line of white separated up the book. They’re Bible The you can edition, using a different you’re If the first teaching after it.) near their start readers the way they address by the teachings recognize your (depending on and sisters” “brothers or “brothers,” as “brethren,” translation), or else describe a particular category of people. forth the few among above. key themes mentioned (These followers are described symbolically as the “twelve tribes scattered tribes scattered “twelve as the described symbolically are (These followers the world.) around people all God’s meaning nations,” among the on teachings Instead, logically or systematically. develop doesn’t the book the reader each one can strike so that together, mixed subjects are various a Nevertheless, in Proverbs. impact, like the sayings collected with fresh recur to James and concern of particularfew interest that are large themes include persever These unity. it an overall and give the book throughout - - that mist ,” as the essential quality of a person who’s living a life a living who’s person of a quality essential as the ,” Lord ” was the “beginning of wisdom.” That is, a wise and prudent That is, a wise of wisdom.” ” was the “beginning what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a are You life? is your What happen tomorrow. what will James uses many of the characteristic devices that synagogue speak uses many James Like Ecclesiastes, the book of James is a loosely organized discourse is a loosely organized the book of James Like Ecclesiastes, Nevertheless, James transforms the tradition of wisdom teaching as he tradition of wisdom transforms the James Nevertheless, Lord by imaginary opponents. These teachings were gathered into a collection into a collection imaginary gathered by were opponents. These teachings letter a like out sent and community, the of member another or James by Empire. the Roman throughout followers to a wider audience of Jesus’ rhetorical questions (that is, questions whose answers aren’t supplied aren’t rhetorical questions (that is, questions whose answers objections raised and answering supposed to be obvious), because they’re passing on his teachings. asking listeners directly, at the time, such as addressing ers employed half-brother of Jesus and an important leader in the early community of Jesus half-brother that he’s to show often alludes to sayings of Jesus, James of his followers. excerpts from, messages that James gave in the synagogues of Palestine in the synagogues of Palestine gave messages that James from, excerpts the was actually James death and resurrection. after Jesus’ in the years directly (“my brothers and sisters”) or by describing a specific category or by of and sisters”) brothers (“my directly under who persevere “those in humble circumstances,” people (“believers or summaries of, that these are believe interpreters etc.). Many trial,” listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” The discourse in James The discourse in to become angry.” to speak and slow listen, slow readers is built out of short addressing blocks of teaching that begin by of wisdom. should be quick to that incorporates shorter sayings, such as, “Everyone Christ. And so throughout the book he speaks of “faith,” rather than the the book he speaks of “faith,” Christ. And so throughout the of “fear world and established the conditions of human existence. James envi James the conditions of human existence. world and established as intimate level a higher and more being raised to sions this relationship Jesus trustthrough and faith of in God relationship a personal becomes it the the who created the God with relationship proper having a life began by with the coming of Jesus. There were wisdom teachers in many different wisdom teachers in many different were There Jesus. with the coming of on one another’s freely world, and they all drew countries in the ancient of unique insight that the “fear had the the teachers in Israel But work. carries it forward into the new realm of spiritual life that was introduced life that was introduced of spiritual carries it forward into the new realm know then vanishes.” a little while and appears for

Experiencing the Book of James as a Whole 108 E xperiencing the B ook of J ames as a W hole  In what ways did the book of James remind you of Proverbs SESSION 22 and Ecclesiastes? Where did you see the emphases of the wisdom tradition coming out? How was the experience of reading this book different from the experiences you had with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes?

 If you attend the worship gatherings of a community of THE VALUE OF TRIALS Jesus’ followers, then based on these excerpts and summaries of James’s teaching, would you like him to be one of the regular speakers there? Why or why not?

