He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. What is the general principle in each proverb? How do theses proverbs work together to teach about the wise giving of gifts and the potential dangers? He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty. Many curry favour with a ruler, and everyone is a friend of a man who gives gifts.Ī gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. What is the general principle in each proverb? How do these proverbs work together to describe the links between hard work, wealth, poverty and injustice?Ĭonsider these proverbs about gift giving:Ī gift opens the way for the giver and usher him into the presence of the great. He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. Proverbs 14:23Ī poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. Proverbs 10:4Īll hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. What is the general principle? What exceptions can you think of? What is the danger of reading this proverbs as a promise or guarantee? What does this proverb teach us?Ĭonsider these proverbs about poverty and hard work: The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. We also need to draw on the wisdom of other books of the Bible, including James, Job and Ecclesiastes, to understand the complexity of life and suffering. We need to become wise in all areas of life, and learn to apply proverbs correctly to different situations. It is God who created us and who teaches us wisdom. Wisdom is rooted in relationship with God. Proverbs are not promises or guarantees from God.
Proverbs describe general principles. They don’t cover all the exceptions. Here are five guidelines for reading Proverbs: It is important to read the proverbs wisely. Preparation: Encourage everyone in the group to read through Proverbs chapters 10-31 in the week prior to this study. James 1:5Īs a group, take a few minutes to pray and ask God for guidance as you seek to grow in wisdom. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. The book of James reminds us that God wants to give us wisdom: In what ways are you currently investing time and money and effort in gaining wisdom? What else could you do, individually or as a group, to help you in the pursuit of wisdom? Though it cost all you have, get understanding. The book of Proverbs teaches that there is a cost to following the path of wisdom.
In chapters 1-9, what are the attitudes and actions that someone needs to embrace in order to gain wisdom? What entices people onto this path? What is the appeal of following this path? What are the consequences of following this path? How is the path of wisdom (righteousness) described in Proverbs chapters 1-9. How is the path of folly described in Proverbs chapters 1-9? What entices people onto this path? Why do you think this path appeals to people? What are the words and actions that describe those who travel this path? What are the consequences of following this path? We will look firstly at the path of folly (wickedness). Proverbs 4:18-19.Ĭan you identify a time in your life when you made a deliberate choice about which path to follow? What factors influenced your decision? But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness they do not know what makes them stumble.
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The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. In a similar way the book of Proverbs presents the choice of two paths: Jesus describes the choice that every person needs to make between a wide gate and broad road, and a small gate and narrow road. Preparation: Encourage everyone in the group to read through Proverbs chapters 1-9 in the week prior to this study.
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