POSITIVE INSIGHTS IN PROVERBS
(Proverbs 1:1-4)

INTRODUCTION:

       The study of instruction for moral and spiritual enrichment in Proverbs is an exercise, in some
              ways, in an embarrassment of riches.
 1. In a sense, one can study each verse in sequence, chapter by  chapter, and be benefited each time.
  Three different aspects of “wisdom” are noted.
  a. A proper grasp of the basic issues of life and of relationship of God to man 
   as a moral agent.
  b. The ability to discern properly the difference between sham and reality, truth 
   and error.
  c. The proper insight into spiritual truth.
 2. Accordingly, one experiences such awareness in verse after verse.
 3. The present study will focus on positive insights gained by a selected study of particular 
  verses.  The negative study will follow.
B. Consider these positive insights of wisdom in Proverbs.

DISCUSSION:

I. THE PROPER REVERENCE FOR GOD (1:7-9).
 
 A. Reverence for God is the beginning of all spiritual knowledge.
 B. It best begins at the level of the child and parent.
 C. It provides the means of a good and useful life.

II. TRUST IN GOD IS FOUNDATION OF TRUE LIFE (3:5,6).
 
 A. The trust is that of true conviction (II Timothy 1:12).
 B. One’s own understanding is secondary to his wisdom.
 C. It is acknowledged; blessings are provided.

III. PROPER MEANS OF DECISIONS IN LIFE (4:23-27)

 A. The heart is to be kept with care.
 B. Crooked speech and devious talk (RSV) are not allowed.
 C. Vision seeks to follow what is right.
 D. Direction of life is considered most carefully.
 E. One’s walk in life will be accurate.

IV. DILIGENCE IN LIFE IS NECESSARY (6:6-11).
 
 A. Learn from nature the response - ability of diligence.
 B. Lack of diligence has its price.

V. DESCRIPTION OF A VIRTUOUS WOMAN (31:10-31).

 A. “Virtuous” from Hebrew:  To be strong, to have ability, virtue, honesty; 
  a capable woman, well qualified for her life and work.
 B. Characteristics:
  1. Trustworthy (v. 11).
  2. Life of dedication (vv. 12-16).
  3. Strength of body (v. 17).
  4. Diligent in life (vv. 18,19,24-26).
  5. Compassionate (v. 20).
  6. Family is cared for (vv. 21,22,27).
  7. Noble reputation (v. 23).
  8. Wisdom and kindness (v. 26).
  9. Respected (vv. 28,29).
  10. Fear of God (vv. 30,31).

CONCLUSION:

We have only made a sampling of the verses.
A. These verses charm and beckon us to return again to this great  book.
B. These, and similar virtues, apply to women and men alike.
 
 

         William Woodson