1FOR DAILY LIVING

GOD’S WISDOM

2 3

Proverbs are pithy little chunks of wisdom and common sense that we fi nd throughout the world. Often these are universal truths given local fl avor by the culture in which they’re found. Here are some international samples of proverbs:

Talk does not cook rice (Chinese).

You’ll never plow a fi eld by turning it over in your mind (Irish).

A wolf will hire himself out very cheaply as a shepherd (Russian).

A leaky house may fool the sun, but it can’t fool the rain (Haitian).

The ox is slow, but the earth is patient (Afghan).

God included a selection of proverbs when He inspired the Bible. The Book of Proverbs represents the best in wise living. We are told that Solomon collected these sayings. He didn’t write all of them. Though he was considered the wisest man who ever lived, even he recognized that the combined observations of many people over time yield some startling insights about life. And he set out to gather these for posterity.

I trust that after you review some of the proverbs we study this month you’ll fi nd yourself thinking about them throughout the day. The wisdom found in Proverbs, when applied with a deep respect for God, results in a good life. Once we know and trust God, Proverbs gives us much of what we need to make the right choices in life.

Enjoy your times with God in these days to come.

›››››

From the Author

Meet with God an offi cial publication of Back to the Bible

Copyright © 2007 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Printed in the U.S.A.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

STAFF: Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Kathy Thorne, Mindy Kroesche, Emily Wurl

Design: Brandy Griffi n

Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.LivingstoneCorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson

Cover Photo: www.Shutterstock.com

Meet with God is produced 12 times per year and sent with no obligation.

BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501

2 3

Proverbs are pithy little chunks of wisdom and common sense that we fi nd throughout the world. Often these are universal truths given local fl avor by the culture in which they’re found. Here are some international samples of proverbs:

Talk does not cook rice (Chinese).

You’ll never plow a fi eld by turning it over in your mind (Irish).

A wolf will hire himself out very cheaply as a shepherd (Russian).

A leaky house may fool the sun, but it can’t fool the rain (Haitian).

The ox is slow, but the earth is patient (Afghan).

God included a selection of proverbs when He inspired the Bible. The Book of Proverbs represents the best in wise living. We are told that Solomon collected these sayings. He didn’t write all of them. Though he was considered the wisest man who ever lived, even he recognized that the combined observations of many people over time yield some startling insights about life. And he set out to gather these for posterity.

I trust that after you review some of the proverbs we study this month you’ll fi nd yourself thinking about them throughout the day. The wisdom found in Proverbs, when applied with a deep respect for God, results in a good life. Once we know and trust God, Proverbs gives us much of what we need to make the right choices in life.

Enjoy your times with God in these days to come.

›››››

From the Author

Meet with God an offi cial publication of Back to the Bible

Copyright © 2007 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Printed in the U.S.A.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

STAFF: Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Kathy Thorne, Mindy Kroesche, Emily Wurl

Design: Brandy Griffi n

Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.LivingstoneCorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson

Cover Photo: www.Shutterstock.com

Meet with God is produced 12 times per year and sent with no obligation.

BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501

4 5

Many people have chosen Proverbs 3:5–6 as their “life verses.” A life verse is a statement from Scripture that captures some unique, central aspect

of your relationship with the Lord. It often acts as a “mission statement” or a godly motto for life. Life verses give us a glimpse into an intimate connection God has forged between a person and His Word. You can tell a lot about someone if you fi nd out their life verse.

If living is like traveling, then Proverbs 3:5–6 gives us a wise itinerary for a godly journey. The verses don’t focus so much on the stops along the way but on the way itself. We tend to wonder a lot about where we should go in life, but God’s Word tells us here that we should spend more time concentrating on how we should go in life. We can leave the “where” in God’s hands because “He shall direct your paths.”

The three action steps in these verses are: “trust,” “lean not” and “acknowledge.” The fi rst step involves trusting in the Lord. Trust is not a muscle we use to hold on to God but a practical willingness to let God hold us. A child demonstrates trust in us when she leaps off the steps into our arms, ignoring her natural fear of falling. Trusting in God means ignoring the messages of fear our hearts produce and choosing each day to rest in God.