INTRODUCTION The teachings of James that were sent throughout the Roman Empire arose from his experience as a leader of the community of Jesus’ followers in Palestine. From these teachings we get a glimpse into the challenges that community was facing in the first decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection. For one thing, James says that his audience is “suffering,” that they’re facing “trials of many kinds.” This probably refers to the way the people James customarily spoke to, who were primarily Jewish and still attending the synagogues, were persecuted by their leaders and neighbors because of their faith in Jesus. He tells his listeners they should rejoice in these trials, because they’ll make them more patient and persevering if they stand firm. James encourages suffering believers to turn to God in prayer for strength and deliverance, and to ask for wisdom to know how to navigate through these difficult times. The trials James refers to may also include the poverty that most of his listeners lived in, as well as disputes that flared between individuals and groups within the community. We’ll look more at those two things in later sessions. In this session, we’ll explore the value that James finds in

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The Value of Trials 113 ” and ” faith

in ”). When he speaks of praying in praying of speaks he When ”). faith

in person.” (As we’ll see in session 25, for James in session 25, for James see (As we’ll person.” righteous bail! By God’s grace, I’m holding it together pretty well. it together pretty grace, I’m holding By God’s it together and other days I fall apart. Some days I keep I’m totally freaking out inside and just about ready to out inside and just about ready I’m totally freaking

Have someone read the teaching about prayer at the end the teaching about prayer someone read Have in trouble?” among you anyone of the book, beginning “Is and ending “. . . the earth its crops.” produced Think of the greatest difficulty you’re facing in life right now. in life right now. facing you’re the greatest difficulty Think of a. b. c. an occasion to draw close to God in prayer (specifically, to ask for (specifically, in prayer an occasion to draw close to God In the opening teaching of the book, James also describes trials as describes trials as also of the book, James the opening teaching In • offered prayer “the of teaching this in speaks James  on the inside as under control do you have things How well with it? you deal these difficulties God will help you that in for one another, Pray well so you can hold things together develop greater patience see the situations through. on the inside and 2 the end of the book, he describes At the wisdom needed to face the trial). Once also occasions for prayer. that are of circumstances a wider variety to (literally “suffering”) in trouble again he encourages those who are to sing praises, and but he also urges those in good circumstances pray, for healing. sick to ask for prayer those who are of a prayer “the make something happen. Instead, faith means having an unwavering unwavering an having means faith Instead, happen. something make the opposite of doubt, which It’s personal trustGod. and confidence in trust with God I’ll maybe “Well, intentions: our in divided being means B’ in case I decide God on a ‘plan working I’m this, and maybe I won’t; for me.” going to come through isn’t being “righteous” means having faith that translates into just and godly means having faith that translates being “righteous” ask, you you said similarly in the opening teaching, “when living.) He “ask (literally, believe” must can enough, we hard just believe mean that if we doesn’t James “faith,”

- - and . The .” patience patient persevered perseverance in us. This term under trial, because patience persevere , then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s com and sisters, until the Lord’s , then, brothers READING AND DISCUSSION READING AND for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be You for the autumn and spring rains. patient

Have you ever had an experience where you “stayed in Have someone read the opening teaching in the book of James, in the book of James, the opening teaching someone read Have sisters, whenever and my brothers joy, it pure beginning “Consider

James says that suffering can also develop suffering can also develop says that James This first teaching in the book speaks directly to the trials that many that trials the to directly speaks book the teaching in first This away, because you believed God wanted you there? What did because you believed God wanted you there? What did away, because you stayed put? you learn, and how did you grow, Did something good come out of the situation in the end?  place” in a difficult situation, even though you felt like running in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the in the face of suffering, take the prophets as blessed those who have count we know, As you Lord. stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” Right afterwards James Right afterwards coming is near.” stand firm, because the Lord’s and sisters, as an example of uses both terms together: “Brothers will bring: “Be will bring: “Be crop, its valuable the farmer waits for the land to yield how ing. See patiently waiting that they can endure tough situations. James uses this term three times uses this term three tough situations. James that they can endure it and the deliverance return Jesus’ as he encourages his listeners to await has promised to those who love him.” to those who love has promised so on the inside, to keep things under control ability to a person’s refers shortly afterwards: “Blessed are those who shortly are afterwards: “Blessed of life that God the crown stood the test, they will receive when they have sion for us to develop an importantsion for us to develop character quality: ground, place and standing your term he uses means literally staying in teaching praises the same quality in another He rather than running away. believers were experiencing. James says difficulties like these are an occa says difficulties like these experiencing. James were believers 1 all double-minded and unstable in are ending, “they and face trials” you they do.” trials of all kinds as occasions for drawing closer to God and developing and developing to God for drawing closer kinds as occasions trials of all character. mature

