Lesson: Proverbs�Proverbs 3:1-10

Pre-discussion

1. What is the overall theme of 3:1-10? What are the more specific themes?

2. What kind of literary devices and parallels do you see?

3. What are the commands / instructions? -> Meditate on how they apply.

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REIVEW : PROPHECY VS POETRY

1. Proclamation from GOD to people.
2. Praise & Prayer from people to/about God.

All God’s Word

Proverbs Description

Proverbs of wisdom from Generation to Generation

Proverbs Description

1. Proverbs are Truisms & not universal (absolute) truths.
2. Proverbs are Norms & not exacting law or rule of life.
3. Proverbs are Way of God & not His unconditional promises.

Proverbs Purpose

1. To show the way / pattern of God and man
2. To give us wise thinking, a wise heart, a wise character.
3. To spare us from a life of sin and snare → lead us to a life of blessing.

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Proverbs 4:7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

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Meditation & Application

Skill to live a Godly Life

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1. The Hebrew word "meditate" is הָגָה (hagah),
1. To ponder, reflect, think deeply.
2. To murmur, mutter, or speak quietly (as in reciting Scripture).
3. To dwell upon repetitively, thoughtfully, and prayerfully.
2. The Greek μελετάω (meletao)
• To attend carefully, contemplate deeply
• To practice

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¹ My son,

  Do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

² For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

³ Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁴ So you will find favor

and good repute In the sight of God and man.

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Part A

V1-2

& V3-4

Synonymous Parallelism*

1. Correction! X Don’t!!
1. Don’t forget,
2. Don’t let truth leave you!

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• Exhortation!
• Bind them around your neck,
• Write them on the tablet of your heart.

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Blessings

1. Longevity : days and years
2. Peace
3. Favor
4. Good repute in God and man.

Summarize & Meditate

Keep commandments!!

¹ My son,

  Do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

² For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

³ Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁴ So you will find favor

and good repute In the sight of God and man.

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Neg & Pos

Commands

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart And

do not lean on your own understanding.

⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

⁸ It will be healing to your body And

refreshment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;

¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty And

your vats will overflow with new wine.

Part B

5-6

7-8

9-10

Cause & Effect Parallels

? To what extent can we hope for *earthly blessing (prosperity) as we live faithfully?

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Wisdom literature is not to be taken as universal promises or laws of God but the way of God or pattern of life.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart And

do not lean on your own understanding.

⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

⁸ It will be healing to your body And

refreshment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;

¹⁰ So your barns will be filled with plenty And

your vats will overflow with new wine.

Immediate Context:

Meditate on TRUST → HONOR

Chiastic Arrangement (Conceptual Chiasm):�A. (vv.1-2) Obedience and well-being�B. (vv.3-4) Kindness and Truth bringing favor�C. (vv.5-6) Trust in the Lord, Divine guidance (central theme).�B'. (vv.7-8) Humility and Fear bringing healing�A'. (vv.9-10) Honor God, abundant provision

Proverbs 3:1-10

Proverbs 23:4–5 Book Context

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. 5 When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.

Summary

PROVERBS REVIEW

1. Identify the proverb’s themes.
2. Observe parallels & other literary devices for emphasis. (i.e. repeat commands, metaphors )
3. Meditate on patterns of life & application.
4. Harmonize with rest of scripture for application.

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NEXT WEEK

4/30 Lesson 10 : Revelation 5:1-14

Review : Summary of Rules and Practices.

1. Meditate on
2. Are you personally struggling with any fears / overwhelming worries? How would you pray more regularly using this psalm?
3. What does it mean to wait on the Lord? How does waiting on the Lord, build courage in our hearts?
4. As you evaluate yourself, are you more intellectual or emotional? In your relationship with God has it been imbalanced? (i.e. You receive a lot of instruction well but your experiences with God are not intimate?)