Proverbs; Song Of Songs - Easthaven

MEMORY VERSESSession 1:Session 8:The fear of the Lord is the beginning ofknowledge; fools despise wisdom anddiscipline. — Proverbs 1:7The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,observing the wicked and the good.— Proverbs 15:3Session 2:Session 9:Trust in the Lord with all your heart, anddo not rely on your own understanding; inall your ways know him, and he will makeyour paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5-6Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mindon the right course. — Proverbs 23:19Session 3:When it is in your power, don’t withholdgood from the one to whom it belongs.— Proverbs 3:27Session 4:Carefully consider the path for your feet,and all your ways will be established.— Proverbs 4:26Session 10:A wise son responds to his father’sdiscipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen torebuke. — Proverbs 13:1Session 11:I have instructed you today — even you —so that your confidence may be in the Lord.— Proverbs 22:19Session 12:We love because he first loved us.— 1 John 4:19Session 5:My son, keep your father’s command, anddon’t reject your mother’s teaching.— Proverbs 6:20Session 6:Session 13:Where has your love gone, most beautiful ofwomen? Which way has he turned? We willseek him with you. — Song of Songs 6:1The fear of the Lord is the beginning ofwisdom, and the knowledge of the HolyOne is understanding. — Proverbs 9:10Session 7:Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, butfaithful people are his delight.— Proverbs 12:22 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources7

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS;SONG OF SONGSThe Book of Proverbs provides us withwisdom that comes from God. At thebeginning of this foundational guide forbeing wise in Him, we’re led to understandthat seeking God’s wisdom means nurturinga close relationship with Him (Prov. 1:7).From there, Solomon provides us with anexhaustive assortment of proverbs to addressalmost every facet of our everyday lives.Song of Songs is an extended poem thataffirms the value of choosing to liveaccording to God’s wisdom when it comesto nurturing the love between a man and awoman. Throughout the poem, the portrayalof the authentic romance between twopeople in love is painted on the canvas ofGod’s faithful love for His people. The storythat’s told in the poem includes scenes froma couple’s courtship and their life together ashusband and wife.Seeking God’s wisdom and applying it in ourlives allows us to learn how He wants us tohandle the issues that confront us in work,play, money, and relationships.God wants us to enjoy the fulfillment thatcomes from being wise in Him.THEMES IN SONG OF SONGS:God affirms intimacy, but He expects Hispeople to be wise in Him in the expression ofromantic love between a man and a woman.The relationship between a married man andwoman provides the only healthy settingfor Christians to express romantic lovecompletely.THEMES IN PROVERBS:God’s wisdom comes only through a personalrelationship with Him.The temptation to give into foolishness andthe need to choose wisdom serves as anongoing concern for God’s people as we livefor Him every day.Being wise and overcoming menacingtemptations means that we seek the Lord’swisdom and put it to work.8E X PL OR E T H E B I BL E 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources

OUTLINES OF PROVERBS;SONG OF SONGSOUTLINE OF PROVERBSI. Solomon’s Exhortations and Warnings (1:1–9:18)A. Contrast between wisdom and riches (1:1–3:20)B. Praise of wisdom, love, and worthy conduct (3:21–4:27)C. Warnings against lust, idleness, and deceit (5:1–7:27)D. A portrayal of wisdom (8:1–9:18)II. Solomon’s Proverbs (10:1–29:27)A. Collected proverbs (10:1–22:16)B. Thirty sayings of the wise (22:17–24:22)C. More sayings of the wise (24:23-34)D. Hezekiah’s collection (25:1–29:27)III. Other Proverbs (30:1–31:31)A. Words of Agur (30:1-33)B. Words of Lemuel (31:1-9)C. Praise of a capable wife (31:10-31)OUTLINE OF SONG OF SONGSI. Their Story Begins (1:2–2:7)II. Invitation to Enjoy a Spring Day (2:6-17)III. Night of Separation Preceding Wedding (3:1-5)IV. Wedding Day and Night (3:6–5:1)V. Night of separation following wedding night (5:2–7:9)VI. Invitation to Enjoy a Spring Day (7:10–8:4)VII. Their Story Complete (8:3-14) 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources9