The Value of Trials 112

The Value of Trials 115 James describes wisdom as the free gift of a generous God wisdom as the free gift of a generous James describes rather than through the “school of hard knocks”? rather than through the “school of understanding. But this kind of “wisdom,” James points James points this kind of “wisdom,” But understanding. And so and disputes. leads to arguments out, frequently the kind of to cultivate instead his listeners he encourages devotion own tradition: was praised in their that “wisdom” How is exemplary character qualities. to God that produces your own culture? If (or the equivalent) defined in “wisdom” you can, quote a saying that this definition succinctly. expresses wisdom your culture’s definition of How would you critique from a biblical perspective?  and find says that the ability to enjoy life (just as Ecclesiastes from God”). But Proverbs satisfaction in one’s work is a “gift depicts wisdom as something that’s slowly in a developed heart that’s experience. Are being reshaped by teaching and ever experienced wisdom these ideas compatible? Have you (the knowledge of how to conduct yourself in life) as something fair to get wisdom this way, God gave you for the asking? Is it

righteousness.” Have someone read the teaching in the middle of the book someone read Have that begins “Who is wise and understanding among you?” a harvestpeace reap in of who sow and ends “Peacemakers The Greeks thought of “wisdom” as the quality of a mind The Greeks thought of “wisdom” James describes the “wisdom that comes from heaven” as comes from heaven” James describes the “wisdom that Do you see God as someone who loves to give good gifts Do you see God as someone who What reasons can you give why you should have why you should can you give What reasons James recognizes that going through trials requires a great deal of great a requires trials going through that recognizes James encourages the opening teaching of the book he wisdom, and so in

 that was well-educated and adept at speculative reasoning. by this Empire were influenced Jews living in the Roman  “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, and sincere.” Which of full of mercy and good fruit, impartial these characteristics would you most like to have more of?  or hinders you? this way, to people? What helps you see God •  situation? Are you in your present in God to help confidence trusting God? have difficulty why you might there reasons comfortable, and group if you’re reasons with the Share these help address your concerns. see if someone can us out of heaven from God. from us out of heaven does not change like shifting shadows.” A later teaching in the book in the A later teaching change like shifting shadows.” does not to down that comes the good gifts as one of specifically speaks of wisdom he expands on this idea of God being the giver of all good gifts: “Don’t “Don’t of all good gifts: being the giver idea of God he expands on this good and perfect gift is and sisters. Every my dear brothers be deceived, who lights, of the heavenly the Father from coming down above, from of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all to all generously who gives should ask God, you lacks wisdom, of you Shortly afterwards you.” to and it will be given without finding fault, 3 any “If them the wisdom they need: to give God his listeners to ask

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The Rich and the Poor from God’s Perspective 117 READING AND DISCUSSION READING Have someone read the teaching a little later in the book of someone read Have in our sisters, believers and brothers “My that begins James and favoritism” Christ must not show Jesus glorious Lord become a lawbreaker.” have ends “. . . you Why do you think the poor in these synagogues were Do you see yourself as rich or poor? If you’re poor, do you poor, If you’re Do you see yourself as rich or poor? in perspective by remembering that God will ultimately set things that God remembering by in perspective undergoing, James speaks in the very speaks the other next teaching about James undergoing, While he encourages his listeners to put their present circumstances circumstances their present While he encourages his listeners to put After beginning his book by addressing the trials his community was community was the trials his addressing his book by After beginning God? If you’re rich, are you humbled by the knowledge that rich, are you humbled by the knowledge God? If you’re your riches will soon pass away? •  treating the rich with favoritism, even though the rich were exploiting and oppressing them?  because you belong to nevertheless see yourself as honored that they are ultimately very honored because God has chosen them to them chosen has God verybecause ultimately honored are they that adopt a humble And if someone is rich, they should belong to his people. are and status of wealth that their advantages attitude to acknowledge God will that and say) would Teacher the temporaryonly (“fleeting,” “will The rich people. all such distinctions between ultimately eliminate and heat scorching with rises sun the For flower. wild a like away pass the same In its beauty is destroyed. withers the plant; its blossom falls and while they go about their business.” the rich will fade away even way, 2 to put up with inequality until then. In content isn’t right on earth, James in with favoritism treated rich were a later teaching he attacks the way the continued to worship in his day. in Jesus believers the synagogues, where 1 says, paradoxically, He their poverty. reality of their experience: defining their high ought to take pride in circumstances in humble that “believers means He take pride in their humiliation.” the rich should position. But they should recognize poor, if they are even a believer, that if someone is SESSION 23 SESSION

