1. Proverbs Chapter 2; 3; 4 Memorize Proverbs 3:5-7 – 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 1

2.  Proverbs gives wisdom on all areas of human experience.  Wisdom is not simply a matter of the intellect or mind – It is viewing life from God’s perspective.  A wise person will deal with life’s issues and problems with the advantage of God’s viewpoint. 2 Proverbs provides inner peace and contentment.

3.  The purposes of the Proverbs (1-7)  Listen to parents (8-9)  The danger of evil companionship (10-19)  The call of wisdom (20-23)  The consequences of not listening to the call of wisdom (24-33) 3 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

4.  Wisdom comes from the Lord (v. 2:6), but man has a responsibility to search for and seek after wisdom  Man needs – to study and to learn God’s truth, and to increase in wisdom  Having true wisdom – will help avoid serious mistakes in judgment will bring a person to an abundant kind of life Wisdom is not gained by accident. 4

5.  Here we are provided the necessary warnings – To avoid the pitfalls of life, and To give the guidelines for a successful life Warnings and guidelines for guaranteed success in this life  This section will show the benefits available to those who find God’s wisdom  A specific case is mentioned – He will deliver us from evil [strange] women Wisdom is of great value. 5

6.  The value of wisdom (2:1-9) Then, you will understand every good path  Wisdom will deliver one from the way of evil (2:10-15)  Wisdom will deliver one from the immoral woman (2:16-22) Fatherly instruction is continued. 6

7.  Chapter 2 starts with an “if… then…”  “IF” means “on condition that”  IF certain conditions are met, THEN certain results will be obtained  We are offered two choices in life – Either go the way of wisdom and find happiness, or Reject wisdom and suffer sorrow and death Everyone must make a choice. 7

8. 1. One shall understand (discern) the fear of the Lord if what? a. __________ b. __________ c. __________ d. __________ God’s promise is assured IF… 8

9. Proverbs 2:1-5 – 1 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the L ORD, And find the knowledge of God. Ten Steps For Success 9

10.  God cares for the people who seek Him. Proverbs 2:6-9 – 6 For the L ORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path. Solomon attributes wisdom to the Lord. 10

11. 2. What are the effects of discretion and understanding? Proverbs 2:10-12 – 10 When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, 12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, You will be protected from the ways of the wicked. 11

12.  We must avoid certain people IF we are to be successful. Proverbs 2:13-15 – 12 To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, 13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who rejoice in doing evil, And delight in the perversity of the wicked; 15 Whose ways are crooked, And who are devious in their paths Peer pressure causes many to join evil forces. 12

13. 3. What does the strange woman (adulteress) forsake (leave) and forget (ignore)? Proverbs 2:16-19 – 16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words, 17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. 18 For her house leads down to death, And her paths to the dead; 19 None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life. 13 The strange woman

14.  The evil woman – Will seduce you Will flatter you Will lead to death [sin] Will cause pain in the paths of life Will cause permanent scars  Seek God’s help [wisdom, instruction, understanding], and you can avoid this pitfall. The young man must always be on guard. 14

15.  Wisdom and knowledge will deliver us from  the strange woman to keep us righteous. Proverbs 2:20-22 – 20 So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness. 21 For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; 22 But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. 15 “Walk” is our manner of conduct through life’s pathway.

16.  Guidance for the young –  The value of seeking the Lord (3:1-12) With six keys for a good life  The value of wisdom (3:13-26) With praise and illustrations  Wisdom’s “do not” list (3:27-32) With six negatives for a wise life  A curse and a blessing (3:33-35) 16 Solomon refers to “My Son” 3 times in chapter 3.

17. 4. What are the rewards for remembering God's law and keeping His commandments? Proverbs 3:1-2 – 1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Heed the advice of your parents. Eph. 6:1-3 17

18.  How do we find popularity with God and man? Proverbs 3:3-4 – 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Consider the importance of Mercy and Truth. 18

19.  Have the Lord “direct” your life! Proverbs 3:5-6 – 5 Trust in the L ORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  This is God’s promise.  Our journey through life will be smoother with His blessing. Do we involve the Lord in our decision making? 19

20.  “Lean not on your own understanding” and “Acknowledge Him in all your ways”  We must trust Him not only for the salvation of our souls but also for Him to direct our lives.  The word “direct” means to make smooth and straight.  Trust in temporal things, then emptiness will come when they’re gone. We do not know what is best for us. 20

