The Bible Study Reading PlanSample

PROVERBS

In 2nd Chronicles 1, God asked Solomon what he wanted in life. Instead of saying wealth or honor like most people would pick, Solomon chose to be granted with wisdom and knowledge. Because of this choice, God said to Solomon, "Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you" (1:11-12 NASB).

Solomon was the wisest person to ever live and we should be forever grateful that he left us with a collection of 900 proverbs on how to live a good life. How cool is that?!

Since Proverbs is another unique book of the Bible, we are going to read it like we are currently doing with the Psalms. Your goal is to read one chapter per day for the next 31 days then write out your favorite proverb from each category: The Tongue, Wealth, Health, Fear of the Lord, and Joy.

AUTHOR:

The book of Proverbs was almost entirely composed by King Solomon himself. There are six chapters of Solomon's proverbs compiled by Hezekiah's men and two chapters written by guys named Agur and Lemuel. Some scholars believe Agur and Lemuel are nicknames for Solomon, making the entire work Solomonic.

DATE:

These proverbs were composed sometime during the middle of Solomon's life (990-931 BC) and fully edited by Hezekiah's men around 700 BC.

AUDIENCE:

Solomon wrote to the young, wise men of Israel.

REASON:

These proverbs were written as a teacher's manual for how to live wisely day-by-day.

THEME:
Sharing wisdom.

KEY VERSE:

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (1:5 ESV)

SPLIT:
Father to Son Wisdom (1-9), Proverbs of Solomon (10-22), Common Wisdom (23-24), Proverbs of Solomon 2.0 (25-29), Wisdom from Agur and Lemuel (30-31)

KEY WORDS:

Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Righteous, Wealth