Proverbs

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?
   
   
   Proverbs is full of warnings, instructions and how to's on living a successful life. We see the words “my child”, “my son”(1:10,15, 2:1, 3:1,11, 21 4:20, 5:1, 7...) so it's likely that the text was written to the younger generation, more specifically Solomon's son, or future kings of Israel. But from all of the texts points about discipling children (see point of passion references) we can also say that it is to parents as well.
   
   
2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?
   
   
   The text is very obvious about who the authors are; it states it before each Proverb. King Solomon (1:1), Agur (30:1), and King Lemuel's mother (31:1). The collaborator wants to pour out as much wisdom and insight as possible into all those who read. It's an instruction manual for life; it's likely that out of learning over the years he compiled this in hopes that people would learn from the mistakes others made.
   
   
3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea"?
   
   
   The main theme of Proverbs is gaining wisdom and how to do it. You gain wisdom by fearing the Lord (1:7, 29, 3:7, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 14:2, 26,27, 15:16, 33, 19:23, 22:4, 24:21) and committing yourself to instruction (2:1, 8:33, 8:10, 12:1, 16:20, 19:20, 22:17,23:12), And the benefit of wisdom is a long life (3:2, 3:16, 9:11, 10:27, 12:28, 13:3, 22:4).
   One repeated idea is the use of all things associated with mouth-tongue/lips/words. We see how crucial and potent, lifegiving or debilitating our words really are. (10:32, 13:3, 15:1, 15:28, 15:31, 16:24, 18:13, 21, 25:18, 26:20). We also see cautions against adultery and sexual immorality (2:16-19, 5:3-14, 7:6-27), cautions against a quarrlesome wife (19:13, 21:9, 21:19, 25:24, 27:15), nudging to take care of the poor (13:23, 14:31, 16:19, 21:13, 22:22, 28:3, 28:27, 31:8-9, 31:20).

Proverbs in one sentence- The fear of the Lord and the seeking of instruction brings wisdom.

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?
   
   
   Proverbs 1:2-4, “ Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.”
   It's a book full of simple wisdom and practical ways on how to live a godly lifestyle. It would have been extremely beneficial for the Isrealites and showed them how to mesh normal life with godly life so as to be an example to the Gentiles around them.
   
   
5. What does this book show about the character and nature of God?
   
   
   With a Father's heart, He corrects and disciplines out of love! (3:12) He is the most perfect guide (20:24), He is the Creator of all things (3:19-20; 8:22-31,14:31; 20:12; 22:2; 29:13) and He detests immorality and sin (11:1, 20, 12:2, 15:9, 15:26, 16:5). 30:4. Goes up to heaven and comes back down, holds the wind in his fists, wraps the ocaens in his cloak, created the whole wide world. He is a God of justice (29:26), He wants to be sought out (25:2), and He exposes all hidden motives (20:27).
   
   
6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?
   
   
   We see the repeated phrase, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..” in Proverbs. And in the rest of the Old Testament books we've learned that fearing the Lord/obeying His commands leads to life. The simplest truth of salvation is revealed over and over in this book. Through the simple, life applicable statements of Solomon and the other authors we see the ways God wants us to live. And it's because we know the Lord's wrath and justice, what happens when we don't obey, but also knowing the grace and love that He has bestowed on us we are driven to His love.
   
   

7. Personal Application:
   
   
   Fear of the Lord is yes, obedience and living a godly lifestyle. But it's also, more importantly trusting Him and His ways. Trusting that He asks these things of us so that He can be the center of our lives. Trusting that through that and living in accordance with His will we will always know His heart and be so in tune with His plans for our lives. Our obedience comes from a place of love and adoration for who He is and His goodness, not an obligation or sacrificial duty that must be completed under the hand of an oppressive governor.
   Living the life He has called us to is so simple when we see it that way. What a JOY it is to live a life worthy of His calling! No longer can the enemy hold it over me and say, “God's just using you as His little minion.” NO! It's my JOY to lay my life down for HIS glory! To live as His vessel on this earth. Pouring out joy and love and doing my best to honor Him with every action. And it's okay if I don't do it perfectly; He doesn't expect that of me. His only requirement is a heart that's eager to do it's best. :)
   
   
8. Point of Passion: Family.
   
   
   Wisdom REJOICED at the creation of the human family! (8:31) Wisdom knows how imperative the family structure is to the prosperity of society. When wisdom- a fear of the Lord reigns in the home God is honored and light exudes from within that structure. Wisdom knew that when a family relies on pure wisdom and Godly insight the world can be changed and she rejoices in the potential.
   Apart from the obvious conclusion of passing down these life-applicable, timeless truths to children we see a few other direct commands to family.
   In Proverbs 15:27 we see that greed brings grief to a whole family. Stay away from greed! Greed, lust of money and other objects brings downfall to a family. Instead we should focus on giving! Let giving me the motto of our families. Giving of our time, wealth and love. Giving is the most joyous opportunity we have.
   In 12:7 it says that the family of the godly stands firm. A family rooted and grounded in the knowledge and love of the Lord stands firm through all of life's trials.

Disciplining of children is a common thread throughout Proverbs. It even says that physical discpline won't kill them! (23:13-14) It says to not discipline children is to hate them “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” (13:24) If you don't, you will ruin their lives (19:18). Direct them on the right paths and when they're older they wont leave it (22:6), discipline produces wisdom (29:15), and brings peace of mind (29:17).