INTRODUCTION As we noted in the previous session, the people James customarily session, the people James noted in the previous As we they should relate to one another. they should relate also says to his listeners that the rich are “blaspheming the noble name “blaspheming are also says to his listeners that the rich rich and poor to both book addresses The belong.” of him to whom you how and circumstances they should view their present them how show class was hostile to those who believed in Jesus because his teachings were teachings were because his in Jesus class was hostile to those who believed James why That’s to the existing order. a destabilizing threat considered their advantages in power and wealth to force the few remaining small the few to force remaining and wealth in power their advantages the “exploiting” James describes the rich landholders off their property. wealthy their lands. The to seize [them] into court” poor and “dragging land and wealth were concentrated in the hands of a few. Most of the Most concentrated in the hands of a few. were land and wealth using were The rich as tenant farmers or day laborers. population worked spoke to were mostly poor. Palestine in his day was largely agricultural; in Palestine poor. mostly spoke to were THE RICH AND THE POOR THE RICH AND PERSPECTIVE FROM GOD’S

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The Rich and the Poor from God’s Perspective 119 Are great inequalities in wealth always created through in wealth always created through Are great inequalities that organizations do you know about What people and that judgment is Do you think James is announcing them what consequences they’re is it facing? In other words, a chance? too late for them, or do they still have others must have less than they need? Follow up on the up they need? Follow have less than others must people can use 13 about how you had in session discussion to help, rather than choices power and consumer their buying in begun to do this Have you living in poverty. hurt, those it. ways? If so, tell your group about some new practical  injustice? Explain.  by to overcome poverty and inequity are working effectively and As a group, pray for these people upholding justice? organizations and their work.  and oppressive rich inevitable against these exploitative to change by warning people? Or is he trying to get them - - -

If a person is living in “luxury and self-indulgence” and Honestly, how would a “poor person in filthy old clothes” how would a “poor person in filthy Honestly, the rich treated with favoritism within In what ways are James says that God has “chosen those who are poor “chosen those who that God has James says James that begins “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail and weep people, rich you listen, “Now that begins James Have someone read the teaching towards the end of the book of the end of the book the teaching towards someone read Have

“fattening themselves up,” is this inevitably happening at someone else’s expense? In other words, if one person or group or country has far more than enough, does this mean  James ultimately addresses the rich directly and warns them, in very and warns directly the rich addresses ultimately James communities of Jesus’ followers today? What would it look followers today? What would communities of Jesus’ James’s teaching about not showing like for us to follow favoritism?  came to your church? be treated if they   to inherit the be rich in faith and of the world to in the eyes person is, the more the poorer a As a general rule, kingdom.” good news about and believing the are to hearing open they think this is so? Jesus. Why do you ally “rusted”); “you have hoarded wealth” (literally “stored up treasure”) up treasure”) “stored (literally wealth” hoarded have “you ally “rusted”); “in the last days.” “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust on earth, where treasures up for yourselves not store “Do says to the rich, James to put his authority behind this warning. destroy,” (liter corroded” are gold and silver Your clothes. your eaten have “Moths lived in “luxury and self-indulgence,” they’ve really just “fattened” them just “fattened” really they’ve in “luxurylived and self-indulgence,” Jesus, of saying a to alludes James slaughter.” of “day the for up selves harsh terms, that divine judgment is coming upon them because they’ve coming upon them because they’ve harsh terms, that divine judgment is and killed those who tried to get justice. As they’ve cheated their workers because of the misery that is coming on you” and ends, “You have con have and ends, “You because of the misery that is coming on you” not opposing you.” the innocent one, who was demned and murdered 3