The second step involves refusing to “lean” on our own perceptions or hunches. Most of us will experience moments when our understanding will fail us. We will be confused by circumstances or convinced by observations that maybe step one (trusting the Lord) should be reconsidered. In those moments we will be wise if we conclude, “I’m trusting God who is greater than my understanding.”

The third step involves developing a sense of God’s constant companionship. He’s always there even if we don’t always acknowledge His presence. One of life’s crucial discoveries is that the less we acknowledge God’s presence and interest in areas of our lives, the more we will sense a lack of direction. But acknowledging God, no matter where we are, increases our sense that we’re headed in the right direction. It’s all right if we don’t know every step of the way as long as we remain in God’s company. There is no better traveling companion on the road of life.

This week, make it your aim to practice active trust in the Lord.

READIT Trust in the LORD with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:5–6).

Proverbs 3:1–13

yThe Way of Wisdom

4 5

Many people have chosen Proverbs 3:5–6 as their “life verses.” A life verse is a statement from Scripture that captures some unique, central aspect

of your relationship with the Lord. It often acts as a “mission statement” or a godly motto for life. Life verses give us a glimpse into an intimate connection God has forged between a person and His Word. You can tell a lot about someone if you fi nd out their life verse.

If living is like traveling, then Proverbs 3:5–6 gives us a wise itinerary for a godly journey. The verses don’t focus so much on the stops along the way but on the way itself. We tend to wonder a lot about where we should go in life, but God’s Word tells us here that we should spend more time concentrating on how we should go in life. We can leave the “where” in God’s hands because “He shall direct your paths.”

The three action steps in these verses are: “trust,” “lean not” and “acknowledge.” The fi rst step involves trusting in the Lord. Trust is not a muscle we use to hold on to God but a practical willingness to let God hold us. A child demonstrates trust in us when she leaps off the steps into our arms, ignoring her natural fear of falling. Trusting in God means ignoring the messages of fear our hearts produce and choosing each day to rest in God.

The second step involves refusing to “lean” on our own perceptions or hunches. Most of us will experience moments when our understanding will fail us. We will be confused by circumstances or convinced by observations that maybe step one (trusting the Lord) should be reconsidered. In those moments we will be wise if we conclude, “I’m trusting God who is greater than my understanding.”

The third step involves developing a sense of God’s constant companionship. He’s always there even if we don’t always acknowledge His presence. One of life’s crucial discoveries is that the less we acknowledge God’s presence and interest in areas of our lives, the more we will sense a lack of direction. But acknowledging God, no matter where we are, increases our sense that we’re headed in the right direction. It’s all right if we don’t know every step of the way as long as we remain in God’s company. There is no better traveling companion on the road of life.

This week, make it your aim to practice active trust in the Lord.

READIT Trust in the LORD with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:5–6).

Proverbs 3:1–13

yThe Way of Wisdom

6 7

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APPLYIT This lesson’s key passage makes an effective life verse because

it can be practiced every day. If you haven’t thought about identifying a verse that represents your life, the Book of Proverbs is a good start in your search. In any case, be on the lookout for that special place in God’s Word that speaks to your life with power, purpose and direction.

EXPRESSITTurn this lesson’s key verses into prayer. Think about how

each phrase challenges you, and commit to carrying out the wise actions urged by this passage. Thank God for directing your paths, mentioning some of the specifi c ways you have seen His guidance.

Describe the three ways “the heart” appears in these verses.

›CONSIDERIT

How do these verses indicate the benefi ts of wise living?

› In what ways do these verses describe a healthy relationship with God?

› Which of these verses do you fi nd most applicable to your life right now?

›AS YOU READ PROVERBS 3:1–13, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

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APPLYIT This lesson’s key passage makes an effective life verse because

it can be practiced every day. If you haven’t thought about identifying a verse that represents your life, the Book of Proverbs is a good start in your search. In any case, be on the lookout for that special place in God’s Word that speaks to your life with power, purpose and direction.

