Proverbs: God-Centered Wisdom
Key Points from Pastor Scott’s Introductory Message-

-Proverbs are about probabilities – accumulated wisdom from experience and observation in life.
-Proverbs are not promises nor formulas for success.
-Proverbs focus on the general rule, not the exceptions.
-Proverbs are astute observations about how life usually works from a divine perspective.
-Biblical proverbs communicate a set of practical skills for living well in God’s world for His glory.

“Proverbs is about a masterful understanding of proper social relationships that involve skill in relating to God and to all kinds of people in order to enjoy the abundant life and avoid death.” – Dr. Bruce Waltke

Pastor Scott also gave us three reasons why we should accept God’s invitation to learn and apply His wisdom found in Proverbs—

1. Because they are God-centered, not man-centered. (James 3:13-18)
2. They are inspired (“breathed out”) by God through Solomon.
3. They embody the wisdom of Jesus and point to Him as our only hope. (Proverbs 9:10; James 1:5-8)

Key Concept in Proverbs: The fear of the Lord = to live in awe and respect of almighty God. (Prov. 1:7, 9:10)

I. Introducing the Proverbial Woman- Five Women (5) are featured in Proverbs-

1) 'The Faithful Mother' – Proverbs 1:8ff ; 2:1-15
Proverbs 1:8 - Hear, my son, your father's instruction,and forsake not your mother's teaching,
Proverbs 6:20 - My son, keep your father's commandment,and forsake not your mother's teaching.

Mothers are mentioned 15 times in Proverbs and along with fathers are to be honored by their children—as commanded by God in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12)

Summary:
Faithful mothers partner with their husbands to provide regular, wise counsel from God to their children on how life works as one who reverences and seeks to follow Christ.

To provide regular, wise counsel from God to their children on how life works as one who reverences and seeks to follow Christ.

2) ‘Lady Wisdom’ – Proverbs 1:20ff and 8:1ff

Proverbs 1:20—22 - Wisdom cries aloud in the street,in the markets she raises her voice;21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 8:1-5 - Does not wisdom call?Does not understanding raise her voice?2 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;3 beside the gates in front of the town,at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:4 “To you, O men, I call,and my cry is to the children of man.5 O simple ones, learn prudence;O fools, learn sense.

3) The 'Stranger/Danger Woman’ – Proverbs 2:16

So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life.

Proverbs 5:13-14, 20

5) The Illustrated Wife- Proverbs 5:18-19; 21:9 and 27:15-16, Proverbs 31:10-31
The Youthful Wife- Proverbs 5:18-19
The Quarrelsome/Irritating Wife- Proverbs 19:13; 21:9, 19
The Excellent Wife- Proverbs 12:4; 18:22 and 31:10-31

II. Wisdom Gained from These Proverbial Women
The Faithful Mother
Lady Wisdom
Stranger-Danger Woman
Lady Folly
The Illustrated Wife

Discussion Questions

1. On this Mother’s Day, share who have been the most influential women in your life and how they impacted your life.

2. Review the different women that Pastor Collin noted from Proverbs. How many of these women of people you have met in your lifetime—and what did you learn from them.

3. Read Proverbs 31:10-31–If you are with your children or grandchildren today—invite your kids to make their alphabetical listing of character qualities and things that they appreciate about their mother—and dad, join in by adding your closing words of appreciation and praiseas well (see vv. 28-31).

4. Read 1 Peter 3:7, 1 Timothy 5:1-2 and Ephesians 5:25, 28 & 33 – Note the instructions given to Christians as to how are to relate to one another in our families and churches—and talk about how we are doing in heeding these instructions.

Take Away Wisdom for Us Today
-For Sons and Daughters-
-For Husbands and Fathers-
-For Women, Wives, and Mothers-