#1: The Beginning of Knowledge
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Proverbs 1:1-7 ESV
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.
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TAKE IT IN
What do you think is the purpose of the book of Proverbs? (Consider the genre of the book.) How do you think Proverbs relate to the rest of the Bible? How is it different from other Old Testament books?
What are some characteristics of wisdom according to v.2-6?
DIG IT
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Where does the pursuit of wisdom begin according to v.7? What do you think this means?
How is wisdom different from intelligence? What is the benefit of each quality?
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LIVE IT
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Share how you make your everyday decisions. What values and priorities are those decisions based on?
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Share some specific areas in your life where you seek wisdom.
#2: The Wise and the Scoffer
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Proverbs 9:7-12 ESV
7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
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