Proverbs Studies 5-8
Proverbs Study 5 - Training in Wisdom through Discipline
Read Proverbs 3:1-12
1. Where do the wise find wisdom?
2. What does the Lord use to keep those he loves on a straight path?
Read Proverbs 4
3. How is self-control a "whole of body" discipline?
Read Proverbs 6:20-23, 15:10-14, 15:31-33, 19:16-18 and 29:15-19
4. What responsibility do parents have in setting their children on the right path?
5. Why does a wise parent discipline their child?
Read Hebrews 12:4-13
6. How is God like a parent in His discipline? What is the purpose of His discipline?
7. How does our understanding of godly discipline help us to grow through hardship?
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 4, 15, 19 and 29
Proverbs Study 6 - Wisdom, Wealth and Poverty
Read Proverbs 8:1-21, 10:1-4, 10:22 and 11:24-31
1. What relationship does Proverbs imply exists between wisdom and wealth?
2. Are verses like 10:22-23 and 11:31 promises from God or general principles? How can this help us when we apply Proverbs to our own situation?
Read Proverbs 11:1, 11:4, 11:28 and 28:27
3. How are the wealthy encouraged to act?
Read Proverbs 13:8 and 19:1-7
4. What disadvantages are there in poverty? What risks do the wealthy face?
Read Proverbs 28 and 30:7-9
5. What temptations come with poverty and wealth?
Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10 and 6:17-21
6. How is the desire for money a trap?
7. How can we honour God with our money?
8. What does Paul urge Christians to pursue?
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 8, 10, 11 and 28
Proverbs Study 7 - The Tongue: A power for life and death
Read Proverbs 1:9-14
1. What examples are given in Proverbs 11 of the destructive power of words?
2. In contrast, how does a godly person use words to build up and protect?
Read Proverbs 12:6 and 12:13-23
3. How can we recognise sinful words and foolish talk?
4. What is wise speech and how is it rewarded?
Read Proverbs 15:1-4, 15:18, 15:23, 15:30, 16:13 and 16:23-28
5. How can the tongue bring life and health?
6. How can it stir up trouble?
Read Proverbs 17:9, 17:14 17:27-28, 18:2, 18:6-8, 18:13 and 18:20-21
7. What advice does Proverbs 17 and 18 give about speaking and listening?
Read James 1:26-27
8. How can we keep a "tight rein" on our tongues?
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 12 and 16-18
Proverbs Study 8 - - The Wife of Noble Character
Read Proverbs 31:10-31
1. How does the wife described in Proverbs 31 spend her time and energies?
2. What responsibility does she take for her household and neighbours?
3. How does she bring honour to her family?
4. How is she valued by her husband?
5. What does the godly woman deserve?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
6. What are the "Lord's affairs" and what advantage does Paul claim an unmarried person has in pursuing them?
7. How can we balance the concerns of God, work and family? How are they interrelated?
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 31