EXPRESSITTurn this lesson’s key verses into prayer. Think about how

each phrase challenges you, and commit to carrying out the wise actions urged by this passage. Thank God for directing your paths, mentioning some of the specifi c ways you have seen His guidance.

Describe the three ways “the heart” appears in these verses.

›CONSIDERIT

How do these verses indicate the benefi ts of wise living?

› In what ways do these verses describe a healthy relationship with God?

› Which of these verses do you fi nd most applicable to your life right now?

›AS YOU READ PROVERBS 3:1–13, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

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8 9

Which voice has your attention? Proverbs 9 pictures life as a city where two women (Wisdom and Folly) continually invite the citizens to follow. Both these women have a voice of authority. Each “cries out from the highest places in the city” (vv. 3,14–15). But the destinations where these women lead their followers are completely opposite. Wisdom leads to life and all its rewards; Folly leads to death.

The key verse for this lesson represents the underlying theme of the chapter. It echoes Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Standing as it does between the description of Wisdom’s appeal and Folly’s false advertising, this verse provides us with the key to choosing between the two ways—the fear of the Lord.

Before we can fear the Lord appropriately, we must understand what it means. It’s often pointed out that fearing the Lord is not the

This week, keep track of times you

hear the voices of

Wisdom and Folly.

READIT The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Prov 9:10).

REMEMBERIT1. What two things will be added by not forgetting God’s

commands?

2. What two things should not be forsaken?

3. What are we to turn away from?

4. What two things should we honor the Lord with?

5. Who is it that the Lord disciplines?

Answers: 1. Length of days and peace (Prov. 3:2); 2. Mercy and truth (Prov. 3:3); 3. Evil (Prov. 3:7); 4. Our possessions and the fi rstfruits of all our increase (Prov. 3:9); 5. Those whom He loves (Prov. 3:12)

Proverbs 9:1–18

The Wisdom of Fear

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Faith/Trust: Psalm 37:1–92 Samuel 22:26–31

God’s Presence:Exodus 33:12–16Psalm 139:1–12

8 9

Which voice has your attention? Proverbs 9 pictures life as a city where two women (Wisdom and Folly) continually invite the citizens to follow. Both these women have a voice of authority. Each “cries out from the highest places in the city” (vv. 3,14–15). But the destinations where these women lead their followers are completely opposite. Wisdom leads to life and all its rewards; Folly leads to death.

The key verse for this lesson represents the underlying theme of the chapter. It echoes Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Standing as it does between the description of Wisdom’s appeal and Folly’s false advertising, this verse provides us with the key to choosing between the two ways—the fear of the Lord.

Before we can fear the Lord appropriately, we must understand what it means. It’s often pointed out that fearing the Lord is not the

This week, keep track of times you

hear the voices of

Wisdom and Folly.

READIT The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Prov 9:10).

REMEMBERIT1. What two things will be added by not forgetting God’s

commands?

2. What two things should not be forsaken?

3. What are we to turn away from?

4. What two things should we honor the Lord with?

5. Who is it that the Lord disciplines?

Answers: 1. Length of days and peace (Prov. 3:2); 2. Mercy and truth (Prov. 3:3); 3. Evil (Prov. 3:7); 4. Our possessions and the fi rstfruits of all our increase (Prov. 3:9); 5. Those whom He loves (Prov. 3:12)

Proverbs 9:1–18

The Wisdom of Fear

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Faith/Trust: Psalm 37:1–92 Samuel 22:26–31

God’s Presence:Exodus 33:12–16Psalm 139:1–12

10 11

same as being afraid of Him. That explanation can be misleading if it results in our treating God carelessly or casually. Most people are afraid when they stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Their fear is normal, understandable and healthy. This kind of fear is a logical recognition of the real power or danger we are facing. God is ultimate power.

Fear of the Lord is a deep-rooted awe before God. The more we truly know God, the more we come to fear Him in a good way. We are overwhelmed by His willingness to hold back the punishment we deserve for our sin and instead offer forgiveness through His Son, Jesus. Healthy fear always guides behavior. We take precautions while looking into the Grand Canyon. We don’t ignore the fear signals. We pay attention to our fears.

