This is a nine lesson study of Proverbs, organized by selected topics that represent the major issues addressed. Every topic has a number of verses connected to it, so the Bible readings will be spread out through the book of Proverbs and other Bible references may be included.
The Proverbs provide for us wise, practical and spiritually discerned advice for life. They serve as God’s instructions to us. Mostly given as fatherly advice from King Solomon, they offer many principles that will guide anyone into living life well and avoiding the many pitfalls that are awaiting those who live recklessly. The Proverbs are a sure guide to the many choices of today that determine our experiences and destiny.
Lessons
Overview
Parents and Children
Good Parenting
Ungodly Children
Discipline of Children
Lesson 3 – Wisdom and Discernment
Lesson 4 – Wise People versus the Wicked and Fools
Lesson 5 – Marriage and Temptations
Lesson 6 – General Wise Advice, Part 1
Lesson 7 – General Wise Advice, Part 2
Lesson 8 – Our Plans and God’s Will
Lesson 9 – Advice on Legal Matters
Lesson 1 Overview and Parents and Children
OVERVIEW
1. According to Proverbs 1:1, who wrote the proverbs found here?
(Note: He was not the only author as other sections were added later by other authors. For example, see Proverbs 31:1.)
2. What was the purpose in writing the Proverbs, according to verses 2-3?
3. According to Proverbs 1: 4-6, who are they intended for and what are the expected results?
4. In Proverbs 1:7a, where does true wisdom and knowledge begin and what does that look like in practical terms for us? How do you think that sets the right course for the study of wisdom?
PARENTS and CHILDREN
5. How is a child to receive the advice and instruction of father and mother, according to the following verses?
a. Proverbs 1:8-9
b. Proverbs 2:1
c. Proverbs 3:1
d. Proverbs 4:1-2
e. Proverbs 4:20-21
6. According to Proverbs 1:10-11, what should children be aware of?
a. What is a more common example you are aware of where a child might be goaded by his or her friends to get into mischief?
b. How can parents warn their children of this?
7. What does Proverbs 22:15 give as a reason that children need instruction and discipline?
8. What is Solomon’s advice to his son about listening to those who would do harm, according to Proverbs 1:10 and 15-16?
9. What does Solomon say, according to the verses below, is the result of following the wise advice of parents?
a. Proverbs 3:2
b. Proverbs 3:4
c. Proverbs 4:13
d. Proverbs 6:20-22
10. What does Proverbs 23:13-14 say is an important part of parenting? Why do you think this is frowned on by many people today, and should it be?
Lesson 2
TOPIC 1: Results of Good Parenting
TOPIC 2: Impact of Ungodly Children
TOPIC 3: The Role of Discipline of Children
RESULTS of GOOD PARENTING
1. How have you seen or experienced what is said in Proverbs 17:6?
2. What is a component of good parenting and the result, according to Proverbs 20:7?
3. What impact does a positive result of good parenting have on the parent, according to Proverbs 23:24 and 29:17?
IMPACT of UNGODLY CHILDREN
4. What do the following verses say about the impact of ungodly children on a parent?
a. Proverbs 17:21
b. Proverbs 17:25
c. Proverbs 19:26
d. Proverbs 29:15
THE ROLE of DISCIPLINE
5. What results do you see in Proverbs 6:21-23 from following a parent’s command, instruction and discipline of a child?
6. What does Proverbs 3:11-12a say about the Lord’s discipline?
7. What does Proverbs 3:12b say about a father’s discipline and how do you apply that? What would a lack of discipline for a child imply from this verse?
8. What motivates a parent’s discipline, according to Proverbs 13:24?
9. What does Proverbs 15:10 say about discipline and correction?
10. According to Proverbs 19:18, what point, or time-frame, in life is best for disciplining a child, and if not done at the correct time, what will the expected result be?
11. According to Proverbs 22:15, what corrects a child’s foolishness?
Lesson 3
TOPIC: Wisdom and Discernment
1. In Proverbs 3:21-26 Solomon talks about common sense and discernment, or as translated in some versions, various forms of wisdom and discretion. Answer the following questions:
a. In Proverbs 3:21, what does he tell children to do with these qualities?
b. What are the benefits of having these qualities, listed in Proverbs 3:22-25?
c. What is the source of help in this, as stated in Proverbs 3:26?
2. According to Proverbs 4:7, what in life is the primary, or most important, thing to get, and what is necessary to go with it?
3. What does Proverbs 9:10 tell us is the way to these important life qualifies identified in Proverbs 4:7?
4. What is the value of wisdom compared to in Proverbs 8:11; 16:16; and 20:15?
5. What is often a benefit of wisdom, according to Proverbs 9:11? What are other ways you see wisdom improving your life?
