Lesson 9
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Lesson 9
Familiar Sins
(KEY VERSES: PROVERBS 6:16–17; 15:25; 16:18; 18:12; 20:1; 21:17, 24; 23:20–21, 29–35; 30:11–14, 17)
Before you begin …
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Thanks to worldwide media coverage and the constant pressure for higher program ratings, sin has become an important part of international entertainment. Evil activities that we ought to be weeping over are now sources of entertainment; they are vividly displayed on movie and TV screens and discussed in depth in newspapers and magazines. The all-seeing camera moves into the bedroom, the barroom, and the courtroom and enables excited viewers to enjoy sin vicariously. Movies and TV are instructing generation after generation of children how to ridicule virginity, laugh at sobriety, challenge authority, and reject honesty.
The book of Proverbs has something to say about popular sins that are weakening our homes, threatening the peace of our communities, and destroying lives.
—Be Skillful, page 177
1. Based solely on what you’ve read in Proverbs so far, how do Solomon’s words speak to today’s “popular” sins? In what ways is Proverbs a timeless response to a modern problem? What does this say about the nature of sin? About God’s challenge to believers living in a sin-filled world?
More to Consider: Proverbs has some stern warnings about drunkenness. What do you think prompted such a strong series of statements? What might Solomon say to modern culture today about this particular popular sin?
2. Read this week’s key verses (Prov. 6:16–17; 15:25; 16:18; 18:12; 20:1; 21:17, 24; 23:20–21, 29–35; 30:11–14, 17). Which of these verses is most meaningful to you? Explain.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Prov. 20:1 NKJV). This is the first of several passages in Proverbs that warn against what today we call “alcohol abuse.” Alcohol mocks people by creating in them a thirst for more while not satisfying that thirst. The more people drink, the less they enjoy it. The drinker becomes a drunk and then a brawler. In spite of what the slick advertising says about the charm of drink, it just isn’t a smart thing to do. As a Japanese proverb puts it, “First the man takes a drink; then the drink takes a drink; then the drink takes the man.”
—Be Skillful, pages 178–79
3. What makes alcohol abuse such a common problem in America today? What role does advertising play in this? What are some wise ways to combat the media and cultural onslaught that says “drinking is fun” or “drinking makes you cool”? Why is this a difficult battle in today’s society?
From the Commentary
Addiction to alcohol can lead to poverty (21:17), so it’s wise to stay away from the people who encourage you to drink (23:20–21). Proverbs 23:29–35 is the most vivid description of the tragic consequences of drunkenness you will find anywhere in Scripture.
—Be Skillful, page 179
4. Go through Proverbs 23:29–35 and circle all the consequences of drunkenness. Why don’t people who suffer these consequences turn away from drinking? In what ways can they become slaves to drink? How does being a slave to drink affect a person’s ability to seek and serve God?
From Today’s World
A few decades ago, TV stopped airing advertisements for cigarettes. Many television shows even stopped depicting people smoking as the public concern over the health dangers of smoking grew louder than the murmur of those who were fans of cigarettes. Though the dangers of drinking alcohol are different from those of smoking, there has been little if no outcry from the public to reduce the number or frequency of advertisements for alcoholic beverages. In fact, many of the most-watched commercials nestled in among the Super Bowl are for alcoholic beverages. Despite simple disclaimers about “drinking responsibly” that often accompany the advertising, drinking is certainly glamorized in ads. Science has even entered the conversation, offering medical evidence of the health benefits of drinking a glass of red wine a day, for example.
5. What is a proper Christian response to the way our culture depicts drinking? How are Solomon’s words still applicable today? What is at the core of Solomon’s concerns? How can we respond to that core concern in practical ways?
More to Consider: The New Testament warns today’s Christians about the sin of drunkenness (Rom. 13:13; see also 1 Thess. 5:7; Luke 21:34). Galatians 5:21 names drunkenness as one of the works of the flesh, and 1 Peter 2:11 admonishes us to “abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” How does our culture today impact the way Christians view this sin?
From the Commentary
“The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it” (Prov. 30:17 NKJV). The child who looks at his or her parents with contempt and disrespect will one day be treated like an unburied corpse, and to be left unburied was a great reproach in Israel. As I read the newspapers and news magazines, I become more and more convinced that we’re living in the generation described in Proverbs 30:11–14 with its pride, greed, violence, and lack of appreciation for parents.
