In preparation for our series on Job, I'm putting up a list of links/videos to additional resources I think might be worthwhile. If you know of any other useful material on Job you'd like to recommend I add to the webliography, please contact me via the comments section at the end of this post.
1. Theodicies in the Book of Job
2. The Book of Job Criticism
3. The Book of Job in MP3 Audio Format
4.
5. Audio of Alistair Begg's Sermon: Why Suffering?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Proverbs: Words to Live By: Chapters 26-31
Prov. 26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.
· Explain the imagery of this proverb.
Prov. 26:7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.
· What does this mean?
Prov. 27:11 Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.
· And what will that answer be? What might the critics charge?
Prov. 27:14 A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!
· What’s this proverb trying to say?
Prov. 27:21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.
· What do you think this means?
Prov. 27:23-27 Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation. After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in, your sheep will provide wool for clothing, and your goats will provide the price of a field. And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.
· What is the point of this proverb?
· How do you think it applies to you today?
The Sayings of Agur
Prov. 30:24-28 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation. Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.
· Why all this talk about animals? What do they have to do with being wise?
· Any ideas on what lesson we’re supposed to get from the lizard?
Prov. 30:29-31 There are three things that walk with stately stride—no, four that strut about: the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything; the strutting rooster; the male goat; and a king as he leads his army.
· Why does Agur say, “There are three things…no, four…”
· Why is the king leading an army mentioned last?
· So what is the overall point of this proverb?
Sayings of King Lemuel (and his momma)
Prov. 31:2-9 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and the helpless, and see that they get justice.
· What is the overall idea here? What’s this proverb about?
· What did Lemuel’s momma mean when she said “women ruin kings?”
· What did Lemuel’s momma say about alcohol? What were her reasons?
· In what ways can the church “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves?”
Prov. 31:10-31 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
· Broadly-speaking, there are two things this passage could be about. What are they?
· What things make this woman so attractive…so “good"?
· Explain the imagery of this proverb.
Prov. 26:7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.
· What does this mean?
Prov. 27:11 Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.
· And what will that answer be? What might the critics charge?
Prov. 27:14 A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!
· What’s this proverb trying to say?
Prov. 27:21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.
· What do you think this means?
Prov. 27:23-27 Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation. After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in, your sheep will provide wool for clothing, and your goats will provide the price of a field. And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.
· What is the point of this proverb?
· How do you think it applies to you today?
The Sayings of Agur
Prov. 30:24-28 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation. Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.
· Why all this talk about animals? What do they have to do with being wise?
· Any ideas on what lesson we’re supposed to get from the lizard?
Prov. 30:29-31 There are three things that walk with stately stride—no, four that strut about: the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything; the strutting rooster; the male goat; and a king as he leads his army.
· Why does Agur say, “There are three things…no, four…”
· Why is the king leading an army mentioned last?
· So what is the overall point of this proverb?
Sayings of King Lemuel (and his momma)
Prov. 31:2-9 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and the helpless, and see that they get justice.
· What is the overall idea here? What’s this proverb about?
· What did Lemuel’s momma mean when she said “women ruin kings?”
· What did Lemuel’s momma say about alcohol? What were her reasons?
· In what ways can the church “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves?”
Prov. 31:10-31 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
· Broadly-speaking, there are two things this passage could be about. What are they?
· What things make this woman so attractive…so “good"?
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A Call for Reader Input
As we're nearing the close of our study in Proverbs, I'm preparing for Job and Ecclesiastes. Last week, I asked students in my Sunday AM class for input on changes they'd like to see with regard to format, presentation, content, etc. And decided that I'd like to solicit similar input from readers of the blog.
Do you have any particular suggestions regarding the format you'd like to see in these postings?
I notice that the N.T. Wright video I posted received several views rather quickly. Would you like to see more videos on the blog?
Following the completion of this study of the Wisdom Literature, are there any particular topics/books of the Bible you'd like to see addressed on the blog?
I am honored and humbled that you take the time to read this blog. I want it to be as much of a blessing to you as it possibly can be. For that reason, I hope you will share any suggestions/requests you might have.
Be blessed, my friends!
Do you have any particular suggestions regarding the format you'd like to see in these postings?
I notice that the N.T. Wright video I posted received several views rather quickly. Would you like to see more videos on the blog?
Following the completion of this study of the Wisdom Literature, are there any particular topics/books of the Bible you'd like to see addressed on the blog?
I am honored and humbled that you take the time to read this blog. I want it to be as much of a blessing to you as it possibly can be. For that reason, I hope you will share any suggestions/requests you might have.
