Although the salvifici message of Christ is not one where a person tries to be better so that they can get into heaven, there is an element where Christians are called to live God-honoring lives.
This weeks Bible study will focus on some simple proverbs that not only promise to help us live God-honoring lives, but also productive lives.
Perhaps it is best to start with Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
As we go through these proverbs, supposedly composed by Solomon, the son of David, perhaps to his children or as a general collection -- let us consider how the proverbs applied affects our daily life.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 5:3-4,8
For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood...Remove your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house
Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him
- A proud look
- A lying tongue
- Hands that shed innocent blood
- A heart that devises wicked plans
- Feet that are swift in running to evil
- A false witness who speaks lies
- And one who sows discord among brethren
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I [God/or Wisdom] hate.
Proverbs 11:22
As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrathi, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.
Proverbs 18:2 NIV
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
Proverbs 18:24 NIV
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19:13 NIV
A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:22 NIV
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:24 NIV
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered.
Proverbs 23:13-14 NIV
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.
Proverbs 23:20-21 NIV
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 24:1
Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them.
Proverbs 24:17
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.
Proverbs 25:14 NIV
Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
Proverbs 25:17
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
Proverbs 26:11 NIV
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 27:5-6
Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:19 NIV
As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
Proverbs 28:13 NIV
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:23 NIV
He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.
Proverbs 29:15 NIV
The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
Proverbs 30-31 appear to be not written by Solomon.
