Scholars Crossing An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible A Guide to the Systematic Study of the Bible 5-2018 The Chapters of Proverbs Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/outline_chapters_bible Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "The Chapters of Proverbs" (2018). An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible. 31. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/outline_chapters_bible/31 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the A Guide to the Systematic Study of the Bible at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in An Alliterated Outline for the Chapters of the Bible by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Proverbs SECTION OUTLINE ONE (PROVERBS 1) Wisdom warns about being enticed by sinners. I. THE REASONS FOR THE PROVERBS (1:1-7) A. To grasp wisdom and discipline (1:1-2): They help with the understanding of wise sayings. B. To receive guidance and understand deep thoughts (1:3, 5-7): People who listen to the proverbs learn the fear of the Lord. C. To give insight to the immature and mature alike (1:4): The Proverbs give knowledge and purpose. II. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE PROVERBS (1:8-33): Solomon's son in particular A. Advice regarding wicked companions (1:8-19): Stay away from them! Why? 1. They terrorize others (1:8-17). 2. They trap themselves and rob themselves of life (1:18-19). B. Advice regarding wisdom's counsel (1:20-33): Stay close to her! 1. Her call (1:20-21): She shouts out in the streets. 2. Her condemnation (1:22-32): She calls; fools do not listen or come to her. 3. Her consolation (1:33): All who listen to her live in peace and safety. SECTION OUTLINE TWO (PROVERBS 2) Wisdom saves from evil and pays benefits. I. IT WILL SANCTIFY YOU (2:1-6): We are to treasure wisdom's instructions and learn to fear the Lord. II. IT WILL SECURE YOU (2:7-9): It serves as a shield and guard. III. IT WILL SATISFY YOU (2:10-11): "Knowledge will fill you with joy." IV. IT WILL SAVE YOU (2:12-22) A. From godless men (2:12-15, 20-22): "Follow the steps of good men ... and stay on the paths of the righteous." B. From godless women (2:16-19): Wisdom saves you from immoral women. SECTION OUTLINE THREE (PROVERBS 3) Wisdom results in right relationships and gives life and honor. I. THE ROUTE (3:1, 3) A. Keep its precepts in your heart (3:1): Never forget what the Lord teaches you. B. Fasten them around your neck (3:3): God's teachings should be like a necklace you wear always. C. Write them deep within your heart (3:3). II. THE RULES (3:5-12, 19-21, 25-35) A. What to do (3:5-10) 1. Trust in the Lord (3:5-8): We should seek God's will in all we do. If we fear him and turn from evil, we will gain renewed health and vitality. 2. Tithe to the Lord (3:9-10): If we honor the Lord with the best from our wages, he will reward us. 1 B. What not to do (3:11-12, 21, 25-35) 1. Do not despise his discipline (3:11-12): The Lord corrects those he loves. 2. Do not lose sight of good planning and insight (3:21). 3. Do not be overtaken by fear (3:25-26): "The LORD is your security." 4. Do not wrong your neighbor (3:27-30): Do not plot against your neighbor or make accusations against someone who has not wronged you. Help your neighbor if you are able. 5. Do not envy a violent man (3:31-35): Wicked people are an abomination to the Lord and are put to shame. III. THE RELEASE (3:19-20) A. By wisdom God lays the foundation of the earth, clouds, and rain (3:19-20). B. By wisdom he established the heavens (3:19). IV. THE REWARDS (3:2, 4, 13-18, 22-24) A. A long and satisfying life (3:2) B. Favor with both God and people (3:4): "You will gain a good reputation." C. A possession more precious than silver, gold, and jewels (3:13-15): Nothing can compare with wisdom. D. Riches and honor (3:16-17): "All her ways are satisfying." E. A tree of life (3:18): Happy are those who embrace wisdom. F. Confidence and security (3:22-24): "You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams." SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (PROVERBS 4) Wisdom results in self-discipline. I. DAVID'S COUNSEL TO SOLOMON (4:1-9) A. Acquire wisdom (4:1-2, 5, 7): Learn to be wise, for that is the most important thing. B. Embrace wisdom (4:4, 8): If you take wisdom to heart, you will live. C. Love and cherish wisdom (4:3, 6, 8-9): Wisdom will protect and exalt you. II. SOLOMON'S COUNSEL TO REHOBOAM (4:10-27). A. Let wisdom guard your feet (4:10-19, 26-27). 