The Book of Proverbs: Wisdom for Life

August 5th, 2015

Text: Proverbs 1:1-7

Background/Theme: The book of Proverbs was written mainly by Solomon (known as Israel’s wisest king) yet some of the later sections were written by men named Lemuel and Agur (See Prov. 1:1). It was written during Solomon’s reign (970-930 B.C.). Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule God’s nation and God granted it (1 Kings 3:6-14). Proverbs along with Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon are known as the writings or “Wisdom Books” addressing practical living before God.

The theme of Proverbs is wisdom (the skilled and right use of knowledge). The main purpose of this book is to teach wisdom to God’s people through the use of proverbs. The word Proverb means “to be like.” Therefore, Proverbs are short statements, which compare and contrast common, concrete images with life’s most profound truth. They are practical and point the way to godly character. These proverbs address subjects such as: life, family, friends, good judgment, and distinctions between the wise and foolish man. Proverbs is not a do-it-yourself success kit for the greedy but a guidebook for the godly. This starts with fearing the LORD.

Memory Verse: Prov. 1:7

Outline: Ch 1-9-Solomon writes wisdom for younger people. Ch 10-24 - There is wisdom on various topics that apply to the average person. Ch 25-31 - Wisdom for leaders is provided.

Tips for reading proverbs-Proverbs are statements of general truth and must not be taken as divine promises (Prov. 16:7; 10:27). Proverbs are always ultimately true. Proverbs are normally true now (Prov. 15:1).

1. THE FOOL can be recognized by the following characteristics: what he thinks about discipline (Prov. 1:7; 15:5); what he says (Prov. 15:2; 18:6; 17:28); the people around him (Prov. 1:10-18); and what ultimately happens to him (Prov. 5:23; 29:1).

2. THE SLUGGARD can be recognized by the following traits: his failure to take advantage of his present opportunities (Prov. 6:6-11; 26:13); his inordinate love for sleep (Proverbs 26:14); and his failure to ever finish what he starts (Proverbs 26:15-16). A sluggard is a lazy person who lacks self-control. See Prov. 3:19-20

*We reflect God’s character by caring for others, producing things, and being purposeful in our actions. Work is a gift of God’s grace whereby we walk in dominion. 1 Cor. 10:31; Prov. 14:23 3. THE FAMILY is an important focus in Proverbs. Proverbs teaches us how to live wisely in our family relationships. The entire book has a message for godly families as its message was given from the perspective of a father instructing his son (Prov. 3:1).

*Proverbs encourages marriages to be marked by certain uniqueness (i.e. not only sacrificial love but romance-See Prov. 5:15-19). The root of marriage is faithfulness to one’s spouse before the eyes of God (Prov. 5:21; 6:23-29; 30:20). Also see Eph. 5:21-33

*Proverbs also teaches us to faithfully invest in teaching and instructing our kids in the faith (See Prov. 2:1-6; 3:1-7). Love your kids and discipline them (Prov. 29:15; 22:15; 23:13-14)!

4. FRIENDSHIP - The wise and godly person is discerning about his choice of friends. Proverbs doesn't provide multiple categories of friends but simply groups them in the following categories: good friends or bad friends. These friends provide a negative or positive influence upon their colleagues and consequently encourage wisdom or promote foolishness.

*Proverbs warns us of bad friends because of their negative influence (Prov. 1:10; 28:7; 29:3; 24:1-2).

*Real friends can be trusted (Prov. 11:13; 17:9) and will stay with you when you are in trouble (Prov. 17:17; 25:19). Friends love you too much to pamper you (Proverbs 27:6, 17), and their counsel helps you (Prov. 27:6, 9). See John 15:13-15

5. WORDS - According to Proverbs, both the words we speak and the words we hear reveal whether or not we are walking in the wisdom of God or foolishness of man. Proverbs has much to say about the power and meaning of words in the lives of the wise versus the foolish.

*Before we speak we should endeavor to communicate words of wisdom (Prov. 15:1-2, 7; 18:21). Our mouths can edify and bless others through the message of the gospel and encouragement or tear down through strife or lies (Ephesians 4:29). See Prov. 13:13; 19:16

6. LIFE AND DEATH are two different pathways pitted side by side in Proverbs. To walk in wisdom is to travel the path of life, and to walk in foolishness is to travel the pathway of death. There is no position of neutrality. Our lives are inevitably moving down one path or the other.

Proverbs 14:12; 15:8-9; Matthew 7:13-14, John 3:16-18 CONCLUSION: Proverbs teaches us to pursue godly wisdom by: rejecting the ways of the fool and the sluggard; honoring God in our families, faithfully loving our spouses and training our children in the ways of the LORD; pursuing godly friendships; using words to bless and obey God's words; and most of all walking on the path of life through trusting in the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:18-24). We can get INFORMATION "on LINE" (from Google) but WISDOM is from "on HIGH" (from God)!