The attractive messages of Wisdom and Folly inevitably confl ict. We have to choose which “voice” we will follow. One way to arrive at an answer is to ask the question: “Which voice asks me to ignore the fear of the Lord? Which one questions God’s ultimate authority?”

This latter voice is the one to ignore. Too often we try to make our choice based on how the “voice” makes us feel, or what it seems to promise. The way of wisdom doesn’t promise feelings and always points to the truth. The way of wisdom takes us more deeply into the healthy fear of the Lord.

Summarize in one sentence how Wisdom is presented in this chapter.

› What do verses 7–9 tell you about the way different people respond to correction?

› How do verses 13–18 describe the attractiveness of Folly?

› What is your present level of fear of the Lord?

›CONSIDERIT AS YOU READ PROVERBS 9:1–18, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

APPLYIT Review a couple of decisions you have made recently. Would

you have made a different choice if you had used the “fear of the Lord” test? Why? What decisions are you facing right now that would become clearer if you applied the “fear of the Lord” test? In what ways have your struggles over decisions been examples of listening to two voices?

EXPRESSITAs you prepare to pray, sit quietly and focus on what it means

for you to fear the Lord. Don’t concentrate on your feelings but on His character. Think about His power, grace and wisdom. Count off some ways in which you know God is good. Then put your thoughts into words in His presence.

10 11

same as being afraid of Him. That explanation can be misleading if it results in our treating God carelessly or casually. Most people are afraid when they stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Their fear is normal, understandable and healthy. This kind of fear is a logical recognition of the real power or danger we are facing. God is ultimate power.

Fear of the Lord is a deep-rooted awe before God. The more we truly know God, the more we come to fear Him in a good way. We are overwhelmed by His willingness to hold back the punishment we deserve for our sin and instead offer forgiveness through His Son, Jesus. Healthy fear always guides behavior. We take precautions while looking into the Grand Canyon. We don’t ignore the fear signals. We pay attention to our fears.

The attractive messages of Wisdom and Folly inevitably confl ict. We have to choose which “voice” we will follow. One way to arrive at an answer is to ask the question: “Which voice asks me to ignore the fear of the Lord? Which one questions God’s ultimate authority?”

This latter voice is the one to ignore. Too often we try to make our choice based on how the “voice” makes us feel, or what it seems to promise. The way of wisdom doesn’t promise feelings and always points to the truth. The way of wisdom takes us more deeply into the healthy fear of the Lord.

Summarize in one sentence how Wisdom is presented in this chapter.

› What do verses 7–9 tell you about the way different people respond to correction?

› How do verses 13–18 describe the attractiveness of Folly?

› What is your present level of fear of the Lord?

›CONSIDERIT AS YOU READ PROVERBS 9:1–18, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

APPLYIT Review a couple of decisions you have made recently. Would

you have made a different choice if you had used the “fear of the Lord” test? Why? What decisions are you facing right now that would become clearer if you applied the “fear of the Lord” test? In what ways have your struggles over decisions been examples of listening to two voices?

EXPRESSITAs you prepare to pray, sit quietly and focus on what it means

for you to fear the Lord. Don’t concentrate on your feelings but on His character. Think about His power, grace and wisdom. Count off some ways in which you know God is good. Then put your thoughts into words in His presence.

12 13

Most of the physical landmarks that we deal with are part of a long-standing but not eternal creation. But the truth of God’s Word stands for time and eternity. The directions God provides (even the painful ones) give us a dependable route and effective rules for living. If we’ve got God’s eternal landmarks in mind, we’ll adopt a pilgrim mindset, never thinking of this world as our permanent home. We will make it a habit to check God’s landmark presence every day for correction and encouragement. And we will live by those instructions we fi nd chiseled in the landmark of God’s Word.

Proverbs is fi lled with short landmark statements that provide us with food for thought and refl ection each day. Choose one of the proverbs from today’s reading, and express it in a prayer. Ask God to keep bringing His words of direction to mind throughout the days of your journey ahead.

