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2
Proverbs for Beginners
Practical Wisdom for the Every Day Life
Mike Mazzalongo
In this series Mike will not only review this inspired example of ancient wisdom
literature but also demonstrate its importance and relevance to the New Testament
writings and today's believers as well.
[Link]/proverbs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS __________________________ 4
2. THE CALL AND PERSONIFICATION OF WISDOM ____________________ 14
3. HEBREW POETRY AND A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
AND FEAR OF THE LORD _____________________________________ 20
4. WISDOM FOR SPEECH, WORDS, AND WORK ______________________27
5. WISDOM FOR RELATIONSHIPS, WEALTH AND CONTENTMENT _________ 36
6. WISDOM AGAINST FOOLISHNESS AND FOR CHRISTLIKENESS _________ 44
3
1.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS
This first lesson on the book of Proverbs will examine various types of ancient wisdom literature as
well as the contribution of Proverbs to the writers of the New Testament and finish with
information as to the author, date and presentation of these records through the centuries.
A. Overview – Ancient wisdom literature
B. Key Features – Ancient wisdom literature
1. Universality
2. Observation of life
3. Moral and ethical focus
4. Practicality
4
C. Examples – Ancient wisdom literature
1. Mesopotamian wisdom
2. Egyptian wisdom
3. Greek philosophy
4. Hebrew wisdom
D. Proverbs – Hebrew wisdom literature
E. Key characteristics – Proverbs
1. wisdom
2. foundation
5
3. instructions
4. style
F. Wisdom as a Jewish genre
- Wisdom
- Community
- A life
G. The inspired nature of Proverbs
Conclusion:
6
I. THE IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF PROVERBS TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. Wisdom fulfilled in Christ
- Proverbs 8:22-31
- John 1:1-3
- I Corinthians 1:24
- Colossians 2:3
B. Moral and ethical teachings
1. Humility and pride
- Proverbs 16:18
- Luke 14:11
7
- James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34
2. The power of speech
- Proverbs 18:21
- James 3:6
- Matthew 12:34
3. Work ethic and diligence
- Proverbs 6:6
- II Thessalonians 3:10
- Colossians 3:23
4. Trust in God
8
- Proverbs 3:5
- Isaiah 26:4
C. Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus
1. Righteousness and integrity
- Proverbs 11:3
- Matthew 5:6
2. Loving one’s enemies
- Proverbs 25:21
- Matthew 5:44
D. Proverbs as the foundation for Christian living
9
- Ephesians 5:15-16
Conclusions
II. AUTHOR / DATE / OCCASION OF PROVERBS
A. Authorship
1. Solomon as principal author
2. Other contributors
- Agur
- King Lemuel
- Hezekiah’s men
10
B. Date of writing
1. Solomon’s
2. Hezekiah’s
3. Final
C. Circumstances of recording and dissemination
1. A time
2. A role
3. Preservation
11
4. Oral
5. Wisdom
Conclusion
III. PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM THE INTRODUCTION
1. True wisdom requires
- Proverbs 1:7
WHERE TO GO BEYOND OURSELVES
A. Practical
B. Humble
C. Applications
12
2. God’s advice
A. Practical insight
B. Application
Re-Read:
Read:
13
2.
THE CALL AND PERSONIFICATION OF WISDOM
This first look at the text reveals how Solomon personifies "wisdom" as a woman calling out for
attention and rewards given to those who carefully respond.
PROVERBS 1-9
Introduction / Review
I. KEY PASSAGES AND INSIGHTS
1. Wisdom’s invitation – Proverbs 1:20-33
Key idea
2. Rewards of seeking wisdom – Proverbs 2:1-11
Key idea
3. Trusting in God’s wisdom – Proverbs 3:1-12
Key idea
14
4. Staying on the right path – Proverbs 4:1-27
Key idea
II. THEMES IN EVERY DAY LIFE
1.
2.
3.
III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
1. Listen
2. Seek
3. Guard
15
CHALLENGE
Remember
REFLECTION Q&A (POSSIBLE DISCUSSION)
1. Can you think ?
Answers:
A.
B.
C.
2. What is one area ?
Answers:
A.
B.
C.
3. How can trusting ?
Answers:
A.
B.
C.
16
IV. THE PERSONIFICATIONS OF WISDOM – PROVERBS 8-9
KEY PASSAGES AND INSIGHTS
1. Wisdom personified as a woman – Proverbs 8:1-36
Key idea
2. Wisdom vs. folly: two invitations – Proverbs 9:1-18
Key idea
3. The eternal and divine nature of wisdom – Proverbs 8:22-23
Key idea
Themes in Every Day Life:
1. Wisdom is
2. Life is a
3. Christ is the
17
Practical Applications
1. Pause
2. Seek
3. Follow
CHALLENGE
REFLECTIONS Q&A (POSSIBLE DISCUSSIONS)
1. What does it mean ?
Answers:
A.