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Keeping a Tight Rein on the Tongue 121 - - READING AND DISCUSSION READING James warns that our words can determine our “whole James warns that our words can determine badly about other James suggests here that if we speak that begins, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my to be teachers, my should presume you many of “Not that begins, Have someone read the teaching in the middle of the book of James book of James the middle of the the teaching in someone read Have  you give of people whose course of life.” What examples can or for worse, because lives have taken a major turn, for better of something they said?  we may offer to God. people, we’re contradicting any praises control our He says in an earlier teaching that if we don’t speech, our religion is “worthless.” And here he describes the unrestrained tongue as “set on fire by hell.” The suggestion is that spiritual victory or defeat in our lives and communities What can depends greatly on how we speak to one another. In this teaching James uses examples from the natural world to il uses examples from this teaching James In then observes while every that can be animal of wild kind James all, by analogy to horses’ bridles and ships’ rudders, small that something bridles and ships’ analogy to horses’ all, by he says, is only a The tongue, something large and powerful. can direct course of one’s the “whole but it can determine part of the body,” “small can be devastating: used in destructive ways, the results When it’s life.” by a small spark.” is set on fire forest “Consider what a great unnatural observeshe how Finally, tongue.” the tame can one “no tamed, spring A mouth.” same the of come “out to cursing” and for “praise is it salty water out of the same opening. Grape and send both fresh doesn’t one kind of fruit. only produce an al (This is likely vines and fig trees people pick grapes from sayings: “Do lusion to another one of Jesus’ So why should the same mouth thistles?”) thornbushes, or figs from “My made in the image of God? but curse people who are praise God should not be.” “this protests, James and sisters,” brothers 1 fresh a salt spring produce can ends, “Neither and sisters,” and brothers water.” notes, first of observationslustrate a number of He about human speech. - - SESSION 24 SESSION INTRODUCTION Perhaps because of the pressures of persecution and poverty, and of persecution and poverty, because of the pressures Perhaps the importance in speech. of self-control oneself from being polluted by the world.” And so James uses the occa And so James the world.” being polluted by oneself from teaching about reassert the wisdom tradition’s sion of these conflicts to a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is religion and their themselves, deceive on their tongues a tight rein and faultless accepts as pure our Father that God worthless. Religion to keep and in their distress is this: to look after orphans and widows were undermining the essential purpose of the community of Jesus’ fol Jesus’ of community the of purpose essential the undermining were yet do not keep religious and who consider themselves “Those lowers: were aggravated by the harsh and unkind things that people were saying: and unkind things that people were the harsh by aggravated were their on reign “a tight keeping not one another and slandering were They words these unrestrained fueled by saw that the quarrels James tongues.” perhaps also because of human nature, people in the communities that people in the perhaps also because of human nature, conflicts These angryhaving quarrels.” and “fights were to spoke James KEEPING A TIGHT REIN ON THE TONGUE KEEPING A

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Keeping a Tight Rein on the Tongue 123 “Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, grumble against one another, “Don’t swear—not by my brothers and sisters, do not all, “Above and sisters, take note of this: Everyone “My dear brothers Anyone one another. “Brothers and sisters, do not slander of harmful speech. Form three teams and have each one create and one create each teams and have three speech. Form of harmful At several more places in the book James warns against other kinds warns against James places in the book more several At who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks who speaks against a brother or sister you you judge the law, against the law and judges it. When on it. There is only are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment save and and Judge, the one who is able to one Lawgiver you to judge your neighbor?” But you—who are destroy.  door!” The Judge is standing at the or you will be judged.  to say is a or by anything else. All you need heaven or by earth you will be condemned.” or ‘No.’ Otherwise simple ‘Yes’  and slow to become should be quick to listen, slow to speak does not produce the righteousness because our anger angry, that God desires.”  3 and teachings performthe following one of skit that illustrates a brief as one of the characters: includes God

the good you ought to do and don’t do it, you sin.” do it, you ought to do and don’t the good you Have someone read the teaching near the end of the book someone read Have or tomorrow ‘Today who say, you listen, that begins, “Now know and ends, “if you will go to this or that city . . .’” we James says that it’s “sin” and “evil” to make boasts based James says that it’s “sin” The wisdom tradition emphasizes self-control tradition emphasizes The wisdom in speech. James’s teachings about speech extend beyond his warnings about teachings about speech extend beyond James’s He also people. between the destructive effects of harsh words