APPLY IT

EXPRESS IT

Answers: 1. Seven (Prov. 9:1); 2. The high places of town (Prov. 9:3); 3. The fear of the LORD (Prov. 9:10); 4. Her door and the high places of town (Prov. 9:14–15); 5. Sheol (the pit, hell) (Prov. 9:18)

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REMEMBERIT1. How many pillars are in Wisdom’s house?

2. From where does Wisdom call out?

3. What is the beginning of wisdom?

4. Where does the woman Folly call out from?

5. Where do the guests of the woman Folly reside?

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Fear of God: Psalm 34:1–22Revelation 15:3–5

12 13

Most of the physical landmarks that we deal with are part of a long-standing but not eternal creation. But the truth of God’s Word stands for time and eternity. The directions God provides (even the painful ones) give us a dependable route and effective rules for living. If we’ve got God’s eternal landmarks in mind, we’ll adopt a pilgrim mindset, never thinking of this world as our permanent home. We will make it a habit to check God’s landmark presence every day for correction and encouragement. And we will live by those instructions we fi nd chiseled in the landmark of God’s Word.

Proverbs is fi lled with short landmark statements that provide us with food for thought and refl ection each day. Choose one of the proverbs from today’s reading, and express it in a prayer. Ask God to keep bringing His words of direction to mind throughout the days of your journey ahead.

APPLY IT

EXPRESS IT

Answers: 1. Seven (Prov. 9:1); 2. The high places of town (Prov. 9:3); 3. The fear of the LORD (Prov. 9:10); 4. Her door and the high places of town (Prov. 9:14–15); 5. Sheol (the pit, hell) (Prov. 9:18)

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REMEMBERIT1. How many pillars are in Wisdom’s house?

2. From where does Wisdom call out?

3. What is the beginning of wisdom?

4. Where does the woman Folly call out from?

5. Where do the guests of the woman Folly reside?

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Fear of God: Psalm 34:1–22Revelation 15:3–5

14 15

Most of the proverbs in the Bible aren’t just phrases we understand by reading. They aren’t even pictures we see when we hear the words. A proverb serves us like a beautifully packed and wrapped gift

that must be opened and examined in order to have its full effect. The more time we spend with a proverb, the more examples we can see of its truth in life.

As you read the proverbs in this chapter, think about a conversation between a father and a son. It’s the kind of conversation any father could have with any son but one that doesn’t happen often enough. For example, the father recites the fi rst proverb, and the son has a chance to ask questions. “Dad, why does a wise son make his father glad? How does a father know his son is wise? Why does a foolish son bring grief to his mother? What happens to the father of a foolish boy and the mother of a wise

son?” This young man is learning about wisdom and life. He’s also learning how to think.

Let’s sit in on this conversation about Proverbs 10:1. Perhaps some of the boy’s questions are ours. The wise father doesn’t just answer his son’s questions; he personalizes them: “Son, let me tell you why seeing you make wise choices makes my heart glad. Let me show you how foolishness can be a grief to your mother.” Proverbs are for personalizing as well as pondering. Proverbs are some of the most readily applicable parts of Scripture. A steady diet of Proverbs will serve as a school for applying truth to our lives.

Children don’t need to be the center of a family’s attention, but they need to learn that they matter. Their behavior affects those around them positively and negatively. Even little children understand that they feel better making someone glad than making them sad or mad. Along with the other basic lessons about sharing, crossing streets, electrical outlets and hot stoves, our children should also learn the meaning of wisdom at an early age.

Parents can compile a starting point of wise lessons for each stage of their child’s life if they will read through Proverbs carefully. They can mark particular ones they want to teach at specifi c ages. We never outgrow Proverbs, and our lessons in wisdom can’t start too early.

READIT A wise son makes a glad father,But a foolish son is the grief of his mother (Prov. 10:1).

This week, thank God for wise parents and mentors in your life.

Proverbs 10:1–17

g Raising Wise Children

14 15

Most of the proverbs in the Bible aren’t just phrases we understand by reading. They aren’t even pictures we see when we hear the words. A proverb serves us like a beautifully packed and wrapped gift

that must be opened and examined in order to have its full effect. The more time we spend with a proverb, the more examples we can see of its truth in life.

