Is there a contrast between wisdom, personified as a moral woman and an immoral woman? Let’s look at Proverbs 7.
Why do we again have a warning against an immoral woman? Is it still a real problem?
My son, guard what I say and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and you’ll live. Guard my teaching as you do your eyesight. Strap them to your fingers and engrave them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You’re my sister!” and call understanding your close relative, so they can keep you from an adulterous woman, from the immoral woman with her seductive words. (Pr 7:1-5 ISV)
Does she wait for a naïve and stupid man like a predator for its prey?
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) (P4 7:6-12 KJV)
What moves and words does this woman use to seduce the man? What will it cost him?
So she seizes him and kisses him And with a brazen face she says to him: “The sacrifices of peace offerings are with me; Today I paid my vows. Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your face earnestly, and I have found you. I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt. I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, then, let us drink our fill as lovers until morning; Let us delight ourselves with the pleasures of love. For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a journey far away; He took a bag of silver in his hand, On the day of the full moon he will come home.” With her abundant persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she drives him to herself. He suddenly follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of an ignorant fool, Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, And he does not know that it will cost him his soul. (Pr 7:13-23 LSB)
What final warning does the father give to his sons about following the immoral woman?
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has brought to ruin, And numerous are all those slaughtered by her. Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death. (Pr 7:24-27 NASB)
Is there hope for an immoral woman to have faith, be forgiven and saved?
A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:37-50 NIV)
Is there a contrast between wisdom, personified as a moral woman and an immoral woman? You decide!
Bad Choices (Pr 6)
What wisdom should we seek in dealing with topics like debt, laziness, wickedness, seven things God hates, and adultery? Let’s survey Proverbs 6.
Is putting up security for someone else’s debt a dangerous financial trap?
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Pr 6:1-5 NIV)
What can a lazy person learn from the busy activity of an ant colony?
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Pr 6:6-11 NKJV)
What are some of the telltale signs warning us that a person is not to be trusted? What destination do wicked people face?
What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing. (Pr 6:12-15 NLT)
What are seven commonly found things in our society that God hates?
There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. (Pr 6:16-19 WEB)
Do even the worst parents teach at least some things that are valuable?
My son, keep your father’s command; don’t abandon your mother’s instruction. Bind them on your heart for all time; fasten them around your neck. When you walk around, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will protect you; when you awake, they will occupy your attention. The commandment is a lamp and instruction a light; corrective teaching is the path of life. (Pr 6:20-23 CEB)
Did our parents' rules teach us to be faithful in marriage? Does adultery begin with lust? What does it cost?
They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife. Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that. A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything. If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes; if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet. And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price. (Pr 6:24-29 CEV)
How foolish is adultery? Is it more despised than theft?
People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts. (Pr 6:30-35 ESV)
What is the consequence of sin and how did Jesus provide a way to escape it?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23 HCSB)
What wisdom should we seek in dealing with topics like debt, laziness, wickedness, seven things God hates, and adultery? You decide!
Is putting up security for someone else’s debt a dangerous financial trap?
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Pr 6:1-5 NIV)
What can a lazy person learn from the busy activity of an ant colony?
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Pr 6:6-11 NKJV)
What are some of the telltale signs warning us that a person is not to be trusted? What destination do wicked people face?
What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing. (Pr 6:12-15 NLT)
What are seven commonly found things in our society that God hates?
There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. (Pr 6:16-19 WEB)
Do even the worst parents teach at least some things that are valuable?
My son, keep your father’s command; don’t abandon your mother’s instruction. Bind them on your heart for all time; fasten them around your neck. When you walk around, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will protect you; when you awake, they will occupy your attention. The commandment is a lamp and instruction a light; corrective teaching is the path of life. (Pr 6:20-23 CEB)
Did our parents' rules teach us to be faithful in marriage? Does adultery begin with lust? What does it cost?
They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife. Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that. A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything. If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes; if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet. And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price. (Pr 6:24-29 CEV)
How foolish is adultery? Is it more despised than theft?
People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts. (Pr 6:30-35 ESV)
What is the consequence of sin and how did Jesus provide a way to escape it?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23 HCSB)
What wisdom should we seek in dealing with topics like debt, laziness, wickedness, seven things God hates, and adultery? You decide!
Adultery (Pr 5)
What are the results of faithfulness and unfaithfulness in marriage? How can we avoid the trap? Let’s begin in Proverbs 5.
Is adultery made to look appealing, but where is it headed?
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, and listen closely to my insight, so you may carefully practice discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead to Sheol. You aren’t thinking about where her life is headed; her steps wander, but you do not realize it. (Pr 5:1-6 ISV)
Why should we distance ourselves far from adultery? What are some of its consequences?
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. (Pr 5:7-14 KJV)
Are there blessings from lifelong faithfulness to one spouse and curses for unfaithfulness?
Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be for you alone, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And be glad in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be intoxicated always with her love. So why should you, my son, be intoxicated with a strange woman And embrace the bosom of a foreign woman? For the ways of a man are before the eyes of Yahweh, And He watches all his tracks. His own iniquities will capture him who is the wicked one, And with the cords of his sin he will be held fast. He will die for lack of discipline, And in the abundance of his folly he will stumble in intoxication. (Pr 5:15-23 LSB)
How does Jesus handle this very delicate subject? How can we follow His hyperbolic advice in practical ways?
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Mat 5:27-29 NASB)
What are the results of faithfulness and unfaithfulness in marriage? How can we avoid the trap? You decide!
Is adultery made to look appealing, but where is it headed?
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, and listen closely to my insight, so you may carefully practice discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead to Sheol. You aren’t thinking about where her life is headed; her steps wander, but you do not realize it. (Pr 5:1-6 ISV)
Why should we distance ourselves far from adultery? What are some of its consequences?
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. (Pr 5:7-14 KJV)
Are there blessings from lifelong faithfulness to one spouse and curses for unfaithfulness?
Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be for you alone, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And be glad in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be intoxicated always with her love. So why should you, my son, be intoxicated with a strange woman And embrace the bosom of a foreign woman? For the ways of a man are before the eyes of Yahweh, And He watches all his tracks. His own iniquities will capture him who is the wicked one, And with the cords of his sin he will be held fast. He will die for lack of discipline, And in the abundance of his folly he will stumble in intoxication. (Pr 5:15-23 LSB)
How does Jesus handle this very delicate subject? How can we follow His hyperbolic advice in practical ways?
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Mat 5:27-29 NASB)
What are the results of faithfulness and unfaithfulness in marriage? How can we avoid the trap? You decide!
Wise Instruction (Pr 4)
Can wisdom come from an honorable father? Should a man also value a faithful woman’s advice? Let’s look at Proverbs 4.
What is something that every one of us should highly esteem in life?
Hear, children, fatherly instruction; pay attention to gain understanding. I’ll teach you well. Don’t abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, tender and my mother’s favorite, he taught me and said to me: “Let your heart hold on to my words: Keep my commands and live. Get wisdom; get understanding. Don’t forget and don’t turn away from my words. Don’t abandon her, and she will guard you. Love her, and she will protect you. The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom! Get understanding before anything else. Highly esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will honor you if you embrace her. She will place a graceful wreath on your head; she will give you a glorious crown.” (Pr 4:1-9 CEB)
Should we avoid following the bad example of cruel and evil people? What is the lifestyle like of good people who use wisdom?
My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time. I have shown you the way that makes sense; I have guided you along the right path. Your road won't be blocked, and you won't stumble when you run. Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you. Don't follow the bad example of cruel and evil people. Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them. They can't sleep or rest until they do wrong or harm some innocent victim. Their food and drink are cruelty and wickedness. The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight. The lifestyle of the wicked is like total darkness, and they will never know what makes them stumble. (Pr 4:10-19 CEV)
How attentive are we to the words of the wise among us who taught us right from wrong? How attentive are we to the wisest words ever written, scripture?
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. (Pr 4:20-27 ESV)
Though many people are wise in the scriptures, is there a vital ingredient that can be missed, a child-like humility?
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants.” (Mat 11:25 HCSB)
Can wisdom come from an honorable father? Should a man also value a faithful woman’s advice? You decide!
What is something that every one of us should highly esteem in life?
Hear, children, fatherly instruction; pay attention to gain understanding. I’ll teach you well. Don’t abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, tender and my mother’s favorite, he taught me and said to me: “Let your heart hold on to my words: Keep my commands and live. Get wisdom; get understanding. Don’t forget and don’t turn away from my words. Don’t abandon her, and she will guard you. Love her, and she will protect you. The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom! Get understanding before anything else. Highly esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will honor you if you embrace her. She will place a graceful wreath on your head; she will give you a glorious crown.” (Pr 4:1-9 CEB)
Should we avoid following the bad example of cruel and evil people? What is the lifestyle like of good people who use wisdom?
My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time. I have shown you the way that makes sense; I have guided you along the right path. Your road won't be blocked, and you won't stumble when you run. Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you. Don't follow the bad example of cruel and evil people. Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them. They can't sleep or rest until they do wrong or harm some innocent victim. Their food and drink are cruelty and wickedness. The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight. The lifestyle of the wicked is like total darkness, and they will never know what makes them stumble. (Pr 4:10-19 CEV)
How attentive are we to the words of the wise among us who taught us right from wrong? How attentive are we to the wisest words ever written, scripture?
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. (Pr 4:20-27 ESV)
Though many people are wise in the scriptures, is there a vital ingredient that can be missed, a child-like humility?
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to infants.” (Mat 11:25 HCSB)
Can wisdom come from an honorable father? Should a man also value a faithful woman’s advice? You decide!
Wisdom in Scripture (Pr 3)
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!
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!
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