Rose Publishing - Proverbs Bible Study

Proverbs
Rose Visual Bible Studies

2020 Rose Publishing, LLC

Published by Rose Publishing
An imprint of Hendrickson Publishing Group

Rose Publishing, LLC
P.O. Box 3473
Peabody, Massachusetts 019613473 USA
www.HendricksonPublishingGroup.com

ISBN 978-162862-860-9

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Author: Jessica Curiel

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Images used under license from Shutterstock.com: Paul Aniszewski, cover, p. 5; Ross Gordon Henry, p. 3, 7; Becky Starsmore, p. 3, 23; TTStudio, p. 3, 37; Anna Puzatykh, p. 3, 53; Kletr, p. 3, 65; LightField Studios, p. 3, 81; Chat Karen Studio, p. 3, 97; P.D.T.N.C., p. 8, 22; Gustavo Frazao, p. 9; Christophe Testi, p. 11; Lotus_studio, p. 14; file404, p. 16; Purple clouds, p. 2, 36; S_Photo, p. 24, 36; TACartoons, p. 25; kpboonjit, p. 27; Creatopic, p. 27; In Green, p. 29; Patrice6000, p. 32; a1 vector, p. 38, 52; Africa Studio, p. 39, 67; Fotokostic, p. 43; Krakenimages.com, p. 47; naskami, p. 54; Bk87, p. 55; Chanintorn.v, p. 58; Selma ARSLAN, p. 60; Zolnierek, p. 66, 80; eveleen, p. 72; Martial Red, p. 73 (fist); davooda, p. 73 (moneybag); JETACOM AUTOFOCUS, p. 74 (money exchange); GoodStuff, p. 74 (sword); KieferPix, p. 82, 96; dugdax, p. 83; runLenarun, p. 86; Vita Stocker, p. 87; popcic, p. 88 (crown); Aygun Ali, p. 88 (woman); Monkey Business Images, p. 89; Rasulov, p. 90; ART STOCK CREATIVE (green leaf border); P Maxwell Photography, p. 98; Amenic181, p. 101; Keep Smiling Photography, p. 103; Happy Art, icons (book, lightbulb, compass, plant).

King Solomon by Simeon Solomon (1872 or 1874), National Gallery of Art, p. 13; Hezekiah, King of Judah by Hippolyte Flandrin (18561863), Van Day Truex Fund, 1985, Metropolitan Museum of Art, p. 86.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Proverbs

King Solomon was said to have wisdom
as measureless as the sand on the seashore (1 Kings 4:29). While much of the book of Proverbs is a collection of King Solomons wise words, its hardly a book just for kings. The first few verses of Proverbs chapter one tell us exactly who this book is for.

The book of Proverbs is

For gaining wisdom and instruction (v. 2).

If want to learn how to live more wisely, then Proverbs is for you.

For doing what is right and just and fair (v. 3).

If you long for justice in our world, then Proverbs is for you.

For giving prudence to those who are simple (v. 4).

If youve ever felt a little nave or unsure of what to do, then Proverbs is most certainly for you.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning (v. 5).

If youre an old pro at living wisely, then Proverbs is still for you.

For understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise (v. 6).

And if you want to have a deeper knowledge of Gods Word, then Proverbs is definitely for you.

You dont need to have Solomons measureless wisdom to get started. You just need to begin where Proverbs says all true insight and understanding originates: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (v. 7).

In this six-session study on the book of Proverbs, well journey through the major sections of the book and look closely at some of its main themes. If you want to read the entire book of Proverbs from beginning to end, follow the optional reading plan provided for each session, which is about five chapters a week.

Where
Wisdom Begins

Proverbs about the
Fear of the Lord

There are hundreds of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs covering all sorts of topics. There are wise words about business dealings, the courts, making money, working hard, marriage, children, parents, friends, food and drink, and what we say with our mouths and do from our hearts.

But Proverbs is not a self-help book. Its purpose is not to teach us how to get ahead in business, have a great spouse and kids, be admired, or make money. This might seem a bit paradoxical. Thats because the book of Proverbs is not ultimately about making good choices (though it certainly includes that); its about making godly choices. These are the kinds of choices in life that bring honor and glory to our Makeror, as Proverbs would put it, choices that demonstrate the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7).

The fear of the Lord is not a sense of terror, but one of profound reverence. Its a deep sense of who God is and who we are in relation to him. Its a clear understanding that God is the creator, sustainer, savior, judge, and owner of the whole universe. It means trusting his definition of what is good and evil, right and wrong, wise and foolish. The starting point of wise living and its end goal are an
all-embracing relationship with God.

Read It

Key Proverbs to Read

• Proverbs 1:17
• Proverbs 9:10
• Proverbs 14:27

Optional Reading Plan

• Day 1: Proverbs 1
• Day 2: Proverbs 2
• Day 3: Proverbs 3
• Day 4: Proverbs 4
• Day 5: Proverbs 5

The key proverbs to read cover select Bible verses and passages on the sessions topic. The optional reading plan takes you through the book of Proverbs chapter by chapter for five days each week.

Know It

1. What are some things Proverbs 1:17 says that we will gain from reading the book?
2. Who are the different types of characters mentioned in the first seven verses of Proverbs?
3. Read these other proverbs about the fool from Proverbs 1:7.
   • Proverbs 1:22
   • Proverbs 10:23
   • Proverbs 15:5

   What characterizes the fool? (Hint: Whats his attitude toward the things of God?)

Explore It

What Is Wisdom?

The book of Proverbs is usually grouped with other books in the Bible called poetic and wisdom literature . In addition to Proverbs, these writings include the songs in the book of Psalms, the story of a wise man named Job, and the philosophical musings in Ecclesiastes.