Bible

Today, in the Bible room, we begin reading the summary of the book of Proverbs. We will break our reading of this book into 3 sessions, starting here with Session 1 of 3, chapters 1 through 10.

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Proverbs – Session 1 of 3

Introduction to Proverbs:

Writer: Solomon is identified as the writer of most of the book, probably during his 40-year reign over the United Kingdom in 970-930 b.c. Some of the Proverbs identify a few other writers.

Scope:  The Proverbs are not presented as ‘promises’ which would be understood to be universally applied to every situation or circumstance, but rather they are statements of general principles which are useful for guiding right thinking and behavior.   

Chapter 1. Wisdom

Solomon introduces and explains this collection of some of his writings:

• His purpose is to urge readers to attain, and apply, wisdom;
• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
• Do not take up with, or go along with, sinners;
• Do not seek ill-gotten gain;
• Whoever heeds his advice will live in safety.

Chapter 2. Insight

Solomon is speaking as if to his own son:

• Seeking insight, you will find understanding;
• In the fear of the Lord, you can understand God;
• For the Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, understanding;
• Wisdom and knowledge bring discretion;
• Which will lead you away from the immoral woman;

Chapter 3. Guidance

Advice for the young:

• Keep God’s commandments for long life and peace;
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and;
• Lean not on your own understanding;
• In all your ways acknowledge Him, and;
• He shall direct your paths.
• Honor the Lord with the first fruits of your increase;
• Don’t hesitate to help your neighbor in need;

Chapter 4. Instruction

Hear the instruction of a father:

• As a son, and father, Solomon has first-hand experience;
• Keep the commandments;
• Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore, get wisdom;
• Also, get understanding;
• Avoid the way of evil;
• Avoid saying deceitful things.

Chapter 5. Discretion

Stay away from the immoral woman:

• Knowledge and understanding will give you discretion;
• The immoral woman is nothing but trouble;
• Her mouth is sharp as a two-edged sword;
• She will steal your honor, your reputation, your wealth;
• You’ll end up working for a foreigner;
• You’ll regret not listening to instruction;
• Be faithful to your wife;
• Remember, the Lord is always watching.

Chapter 6. Beware

Do not get involved in potentially harmful situations:

• Beware of suspect promises from wicked people;
• Stay busy, earn your living honestly;
• Observe the ant who stores up food for the winter;
• Stay away from worthless, perverse people;
• Seven things the Lord hates: a proud look, a lying tongue,
• Murder, evil schemes, seeking evil, falsifying evidence,
• And anyone who creates strife among friends;
• Remember and heed the advice of your father and mother;
• Stay away from the immoral, adulteress woman;
• Adultery destroys the soul;
• Nothing can correct an illicit affair with a married woman.

Chapter 7. Keep

The key word here is ‘keep’:

• He pleads for his son to keep his words of wisdom;
• To keep his advice, his laws, as the apple of his eye;
• And they will keep you from the immoral woman;
• And keep you from the adulteress, married woman;
• Which leads to a house of death.

Chapter 8. Excellence

Solomon wants to speak of excellent things;

• He speaks words of truth and righteousness;
• He speaks of right things, nothing twisted, or untrue;
• Things that are plain, easy for everyone to understand;
• Fear the Lord, hate evil, pride, and arrogance;
• Live with prudence, find out knowledge and discretion;

Chapter 9. Productive

Practical advice for living:

• The wise man is productive; he works and stores up;
• Don’t waste words of correction for the scoffer;
• Teach a wise man and he will appreciate you;
• Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
• Don’t be led astray by a foolish woman.

Chapter 10. Observations

32 couplets of wise observations; here are four of them:

• He who gathers in summer is a wise son,
• But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame;
• Hatred stirs up strife,
• But love covers all sins;
• The lips of the righteous feed many,
• But fools die for lack of wisdom;
• The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
• And He adds no sorrow with it.

End of Session 1 of 3 of Proverbs