Saturday, May 1, 2010

Proverb a Day in May - May 1st/Chapter 1

As we begin our month long journey, it is important to ask the question: What is a Proverb?It has been defined as a short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom.

In Scripture, it sometimes signifies a moral sentence or maxim that is enigmatic; a dark saying of the wise that requires interpretation.
The first few verses in the opening of the chapter lay the groundwork for what will follow. In these few verses, we notice:

I. THE PURPOSE FOR PROVERBS1:2-4
a. Study the Purpose – 1:2
b. Secure the Purpose – 1:3
c. Simplicity of the Purpose – 1:4

II. THE PRESCRIPTION FOR PROVERBS1:5-6
a. Perceive the Truth – 1:5
b. Process the Truth – 1:6

III. THE PAYOUT FOR PROVERBS1:7-9
a. The Payout is a Choice – 1:7
b. The Payout is Consistent – 1:8
c. The Payout is Complete – 1:9

The chapter also goes on to explain about the wisdom needed in choosing your friends (vs. 10-19), and the judgment that comes from ignoring wisdom.
What are your thoughts on this chapter?

12 comments:

  1. Verses 32 & 33 held my attention. Follow the Lord's way, living like Jesus and we shall know no fear. Following the fool's ways will destroy us but hearkening unto Solomon and living the life as Jesus would live it will keep us safe from fear.

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  2. Amen! And think about 1:23 - they were told to turn and they did, just not to the correct thing! They made a choice, not to turn to wisdom, but to foolishness.

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  3. Thanks so much Bro. Brad for this Bible Study. Proverbs is so rich. It's one of my favorite books of the Bible. Here are my thoughts on Chapter One of Proverbs: It emphasizes the great importance of reading, studying, and seeking God through His Word. The incredible benefits of this are 1) knowing God better, 2) keeping things in our lives together and on the right paths, 3) realizing it is for our own good to keep us from sin and the best payoff of all number 4) LIFE here and now and eternal life with God in heaven.

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  4. Great points! So many Christians never spend any time actually reading the Word of God that they never get a hold of those 4 points you mentioned.

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  5. Good Afternoon Brother, thanks for the invite and the study.

    Several things are outlined in your definition. I noticed that a Proverb is defined by nine specific statements in verses 2-4.
    1.) Wisdom and Instruction
    2.) Understanding
    3.) Recieve Instruction
    4.) Justice
    5.) Judgement
    6.) Equity
    7.) Subtilty
    8.) Knowledge
    9.) Discretion

    Al of these terms relating to our understanding of spiritual matters but also of common sense in daily life.

    V. 10 is a very basic truth "consent not" that we should all be able to exercise as well as teach those under our leadership, so that we do not fall into the judgement of the rest of the chapter.

    V. 20-23 You cannot hear Wisdom calling to you if you are running the other direction, turn and run TO Wisdom.

    V. 24 How do you recieve a correction or rebuke? This is a sign of spiritual maturity to CORRECTLY recieve a correction. To many times people cannot respond correctly to an honest, even loving correction. We tend to get defensive and mad rather than having enough boldness to admit we are wrong and need to fix a problem.

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  6. Thanks for those 9 statements, that is going in my study Bible!

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  7. I'm reading but not good at expressing myself in words. But will try very hard to read a Proverb a day.

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  8. vs 7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Who hasn't felt the prideful urge to reject wisdom and instruction? Who hasn't tried to help someone else by offering a bit of wisdom or instruction, only to be brushed off or ignored?

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  9. Proverbs hold so many kernels of truth, ready to taste a bite at a time. Just this one chapter has so much to offer. My favorite from this one remains:

    My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. [Proverbs 1:10 KJV]

    Of course, the knowledge and wisdom to know who the sinners are comes first, but if we would follow this one admonition, how much closer to God we would be.

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  10. i've heard some say that they learn best through discussions (in sunday school/bible study)....but verse 5 clearly says that a wise man will hear. Discussions are nothing more than ways for us to voice our opinion. a wise man will listen and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to him.

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  11. You must be married to a preacher!

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  12. Trying to get caught up on the Proverb a Day. Just read Chapter 1 with Colby. We discussed reading and understanding God's word so that you will "...walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path." 1:15

    I discussed/explained much on: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of they mother." 1:7-8 He will be journaling these verses.

    Proverb: Short, pithy saying in frequent and whispered use that expresses a well know truth or fact. (then, of course, we ended up having to look up "pithy" also...lol

    I journaled: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." 1:5

    I enjoyed reading all the comments. :)

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