As you read the proverbs in this chapter, think about a conversation between a father and a son. It’s the kind of conversation any father could have with any son but one that doesn’t happen often enough. For example, the father recites the fi rst proverb, and the son has a chance to ask questions. “Dad, why does a wise son make his father glad? How does a father know his son is wise? Why does a foolish son bring grief to his mother? What happens to the father of a foolish boy and the mother of a wise

son?” This young man is learning about wisdom and life. He’s also learning how to think.

Let’s sit in on this conversation about Proverbs 10:1. Perhaps some of the boy’s questions are ours. The wise father doesn’t just answer his son’s questions; he personalizes them: “Son, let me tell you why seeing you make wise choices makes my heart glad. Let me show you how foolishness can be a grief to your mother.” Proverbs are for personalizing as well as pondering. Proverbs are some of the most readily applicable parts of Scripture. A steady diet of Proverbs will serve as a school for applying truth to our lives.

Children don’t need to be the center of a family’s attention, but they need to learn that they matter. Their behavior affects those around them positively and negatively. Even little children understand that they feel better making someone glad than making them sad or mad. Along with the other basic lessons about sharing, crossing streets, electrical outlets and hot stoves, our children should also learn the meaning of wisdom at an early age.

Parents can compile a starting point of wise lessons for each stage of their child’s life if they will read through Proverbs carefully. They can mark particular ones they want to teach at specifi c ages. We never outgrow Proverbs, and our lessons in wisdom can’t start too early.

READIT A wise son makes a glad father,But a foolish son is the grief of his mother (Prov. 10:1).

This week, thank God for wise parents and mentors in your life.

Proverbs 10:1–17

g Raising Wise Children

16 17

How many of these proverbs could a fi rst-grader understand?

› How would you express one or two of them in such simple language that a child in elementary school could understand them?

› What is it about observing wise living that makes you glad?

› What is it about observing foolish living that makes you grieve?

›AS YOU READ PROVERBS 10:1–17, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

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CONSIDERIT

APPLYIT Experiment with a conversation similar to the one described

in this lesson. If you don’t have children, choose a spouse or friend and ask them to help you think about a proverb or two from the Bible. Instruct them to respond with at least three questions that come to mind when they hear you say the proverb. Discuss their questions. Share your own thoughts about the proverb. Experience wise conversation.

EXPRESSITAs you pray, think about the examples in your life that have

helped you understand wisdom and supported you even when you were fi nding out about foolishness. Thank God for them. Think about ways you can express your gratitude to these wise models. Ask God to help you carry them out.

16 17

How many of these proverbs could a fi rst-grader understand?

› How would you express one or two of them in such simple language that a child in elementary school could understand them?

› What is it about observing wise living that makes you glad?

› What is it about observing foolish living that makes you grieve?

›AS YOU READ PROVERBS 10:1–17, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

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CONSIDERIT

APPLYIT Experiment with a conversation similar to the one described

in this lesson. If you don’t have children, choose a spouse or friend and ask them to help you think about a proverb or two from the Bible. Instruct them to respond with at least three questions that come to mind when they hear you say the proverb. Discuss their questions. Share your own thoughts about the proverb. Experience wise conversation.

EXPRESSITAs you pray, think about the examples in your life that have

helped you understand wisdom and supported you even when you were fi nding out about foolishness. Thank God for them. Think about ways you can express your gratitude to these wise models. Ask God to help you carry them out.

18 19

We don’t know much about Agur, but he had a way with lists. Back in Proverbs 6:16–19, Solomon included his own list of “things the Lord hates.” But Agur created a collection of lists, gathered in Proverbs 30.

In this chapter we fi nd a short prayer list of two essential requests for the Lord (30:7–9). Four generations in trouble are also listed (vv. 11–14). After these come fi ve lists made up of fours:

Four things that are never satisfi ed (vv. 15–17).

Four things that are beyond understanding (vv. 18–19).

Four things that “perturb” the earth (vv. 21–23).