21.  What can we do for “good health”? Proverbs 3:7-8 – 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the L ORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.  Conceit, arrogance, fear, hatred, and stress of doing wrong can lead to health problems, especially in mental issues. Another promise from God. 21

22. 5. What will cause a person's barns to be filled? Proverbs 3:9-10 – 9 Honor the L ORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.  We are stewards of God’s possessions. You cannot “outgive” God. 22

23.  Tithing was commanded under the old law.  We are now under a better covenant. It is reasonable that we should give as much or more to the Lord’s work.  Do we give to the Lord the “first fruits” of our time, energy, and money?  He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. (2 Cor. 9:6-9)  If you want more possessions, give more. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” Jas. 1:17 23

24.  Do we appreciate the positive role of discipline in our lives? Proverbs 3:11-12 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the L ORD, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the L ORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.  Discipline comes by persecution and hardship. The Lord’s chastening may be painful (Heb. 12:7-11) There is much value in divine discipline. 24

25. 1. The key to a long and peaceful life 2. The key to popularity 3. The key to a successful life 4. The key to good health 5. The key to prosperity 6. The key to accepting the Lord’s discipline  The question is – Are we lacking in any of these keys? The answers can be found in Proverbs 3:1-12 25

26. 6. Finding wisdom and getting understanding is likened unto: a. The merchandise (profit) of it Proverbs 3:13-18 – 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. Try to calculate the value of gold and silver to God’s wisdom. 26

27. 6. Finding wisdom and getting understanding is likened unto: b. More precious than Proverbs 3:15 – 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Nothing we desire can compare to “her.” 27

28. 6. Finding wisdom and getting understanding is likened unto: c. In right hand; In left hand Proverbs 3:16 – 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. “She” offers length of days, riches and honor. 28

29. 6. Finding wisdom and getting understanding is likened unto: d. Her ways; Paths Proverbs 3:17 – 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. “She” provides pleasantness and peace. 29

30. 6. Finding wisdom and getting understanding is likened unto: e. To them that hold (embrace) her Proverbs 3:18 – 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.  If we take hold of her and retain her, the fruit of the tree of life will be ours to enjoy. Where is “the” tree of life? 30

31.  …in His acts of creation. Proverbs 3:19-20 – 19 The L ORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.  God’s wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are powerful. Chapter 8 personifies wisdom being at the creation. 31

32.  …in what wisdom can do for us. Proverbs 3:21-24 – 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes — Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Explain “them” in verse 21 – “let them…” 32

33.  …in making our lives safe and secure.  Wisdom will help us walk safely. Our steps will be directed by wisdom We will avoid the many pitfalls others experience  Wisdom will help us sleep securely. For we will not be anxious about tomorrow [inward peace] The Lord will provide life for our souls and grace to your neck [outward beauty] How many reasons do we need to study Proverbs? 33

34.  We will now study six negatives for a wise life.  Sometimes wisdom comes in the form of various “thou shall not” rules.  Notice the “do not” rules in verses 25-31. How many reasons do we need to study Proverbs? 34

35.  DO NOT BE AFRAID –  Proverbs 3:25-26 – 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the L ORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.  We will be prepared when a sudden crisis or an enemy faces us. Let faith replace fear in your life. 35

36.  DO NOT DENY GOOD – 7. When should one do good to those to whom it is due (deserved)? Proverbs 3:27 – 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.  Pay your debts on time.  Do good to all men as you have opportunity. (Gal. 6:10) Don’t enter into a contract with another if you can’t pay. 36

37.  DO NOT DELAY GOOD – 7. When should one do good to those to whom it is due (deserved)? Proverbs 3:28 – 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.  A Christian’s reputation is at stake. Procrastination in doing good is a great evil. 37

38.  DO NOT DEVISE EVIL –  Be a good neighbor for safety’s sake. Proverbs 3:29 – 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.  A heart that devises evil is an abomination to the Lord (Prov. 6:16-18) Five of the ten commandments deal with neighbors. Ex. 20:13-17 38

39.  DO NOT STRIVE WITHOUT CAUSE –  Do not pick a fight (contend).  Do not mistreat your neighbor. Proverbs 3:30 – 30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. Leave vengeance to God. 39