Be blessed, my friends!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
N.T. Wright on Gnosticism
A friend of mine posted this video from YouTube and I thought it was so good and relevant, I would repost it here. Enjoy!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Proverbs: Words to Live By: Chapters 21-25
Prov. 21:9 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. [see also: Prov. 21:19 and 25:24]
· What’s the main point of this proverb?
Prov. 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
· How is this proverb illustrated today?
Prov. 22:10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.
· Does “throwing out the mocker” strike you as a Christian response? Why or why not?
Prov. 22:11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
· What does this mean?
· Which king is he talking about?
Prov. 22:13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
· What do you think the point of this proverb is?
Prov. 24:3-4 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
· What does it meant to “build a house”?
· What other ways do people try to build their houses?
Prov. 24:10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is small.
· What’s the message for us?
Prov. 24:11-12 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
· What’s the basic point?
· How can you fulfill this command individually?
· How can we as a church?
Prov. 24:27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.
· Do you understand?
Prov. 24:28-9 Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them. And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”
· Is there any reason these proverbs are stuck right next to each other?
Prov. 24:30-34 I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
· What’s the point of this?
Prov. 25:3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
· What are some possible meanings of this proverb?
Prov. 25:18 Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
· The ancient rabbis saw slander as a violation of the commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.”
· What’s the main point of this proverb?
Prov. 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
· How is this proverb illustrated today?
Prov. 22:10 Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.
· Does “throwing out the mocker” strike you as a Christian response? Why or why not?
Prov. 22:11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
· What does this mean?
· Which king is he talking about?
Prov. 22:13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!”
· What do you think the point of this proverb is?
Prov. 24:3-4 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
· What does it meant to “build a house”?
· What other ways do people try to build their houses?
Prov. 24:10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is small.
· What’s the message for us?
Prov. 24:11-12 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
· What’s the basic point?
· How can you fulfill this command individually?
· How can we as a church?
Prov. 24:27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.
· Do you understand?
Prov. 24:28-9 Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them. And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”
· Is there any reason these proverbs are stuck right next to each other?
Prov. 24:30-34 I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
· What’s the point of this?
Prov. 25:3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
· What are some possible meanings of this proverb?
Prov. 25:18 Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
· The ancient rabbis saw slander as a violation of the commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.”
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Greasing the Wheels or Sleazing the Deals?
Proverbs explicitly speaks of bribes no fewer than five times (15:27; 17:8, 23; 21:14; 29:4). The potentially disturbing thing for believers is that three times the book takes a decidedly negative perspective on bribes:
while the remaining two passages seem to encourage their use:
This is an instance where we do well to remember two things: (1) the "general" nature of Proverbs, and (2) the importance of context. Regarding the first point, regular readers should be familiar with the metaphor of Proverbs as "a floodlight, not a spotlight." In other words, the book offers us advice that is usually right...but not always. The proverbs are meant to be understood as if they are right most of the time--but not as immutable truths to be applied always and equally in all situations. Proverbs teaches contextual ethics.
This leads us directly into consideration of the different contexts in these five proverbs. The first three (i.e., those condemning bribery) seem to be focused on condemning those in positions of authority who accept bribes. The latter two proverbs (i.e., those that seem more accepting of bribery) are focused upon the wisdom of offering bribes.
It seems to me that there's a significant difference between acknowledging that something is effective, and affirming that it ought to be effective. I think Proverbs is just giving us straightforward advice: it's a bad idea to start accepting bribes because you're putting someone else in control of you when you do so...on the other hand, it may not be such a bad idea to offer bribes in order to get what you want. Sometimes, the bribe may even be a way of encouraging bad rulers to do good things. It reminds me of a discourse the late Milton Friedman had on the issue of how to clean up Congress.
Greed brings grief to the whole family,but those who hate bribes will live. Prov. 15:27
The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice. Prov. 17:23
A just king gives stability to his nation,but one who demands bribes destroys it. Prov. 29:4
while the remaining two passages seem to encourage their use:
A bribe is like a lucky charm;whoever gives one will prosper! Prov. 17:8
A secret gift calms anger;a bribe under the table pacifies fury. Prov. 21:14
This is an instance where we do well to remember two things: (1) the "general" nature of Proverbs, and (2) the importance of context. Regarding the first point, regular readers should be familiar with the metaphor of Proverbs as "a floodlight, not a spotlight." In other words, the book offers us advice that is usually right...but not always. The proverbs are meant to be understood as if they are right most of the time--but not as immutable truths to be applied always and equally in all situations. Proverbs teaches contextual ethics.
This leads us directly into consideration of the different contexts in these five proverbs. The first three (i.e., those condemning bribery) seem to be focused on condemning those in positions of authority who accept bribes. The latter two proverbs (i.e., those that seem more accepting of bribery) are focused upon the wisdom of offering bribes.