and have people practice with each other how to describe their future hopes, plans, and ambitions in ways that acknowledge that God rules over the whole world and that their own lives are fragile and uncertain.  in the future, when our on what we presume we’ll accomplish lives are so uncertain. Divide your group into twos or threes • But here he says that “no one can tame the tongue.” He adds that “no one can tame the tongue.” But here he says do evil, full of deadly poison.” What point that it’s a “restless things like this, if he you think he’s trying to make by saying their tongues? really does want people to try to tame restraint.” The Teacher warns in Ecclesiastes, “Do not be warns in Ecclesiastes, “Do not restraint.” The Teacher to utter do not be hasty in your heart quick with your mouth, on earth, God is in heaven and you are anything before God. James Elsewhere in this book, be few.” so let your words to “keepencourages his listeners their tongues.” a tight rein on you say to someone in the coming week that will help win a will help win a coming week that someone in the you say to a spiritual defeat? victory or reverse spiritual  says, “Those have knowledge use words with who Proverbs and the poor tried to escape poverty by entering the merchant class. entering the merchant by and the poor tried to escape poverty noted, was largely agricultural at this time, there was increasing trading trading increasing was time, there noted, was largely agricultural at this in commodities investments activity as the rich tried to make profitable 2 had been bragging about Many cautions his listeners against boasting. we’ve Palestine, as While they expected to make in business. the profits

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The Life that Flows from a New Heart 125 Have someone read the teaching near the middle of the near the middle of the teaching someone read Have book that begins, “Whatand good is it, my brothers no deeds?” faith but have to have sisters, if people claim the spirit is dead, so faith the body without and ends, “As without deeds is dead.” Have you received salvation as a “good and perfect gift” and perfect “good Have you received salvation as a and on your own Drawing on what James says here But James does insist that if a person is genuinely saved, righteous righteous that if a person is genuinely saved, does insist James But  you have, find someone in the think from God? If you don’t interview them in front of group who believes they have and happened. (The group the others to ask when and how this would like.) can do a number of interviews if it  give credible reflections, describe what kinds of “deeds” faith is truly alive. evidence that a person’s • “saved.” that a person has been is what determines The issue here to be saved, (or “works”) “deeds” need to have we says When James In the Bible, “salvation” or “being saved” is a rich concept that includes is a rich concept that includes “being saved” or “salvation” the Bible, In for what we’ve forgiven God, with relationship back into being brought delivered and purpose, and meaning of life a to restored wrong, done opposed to God. of a world system that’s the control from enough for God. good to make ourselves have mean that we he doesn’t describes James together. lives to put the pieces of our own have don’t We one of the “good It’s God: from freely receive as something we salvation the Father.” “from gifts that comes down and perfect” person’s in a makes no difference that “faith” So-called will follow. “deeds” “dead.” no faith at all—it’s life is really with the characteristic emphasis of the wisdom tradition, counters that tradition, counters of the wisdom characteristic emphasis with the our If living. translates into practical our faith matters is how what really must be deficient. then our faith living is wrong, SESSION 25 SESSION INTRODUCTION ” does in Proverbs. It’s the inner dynamic that flows the inner dynamic that flows It’s ” does in Proverbs. READING AND DISCUSSION Lord

For James, as we’ve already seen, “faith” plays the role that the “fear that the “fear plays the role seen, “faith” already as we’ve James, For of the

The teaching in the book of James, like the wise counsel in the books The teaching in the book of by works.” Some of James’s listeners were apparently taking this to mean apparently listeners were of James’s Some works.” by in keeping James, mattered. that really all was beliefs the right having that “faith” really is. These ideas may have come from a misunderstanding of a misunderstanding come from is. These ideas may have really “faith” at this circulating already (whose teachings were what the apostle Paul and “not faith” “through saved are people that he said when meant time) out into a life that’s “righteous,” meaning well-lived, in accordance with in accordance meaning well-lived, “righteous,” out into a life that’s ideas about what some wrong needs to correct James ways. But God’s 1 people who are in a liberating and empowering relationship with God. At At with God. relationship in a liberating and empowering people who are to enter into and about how points in the book he talks directly various sustain this relationship. of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, is meant for a specific kind of person. James kind of person. is meant for a specific and Ecclesiastes, of Proverbs and conflicts for poverty, to handle trials, intends his advice about how THE LIFE THAT FLOWS FROM A NEW HEART FLOWS THE LIFE THAT