USING THE DAILY DISCIPLESHIP GUIDEFollower. Adherent. Loyalist. Attached. Allegiant. Zealous. Disciple. Jesus’ call is the same toall people: to follow Him as a disciple. He expects more than a courteous nod. He deservesmore than intellectual agreement. He calls us to be disciples—growing disciples. How dowe do that?In Brad Waggoner’s Shape of Faith to Come (2008), he identified the discipline of “daily Bibleengagement” as the number-one predictor of a person’s spiritual growth. Daily implies adiscipline much like exercising, brushing teeth, or eating a certain number of calories EVERYday. Should we be any different when it comes to our spiritual training? The focus is the Bible,God’s Word. There is nothing wrong with knowing the thoughts of great philosophers, leaders,or theologians, but they must not replace God’s Word. Engagement implies participating in theact of reading, studying, and reflecting. Engagement is active, requiring us to do something.Your Daily Discipleship Guide is full of tools to help you grow as a disciple. But like any tool, youhave to use it to get the benefit.Use this resource when studying with a group. The first five pages of each sessionhelp the group leader introduce a Bible passage and move you toward acting on thetruths discovered.Use the Daily Exploration pages to go deeper into God’s Word, building on yourgroup’s study experience. Engage in daily Bible study, record your thoughts, reflecton the questions, and take action.Use the Talk It Out section at the end of each session to hold yourself andothers accountable by meeting in a smaller group of same-sex individuals (anaccountability group). Share with the smaller group what God has been teaching youthrough the group time and your personal daily Bible study.Use the resource every week even when you are unable to attend the group’s Biblestudy. Missing a group Bible study does not excuse you from being engaged dailywith God through His Word. Use the Daily Discipleship Guide to move forward inyour spiritual growth.Want this resource on your phone or tablet for when you are on the go? Purchase an eBook inthe Explore the Bible APP (available through GooglePlay and the iTunes Store) or at LifeWay.com.10E X PL OR E T H E B I BL E 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources

Getting the Most from TALK IT OUTTalk It Out, found at the end of each session, supports groups of three or four people who cometogether weekly to encourage, share, build up, and sharpen each other. While other issues maybe addressed, the Talk It Out section provides a few directed questions based on the previousgroup experience and daily Bible engagement suggestions to start the weekly conversation.These groups are made up of three to four people Participants should be of the same gender. These groups should be smaller on purpose. These groups can meet at almost any location. These groups can easily accommodate each other’s schedules. Who meet weekly Life happens weekly, so meeting weekly is important. There is nothing like sitting across from friends over coffee, a meal,or dessert. In some cases, your smaller group may need to meet using technology thatallows for video chats (such as Skype or Google Hangouts). You may find it best to meet face-to-face every other week or once a monthand use virtual tools the other weeks. To hold each other accountable and encourage each other in their spiritual growth. Review the questions in Talk It Out. You may focus on one question more than others. Include time to pray for each other. 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources

S e s s i o n1Charted WatersGod’s Word warns us of the consequences of foolish choices.Proverbs 1:7-1912E X PL OR E T H E B I B L E 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources

How would you describe the difference between knowledge and wisdom?How should information lead to a change in behavior?The knowledge of God and the knowledge to live wisely are interrelated. Next to the knowledgeof God in salvation, the knowledge to live wisely is the most important kind of knowledge.Godly knowledge is more than information; it is about transformation. You can be factuallyright but spiritually wrong. Solomon’s argument in the Book of Proverbs is simple: godlywisdom is applied truth that leads to transformation and wise practical living.UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXTThe Book of Proverbs begins with an invitation and a warning. The invitation comes in theform of a call to be wise. Solomon urged anyone who would listen to hear and obey the call towalk in the path of God’s wisdom. Wisdom is personified, as if she is a woman who calls outin the street, inviting all who will hear to come and embrace God’s wisdom (1:20).There’s a warning here as well. Solomon warned of the trouble that awaits any who will notheed the call to live wisely. He turned his attention to his son (1:8-19). His son would needto make up his mind to walk in God’s wisdom. Making that decision would not be easy sincehe would encounter evil people who would try to entice him to join them. They would try topersuade him that the road they took would be fun. It would involve violence, murder, andtheft. Solomon warned that these gang members themselves would eventually have their livesstolen from them. The consequences of rejecting godly truth and wisdom are devastating.Both of these great admonitions—the call to hear and obey the wisdom of God and thewarning of what happens when true wisdom is rejected—are summed up in one of Solomon’smost famous sayings, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despisewisdom and discipline” (1:7).It is within this context that Solomon methodically and urgently began his book. Solomon’scall—God’s call—for the people of God to live within the safe boundaries of God’s wisecounsel is needed now just as it was needed then. It is the wise person who hears and obeysthe call of God. It is the wise person who considers Solomon’s warnings. It is the fool whorejects both.DAT E OF M Y B I BL E S T U DY: 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources13