It seems to me that there's a significant difference between acknowledging that something is effective, and affirming that it ought to be effective. I think Proverbs is just giving us straightforward advice: it's a bad idea to start accepting bribes because you're putting someone else in control of you when you do so...on the other hand, it may not be such a bad idea to offer bribes in order to get what you want. Sometimes, the bribe may even be a way of encouraging bad rulers to do good things. It reminds me of a discourse the late Milton Friedman had on the issue of how to clean up Congress.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Fate Worse Than Singleness
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. (Prov. 21:9)
It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. (Prov. 21:19)
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. (Prov. 25:24)
Obviously, these proverbs speak to the repeated importance of relationships. It’s always struck me as a little surprising that, despite the rising divorce rate and the fact that virtually everyone has either been burned by a toxic relationship or knows a close friend/family member who has, people keep getting married. A negative secularist view might say this is because we’re all stupid, or the oppressive power of religious taboo is so powerful it continues to exert the pressure to marry, or some such rot.
I rather think it’s because most people simply crave healthy relationships—even if we don’t know how to recognize them. Even if we’re the ones responsible for making relationships toxic, that doesn’t diminish our desire to have someone who will love, affirm, and accept us in spite of who we are.
Such a desperate longing for love can be inspiring, but without at least a modicum of cool rationality such desperation can lead to terribly tragic decisions. When I was younger and experiencing some of those consequences, a good friend told me, “You know, there are worse things in life than being single…like being married to the wrong person, for example.”
The watchword Proverbs would give us for today is: discretion. Look before you leap. If you think you love someone, take the time to be certain you’re loving with your mind as well as your heart. Contrary to popular belief, covenants (such as marriage) that are lightly entered into cannot be exited without serious long-term consequences. Remember, there are worse things than being single.
It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. (Prov. 21:19)
It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. (Prov. 25:24)
Obviously, these proverbs speak to the repeated importance of relationships. It’s always struck me as a little surprising that, despite the rising divorce rate and the fact that virtually everyone has either been burned by a toxic relationship or knows a close friend/family member who has, people keep getting married. A negative secularist view might say this is because we’re all stupid, or the oppressive power of religious taboo is so powerful it continues to exert the pressure to marry, or some such rot.
I rather think it’s because most people simply crave healthy relationships—even if we don’t know how to recognize them. Even if we’re the ones responsible for making relationships toxic, that doesn’t diminish our desire to have someone who will love, affirm, and accept us in spite of who we are.
Such a desperate longing for love can be inspiring, but without at least a modicum of cool rationality such desperation can lead to terribly tragic decisions. When I was younger and experiencing some of those consequences, a good friend told me, “You know, there are worse things in life than being single…like being married to the wrong person, for example.”
The watchword Proverbs would give us for today is: discretion. Look before you leap. If you think you love someone, take the time to be certain you’re loving with your mind as well as your heart. Contrary to popular belief, covenants (such as marriage) that are lightly entered into cannot be exited without serious long-term consequences. Remember, there are worse things than being single.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Proverbs: Words to Live By: Chapters 16-20
Marriage and Family
Prov. 17:6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
Prov. 17:21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
Prov. 17:25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.
Prov. 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
Prov. 19:13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.
Prov. 19:14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife.
Prov. 19:18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
Prov. 19:26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.
Prov. 20:11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
Prov. 20:20 If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.
· What is the Bible (particularly, the OT) perspective on how to deal with those who bring grief to the family? Do you think this is still valid?
· The New Testament often speaks of the church as a “family.” In what ways do the family principles of Proverbs apply to the church?
Chapter 16
Prov. 16:26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
· What do you think of this? Does it sound cruel?
· In what ways has life given you an “empty stomach”?
Prov. 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
· Why?
Chapter 17
Prov. 17:8 A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!
· So…is God saying we should bribe people? [see also: Prov. 17:23 and 18:16]
· What are some ways in which we “bribe” people today…but may not think of it as wrong or as bribery?
Prov. 17:19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.
· What do the first and second parts of this proverb have to do with each other?
Chapter 18
Prov. 18:17 The first to speak in courts sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.
· What lesson are you supposed to get from this?
Prov. 18:18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
· What do you think is the main point of this proverb?
Chapter 19
Prov. 19:2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
· How is this relevant to you?
Prov. 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
· How does this fit with what we read in 16:3?
Chapter 20
Prov. 20:4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.
· Notice, it’s not enough simply to be willing to plow…you have to plow in the right season.
· How might that idea relate to our lives?
Prov. 20:21 An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
· Are there any biblical examples? (Prodigal Son – Lk. 15:11-32)
Prov. 20:28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
· What is the real basis of authority?
· What is it that makes God, “God”?
Prov. 17:6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
Prov. 17:21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
Prov. 17:25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.
