June 7, 2020
Introduction to Proverbs
1. “Wisdom literature is that portion of the biblical record that includes the books of
Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.” Francis X. Kimmitt
2. Proverbs is a collection of wisdom by:
Solomon Proverbs 1:1
‘The Wise’ Proverbs 22:17, 24:23
Auger Proverbs 30:1
Lemuel Proverbs 31:1
3. The purpose of the writer of Proverbs was to teach its readers how to be wise according to God’s standards.
4. The reader of Proverbs is presented with the two paths; wisdom and folly. The blessing of being wise and consequences of choosing folly are laid out for the reader to decide which path to follow.
5. Proverbs covers many topics; diligence vs laziness, friendship, speech, marriage, child-rearing, domestic peace, work, good manners, and much more. ESV Study Bible
6. Proverbs by nature deals with general truths, and are not meant to cover every
conceivable situation.
7. Apply these questions to proverbs:
What virtue does this proverb command?
What vice does the proverb hold up for disapproval?
What value does the proverb affirm?
June 7, 2020
Lessons Learned
Proverbs 1:1-19
1. Fool—The antithesis of a wise person; the Hebrew word suggests stubbornness. The
term denotes moral perversion. The fool thinks of himself without error; he rejects godly wisdom because it contradicts his own view of knowledge. He detests discipline because discipline involves correction and correction implies he made an error. Argile Smith
2. Fear of the Lord—includes awe, reverence, trust, submission, and
obedience. Argile Smith
3. Wisdom—A gift from God that gives one the ability to apply knowledge to overcome
the problems of life. Argile Smith
4. Sheol—In Old Testament thought, Sheol refers to the grave or the realm of the dead.
Argile Smith
5. Verses 2-6 describe the purpose of the book of Proverbs.
6. Verse 7 is the key verse to the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 9:10 is nearly the same.
7. The foundation of real knowledge is a willingness to submit to God.
8. Two ways to approach life:
Fear the God of the Bible (submit to his ways).
Be a ‘fool’ (use your own human wisdom).
9. Verses 10-19 warn about being enticed (peer pressure) to join in with the greedy for
unjust gain.
10. Words of fools; ambush the innocent, swallow them alive, fill our house with plunder, let’s all join together.
11. The foundation of knowing the truth is a relationship with the LORD.
12. Parents are to teach their children the Biblical truth of right and wrong.
13. Church training for your children should be complementary not primary instruction.
14. Train your conscience by learning right and wrong from the Bible.
15. “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Mark 8:36
16. There will come a day of judgment for all people. God will bring about justice for all
wrong.
17. Greed is an alluring sin that entices one to become involved in a web of sinful activity.
18. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Galatians 6:7
“But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.” Psalm 37:15