B.
C.
2. Can you identify ?
Answers:
A.
B.
C.
18
SUMMARY – PROVERBS 1-9
These chapters serve as a
Wisdom is personified
Key themes include
Re-Read:
Read:
19
3.
HEBREW POETRY AND A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
AND FEAR OF THE LORD
In this lesson, Mike reviews the elements peculiar to Hebrew poetry (the format for this book) and
explains the two main themes found in chapters 10-18 of Solomon's collection of proverbs.
PROVERBS 10-18
Intro – Features of Hebrew poetry in Proverbs
1. Parallelism
A. Synonymous
- Proverbs 19:5
B. Antithetical
- Proverbs 10:1
20
C. Synthetic
- Proverbs 3:6
2. Imagery and Metaphor
- Proverbs 25:11
- Proverbs 6:6
3. Brevity and Pithiness
- Proverbs 15:1
4. Repetition
- Proverbs 4:7
21
5. Personification
- Proverbs 9:1
- Proverbs 9:13
PROVERBS AND HEBREW POETRY
OTHER FORMS OF PARALLELISM IN HEBREW POETRY (PSALMS)
A. Synonymous
B. Antithetic
C. Synthetic
D. Climactic
- Psalms 29:1-2
E. Emblematic
- Psalms 42:1
22
F. Chiastic
- Psalms 124:7-8
G. Formal
- Psalms 2:6
H. Inverted
- Psalms 30:11
I. Comparative
- Psalms 103:13
J. Acrostic structure
23
- Psalms 119
REVIEW – PROVERBS 1-9
1.
2.
3.
I. THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND FEAR OF THE LORD
1. Righteousness vs. wickedness – Proverbs 10:1-12; 11:1-10
- Proverbs 10:11
- Proverbs 11:1
2. Rewards of fearing the Lord – Proverbs 14:26-27; 15:33
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- Proverbs 14:26
- Proverbs 15:33
3. Practical righteousness in relationships and behavior – Proverbs 10:1-12; 11:1-10
- Proverbs 10:12
- Proverbs 11:11
4. Questions
A. What does ?
B. How does ?
5. Practical applications
A. Commit
B. Speak
25
C. Live
Conclusion
CLOSING CHALLENGE
This week, focus on
Re-Read:
Read:
26
4.
WISDOM FOR SPEECH, WORDS, AND WORK
Mike provides practical lessons from Proverbs to guide each of us in the every day challenge of
living our best lives for Christ.
PROVERBS 19-25
I. WISDOM FOR SPEECH AND WORDS
1. The power of words – life and death
Words have the power
A. Proverbs 12:18
- Insight
B. Proverbs 18:21
- Insight
C. Proverbs 25:18
- Insight
27
D. Proverbs 19:9
- Insight
Applications
2. Speaking truth, kindness and restraint
- Proverbs highlights the value
A. Proverbs 12:22
- Insight
B. Proverbs 15:1
- Insight
C. Proverbs 25:15
- Insight
D. Proverbs 19:1
- Insight
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Applications
3. The destructive nature of gossip and lying
Gossip and dishonesty are destructive
A. Proverbs 20:19
- Insight
B. Proverbs 26:20
- Insight
C. Proverbs 16:28
- Insight
D. Proverbs 25:23
- Insight
Applications
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How can we better control our speech?
Answer (James 1:9)
Suggestions
2. How do our words reflect our hearts?
Answer (Matthew 12:34)
Suggestions
3. Advice for every day life
A.
B.
- Proverbs 21:23
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II. WISDOM IN WORK AND DILIGENCE
1. The dangers of laziness
Explanation
A. Proverbs 6:6-8
- Insights
B. Proverbs 6:10-11
- Insights
C. Proverbs 12:27
- Insights
Applications
31
2. Diligence and its rewards
Explanation
A. Proverbs 10:4
- Insights
B. Proverbs 12:11
- Insights
C. Proverbs 21:5
- Insights
D. Proverbs 22:29
- Insights
Applications
3. Wise stewardship of time and resources
Explanation
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A. Proverbs 20:4
- Insights
B. Proverbs 24:30-31
- Insights
C. Proverbs 3:9
- Insights
Applications
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does Proverbs teach us about work?
Answer
2. How do we work “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)?
Answer
33
3. Advice for every day life
A. Reflect
B. Pray
III. PRACTICAL TAKE-AWAY LESSONS
1. Work with
- Proverbs 10:4
- Insights
- Proverbs 16:3
- Insights
2. Plan
34
A. Proverbs 21:5
- Insights
B. Proverbs 6:6-8
- Insights
3. Be faithful
A. Proverbs 24:30-31
- Insights
B. Proverbs 6:9-11
- Insights
Re-Read:
Read:
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5.