40.  DO NOT ENVY OPPRESSORS – Especially the man of violence. Proverbs 3:31 – 31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; 32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the L ORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright.  We should not envy his prosperity, or follow his ways [speaking of the oppressor]. We must not be envious of others’ prosperity – period. 40

41.  Who would desire to be wicked, scornful, foolish? Proverbs 3:31 – 33 The curse of the L ORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools. The choice is: a curse or a blessing. 41

42.  Listen to the voice of experience (4:1-9) Solomon remembers the instructions of his father  Contrasts between wisdom and the ways of evil (4:10-19) Wisdom is the principle thing to gain in life  Pay attention to instruction (4:20-27) Keep your heart with all diligence Childhood memories – “When I was my father’s son…” (4:3) 42

43.  In Proverbs 4:1-9, Solomon is reflecting back to his own childhood days with his father [David].  He found important principles in “childhood memories.”  These principles were “good doctrine” [good teaching].  Good doctrine ultimately comes from God. Do we recall childhood memories of good doctrine? 43

44. How can one understand instructions? Proverbs 4:1-2 – 1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; 2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.  In verse 4:20, “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.” “Hearing” is the first step in obeying the gospel. 44

45.  Consider these instructions “as if” Christ was speaking to us. Proverbs 4:3-4 – 3 When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; 1/ Keep my commands, and live…” 1/ The quotation marks actually include verses 4-9. 45

46.  “When I was my father’s son”, “he taught me”  Fathers have this responsibility – “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” ( Eph. 6:4)  Parents – Give your children “good” doctrine. This is a huge responsibility  Children – Accept the responsibility to remember it and apply it. This is the greatest gift a father can give to a child. 46

47.  Solomon was young [tender] when his father taught him. (4:3) Teaching needs to begin early to be impressionable.  As a child grows, peer pressure and poor behavior will influence his or her choices in life.  Solomon’s advice to the young is, “Let your heart retain my words.” (4:4) Solomon had great respect for David’s teachings. 47

48.  The process of learning – Listen [hear] to instructions Give attention [give heed] to understand the instructions Do not forsake [not give up, abandon] the instructions  If parents don’t teach, who will?  Each society is only one generation from apostasy. (Judges 2:10) Something the church alone cannot provide. 48

49. 8. In all of one's getting, what is the principle (supreme) thing to acquire? Proverbs 4:5-7 – 5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Wisdom is again personified. 49

50. …And you will be repaid with honor and glory. Proverbs 4:8-9 – 8 Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”  The ornament and crown are figurative and represent the grace and glory of wisdom. The value of wisdom is worth more than we can imagine. 50

51.  We are now introduced to two paths or ways [choices]. 1. The first is the path of wisdom. Verses 11-13 2. The second is the path of the wicked. Verses 14-17 Consider the consequences and you only have one choice. 51

52.  Actions to take in “your life.” Proverbs 4:10-13 – 10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. Walk “the way of wisdom” and the Lord will assist you. 52

53.  The path of wisdom has so many blessings. Proverbs 4:10-13 – 10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. Walk “the way of wisdom” and the Lord will assist you. 53

54.  Do not run with the wrong crowd. Proverbs 4:14-17 – 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. 16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. These are strong admonitions regarding the evil path. 54

55. 9. How is the path of the just (righteous) compared to the way of the wicked? Proverbs 4:18-19 – 18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. Many people live in ignorance or in the “gray” areas of life. 55

56.  Incline you ears, eyes and heart to wisdom. Use all of your body parts to help you. Proverbs 4:20-22 – 20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. “My words” are inspired words of wisdom from Solomon. 56

57. 10. Out of what are the issues (wellspring) of life? Proverbs 4:23 – 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.  Words of wisdom are most important for keeping the heart, mind, emotions and motives on the right track for all issues of life. The most valuable treasure is your soul. 57

58.  …Give attention to your moral conduct. Proverbs 4:24-27 – 24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. Guard your lips, eyes, and feet 58

59. T F 1. There are some who rejoice to do evil. T F 2. Silver and gold are of more value than wisdom. T F 3. Strive not with a man without a cause. T F 4. Wisdom will deliver a crown of glory. T F 5. One cannot avoid the path of the wicked. A study of the Proverbs will enlighten your life. 59

60. Proverbs 3:5-7 – 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. Learn these verses one line at a time. 60