6. What does Proverbs 12:1 tell us that discipline and correction are necessary for and why would that be important?
7. According to Proverbs 16:21, how best can the wise persuade others? Give an example of a using pleasant persuasive words, rather than hurtful words.
Lesson 4
TOPIC: Wise People versus the Wicked and Fools
Note: The English translations of Proverbs use the words “fool”, “wicked”, or “mocker” most often to distinguish differences in a variety of words used in Hebrew. Sometimes there are subtle differences in the original that are not reflected well in the English language. Use of an interlinear translation or consultation with a Strong’s Concordance will identify distinctions. For example, “fool” can refer to someone who is naïve, despises wisdom, is stupid, or is a simpleton. “Mocker” can be one who ridicules, scorns, boasts, or is arrogant. The “wicked” are those who are hostile to God, or guilty of criminal acts.
1. What does Proverbs 9:7-8 say about correcting a mocker or scoffer, versus correcting someone who is wise? In what ways have you found this to be true?
2. What does Proverbs 10:11 say about the words of the wise (or godly), versus the words of the wicked?
3. How does Proverbs 10:19 instruct us, and in what ways have you found it to be true?
4. The “way of the Lord” affects the righteous and the wicked differently. What does Proverbs 10:29 tell us about this? Give an example you have seen from experience.
5. What guidance does Proverbs 10:32 give us regarding who we should be listening to and who we might want to avoid?
6. How does Proverbs 15:14 contrast those who are wise and those who are foolish? Give an example of each one from your life experience.
7. What advice is given to fools in Proverbs 17:28? What do you think “even” adds to this and its application to us?
8. What does Proverbs 18:2 say about fools? Give an example from your own experience in trying to converse with such a person?
9. According to Proverbs 19:20, where can we get wisdom that lasts a lifetime? What are some of the sources that this might come from?
10. What is said to be a wise or discerning behavior of a son in Proverbs 28:7? On the other hand, what would bring shame to the parents?
11. According to Proverbs 29:7, how does the attitude towards the poor differ between the godly and the wicked?
Lesson 5
TOPIC: Marriage and Temptations
Written from Solomon’s perspective, and as advice to his son, Solomon focuses on qualities of a wife. The questions below will explore these qualities as they apply to the husband as well.
1. What does Proverbs 18:22 say about finding a wife and how can that apply more broadly to marriage?
2. From the following verses, what makes a good wife and what do they say about a less than desirable one? How do these verses apply to the husband?
a. Proverbs 12:4
b. Proverbs 19:13b
c. Proverbs 21:9
d. Proverbs 27:15
3. In Proverbs 31, we see what a godly wife looks like from the advice and perspective that the mother of King Lemuel gave to him. Review verses 10-31.
a. List several of the qualities given for a virtuous wife and state them in more personal terms.
b. How are her children and husband to respond to such a woman, according to verse 28?
c. What do you think of the wisdom of King Lemuel’s mother? Is there anything you would add based on your own experience?
4. As King Solomon advises his son, he wants him to be aware of the dangers of immoral women and the impact they would have on him and the detriment they would be to his marriage. Read the verses listed and answer the following questions:
a. From Proverbs 5:3 and 6:25, why would an immoral woman be tempting to a man?
b. What can be expected as the result of a liaison with an immoral woman, according to Proverbs 5:4; 5:9-11; and 6:32?
c. How do Proverbs 5:15 and 5:18 guide a young man?
5. Read Proverbs 7:1-5. What does Solomon say will help keep the young man away from an immoral woman?
6. How does Solomon’s advice to a young man apply to a young woman today who may be tempted by a young man’s persuasive words and charm?
Lesson 6
TOPIC: General Wise Advice, Part 1
1. In your own words, what advice does Proverbs 10:19 give? Give an example from your own life, either positive or negative.
2. What does Proverbs 11:25 say will be the result of being a generous person? What are some ways you could “refresh” another through generosity?
3. What are the different results from using “gentle” versus “harsh” words when answering someone, according to Proverbs 15:1? Describe a circumstance where you may have seen this truth in action.
4. How are the “wise” and the “fool” contrasted in Proverbs 15:2?
5. Proverbs 15:16 and 16:8 compare having little with having treasure or wealth. What comes with treasure where there is no fear of the Lord, and wealth with a lack of godliness?
6. According to Proverbs 16:24, what are kind or pleasant words compared to and what is their impact? How important do you think it is to remember this at all times?
7. Proverbs 15:23 refers to saying the right thing at the right time. What effect does that normally have on people? Give an example from your own experience, either a word you said or when you were the recipient.
8. Proverbs 17:9 deals with what to do when we are offended by someone. What are the different ways of responding and what are the different outcomes?
