Wisdom for Living – a study of
Proverbs
Many people think that what's
written in the Bible has mostly to do with getting people into heaven - getting
right with God, saving their eternal souls. It does have to do with that, of
course, but not mostly. It is equally concerned with living on this earth.
Eugene Peterson says: "Wisdom" is the biblical term for the
'on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven' every day living. Wisdom is the art of living
skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves.” It has virtually
nothing to do with information or knowledge. A college degree is no
certification of wisdom – nor is it primarily concerned with keeping us out of
moral mud puddles, although it does have a profound moral effect on us.
Wisdom has to do with handling our money, conducting our
sexual lives, going to work, exercising leadership, using words well, treating
family and friends kindly, eating and drinking healthily, cultivating emotions
within ourselves and attitudes toward others that make for peace. The way we
think of and respond to God is the most practical thing we do… nothing we do
should take precedence over God.. that’s wisdom! Proverbs concentrates on these concerns more
than any other book in the Bible. Attention is given to the here and now of our
lives.
Bible Commentary: Proverb — a trite maxim; a similitude; a
parable. The Hebrew word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It
comes from a root meaning “to be like,” “parable
Proverbs, Book of — a collection of moral and
philosophical maxims of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic form.
origin of this book, “it is probable that Solomon gathered these
statements from his own human experience
divided into three parts: (1.) Consisting of ch. 1–9, which
contain an exhibition of wisdom as the highest good.
(2.)
Consisting of ch. 10–24.
(3.)
Containing proverbs of Solomon “which the men of Hezekiah, the king of Judah,
collected” (ch. 25–29).
These are followed by two supplements, (1) “The words of
Agur” (ch. 30); and (2) “The words of king Lemuel” (ch. 31).
Solomon is said to have written three thousand proverbs,
and those contained in this book may be a selection from these (1 Kings 4:32). In the New Testament there
are thirty-five direct quotations from this book or allusions to it.
OUTLINE OF
CONTENTS
The Proverbs
The book is best outlined as a series of collections:
I. Wisdom
poems (1:1-9:18)
II. Wisdom sayings
(10:1-22:16)
III. Admonitions (22:17-24:22)
IV. ‘Sayings of the wise’
(24:23-34)
V. ‘Proverbs of Solomon’:
wisdom sayings (25:1-29:27)
VI. ‘The words of Agur’
(30:1-33)
VII. ‘The words of Lemuel’
(31:1-9)
VIII. Poem on the ideal wife
(31:10-31)
Chaps. 1-9, subtitled ‘The Proverbs
of Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel,’ are basically wisdom poems on
various topics: the value of wisdom, evils the wise person should avoid, the
discourses of personified wisdom, etc. These chapters open with a statement of
purpose (1:1-6) and contain fully developed poems (e.g., 2:1-22, on the
benefits of wisdom), in contrast to the disparate and separate sayings that
dominate the rest of the book. The subtitle ‘The Proverbs of Solomon’ in 10:1
introduces a collection of sayings in parallelism (chaps. 10-15) and synonymous
parallelism (chaps. 16-22). These are sayings drawn from experience and
traditional teachings that usually inculcate a moral value (honesty, diligence,
self-control, etc.).
Proverbs
1-3
|
Summary. The
book immediately states the writer’s purpose and theme: he teaches the wisdom
so the reader can develop a disciplined life, “doing what is right and just
and fair” (1:1–7). Speaking as a father, he warns against those who will try
to detour his sons into sin (vv. 8–19) and warns against ignoring his advice
(vv. 20–33). He carefully identifies the nature of wisdom (2:1–10) and lists
its many benefits (2:11–3:16).
Wisdom is foundational to existence, providing perspective on life (vv.
17–35). So wisdom, personified as a lovely woman, is to be desired above all
things (4:1–27).
Key
verse. 2:4:
Respect for God is the source of true wisdom.
Personal
application. It
is wise as well as right to commit yourself to doing “what is right and just
and fair” (1:3).
|
INSIGHT
Wisdom (1:2–3). The Heb. root that expresses the basic concept of wisdom
(h-k-m) occurs over 300 times in the O.T. It focuses our attention on a
person’s basic approach to life, the values and commitments which find
expression in his or her lifestyle. In the O.T., wisdom is essentially the
choice to be godly. The wise person is sensitive to God, submits to Him, and
applies God’s guidelines when making daily choices.
The person who is wise will “find the knowledge of God,”
because God is the source of wisdom (2:5–6). God provides needed perspective,
so that we “will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path”
(2:9).
“Wisdom literature” in the O.T., which includes Prov.,
Ecc., Job, and Ps. 19, 37, 104, 107, 147, and 148, describes the way of life to
be chosen by the believer. For more on the nature of wisdom in the O.T., 2
Chronicles 1. For distinctive N.T. insights into wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1, James
3.