—Be Skillful, page 182
6. Proverbs 30:11–14 describes an ugly society. In what ways do you see this ugliness played out in modern culture? Why do you think Solomon uses such bold language in Proverbs 30? What does this say about the condition of the culture he was initially addressing? What does this truth say today about the universal foibles and sins of humankind? About the timelessness of God’s wisdom?
From the Commentary
Wise people believe God’s truth and live for reality and not for illusion. “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” (Prov. 14:8 NIV). Some of the deceptive illusions people are foolishly clinging to today are:
“There are no consequences, so do as you please.”
“If it feels good, it is good.”
“The important thing in life is to have fun.”
“There are no absolutes.”
—Be Skillful, page 183
7. What are other examples of “deceptive illusions” that people are clinging to today? What makes these “deceptions”? What makes them so attractive?
From the Commentary
God calls covetousness idolatry (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5) because a covetous heart puts something else in the place that God rightfully should occupy in our lives. But the modern business society applauds covetousness and calls it “ambition” and “the first step to success.” Business magazines praise the “pyramid climbers” who get to the top, no matter how they got there.
—Be Skillful, page 184
8. Read Proverbs 15:27 and 27:20. What do these verses say about greed? How is the topic of greed addressed by popular American culture? How has it invaded the church? What are the greatest dangers of a culture that is defined by greed?
From the Commentary
Many theologians believe that pride is the “sin of all sins,” for it was pride that changed an angel into the Devil (Isa. 14:12–15). Lucifer’s “I will be like the most high” (v. 14) challenged the very throne of God; in the garden of Eden, it became, “You will be like God” (Gen. 3:5 NKJV). Eve believed it, and you know the rest of the story. “Glory to man in the highest” is the rallying cry of proud, godless humanity that’s still defying God and trying to build heaven on earth (11:1–9; Rev. 18).
“The proud and arrogant man—‘Mocker’ is his name; he behaves with overweening pride” (Prov. 21:24 NIV). “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (18:12 NIV; see 29:23). God hates “a proud look” (6:16–17) and promises to destroy the house of the proud (15:25). Just about every Christian can quote Proverbs 16:18, but not all of us heed it: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (NKJV).
—Be Skillful, pages 185–86
9. Why is pride such a dangerous sin? Think of some of the greater missteps in our culture and even in the church. What role, if any, did pride play in those situations? What are some things we can do to avoid becoming prideful? What role does the wise counsel of friends play?
From the Commentary
The five “popular sins” I’ve discussed—drunkenness, disrespect, illusion, greed, and pride—have been with mankind since the days of the flood, but for some reason, they seem to be even more prevalent today. Perhaps it’s because the news coverage is better. Or maybe it’s because we’re in the last days. We expect to find these sins prevalent among lost people, but we don’t expect to find them in the church. If the church ever hopes to witness to the lost world, it must be different from the lost world.
—Be Skillful, page 187
10. Why do you think the five sins noted in this week’s study persist today? What does this say about our “fallen” nature? What does this say about humankind’s continuing need for salvation? How can the church respond in positive ways to a world beset by these sins?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of “Familiar Sins.” Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Think about the popular sins noted in this week’s study. Which of these is most difficult for you to avoid? Why are these sins so tempting for you? What are some examples of times you’ve overcome the temptation to fall into sin? How can you continue to work on beating that temptation?
12. What thoughts do you have about Proverbs’ focus on the sin of drunkenness? Are things different today? Why or why not? How does your opinion on alcohol affect the way you view this particular sin? While it is clear that the Bible doesn’t condone drunkenness, some might argue that it encourages or allows for drinking alcohol. What is your view on this? How can you support your view biblically?
13. Describe your greatest struggle with pride. Why is this such a struggle for you? What are some practical things you can do to keep from falling into the trap of pride?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to reconsider your opinion on drinking alcohol? Do you need to pray for guidance to avoid the “popular sins” you struggle with? Be specific. Go back through the key verses in this lesson and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Use the media’s fascination with alcohol to invite thoughtful discussion with your family and friends about a godly perspective on drinking and drunkenness. While watching TV together or after seeing a movie, set time aside to talk about how drinking is depicted and how that lines up or contradicts God’s wisdom on the subject. You can do this with the other “popular sins” as well. During this time, seek to understand rather than start arguments. Pray before you talk and ask God to show you His truth in the course of your conversation.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups: