Straight Paths
A Walk Through Proverbs (Summer 2020)
Proverbs: Recommendations & Principles to Remember
August 31, 2020 • Don den Hartog
Recommendations: 1. Read one chapter of Proverbs per day according to the date of the month. 2. Memorize one verse of Proverbs per week. 3. Remember that Proverbs is not as disjointed as it appears. Look for themes and common denominators in sections, especially chapters. Observations: 1. The applicability of Proverbs is not limited to a previous dispensation. 2. Proverbs provides practical wisdom for practical issues in daily living. It is a neglected resource for skillful living. 3. Take opportunity to disciple/mentor young people, using the book of Proverbs. 4. Proverbs gives particular wisdom for just and righteous leadership and discernment regarding injustice in all contexts of life. 5. Remember that the subject of a proverb may be figurative to a greater principle. Discover that principle and consider practical ways it applies in current life situations.
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
August 24, 2020 • Dennis McNutt • Proverbs 31:10–31
Proverbs 31 has long been treated as the ultimate characteristics of a excellent, valent women. A deeper look reveals it to be the capstone of the wisdom in the book -- the embodiment of wisdom itself reflected in previous chapters. Too, the chapter's chiastic and poetic structure makes the husband the intended focus and beneficiary of an intimate relationship with wisdom. Christ is the embodiment of wisdom (see John chapter 1). He and we mutually benefit from relationship attained by position and union at salvation.
The Words of Agur
August 17, 2020 • Jim Pool • Proverbs 30:1–6
Agur was probably a contemporary of Solomon, but all we really know about him is derived from what he wrote in Proverbs 30. What we do know about Agur, we need to emulate: 1) have the humility to admit we need wisdom, 2) admit God's word is the answer.
You Fool
August 10, 2020 • Les Sillars • Proverbs 26:1–12
Fool: stubborn fool; like “wise” in Scripture, ”fool” also carries a moral connotation. The fool rejects the wisdom of the Creator in favor of his own will and desires. Proverbs 26:1-12 presents situations and characteristics of "fools." The last verse in this section asks us a profound question, however: "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Further Sayings of the Wise
August 3, 2020 • Bo Spires • Proverbs 24:23–34
The "Sayings of the Wise" teach us to not only hear God's Word but to live it out. Proverbs 24:23-34 instructs us how this can be applied to our life in areas such as work, controlling the tongue, and not showing partiality in our dealings with others.
Strength in the Day of Trouble
July 27, 2020 • Mike Thomas • Proverbs 24:3–12
Proverbs 24 encourages us to be wise people, to think with the mind of Christ who dwells within us by His Holy Spirit. It encourages us to stay connected to other Christians who also are studying the Bible to know the mind of Christ. It encourages us to recognize that difficult times are meant by God for our good, that we trust only in our loving Father and not in others or things to meet our needs. Proverbs 24 encourages us to consider the needs of others who are heading in a direction of death both spiritually and physically. God is at work, even during these difficult times, to draw the unbelievers to faith and trust in Him. God is at work to perfect our faith, we who are His beloved children. God is love. Let us love one another.
The Fool and the Wise – The Righteous and the Wicked
July 20, 2020 • Jim Pool • Proverbs 10:1–14
1 Corinthians 1:30 says that In Christ comes wisdom and righteousness from God. Living the skilled life of Proverbs finds its source in our new life in and with Christ. Making decisions moment by moment reveals whether we are trusting God for His gift of Wisdom and Righteousness, or not. Examples of the contrast in these verses include: Wise – makes a father glad Fool – grief to his mother Righteous – will not hunger Wicked – hunger will be rejected Negligent – will be poor Diligent – will be made rich Gathers in summer – acts wisely Sleeps in harvest – acts shamefully Righteous – blessings Wicked – conceal violence Righteous – remembered well Wicked – not remembered well
Introduction to Proverbs
June 8, 2020 • Don den Hartog
This first session will address the unique purpose of the Book of Proverbs, its characteristics, authors, and basic content. This foundational information will assist any Bible student in their study and interpretation of the book, to gain the God-intended wisdom it imparts.