Proverbs - Week 1


Read Proverbs 1:1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
    fools despise wisdom and instruction.

And 9:10
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Discuss

1. What are the stated purposes of Proverbs in verses 2–6?
2. Who is Proverbs written for, according to verses 4 & 5?
3. What qualities or virtues does the passage say Proverbs aims to cultivate?
4. Why would ‘The fear of the Lord’ be described as the starting point of wisdom?
5. How might ‘The fear of the Lord’ or ‘knowledge of the Holy one’ differ from just a generalised or surface level belief in God?

Read Proverbs 3:7-8. How does this expand on our understanding of ‘the Fea of the Lord’ and the nature of wisdom?

Apply

  1. Where in your life are you most tempted to trust in your own understanding/ be wise in your own eyes?

  2. When has been a time that you have experienced the benefit of making wise decisions in light of having a knowledge of God?

    Pray

  • Ask God to help each person grow in humble reverence and awe of Him.

  • Pray that your group would pursue wisdom not just for personal gain but for living in step with God’s design.

  • Bring before God any current decisions or challenges that require wisdom.