Monday, May 25, 2009

The Usefulness of Proverbs: The Beginning of Our Study


When you hear 'proverbs', you might be thinking 'wise thoughts.' And, you'd be right!

Solomon--who was son of David and a king of Israel--asked God for understanding and received his request. He then wrote down thoughts that are worthy of the ages into the book of the Bible we now call Proverbs, literally meaning "to be like." Who are we to be like? Ultimately, Jesus Christ. And Solomon's request for understanding is one that we might offer up to God as well, in our seeking to be like our Lord.


Welcome to our study!
For the next three months, we will study the entire book of Proverbs, taking each chapter in small sections, thinking through some thought questions, and otherwise allowing the Spirit to fill us with the wisdom of God, to use as He wills.

This is a
daily blog, meaning new entries will be posted daily! I will provide the Scripture verse focus and thought questions. Your thoughts and comments will enrich this space. This is meant to be a conversational, sharing blog not an "I am teaching you" blog. (Note my "Verse to Grow By" at the bottom.)

With that said, on June 1st, we will focus on the following passages of Proverbs and consider these questions:
Scripture focus--Proverbs 1: 1-7

Thought questions:
  1. Are the Proverbs still important, valid, useful?
  2. What is your understanding of "the fear of the Lord" (vs. 7) and why do we need it to embrace Proverbs?
  3. What is a fool and can a believer be a fool?

See you here on Monday, June 1, with a first post and your study observations!

* * *

...let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-

for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.

--Proverbs 1: 5&6