9. From Proverbs 18:14, which is easier to endure: a sick body, or a crushed or broken spirit? Often a broken spirit comes from our words to others. Describe how you may have experienced a broken spirit and how we can help others who experience this.
Lesson 7
TOPIC: General Wise Advice, Part 2
1. What does Proverbs 19:2 indicate is more important than haste and/or enthusiasm, and what happens if we act swiftly without proper understanding? Can you give an example of this from your own life?
2. Summarize Proverbs 19:3. Have you observed or experienced this, and why do you think this happens?
3. What attribute does Proverbs 20:3 give to one who is able to avoid strife, a quarrel, or a fight (depending on your translation), and how does that differ from a fool?
4. What does Proverbs 20:4 state as one reason people do not have their needs met?
5. Read Proverbs 21:3 and 21:27. What does 21:3 say the Lord prefers to “sacrifice”? We no longer offer sacrifices as in the Old Testament, but how does “sacrifice” apply to us today? What word might we use instead?
6. In Proverbs 21:5, what attributes would make our plans successful (assuming God has been consulted)? What are the attributes that lead, instead, to poverty? Give an example of how you might have seen or experienced this truth.
7. What is one way Proverbs 21:23 says we can keep out of trouble? List any suggestions for actually doing this.
8. What is another attribute of the righteous or godly person, according to Proverbs 21:26?
9. What does Proverbs 22:1 say is better than riches and silver and gold? How would you apply that to your own life?
10. What advice does Proverbs 29:11 give about our tempers? What have you found to help with this in a practical sense?
Lesson 8
TOPIC: Our Plans and God’s Will
1. According to Proverbs 3:6, what step is necessary in order for us to know that God will show us what path to take in life? What significance do you think the word “all” has, and how do you apply that?
2. Read Proverbs 16 verses 1, 3, and 9. All of us make plans. Sometimes it is merely a plan for what to do in a day, or perhaps, at other times it involves something that we want to see happen in time. How do these verses inform us to help in our planning?
3. For thousands of years God’s people have sought to know His will, whether in making plans or a one-time decision. Read Exodus 28:29-30; Numbers 27:21; and Nehemiah 7:65 to learn about God’s early provision for knowing His will. What did they do to seek God’s will, and who was to do it?
4. In the New Testament we find one occasion where Jesus’ disciples used lots to know God’s will. What was the occasion, according to Acts 1:24-26?
5. Some commentators note that the practice of “casting lots” is absent from the church after Pentecost (the arrival of the Holy Spirit). We see in the New Testament writings a new way of discerning the will of God. Answer the following:
a. In John 14:26 Jesus tells of One whom God will send to teach and guide His people. Who is it, and how does He help us discern the will of God?
b. What does Romans 12:2 tell us is necessary to learn the will of God?
c. According to Colossians 1:9-10 and James 1:5, what is necessary for believers to receive spiritual knowledge and understanding?
d. How can we know that we are praying according to God’s will, according to Romans 8:26-27?
e. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 inform us is key to understanding what is right and wrong in our lives, helping us to know how to pray?
6. Read Proverbs 20:24. Who is in charge of every step of our lives? What does it say about our right or capacity to understand what the Lord’s will for us is as He directs our steps?
7. What does Proverbs 15:22 tell us is helpful in making plans? What qualities would be necessary in such a person?
8. You may have heard the adage, “Let go and let God.” From your study of proverbs, in what ways is this true and in what ways is it bad advice?
9. Summarize what you have discovered from the verses in this lesson that will help you to make wise decisions.
Lesson 9
TOPIC: Advice on Legal Matters
1. What principle does Proverbs 18:5 give us in regard to legal matters? How do you see this principle influencing our legal system today?
2. In what ways have you experienced Proverbs 18:17 to be true?
3. How important is the testimony of witnesses and what cautions are given in Proverbs 19 verses 5, 9, and 28?
4. Why do you think Deuteronomy 19:15 is an important standard that is continued in New Testament times, as seen in Matthew 18:16 and 1 Timothy 5:19? What situations are you aware of that have arisen today when the testimony of only one witness is acted upon?
5. Read Proverbs 21:15. Explain what it means and give an example.
6. What can we learn from Proverbs 22:22-23 about taking advantage of the poor in court?
7. According to Proverbs 24:17, what is our attitude to be towards those who we may consider our enemies? Also see Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44.
8. What insight is given in Proverbs 24:19-20 that should give comfort when the evil prevail in court?
9. What does Proverbs 24:28-29 caution against?
10. In what ways have you seen God given principles violated in our courts today? How will God ultimately deal with wrongdoers?
11. What are the most notable things you learned from this study of Proverbs?