“Fear of the Lord” (1:7). This verse calls the fear of the Lord “the
beginning of knowledge.”
But why is fear of God the “beginning” or starting point?
Because the conviction that God is—and is to be honored—the only door that
opens to true wisdom. Only when all is oriented to the Lord can true moral
knowledge or wisdom be gained.
“Valuable things” (1:13). The foolish sinner is motivated
to do wrong by mere things, which he or she sees as having great value. People
who value things more than God’s approval find ill–gotten gain “takes away the
lives of those who get it” (v. 19).
Relationship with God (chap. 3). The basic wisdom issues
touched on in Proverbs have to do with personal relationship with God. Only if
we know Him and respond to Him will the rest of the counsel in this book
produce fruit.
This chapter mentions several basic principles of
relationship with God. We are to trust the Lord completely, and acknowledge Him
in all we do (vv. 5–6, trust, » Psalms 18-21). We are to rely on God’s Word
rather than our human wisdom (vv. 7–8). We are to honor God by giving
generously (vv. 9–10). And we are to remember when hard times come that God
loves us still and see our most difficult experiences as the disciplinary love
of a Father who cares for us deeply.
“Disciplines” (3:11–12). In the O.T. discipline is
typically painful, but it is not primarily punishment. The key Heb. word for
discipline is yasar, which means to chastise, or to instruct. It does
involve correction, but its goal is to make a positive contribution to a
person’s training in righteousness. As these verses emphasize, yasar is
exercised in a family setting. The emotion conveyed is not anger or disgust,
but love and active concern. A father disciplines his child to help her grow
into a praiseworthy adult. Just so God disciplines those who trust Him to help
us grow toward moral and spiritual maturity. Bible history and proverbs both
demonstrate that at times punishment, a “rod of correction” (Prov. 29:15) is
the best way to show love when people will not respond to verbal guidance. The
important thing to remember, as these verses emphasize, is that when God
disciplines it is because of, and with a continuing attitude of, love.
New Living Translation (NLT)
The
Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of
Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people
wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these
proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
A
Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom
8 My child,[a] listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.
10 My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!
11 They may say, “Come and join us.
Let’s hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave[b];
let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
13 Think of the great things we’ll get!
We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
14 Come, throw in your lot with us;
we’ll all share the loot.”
turn your back on them!
11 They may say, “Come and join us.
Let’s hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave[b];
let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
13 Think of the great things we’ll get!
We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
14 Come, throw in your lot with us;
we’ll all share the loot.”
15 My child, don’t go along with them!
Stay far away from their paths.
16 They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
17 If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
18 But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.
Stay far away from their paths.
16 They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
17 If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
18 But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.
Wisdom
Shouts in the Streets
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
and make you wise.
She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
and make you wise.
24 “I called you so often, but you
wouldn’t come.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
28 “When they cry for help, I will not
answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”
The
Benefits of Wisdom
2 My child,[c] listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand what is
right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
12 Wisdom will save you from evil
people,
from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.
from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.
16 Wisdom will save you from the
immoral woman,
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
17 She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
18 Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.[d]
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
17 She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
18 Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.[d]
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.
20 Follow the steps of good men
instead,
and stay on the paths of the righteous.
21 For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land,
and the treacherous will be uprooted.
and stay on the paths of the righteous.
21 For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land,
and the treacherous will be uprooted.
Trusting
in the Lord
3 My child,[e] never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own
wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.[f]
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.[f]
13 Joyful is the person who finds
wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of
common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who
deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 Don’t plot harm against your
neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The Lord
curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The Lord
mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.[g]
but is gracious to the humble.[g]
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
but fools are put to shame!
Wisdom for Living – a study of
Proverbs
GROUP WORK
1. What is the importance of
wisdom? The beginning of wisdom is
____________.
2. Why would someone lack wisdom?
3. Share a time where you practiced
wisdom that you knew came directly from God and not your own knowledge. What did you do differently that you would
have historically done?
4. Share some of the nuggets of truth/
wisdom that you find in the first 3 chapters of Proverbs. Go through 1 chapter at a time.
5. What are the promises found in
these Proverbs if we embrace and act on wisdom especially the wisdom found in
the statements in the passages tonight?
[1]Easton, M.G.: Easton's Bible
Dictionary. Oak Harbor,
WA : Logos Research Systems,
Inc., 1996, c1897
[2]Richards,
Lawrence O.: The
Bible Readers Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton : Victor Books, 1991; Published in
electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 387
c circa
(Lat.), about, approximately
bc before Christ
cf confer
(Lat.), compare
MT Massoretic text
evv English versions
OT Old Testament
rsv Revised
Standard Version : NT, 1946; OT, 1952; Common Bible, 1973
op.cit opere citato (Lat.), in the work cited above
[3]Wood,
D. R. W.: New Bible Dictionary. InterVarsity Press, 1996, c1982, c1962,
S. 977
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