PROVERBS 1:7-19Passage Outline7 The fear of the Lordis the beginning of knowledge;fools despise wisdom and discipline.8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,and don’t reject your mother’s teaching ,9 for they will be a garland of favor on your headand pendants around your neck.10 My son, if sinners entice you,don’t be persuaded.11 If they say—“Come with us!Let’s set an ambush and kill someone.Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun!12 Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol,whole, like those who go down to the Pit.13 We’ll find all kinds of valuable propertyand fill our houses with plunder.14 Throw in your lot with us,and we’ll all share the loot”—15 my son, don’t travel that road with themor set foot on their path,16 because their feet run toward eviland they hurry to shed blood.17 It is useless to spread a netwhere any bird can see it,18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves;they attack their own lives.19 Such are the paths of all who make profitdishonestly;it takes the lives of those who receive it.Starting Point(Prov. 1:7)Path of Obedience(Prov. 1:8-9)Resist Sin(Prov. 1:10-14)Sin’s Results(Prov. 1:15-19)KeywordsA. Includes awe, reverence,respect, worship, trust,commitment, obedience,submission, and love—all qualities of a rightrelationship with God.Lord refers to the personalname Yahweh, God of thecovenant.B. True wisdom comes fromknowing God (Jas. 1:5),trusting Him, and turningfrom sin (Job 28:20-28).C. “Law” (KJV). Torahin Hebrew. Here theword refers to parentalteachings based on God’slaws that provide childrenmoral guidelines anddirection.D. In Mark 8:36, Jesus said,“For what does it benefitsomeone to gain thewhole world and yet losehis life?”14E X PL OR E T H E B I BL E 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources

EXPLORE THE TEXTIn verse 7 we find a summary of the whole Book of Proverbs. To fear the Lord involvesreverencing, respecting, and trusting Him. Not everyone responds positively to God’sinvitation. Some reject God’s wisdom.KEY DOCTRINE: Man Only the grace of God can bring people into His holyfellowship and enable them to fulfill the creative purpose of God (1 Cor. 12:21-31).How might a person be intelligent and unwise at the same time?BIBLE SKILL: Dig deeper into the meaning of a key word or phrase. Take acloser look at the meaning of “the fear of the Lord” in Proverbs 1:7. Read the verse indifferent translations. Use a Bible concordance to look for other passages in whichthe phrase is used. Consult a Bible dictionary for more insight. Write in your ownwords the meaning of the phrase and how it relates to spiritual growth.Wisdom is not gained through experience alone. Experience is important but not determinative.Instead, we come to know the wisdom of God through the means by which God reveals to usHis wisdom. His Word (John 17:17), the person of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:30), the ministry ofthe Holy Spirit (John 16:13), and general revelation (Ps. 19:1) are the sources of godly wisdom.Verse 8 reminds all fathers and mothers of their responsibility to nurture their children in thefaith with godly instruction. Paul wrote of this in Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, don’t stir up angerin your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”How does listening to godly counsel lead to blessing?The next piece of wisdom Solomon gave his son was to resist sin. He knew that the enticementand temptation could be difficult to reject—especially for a young person.Sin affects more than the individual. It impacts those around us, sometimes in abusive ways.When God’s truth and wisdom are rejected, harmful and disturbing things will happen.How might being mindful of the consequences impact how a person respondsto temptation? Which has the greater impact: focusing on the consequences ofdisobedience or the rewards of obedience?Solomon’s warnings were not angry prohibitions; they came from the heart of a loving fatherpleading with his son to stay true to God. One consequence of unwise, sinful living would bethe harm and destruction of other people and their property; another consequence would beself-destruction.How does sin lead to self-destructive behaviors? To what examples can you point? 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources15