Prov. 18:22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
Prov. 19:13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.
Prov. 19:14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife.
Prov. 19:18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
Prov. 19:26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.
Prov. 20:11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
Prov. 20:20 If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.
· What is the Bible (particularly, the OT) perspective on how to deal with those who bring grief to the family? Do you think this is still valid?
· The New Testament often speaks of the church as a “family.” In what ways do the family principles of Proverbs apply to the church?
Chapter 16
Prov. 16:26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
· What do you think of this? Does it sound cruel?
· In what ways has life given you an “empty stomach”?
Prov. 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
· Why?
Chapter 17
Prov. 17:8 A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!
· So…is God saying we should bribe people? [see also: Prov. 17:23 and 18:16]
· What are some ways in which we “bribe” people today…but may not think of it as wrong or as bribery?
Prov. 17:19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.
· What do the first and second parts of this proverb have to do with each other?
Chapter 18
Prov. 18:17 The first to speak in courts sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.
· What lesson are you supposed to get from this?
Prov. 18:18 Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
· What do you think is the main point of this proverb?
Chapter 19
Prov. 19:2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
· How is this relevant to you?
Prov. 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
· How does this fit with what we read in 16:3?
Chapter 20
Prov. 20:4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.
· Notice, it’s not enough simply to be willing to plow…you have to plow in the right season.
· How might that idea relate to our lives?
Prov. 20:21 An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
· Are there any biblical examples? (Prodigal Son – Lk. 15:11-32)
Prov. 20:28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
· What is the real basis of authority?
· What is it that makes God, “God”?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Proverbs: Words to Live By: Chapters 11-15
Review
If you boil Proverbs down to two choices, what would you say they are?
What does it mean to describe Proverbs as “a floodlight” rather than “a spotlight”?
Speech
Prov. 10:19-21; 11:9, 12-13; 12:6, 26; 13:2-3; 17:27-28; 18:4, 20; 20:15
What light does James 1:26; 3:1-12 shed on the topic of speech?
Have you ever considered how God created the world in the first place; or how when Isaac was tricked into offering his blessing to Jacob, he could offer no blessing for Esau? (Gen. 27:1-37)
How would you summarize Proverbs’ teaching/perspective on wise words?
Do you think that our society respects the power of words? Why or why not?
Wealth & Work
Prov. 11:4, 15, 18, 24, 28; 12:11, 14, 24; 13:4, 7-8, 11, 22-23; 14:20, 23-24, 31; 15:16, 27; 16:8; 17:1; 18:9, 11; 19:4, 15, 17, 24; 20:13
How would you sum up Proverbs’ teaching on wealth? Is it a gift from God, or the result of your own hard labor? Is wealth good or bad?
Chapter 13
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Prov. 13:20 [see also Prov. 14:7]
· How is this relevant to your life?
Chapter 14
Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. Prov. 14:4
· What does that mean?
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. Prov. 14:10
· What does this mean?
· Why would it be important for people to remember this?
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Prov. 14:13
· Why do you think God wants us to face this reality?
Chapter 15
The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but He delights in the prayers of the upright. Prov. 15:8
· What’s the difference between sacrifice and prayer?
· How is this relevant today?
If you boil Proverbs down to two choices, what would you say they are?
What does it mean to describe Proverbs as “a floodlight” rather than “a spotlight”?
Speech
Prov. 10:19-21; 11:9, 12-13; 12:6, 26; 13:2-3; 17:27-28; 18:4, 20; 20:15
What light does James 1:26; 3:1-12 shed on the topic of speech?
Have you ever considered how God created the world in the first place; or how when Isaac was tricked into offering his blessing to Jacob, he could offer no blessing for Esau? (Gen. 27:1-37)
How would you summarize Proverbs’ teaching/perspective on wise words?
Do you think that our society respects the power of words? Why or why not?
Wealth & Work
Prov. 11:4, 15, 18, 24, 28; 12:11, 14, 24; 13:4, 7-8, 11, 22-23; 14:20, 23-24, 31; 15:16, 27; 16:8; 17:1; 18:9, 11; 19:4, 15, 17, 24; 20:13
How would you sum up Proverbs’ teaching on wealth? Is it a gift from God, or the result of your own hard labor? Is wealth good or bad?
Chapter 13
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Prov. 13:20 [see also Prov. 14:7]
· How is this relevant to your life?
Chapter 14
Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. Prov. 14:4
· What does that mean?
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. Prov. 14:10
· What does this mean?
· Why would it be important for people to remember this?
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. Prov. 14:13
· Why do you think God wants us to face this reality?
Chapter 15
The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but He delights in the prayers of the upright. Prov. 15:8
· What’s the difference between sacrifice and prayer?
· How is this relevant today?
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