Memory Verse
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Proverbs 1:7
Overview

Proverbs is a teacher’s manual, written by a father, to a father for the instruction of his sons and daughters. The Proverbs are more accurate than economists, more insightful than sociologists, more practical than your teachers, more helpful than your own heart, and more enlightening than your personal experience. A proverb is a simple phrase to explain a complex subject.

Hymn: O Word of God Incarnate
Sheet Music
Top 5 Facts to Remember
  1. Proverbs 31 shows us what a virtuous woman looks like.
  2. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Prov. 1:7; 9:10).
  3. A woman who fears the Lord will be praised (Prov. 31:30).
  4. The house of the immoral woman is the way to hell (Prov. 7:27).
  5. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool (Prov. 17:10).
Theme: Wisdom

In Proverbs, God is glorifying Himself through wisdom, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

Author: Multiple

A plurality of authors and copyists took part in producing the book of Proverbs:

  1. Solomon.
  2. The men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
  3. The wise.
  4. Agur the son of Jakeh.
  5. King Lemuel.
Time of Writing: 971-686 B.C.

Many of the Proverbs were either written or collected by Solomon sometime during his reign (971–931 B.C.). The book was probably put into its final form during the reign of Hezekiah (716–687 B.C.).

Key Verses:

“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.”

Proverbs 3:5–6

“Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.”

Proverbs 31:10–11

Lessons:
  1. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7).
  2. Trust in the Lord rather than your own inclinations.
  3. Flee from the temptations of the adulterous woman.
Christ in Proverbs:
  1. Wisdom (Prov. 8)
  2. The Son of God (Prov. 30:4)
Outline
  1. The Proverbs of Solomon (Prov. 1:1–22:16)
  2. The Words of the Wise (Prov. 22:17–24:34)
  3. More Proverbs of Solomon (Prov. 25–29)
  4. The Words of Agur (Prov. 30)
  5. The Words of Lemuel (Prov. 31)
Study Questions

What verse summarizes the book of Proverbs?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).

The book of Proverbs tells the sluggard to consider the ways of what insect?
The ant (Prov. 6:6–8).

What are the seven things which are an abomination to the Lord?

  1. A proud look.
  2. A lying tongue.
  3. Hands that shed innocent blood.
  4. A heart that devises wicked plans.
  5. Feet that are swift in running to evil.
  6. A false witness who speaks lies.
  7. One who sows discord among brethren (Prov. 6:16–19).

Which chapter of Proverbs contrasts Wisdom with the foolish woman?
Proverbs 9.

Which chapter of Proverbs contains the words of Agur?
Proverbs 30.

Where is the virtuous woman described in Proverbs?
Proverbs 31:10–31.

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