APPLY THE TEXT True wisdom starts with a right relationship with God. Obedience to godly counsel leads to favor in life. Wise believers resist the pressure to engage in wicked activities. Ignoring godly wisdom leads to self-destruction.Evaluate your obedience to God and His counsel on a scale of zero to ten. In whatareas do you need to be more obedient to God and His Word?Discuss with your Bible study group ways people provide godly counsel. Discuss therole the group has in providing godly counsel and fostering obedience.Identify areas in which you face the greatest temptations. List potentialconsequences that might accompany that temptation and rewards for resisting. AskGod to help you remain faithful to Him and for His help when facing temptation.Prayer Requests 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources

DAILY EXPLORATIONDay 1: Having a relationship with God makes you wise.Read Proverbs 1:7, underlining the words fear and wisdom.Wisdom has a starting point. It begins with a sincere relationship with the Lord. Coming toa saving knowledge of God through the person of Jesus Christ—who is our wisdom (1 Cor.1:24)—is the beginning of a life well lived. Thus, wisdom is found in a Person with whomwe can have a relationship. Our continued walk in godly wisdom—and our ability to makewise choices—will progress as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ. (See 2 Pet. 3:18.) Sadly, many Christians look everywhere except to God’s Wordfor guidance in making wise choices. The way to wisdom and understanding begins withseeking God.Rather than beginning a life-long journey of knowing and loving God, the fool says in hisheart that there is no God. (See Ps. 14:1.) The fool may be intelligent by worldly standardsbut cares little for the wisdom of God and refuses to accept God’s loving discipline and wiseinstruction. Verse 7 reminds us that the dividing line between the wise and foolish person isnot intellect but a relationship with God.When have you been intelligent and unwise at the same time?Day 2: Pay attention to wise counsel.Read Proverbs 1:8-9, considering how God dispenses His wisdom.God uses several sources that reflect the truth of His Word. For example, the instruction of agodly parent can be used by God to illuminate and instruct us in the wisdom of God. Solomoncalled his son to listen to the instruction of his father and to the wise teaching of his mother.Listening means more than hearing; it means to pay attention, absorb, and apply what’sbeing said. Solomon may have had in mind here his own son, Rehoboam. Rehoboam wouldbecome the next king (1 Kings 14:21) and would need God’s wisdom to rule well. Solomonmay also have been addressing any of his other sons or all young men in general. Certainly,these divinely inspired proverbs are useful for every young person who wishes to live wisely.To pay attention to God’s wise counsel through our parents is like receiving a garland of favoron your head and pendants around your neck. These are metaphors that speak of the blessingswe can receive when we pay attention to wise counsel. The wise response to godly counsel isobedience.How have your parents been used by God to dispense His wisdom to you? If you are aparent, are you open to God dispensing His wisdom through you? 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources17

Day 3: Wise people run from temptation.Read Proverbs 1:10, noting the instruction to avoid negative peer pressure.There is something luring about sin. Sinful temptations draw us, allure us, and entice us togo off the path God has set for us in His Word. Temptation is common to all people, yet Godprovides escape routes for those who have been tempted to sin (1 Cor. 10:12-13). The questionis not if we will be tempted, but what we do when we are tempted. It is the wise person whoruns from temptation. (See Gen. 39:10-12; 1 Cor. 6:18.)How does Christ offer true riches and true community?Day 4: Evil behavior is the way of life for an unwise man.Read Proverbs 1:11-14, noting the evil behaviors these people wanted tohave for fun.Verse 11 addresses the peer pressure of evil people who attack and abuse the innocent just forfun. Abuse must never be excused at any level. These evil thugs claimed they could swallowpeople alive, like Sheol.

Proverbs 14:22-35 5. Proverbs 15:1-11 6. Proverbs 15:12-22 7. Proverbs 15:23-33 8. Proverbs 16:1-9 9. Proverbs 16:10-20 10. Proverbs 16:21-33 11. Proverbs 17:1-14 12. Proverbs 17:15-28 13. Proverbs 18:1-13 14. Proverbs 18:14-24 15. Proverbs 19:1-17 16. Proverbs 19:18-29 17. Proverbs 20:1-16 18. Proverbs