Four things whose wisdom is far greater than their size (vv. 24–28).

Four things that are deceptively impressive (vv. 29–31).

For this lesson, we want to focus on the third list, made up of troublesome circumstances. Each of these situations pictures a person in the wrong place. A king should learn to serve, but a

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READIT For three things the earth is perturbed,Yes, for four it cannot bear up (Prov. 30:21).

This week, deliberately

seek to treat others with wisdom.

Answers: 1. Righteousness (Prov. 10:2); 2. Poverty (Prov. 10:4); 3. He will come to ruin (Prov. 10:8); 4. Securely (in security) (Prov. 10:9); 5. Those who heed instruction (Prov. 10:17)

Proverbs 30:1–33REMEMBERIT1. Treasures of wickedness don’t profi t, but what delivers from

death?

2. A slack hand causes what?

3. What is the fate of a babbling fool?

4. How does the man of integrity walk?

5. Who are those on the path to life?

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Family: Colossians 3:18–25

Wisdom in Lists

18 19

We don’t know much about Agur, but he had a way with lists. Back in Proverbs 6:16–19, Solomon included his own list of “things the Lord hates.” But Agur created a collection of lists, gathered in Proverbs 30.

In this chapter we fi nd a short prayer list of two essential requests for the Lord (30:7–9). Four generations in trouble are also listed (vv. 11–14). After these come fi ve lists made up of fours:

Four things that are never satisfi ed (vv. 15–17).

Four things that are beyond understanding (vv. 18–19).

Four things that “perturb” the earth (vv. 21–23).

Four things whose wisdom is far greater than their size (vv. 24–28).

Four things that are deceptively impressive (vv. 29–31).

For this lesson, we want to focus on the third list, made up of troublesome circumstances. Each of these situations pictures a person in the wrong place. A king should learn to serve, but a

››››

›

READIT For three things the earth is perturbed,Yes, for four it cannot bear up (Prov. 30:21).

This week, deliberately

seek to treat others with wisdom.

Answers: 1. Righteousness (Prov. 10:2); 2. Poverty (Prov. 10:4); 3. He will come to ruin (Prov. 10:8); 4. Securely (in security) (Prov. 10:9); 5. Those who heed instruction (Prov. 10:17)

Proverbs 30:1–33REMEMBERIT1. Treasures of wickedness don’t profi t, but what delivers from

death?

2. A slack hand causes what?

3. What is the fate of a babbling fool?

4. How does the man of integrity walk?

5. Who are those on the path to life?

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Family: Colossians 3:18–25

Wisdom in Lists

20 21

servant will have diffi culty reigning. A well-fed fool has missed the hunger lesson that might have awakened him to his foolishness. A hateful spouse destroys a marriage in the same way a parasite destroys its host organism. And the person who replaces a rightful spouse faces diffi cult consequences.

Like each of Agur’s lists, this one isn’t intended to be exhaustive. The situations listed offer an insight into what throws life off balance. These circumstances offend common sense. Some may claim today that life is anything we make of it, but wisdom reminds us that life seeks to follow a created pattern. Violations to that pattern don’t fi t. People who insist on living by their own pattern actually end up following the pattern that is the opposite of wisdom—foolishness. God designed life to be lived a certain way called wisdom. The closer we come to following God’s way, the more our lives refl ect wisdom.

Like all of Agur’s lists, this one calls us to pay attention to life. The world is fi lled with clues about God’s purposes. When we bring our observations back to God’s Word, we confi rm their truth. As Proverbs 30:5 reminds us, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” We might even want to keep a list of the important lessons we learn!

Are the opening verses in this chapter evidence of low self-esteem or humility? Why?

› How would you describe the wisdom of Agur’s prayer (vv. 7–9)?

› What problem do all four generations mentioned in verses 11–14 have in common?

› Which of Agur’s “lists of four” do you fi nd most interesting? Why?

›CONSIDERIT AS YOU READ PROVERBS 30:1–33, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

APPLYIT Ask yourself if any of the troublesome circumstances

described in this lesson’s passage also fi t your life. We can’t change other people in our relationships, but we can be open to change ourselves. When we fi nd we are violating God’s wisdom in our lives, are we willing to repent and make corrections? Wisdom doesn’t just avoid mistakes; it also knows how to respond when a mistake has been made.

EXPRESSITIt isn’t easy to see ourselves as others see us. And it’s impossible

to see ourselves with the clarity of God’s view. When we fi nd His Word describes us, we must be ready to agree. As you pray, ask God to help you develop a list of life changes He desires to bring about in you. Make that a focus of your prayers.

20 21

servant will have diffi culty reigning. A well-fed fool has missed the hunger lesson that might have awakened him to his foolishness. A hateful spouse destroys a marriage in the same way a parasite destroys its host organism. And the person who replaces a rightful spouse faces diffi cult consequences.

Like each of Agur’s lists, this one isn’t intended to be exhaustive. The situations listed offer an insight into what throws life off balance. These circumstances offend common sense. Some may claim today that life is anything we make of it, but wisdom reminds us that life seeks to follow a created pattern. Violations to that pattern don’t fi t. People who insist on living by their own pattern actually end up following the pattern that is the opposite of wisdom—foolishness. God designed life to be lived a certain way called wisdom. The closer we come to following God’s way, the more our lives refl ect wisdom.

Like all of Agur’s lists, this one calls us to pay attention to life. The world is fi lled with clues about God’s purposes. When we bring our observations back to God’s Word, we confi rm their truth. As Proverbs 30:5 reminds us, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” We might even want to keep a list of the important lessons we learn!

Are the opening verses in this chapter evidence of low self-esteem or humility? Why?

› How would you describe the wisdom of Agur’s prayer (vv. 7–9)?

› What problem do all four generations mentioned in verses 11–14 have in common?

› Which of Agur’s “lists of four” do you fi nd most interesting? Why?

›CONSIDERIT AS YOU READ PROVERBS 30:1–33, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

APPLYIT Ask yourself if any of the troublesome circumstances

described in this lesson’s passage also fi t your life. We can’t change other people in our relationships, but we can be open to change ourselves. When we fi nd we are violating God’s wisdom in our lives, are we willing to repent and make corrections? Wisdom doesn’t just avoid mistakes; it also knows how to respond when a mistake has been made.

EXPRESSITIt isn’t easy to see ourselves as others see us. And it’s impossible

to see ourselves with the clarity of God’s view. When we fi nd His Word describes us, we must be ready to agree. As you pray, ask God to help you develop a list of life changes He desires to bring about in you. Make that a focus of your prayers.

22 23

Answers: 1. Pure (Prov. 30:5); 2. “Give, give” (Prov. 30:15); 3. Sheol (the pit, grave), the barren womb, the dry land, the fi re (Prov. 30:16); 4. The adulteress (Prov. 30:20); 5. Cover your mouth with your hand (Prov. 30:32)

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REMEMBERIT1. Every word of God proves to be what?

2. What do the daughters of the leech cry?

3. Name two of the four things that never say “enough.”

4. Who eats, wipes the mouth, then says, “I have done no wrong”?

5. What is the remedy for being foolish, exalting yourself or devising evil?

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Pride: 1 John 2:15–17Isaiah 2:10–22

Wisdom:Ecclesiastes 7:11–13James 1:5–8

22 23

Answers: 1. Pure (Prov. 30:5); 2. “Give, give” (Prov. 30:15); 3. Sheol (the pit, grave), the barren womb, the dry land, the fi re (Prov. 30:16); 4. The adulteress (Prov. 30:20); 5. Cover your mouth with your hand (Prov. 30:32)

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REMEMBERIT1. Every word of God proves to be what?

2. What do the daughters of the leech cry?

3. Name two of the four things that never say “enough.”

4. Who eats, wipes the mouth, then says, “I have done no wrong”?

5. What is the remedy for being foolish, exalting yourself or devising evil?

SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK’S LESSON.

Pride: 1 John 2:15–17Isaiah 2:10–22

Wisdom:Ecclesiastes 7:11–13James 1:5–8

24

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