PROVERBS The Book of Wisdom POETICAL BOOKS

PROVERBS The Book of Wisdom

POETICAL BOOKS

Title of the book The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel (Proverbs 1: 1). From the root word lv; m'

Proverbs 1: 2 -4 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 2

Proverbs 1: 5 -6 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. 5

Exodus 28: 2 -3 "And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 "And you shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. 2

Proverbs 1: 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. • A Fear that Drives Away • A Fear that brings Wonder

Outline of Proverbs

Themes in the Proverbs l The way of Wisdom 1715 20 have directedattentiondo way let wisdom; 1311 Avoidson, ofthe bread by wickedness, 22 For they do not passin the notfind go. For. Myholdareinstruction; it; my words; Take it, give you of to I they eat life to those who of them, Turnhealth youear is violence. And drink theto she uprightsayings. Guardawayfor all it of your paths. And her, from their whole on. Incline your in and pass I have led wine to my life. body. 1816 21 Do not cannot path of with wicked, do evil; 1412 For they letof the your stepsalltheythe 23 Watchenterwalk, sleep unless like sight; But not path your heart the is your be Do the you the righteous will not When over them depart from diligence, light of them in the midst of your (Proverbs Andfrom it proceed springs of life. heart. And do notare robbed of sleep unless men. For they flow the in the way of evil they Keep dawn, impeded; make someone That shines brighterstumble. (Proverbs 4: 15(Proverbs run, youand brighter until the full 4: 22 -23). 4: 13 -14). And(Proverbs 4: 20 -21). not stumble. (Proverbs if you will 16). day. 4: 11 -12). 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. (Proverbs 4: 17 -19).

Themes in the Proverbs The way of Wisdom l Principles of Work l He who gathersman not profit, a son who acts wisely, Like vinegar to the summer issmoke to the eyes, 2 Do you see a in teeth and his work? Ill-gotten gains do skilled in Butisrighteousnessin those who a death. acts So he who sleepsto harvest is send him. (Proverbs But will stand before kings; from son who He the lazy one delivers shamefully. will not allow the righteous to hunger, 10: 26). 3 He will not stand before obscure men. (Proverbs The LORD (Proverbs 10: 5). But 10: 26). thrust aside the craving of the wicked. He will 4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs 10: 2 -4).

Themes in the Proverbs The way of Wisdom l Principles of Work l l Skilled work will lead to success l Diligent work will lead to success Go to the ant, O sluggard The way Observe her ways as a hedge of thorns, of the sluggard is and be wise, Which, having no is a highway. But the path of the upright chief, Officer, or ruler; (Proverbs 15: 19) Prepares her food in the summer, And gathers her provisions in the harvest. (Proverbs 15: 19)

Themes in the Proverbs The way of Wisdom l Principles of Work l Principles of Business and Finance l Do not He who trusts in his those to whom it is due, withhold good from riches will fall, When it is in your power flourish like the green leaf. But the righteous will to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, (Proverbs 3: 27 -28). "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it, " When you have it with you. (Proverbs 3: 27 -28). 27

Themes in the Proverbs The way of Wisdom l Principles of Work l Principles of Business and Finance l Principles of Spiritual Speech l For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down. (Proverbs 26: 20).

Proverbs 22: 10 -14 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease. 11 He who loves purity of heart And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. 12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man. 13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside; I shall be slain in the streets!" 14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the LORD will fall into it. 10

Proverbs 13: 1 -3 A wise son accepts his father's discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2 From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. 3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 1

The Excellent Wife Proverbs 31: 10 -31 She conducts her affairs in such a way as to instill trust on the part of her husband (31: 11) l She is both hard-working and efficient l She is not afraid to engage in business l Praise is given both to her husband as well as to her l

Lessons from the Proverbs The Universal need for Wisdom l The Universal Arena of Wisdom l What is Wise is also what is Good l Principles rather than Promises l A real view of the real world l Christians are called to be street-smart l