WISDOM FOR RELATIONSHIPS, WEALTH AND CONTENTMENT
In this lesson Mike focuses on the many proverbs that instruct us concerning those things that have
the power to make our lives joyful or bitter, all depending on how we approach relationships
and wealth.
PROVERBS 26-31
Intro – Review
I. WISDOM FOR RELATIONSHIPS
1. Choosing wise companions
- Proverbs 13:20
- Proverbs 22:24-25
- Proverbs 27:17
36
Applications
A.
B.
2. Honoring parents and building a strong family
- Proverbs 15:20
- Proverbs 20:20
- Proverbs 29:15
- Proverbs 23:22
Applications
A.
B.
C.
D.
37
QUESTIONS
A. How can we foster ?
Answer
B. How does wisdom
Answer
PRACTICAL TAKE-AWAYS
A. Choose
B. Honor
C. Apply
3. The virtuous wife – Proverbs 31:10-31
- Authorship / structure
- Culture concept
38
A. Intro to the virtuous wife – Proverbs 31:10-12
Insights:
i. excellent
ii. worth
iii. trust
B. Her industrious nature – Proverbs 31:13-19
Insights:
i. She is
ii. The imagery of
C. Compassionate leadership – Proverbs 31:20-21
Insights:
i. Her compassion
ii. Her preparedness
D. Her influence and strength – Proverbs 31:23-27
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Insights:
i. Her diligence
ii. Her wisdom
E. Her legacy – Proverbs 31:28-31
Insights:
i. The praise
ii. The final verses
APPLICATIONS
A. For individuals in marriage
B. For individuals preparing for marriage
C. For families and communities
SUMMARY OF THE VIRTUOUS WIFE
40
II. WEALTH, GENEROSITY AND CONTENTMENT
Introduction
1. Honoring God with wealth
- Proverbs 3:9-10
- Proverbs 15:16
APPLICATIONS
A. Dedicate
B. Review
2. The dangers of greed and love of money
- Proverbs 11:24-25
- Proverbs 11:28
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- Proverbs 23:4-5
APPLICATIONS
A. Avoid
B. Set
3. The blessings of generosity and contentment
- Proverbs 11:25
- Proverbs 30:7-9
APPLICATIONS
A. Practice
B. Reflect
42
QUESTIONS
1. How do we balance stewardship, generosity and contentment in a material world?
Answer
2. How does generosity reflect God’s character?
Answer
PRACTICAL TAKE-AWAYS
1. Honor
2. Embrace
3. Cultivate
No Assignment
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6.
WISDOM AGAINST FOOLISHNESS AND FOR CHRISTLIKENESS
The final lesson in the series reviews one last failing that wisdom guards us from and explores the
affinity shared by all those who seek the knowledge of Christ with the wisdom of Solomon.
Intro – Review
I. THE CONSEQUENCES OF FOOLISHNESS
1. The allure of sin and temptation
- Proverbs 5:3-4
- Proverbs 7:21-22
APPLICATIONS
A. Reflect
B. Establish
44
2. The consequences of foolish choices
- Proverbs 13:21
- Proverbs 26:11
APPLICATIONS
A. Recognize
B. Identity
3. The importance of discernment
- Proverbs 14:15
- Proverbs 3:7
APPLICATIONS
A. Practice
45
B. Spend time
QUESTIONS
1. What are some “modern follies” that threaten wise living?
2. How can we resist temptation?
PRACTICAL TAKE-AWAYS
A. Guard
B. Break
C. Seek
II. WISDOM FOR CHRISTLIKENESS
46
1. Jesus, the embodiment of God’s wisdom
- Proverbs 2:6
- Proverbs 8:22-23
- I Corinthians 1:30
- Colossians 2:3
APPLICATIONS
A. Acknowledge
B. Meditate
2. Walking in wisdom as a disciple of Christ
- Proverbs 3:5-6
47
- Ephesians 5:15-16
APPLICATIONS
A. Walk
B. Commit
3. Applying Proverbs to daily life
- Proverbs 15:1
- Proverbs 9:10
- Colossians 4:6
APPLICATIONS
A. Apply
B. Memorize
48
QUESTIONS
1. How does Jesus fulfill the teachings in Proverbs?
2. How can we live as “wise” in an unwise world?
PRACTICAL TAKE-AWAYS
A. Seek
B. Live
C. Be
GENERAL LESSONS FROM PROVERBS
Lesson #1 – The foundation
- Proverbs 1:7
49
Application:
Lesson #2 – Wisdom
- Proverbs 15:1
Application:
Lesson #3 – A life
- Proverbs 3:9-10
Application:
THANK YOU
- James 3:17
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