What can we learn from God’s wisdom throughout the entire Bible? Let’s look at Proverbs 3.
Though Christians are justified by faith apart from works of the law, does the Spirit of the law still help us live a long and prosperous life?
My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely. They will help you live a long and prosperous life. (Pr 3:1-2 CEV)
Should we live lives of love or hate of our neighbors?
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Pr 3:3-4 ESV)
Even though we may not always understand a Bible passage, do we trust God rather than our own understanding?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones. (Pr 3:5-8 HCSB)
How should we act in regard to churches that are faithful to God and His Word?
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first of all your produce, so your barns will be filled with abundance, and your vats will burst open with new wine. (Pr 3:9-10 ISV)
Should we feel dejected or depressed when God uses circumstances to chastise us?
My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Pr 3:11-12 KJV)
Are finding wisdom and discernment great treasures? What benefits do they give?
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who obtains discernment. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her produce better than fine gold. She is more precious than pearls; And nothing you desire compares with her. Length of days is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and glory. Her ways are pleasant ways And all her pathways are peace. She is a tree of life to those who seize her, And all those who hold her fast are blessed. (P4 3:13-18 LSB)
How important was wisdom to God in creating everything?
The Lord founded the earth by wisdom, He established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge the ocean depths were burst open, And the clouds drip with dew. (Pr 3:19-20 NASB)
What will wisdom, understanding, judgment and discretion do for us if we keep them in sight?
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. (Pr 3:21-26 NIV)
When it is within our grasp, should we do good for our neighbors?
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety’s sake. Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. (Pr 3:27-30 NKJV)
Who should we honor and respect and seek to make our closest friends?
Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly. The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame! (Pr 3:31-35 NLT)
What profitable things can we learn from the Scriptures?
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17 WEB)
What can we learn from God’s wisdom throughout the entire Bible? You decide!
Wisdom Chooses Good (Pr 2)
In the battle between good and evil what helps us choose the good? Let’s look at Proverbs 2.
What happens to those who welcome the wisdom of Proverbs?
My son, if you accept my words, and treasure my instructions—making your ear attentive to wisdom, and turning your heart to understanding—if, indeed, you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and learn to know God. (Pr 2:1-5 ISV)
Where does wisdom actually come from, a king who failed in the end, or the Lord? When imperfect church leaders fail like Solomon, can we separate human failure from God’s Good News?
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He watches over the way of His godly ones. (Pr 2:6-8 NASB)
How can we learn what is right and just and fair in a world of confused values?
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. (Pr 2:9-11 NIV)
Can wisdom actually save us from evil, from those who walk a dark path in life?
To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice in doing evil, And delight in the perversity of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, And who are devious in their paths; (Pr 2:12-15 NKJV)
What will wisdom teach us about the dangers of sexual temptation?
Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life. (Pr 2:16-19 NLT)
What are the blessings of choosing what’s right, and the curses of choosing what’s wrong?
Therefore walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will remain in it. But the wicked will be cut off from the land. The treacherous will be rooted out of it. (Pr 2:20-22 WEB)
Is wisdom meant for good or evil? How wise are we about our choices?
The news of your obedience has reached everybody, so I’m happy for you. But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil. (Rom 16:19 CEB)
In the battle between good and evil what helps us choose the good? You decide!
What happens to those who welcome the wisdom of Proverbs?
My son, if you accept my words, and treasure my instructions—making your ear attentive to wisdom, and turning your heart to understanding—if, indeed, you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and learn to know God. (Pr 2:1-5 ISV)
Where does wisdom actually come from, a king who failed in the end, or the Lord? When imperfect church leaders fail like Solomon, can we separate human failure from God’s Good News?
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He watches over the way of His godly ones. (Pr 2:6-8 NASB)
How can we learn what is right and just and fair in a world of confused values?
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. (Pr 2:9-11 NIV)
Can wisdom actually save us from evil, from those who walk a dark path in life?
To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice in doing evil, And delight in the perversity of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, And who are devious in their paths; (Pr 2:12-15 NKJV)
What will wisdom teach us about the dangers of sexual temptation?
Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life. (Pr 2:16-19 NLT)
What are the blessings of choosing what’s right, and the curses of choosing what’s wrong?
Therefore walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will remain in it. But the wicked will be cut off from the land. The treacherous will be rooted out of it. (Pr 2:20-22 WEB)
Is wisdom meant for good or evil? How wise are we about our choices?
The news of your obedience has reached everybody, so I’m happy for you. But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil. (Rom 16:19 CEB)
In the battle between good and evil what helps us choose the good? You decide!
Why Proverbs (Pr 1)
What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs? What can we learn? Let’s begin in Proverbs 1.
Do proverbs benefit young people? Can proverbs clarify difficult puzzles?
The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: Their purpose is to teach wisdom and discipline, to help one understand wise sayings. They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of integrity. They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. The wise hear them and grow in wisdom; those with understanding gain guidance. They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. (Pr 1:1-6 CEB)
Where do we begin? Who rejects wisdom and discipline? What does that say for atheists?
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; Ignorant fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Pr 1:7 LSB)
Do we object to the wording because it is a personal attack? Do we realize that ad hominem is a logical argument if a person’s character is the problem? What does the fear of the Lord mean in a different translation?
Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice. (Pr 1:7 CEV)
Do we listen to our parents’ advice? What should we do when enticed to do what is wrong? Are those trying to trap others actually trapping themselves?
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”—my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. (Pr 1:8-19 ESV)
Is wisdom hidden or available publicly to anyone who cares to listen?
Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares. She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates: “How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge? If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words. Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction, I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you. Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me. Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes. For the turning away of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.” (Pr 1:20-33 HCSB)
Is there someone greater than the wisest man who ever lived? Is repentance more important than great wisdom?
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Mat 12:41-42 KJV)
What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs? What can we learn? You decide!
Do proverbs benefit young people? Can proverbs clarify difficult puzzles?
The proverbs of Solomon, King David’s son, from Israel: Their purpose is to teach wisdom and discipline, to help one understand wise sayings. They provide insightful instruction, which is righteous, just, and full of integrity. They make the naive mature, the young knowledgeable and discreet. The wise hear them and grow in wisdom; those with understanding gain guidance. They help one understand proverbs and difficult sayings, the words of the wise, and their puzzles. (Pr 1:1-6 CEB)
Where do we begin? Who rejects wisdom and discipline? What does that say for atheists?
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; Ignorant fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Pr 1:7 LSB)
Do we object to the wording because it is a personal attack? Do we realize that ad hominem is a logical argument if a person’s character is the problem? What does the fear of the Lord mean in a different translation?
Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice. (Pr 1:7 CEV)
Do we listen to our parents’ advice? What should we do when enticed to do what is wrong? Are those trying to trap others actually trapping themselves?
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”—my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. (Pr 1:8-19 ESV)
Is wisdom hidden or available publicly to anyone who cares to listen?
Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares. She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates: “How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge? If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words. Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction, I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you. Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me. Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes. For the turning away of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will live securely and be free from the fear of danger.” (Pr 1:20-33 HCSB)
Is there someone greater than the wisest man who ever lived? Is repentance more important than great wisdom?
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. (Mat 12:41-42 KJV)
What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs? What can we learn? You decide!
Praise (Ps 150)
How does the final Psalm close out the five books of Psalms? How relevant is praise as the conclusion to a collection of songs about God’s mighty deeds and character? Let’s look at Psalm 150.
What are among the many reasons to praise God? With what kinds of musical instruments are we encouraged to use?
Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His powerful acts; praise Him for His abundant greatness. Praise Him with trumpet blast; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with flute and strings. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (Ps 150:1-6 HCSB)
As the Lamb of God is about to reveal heaven’s final victory are both Father and Son praised?
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels, the living creatures, and the elders surrounding the throne. They numbered 10,000’s times 10,000 and thousands times thousands. They sang with a loud voice, “Worthy is the lamb who was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise!” I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea, and everything that is in them, saying, “To the one who sits on the throne and to the lamb be praise, honor, glory, and power forever and ever!” (Rev 5:11-13 ISV)
As all evil is finally conquered, will there be great choruses of praise to the Lord?
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Rev 19:1-6 KJV)
How does the final Psalm close out the five books of Psalms? How relevant is praise as the conclusion to a collection of songs about God’s mighty deeds and character? You decide!
What are among the many reasons to praise God? With what kinds of musical instruments are we encouraged to use?
Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His powerful acts; praise Him for His abundant greatness. Praise Him with trumpet blast; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with flute and strings. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (Ps 150:1-6 HCSB)
As the Lamb of God is about to reveal heaven’s final victory are both Father and Son praised?
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels, the living creatures, and the elders surrounding the throne. They numbered 10,000’s times 10,000 and thousands times thousands. They sang with a loud voice, “Worthy is the lamb who was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise!” I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea, and everything that is in them, saying, “To the one who sits on the throne and to the lamb be praise, honor, glory, and power forever and ever!” (Rev 5:11-13 ISV)
As all evil is finally conquered, will there be great choruses of praise to the Lord?
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Rev 19:1-6 KJV)
How does the final Psalm close out the five books of Psalms? How relevant is praise as the conclusion to a collection of songs about God’s mighty deeds and character? You decide!
Praises in the Assembly (Ps 149)
What are some of the main purposes of the church assembly? Let’s begin in Psalm 149.
Do we sing new songs or just the old? Do we sing praises in the assembly?
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. (Ps 149:1 NLT)
Do both physical and spiritual Israel rejoice in God? Are we the children of heavenly Zion?
Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp! For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds. (Ps 149:2-5 WEB)
Will we one day rule the nations and enforce heavenly standards?
Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to get revenge against the nations and punishment on the peoples, binding their rulers in chains and their officials in iron shackles, achieving the justice written against them. That will be an honor for all God’s faithful people. Praise the Lord! (Ps 149:6-9 CEB)
Is mutual encouragement supposed to be one of the main purposes of a church meeting?
We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. (Heb 10:24-25 CEV)
Will the elders sing another new song in that great heavenly assembly?
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:9-10 ESV)
What are some of the main purposes of the church assembly? You decide!
Do we sing new songs or just the old? Do we sing praises in the assembly?
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. (Ps 149:1 NLT)
Do both physical and spiritual Israel rejoice in God? Are we the children of heavenly Zion?
Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp! For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds. (Ps 149:2-5 WEB)
Will we one day rule the nations and enforce heavenly standards?
Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to get revenge against the nations and punishment on the peoples, binding their rulers in chains and their officials in iron shackles, achieving the justice written against them. That will be an honor for all God’s faithful people. Praise the Lord! (Ps 149:6-9 CEB)
Is mutual encouragement supposed to be one of the main purposes of a church meeting?
We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. (Heb 10:24-25 CEV)
Will the elders sing another new song in that great heavenly assembly?
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:9-10 ESV)
What are some of the main purposes of the church assembly? You decide!
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