T H I S W E E K ’ S M E S S A G E

Proverbs 1:7

“e statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple...ey are more precious than gold...they are sweeter than honey...by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is

great reward.” P S A L M 1 9 : 7 , 1 0 - 1 1

“For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring

a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion

to the young...” P r o v e r b s 1 : 2 - 4

Proverb Defined:• A Biblical proverb is not the fountainhead of

theological truth but rather theology summarized simply and memorably.

• A Biblical proverb typically paints a clear and compelling picture between right and wrong, good and bad, and better and best.

Proverb Defined:• “Proverb” comes from the Hebrew word meaning

“to rule or to govern.”

• A proverb is concise saying or maxim that conveys a moral truth, usually by contrasting wisdom to what is called folly.

The More Famous Proverbs• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on

your own understanding...” P r o v e r b s 3 : 5 - 6

• “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” P r o v e r b s 2 3 : 7 ( K J V )

• “As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” P r o v e r b s 2 7 : 1 7

The More Colorful Proverbs• “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful face on

an empty head.” P r o v e r b s 1 1 : 2 2

• “As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” P r o v e r b s 2 6 : 1 1

• “A shiless sluggard puts his fork in the pie, but is too lazy to li it to his mouth.” P r o v e r b s 2 6 : 1 7

PCC Proverbs• “He that saveth seats shall lose his standing!”

• “What happens to me is not as important as what happens in me.”

• “God is concerned more with my holiness than with my happiness.”

“e fear of the Lord, is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

P r o v e r b s 1 : 7

The Key to Proverbs

5 Key Phrases1. “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”

Defined: A loving reverence for God.

“Where there is fear of God to keep [your life], the enemy can find no way to enter.”

S t . F r a n c i s o f A s s i s i

5 Key Phrases2. “KNOWLEDGE”

Defined: e accumulation of facts that comes from the deliberate act of studying.

5 Key Phrases3. “FOOLS”

Defined: One who is morally deficient; a closed-minded, unteachable know-it-all who resents discipline and resists learning.

5 Key Phrases4. “UNDERSTANDING”

Defined: e ability to properly arrange the facts.

Formula for Understanding• Memorize the Word—hide it in your heart!

• Master the Word—apply it to your life!

• Meditate on the Word—soak it into your spirit!

• Minister the Word—share it with your world!

5 Key Phrases5. “DISCIPLINE”

Defined: e deliberate and consistent practice of applying the knowledge and understanding that leads to wise living.

Applying WisdomI must recognize that all wisdom comes from God.

“For the Lord gives wisdom...” P R O V E R B S 2 : 6

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” J A M E S 1 : 5

Applying WisdomI must pursue wisdom above all else.

“Collect my counsels and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding…make Insight your priority, don’t take no for an answer, search for it like a prospector panning for gold.” P r o v e r b s 2 : 1 - 5 ( T h e M e s s a g e )