1. To keep you from limping or stumbling (4:10-12): If you do this, you will have a long, good life. 2. To keep you from straying (4:13-19, 26-27): Avoid evildoers. "Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe." B. Let wisdom guard your heart (4:20-23). 1. It is the wellspring of one's body (4:20, 22): Let wisdom's words bring life and health. 2. It is the wellspring of one's soul (4:21, 23): Let wisdom guard your heart. C. Let wisdom guard your tongue (4:24): Stay away from corrupt speech. D. Let wisdom guard your eyes (4:25): "Fix your eyes on what lies before you." SECTION OUTLINE FIVE (PROVERBS 5) Wisdom instructs about sexuality. I. THE WOMAN IN THE STREET: DEPART FROM HER (5:1-14, 21-23). A. The pleasure she offers (5:3) 1. Her lips are as sweet as honey (5:3). 2. Her mouth is smoother than oil (5:3). B. The price you pay (5:4-14, 21-23) 1. "The result is as bitter as poison" (5:4): It is "sharp as a double-edged sword." 2. "Her feet go down to death" (5:5): "Her steps lead straight to the grave." 3. "She does not care about the path to life" (5:6): "She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn't even realize where it leads." 4. The loss of one's reputation (5:7-9): She will take your honor. 5. The loss of one's self-respect (5:12-14): You come to the brink of utter ruin. 6. The loss of one's wealth (5:10): Others will enjoy the fruit of your labor. 2 7. The loss of one's health (5:11): Disease consumes your body. 8. The loss of one's very soul (5:21-23) II. THE WIFE IN THE HOME: DELIGHT IN HER (5:15-20). A. The rule: Remain faithful to her (5:15-18). B. The reward: Her love will satisfy you (5:19-20). SECTION OUTLINE SIX (PROVERBS 6) Wisdom warns of pitfalls to avoid. I. GOD'S ADMONITIONS (6:1-15, 24-35): Four people are warned: A. The thoughtless (6:1-5): God advises to think carefully before guaranteeing a loan to anyone. B. The shiftless (6:6-11) 1. The example (6:6-8): God counsels the lazy to learn from the industrious ant. 2. The results (6:9-11): Extreme poverty in the future. C. The ruthless (6:12-15) 1. Their debauchery (6:12-14) a. They are filled with hypocrisy (6:12-13): They lie constantly. b. They continuously devise evil (6:14): They are perverted. c. They spread conflict (6:14): They stir up trouble constantly. 2. Their destruction (6:15): It will be swift and total. D. The virtueless (6:24-35): Illicit sex has tragic consequences. 1. An immoral woman's beauty seduces (6:24-25): Keep away from her smooth tongue. 2. She reduces the person to poverty (6:26): She can cost him his life. 3. She burns both character and reputation (6:27-29, 33): His shame can never be erased. 4. She makes a fool out of a man (6:32): "He destroys his own soul." II. GOD'S ASSURANCES (6:20-23) A. His word will guard us (6:20-22): It protects us. B. His word will guide us (6:23): His word is a lamp to lead the way. III. SEVEN ABOMINATIONS IN GOD'S SIGHT (6:16-19): "Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers." SECTION OUTLINE SEVEN (PROVERBS 7) Wisdom warns against fornication. I. RECEIVE MY WORDS AND LIVE! (7:1-5) A. "Guard my teachings as your most precious possession" (7:1-2). B. "Tie them on your fingers as a reminder" (7:3). C. "Write them deep within your heart" (7:3). D. "Love wisdom like a sister" (7:4-5): "Make insight a beloved member of your family." II.