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The Life that Flows from a New Heart 127 . This purify your heartspurify your Conclude your study of the book of James by praying Conclude your study of the book Do you like the idea of a “lawlike the idea of a Do you freedom,” which that gives Have someone read the teaching near the middle of the book that the teaching near the someone read Have begins, “What you?” and ends, among causes fights and quarrels  just read. People together based on this last teaching you’ve can pray either silently or out loud. In their prayers, people can express sorrow for doing wrong and humility in returning to God; they can ask for help in resisting temptation; they can  of all your must be the goal that love for others specifies you? specifics up to then leaves the actions and in his communities, the “fights and quarrels” addresses As James he identifies the spiritual problem behind them, and in the process he them, and in the process behind problem the spiritual he identifies to his listeners that explains He way. one more in describes salvation says (He “desires.” by their driven being fighting because they’re they’re similarly at the start is tempted when you of the book, “Each of you other words, In and enticed.”) evil desire own your dragged away by are advancement, (possessions, world” after the things of “the going they’re precarious, temporary, were showed Teacher the things the pleasures—all has This life. in meaning deepest the uncertain)and provided they if as [them]selves “humble They need to God. a course against set them on center the At temptation. resist and forgiveness, ask Lord,” the before to is the admonition here correction of James’s everyone a has Proverbs: of book the in began we where to back us brings For people it. and everything from a core-of-being, they do flows “heart,” and is describing here violent life James the callous, greedy, to turn from genuine “faith,” that demonstrate become capable of the kind of “deeds” Spirit their hearts influence of the the need to be transformed through means being saved other words, In in us.” “has caused to dwell that God getting a new heart. 3 up.” and he will lift you the Lord, before yourselves “Humble -

Have someone read the teaching near the beginning of the book the of beginning the near teaching the read someone Have and so deceive to the word, listen not merely “Do that begins,

Elsewhere in the book, in his warning against favoritism, James calls James in his warning against favoritism, in the book, Elsewhere In the early communities of Jesus’ followers, the “word of truth” of truth” the “word followers, the early communities of Jesus’ In Besides “faith” and “deeds,” James uses some further terms to talk James and “deeds,” “faith” Besides has put in them. longer identified by how they follow the Law of Moses, but by how they by how Moses, but the Law of they follow by how longer identified the new out live life God for others as they creatively love genuine show authority, in the community of Jesus’ followers. This law “gives freedom” freedom” “gives This law followers. in the community of Jesus’ authority, love our actions—expressing stating the goal that must govern simply by are no God up to us. The people of for others—and leaving the specifics commandments to love God with all your heart and to love your neigh your heart love your and to all with God to love commandments or governing law,” the “king’s this is to James, According bor as yourself. “king’s law”). This is another allusion to a saying of Jesus, who taught Jesus, who taught is another allusion to a saying of This law”). “king’s the by summed be could Moses of Law the in requirements the of all that experiencing new life by believing the good newsexperiencing new believing the life by about Jesus. as yourself” neighbor (or your “love to commandment law” the “royal a Savior. Jesus himself was also called the “Word.” So being born of God being born of God So himself was also called the “Word.” Jesus Savior. means word” the accept[ing] “humbly and truth” of word the “through understanding. as the good newswas another term for the gospel, meaning about Jesus its commandments, to be God’s word to them through Moses. But James James But Moses. to them through word its commandments, to be God’s this traditional and law beyond word expands the meaning of God’s that gives freedom.” (James says elsewhere that we should “speak and act “speak should that we (Jamessays elsewhere freedom.” that gives His freedom.”) the law that gives by going to be judged as those who are with all of their law, and they understood primarily Jewish, listeners were salvation we need to “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can which you, in planted word the accept “humbly to need we salvation a “law to is equivalent he says that this “word” this teaching In you.” save about salvation. He says in his other teachings, as we’ve seen, that God God seen, that other teachings, as we’ve says in his He about salvation. and that to receive of truth,” us birth the word to give through “chose yourselves,” and ends, “they will be blessed in what they do.” will be blessed and ends, “they yourselves,” 2

The Life that Flows from a New Heart 126 thank God for giving his Spirit to live inside us. As a group, to live inside for giving his Spirit thank God God for a new who wants to ask with anyone pray together heart.

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