Wednesday, December 12, 2007

• Class Notes from Proverbs Introduction

  Introduction to the Book of Proverbs: Proverbs 1:1-7

   

  I. The purpose of Proverbs

   

  1. hokmah – wisdom: skill or expertise in living
  2. musar – discipline: moral discipline, instruction, or correction
  3. binah – understanding: discernment

  In other words: Proverbs is written so that the reader might gain skill for living life, the discipline to carry through with it, and the discernment to know whether one is “on course”. 

   

  II. The target audience

   

  1. the simple and the young
  1. Use Proverbs as a parenting tool
  2. the wise and the discerning
  1. You can never be too wise.

   

  III. The wisdom of Solomon (Read 1 Kings 3, 4:29-34)

   

  IV. Solomon contrasted with Christ

   

  1. The sin of Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-13)
  2. Christ
  1. In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Col 2:3
  2. The wisdom of God 1 Cor 1:24
  3. Greater than Solomon Matthew 12:42

   

  Application:

  Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

   

  Wisdom is like a muscle.  It must be worked out in order stay strong.  Use it or lose it.

   

  Discussion:

  • Why does knowledge start with the fear of the Lord?
  • What are the characteristics of a fool?
  • How would you describe the downfall of Solomon?  How could such a wise man make such foolish mistakes?
  • Does Solomon’s failure give you hope or frustrate you?  Why?

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