Lesson 1
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Lesson 1
Listen Carefully
(PROVERBS 1:7–33; 8—9)
Before you begin …
Getting Started
From the Commentary
There are times when about the only way you can protect your sanity and your hearing is to open your mouth and say something, even if it’s only a primal scream.
But the greatest tragedy of life isn’t that people invade our privacy, get on our nerves, and help destroy our delicate hearing apparatus. The greatest tragedy is that there’s so much noise that people can’t hear the things they really need to hear. God is trying to get through to them with the voice of wisdom, but all they hear are the confused communications clutter, foolish voices that lead them further away from the truth. Even without our modern electronic noisemakers, a similar situation existed in ancient Israel when Solomon wrote Proverbs, because there’s really nothing new under the sun. God was speaking to people in Solomon’s day, but they weren’t listening.
—Be Skillful, pages 31–32
1. What was the “noise” that kept the ancient Israelites from hearing God’s truth? Based on your impression of Proverbs so far, how significant a problem was this in Solomon’s time? How much of a problem is it today? What are some of the things that keep us from hearing God today?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Proverbs 1:7–33; 8—9 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
[Proverbs 1:8–10, 15–19 refers to the] voice of a godly father urging his son to listen to Wisdom and obey what he hears. Note that both the father and the mother have been involved in teaching the boy, and they both warn him not to abandon what he’s been told.
—Be Skillful, page 32
3. Read Deuteronomy 6:6–9. In what ways have the parents described in Proverbs 1:8–10, 15–19 obeyed these instructions? What is the point of all this teaching? What is the parents’ desire?
More to Consider: Read Titus 2:10. How can parents “adorn the doctrine” of God or “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive”? How can this help in the raising of godly children?
From the Commentary
Anybody who makes it easy for us to disobey God certainly isn’t a friend. The offer they made sounded exciting, but it only led to disaster. How tragic that a group of people would actually find enjoyment in doing evil, and how foolish of them to think their loot would satisfy their desires. They rejected the eternal treasures of wisdom (3:14–16; 16:16) for the cheap trinkets of this world, and they lost their souls in the bargain.
—Be Skillful, page 33
4. Read Proverbs 1:10–14. Who is this passage referring to? What makes following evil so compelling? What are the promises of evil? How do they compare with the promises of God?
From Today’s World
If you were to flip through television channels any evening during any given week, you’d likely come across at least one “reality” TV show. While the formats of these shows vary greatly, the concept is essentially the same: Put a bunch of people in a somewhat controlled setting and then see what happens when they’re confronted with problems or challenges. However, a close examination of many of these shows will reveal that the “reality” behind the genre is more controlled and manipulated than the title might suggest. In some shows, people are even pitted against each other by the design of the producers or the function of the challenges in order to create a more “compelling” TV show. Not surprisingly, it is the shows that illustrate the baser nature of humankind (backstabbing, secret dealings, lying, cheating, etc.) that get the most press.
5. What is it about “reality” television that draws so many viewers? What does this say about the draw of darkness? How are we, as Christians, supposed to respond to these sorts of things? What might Solomon say to those who are intrigued by them?
From the Commentary
To whom does Wisdom speak? To three classes of sinners: the simple ones, the scorners (scoffers, mockers, NIV), and the fools (Prov. 1:22). The simple are naive people who believe anything (14:15) but examine nothing. They’re gullible and easily led astray. Scorners think they know everything (21:24) and laugh at the things that are really important. While the simple one has a blank look on his face, the scorner wears a sneer. Fools are people who are ignorant of truth because they’re dull and stubborn. Their problem isn’t a low IQ or poor education; their problem is a lack of spiritual desire to seek and find God’s wisdom.
—Be Skillful, page 34
6. In today’s terms, how would you define the three classes of sinners that Wisdom speaks to (the simple, the scorners, and the fools)? Why does each of these groups of people need wisdom? How does (or can) the church deal with each of these groups?
From the Commentary
Wisdom’s words are plain, spoken clearly and openly so that there can be no confusion. Of course, those who reject the Lord don’t understand what God is saying (1 Cor. 2:12–16), but this isn’t because the Word of God is confusing or unclear. It’s because sinners are spiritually blind and deaf (Matt. 13:14–15). The problem is with the hearer, not the speaker.
—Be Skillful, page 36
7. What are some of the clear messages found in Proverbs 1:7–33; 8—9? How might those who are not looking for truth miss these messages? What are some examples of this in your experience?
From the Commentary
Wisdom has better gifts to offer than perishable riches—blessings like prudence, knowledge, discretion (“witty inventions,” Prov. 8:12), the fear of the Lord, humility, godly speech, wise counsel, understanding, guidance on life’s path, strength for the journey, and “durable riches.” A life that’s enriched by God may be poor in this world’s goods, but it is rich in the things that matter most. It’s good to enjoy the things that money can buy, provided you don’t lose the things that money can’t buy. What wisdom has to offer can’t be purchased anywhere, no matter how rich you are.
—Be Skillful, page 37
8. Why are the gifts that Wisdom offers better than material riches? Why are material riches often perceived as more valuable? How can the gifts Wisdom offers make a lasting difference in the life of the recipient? In the lives of those around him or her?
From the Commentary
In Proverbs 8, we saw Wisdom at work in creation, but in Proverbs 9 we see her having built a spacious house (“seven pillars”), where she prepares a sumptuous banquet. The Jewish people didn’t use their flocks and herds for food, so opportunities to eat roast beef or lamb were infrequent and welcomed. The table would be spread with delectable foods as well as wine to drink.
Note that [Wisdom’s maidens (Prov. 9:3–9)] are inviting one class of people: the simple (Prov. 9:4). Wisdom’s first call was to the simple, the scorners, and the fools (1:22). The scorners laughed at her, so in her second call she invited only the simple and the fools (8:5). But the fools didn’t want God’s wisdom, so in this third call she invites only the simple ones to come to her feast.
—Be Skillful, pages 38–39
9. What does this diminishing invitation list as noted in Proverbs 9:3–9 say about God’s invitation to us? What does it look like to respond to Wisdom’s invitation?
From the Commentary
When you respond to Wisdom’s invitation and attend the feast, what will you receive? For one thing, you’ll have a greater respect for the Lord and a deeper knowledge of the Holy One (Prov. 9:10). The better you know God, the keener will be your knowledge and discernment when it comes to the decisions of life.
—Be Skillful, page 40
10. What does Wisdom promise in 9:11? What is the message of 9:12? What is the woman Folly’s invitation (9:13–18)? What is the proper response to her call?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Proverbs 1:7–33; 8—9. 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. What are examples of the “noise” that keeps you from listening to God? How can you go about turning down the noise? What are some of the lessons Wisdom is trying to teach you that you have a hard time hearing?
12. Have you ever been simple, a scorner, or a fool? Describe that experience. How might wisdom have helped you in those circumstances? In what ways do you still find yourself in one or more of these groups of sinners?
13. How has wisdom helped you grow closer to God? What are some practical applications of the wisdom you have embraced?
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 stop being a “scorner” in one or more areas of your life? Do you need to turn down the noise that keeps you from hearing God? Be specific. Go back through Proverbs 1:7–33; 8—9 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Do a self-evaluation of the “noises” that surround your life. List all the things that fill your day and take your attention. Are all of these things necessary to your life? Consider how you might go about creating more space to listen to Wisdom.
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: