proverbs - Harvest Free Will Baptist Church

Introduction
PROVERBS: THE HANDBOOK FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
The purpose of Proverbs is to teach the Christian how to be understanding, just, and fair in everything they do, to
make the simpleminded wise, to warn young men about some problems they will face and to help the wise become
good leaders – in short, to apply divine wisdom to daily life and to provide moral instruction.
1. THE ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK
A. The Writer of Proverbs
I. There can be little doubt that the bulk of Proverbs was written by the wisest man that ever
lived, Solomon. (Chapter 1 Verse 1)
II. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Solomon gives us practical insights and guidelines
for living the Christian life.
III. Solomon shows the way to Wisdom but in the latter part of his life he did not walk in it.
1. Rehoboam followed dad’s example rather than his counsel.
B. The Meaning of the Word Proverb
I. Proverb - A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact,
ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom. (Webster)
C. The Key Words of Proverbs
I. Wisdom – Knowledge is knowing what do, and how to act, but wisdom is actually doing it!
II. Instruction - Refers to the moral discipline one’s life.
III. Understanding - Means the capability to distinguish between true and false, good and
bad, what matters most and what does not matter at all.
D. The Wisdom of Proverbs
I. The wisdom of Proverbs proves its divine origin.
II. The wisdom of Proverbs lies in its clever concentration of a truth so that it catches on and
becomes easier to remember.
2. THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE BOOK
A. The Three Books of Proverbs - The book of Proverbs is actually a collection of three books:
I. Book One – Poems Praising Wisdom (Chapters 1-9)
II. Book Two – Proverbs Commanding Good Sense (Chapters 10-24)
III. Book Three – More Proverbs About Using Good Sense (Chapters 25-31)
Harvest Free Will Baptist Church
www.harvestbakersfield.com
Pastor Kurt Lindgren
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B. The Three Types of Proverbs - To learn to appreciate the main features of Proverbs you need to
understand the three types of proverbs.
I. Contrastive proverb – Emphasizes the truth by using striking contrast.
(Chapter 17 Verse 22)
II. Completive proverb – The second line of the proverb agrees with the first and brings it to
a conclusion. (Chapter 16 Verse 3)
III. Comparative proverb – Uses a comparison to lead to the second line of the proverb.
(Chapter 16 Verse 8)
3. THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOOK
A. God’s instructions to his children come primarily in three forms. Each has both positive and
negative application (do or don’t do) depending on the context.
I. Precept – A command or rule. An authorized direction or order. (1:10)
II. Principle – A policy or characteristic. A basic generalization that is accepted as true and
that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct. (6:6-8)
III. Precedent – An example or model. An act or instance that may be used as an example in
dealing with subsequent similar instances. (31:10-28)
4. THE APPLICATION OF THE BOOK
a. While studying the book of Proverbs, like any portion of God’s Word, you need to consider how the
passage relates to you. There are three levels of application that can be considered:
i. Head – This is something I need to know and remember (4:19).
ii. Heart – This is something I need to add to my values or priorities (15:3).
iii. Hand – This is something I need to do (or not do) (3:5).
b. How do you digest the book of Proverbs
i. Slowly – This book is not to be read like a normal book.
ii. Ponder – This is not a book of stories or history, but a book that applies to us.
iii. Memorize – Proverbs are meant to help you remember and are difficult to forget.
Harvest Free Will Baptist Church
www.harvestbakersfield.com
Pastor Kurt Lindgren
2