The book of Proverbs has multiple authors. Solomon was the primary author for this book of wisdom. In the book of 1 Kings 3:5-9, Solomon asks God for wisdom during his reign over Israel. God eventually granted him wisdom in 1 Kings 4:29-31. Solomon contributed most to Proverbs; covering almost all of the first twenty-nine chapters of the book. Proverbs 22:17-24:34 relates “the words of the wise” Proverbs 22:17, which Solomon may have compiled from various sources. Evidence that Solomon drew on multiple sources appears in Proverbs 24:23, where Solomon used the plural noun for “wise” (also translated sages) to describe the authors of this section. It’s possible that God inspired Solomon to record wise sayings throughout his life. The last two chapters identify Agur (30:1) and Lemuel (31:1) as their authors. The identities of these men remain are not described and remain mysterious throughout history. Where did King Solomon get his wisdom? (See 2 Chronciles 1:11-12)
Wisdom: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. Wisdom is finding, in your own circumstances, any specific opportunity to use a proverb - then following through in your actions with what was before only a general principle or abstract idea.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 1-13 (topic related)
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With no flattering category in between [the only other category being the 'simple'], Proverbs generalizes/summarizes a person as wise or fool. Each person possesses differing degrees of wisdom or foolishness and makes a person inventory themselves to determine "Where am I?"
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Proverbs 12-19 (topic related)
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"There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which everyone in the world loathes when they see it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves...and of which we are more unconscious of in ourselves..." C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity pp.197-198
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 16-21 (topic related)
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"The tragedy of the modern world is that man is the master of so many things, yet has not learned to master himself.... " Thomas L. Seals, Proverbs-Wisdom for All Ages, pp.108-109
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 3-21 (topic related)
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For either good or bad, most people are motivated by more from emotions rather than intellect. Emotion is not stronger than intellect, it is just the easier decision path. How do we learn to control emotion, rather than to be controlled by emotion?
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 3-25 (topic related)
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Hatred first appeared in the book of Genesis when Cain first murdered his brother Abel. The person who hates and the person who murders are guilty of the same (1 John 3:15). Identify hatred quickly, taking each thought captive.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 3-26 (topic related)
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"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" Proverbs 4:23. Our control of our inner man is the secret to a righteous life. This may be man's most difficult challenge as disciplined living refines and strengthens character.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 4-25 (topic related)
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The revelation of God's nature, echoed within the book of Proverbs, motivates the wise to become wiser and places a pearl of hope at the feet of the fool whereby a chance, an opportunity to change can be understood and applied; a moment of spiritual growth. Or, ignored and trampled...another opportunity wasted.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 2-24 (topic related)
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Much of Proverbs is devoted to warning against sexual sins. Adultery is considered a fatal in ways, self-inflicted wound. The seductress and consequences of lacking in self-control are addressed.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 5-30 (topic related)
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"Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" Proverbs 20:1. Relaxing and sometimes fun at first, drinking can quickly become a crutch for dealing with anxiety and depression. It reduces inhibitions and the ability to make good decisions. The cascading effects of poor choices made/tragedies while under the influence are undisputed. Wine is one of the good things God gave to cheer the heart (Judges 9:13)..the little alcohol was incidental. Self-medicating is not worshiping God.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 20-23 (topic related)
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It is one of the most volatile things in existence and remains generally untamed, especially these days with social media and username anonymity. It can destroy and build. In the pursuit of wisdom, what we say reflects both wisdom and foolishness.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 10-26 (topic related)
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Some are rich some are poor...but God is impartial. Wealth is not an end in itself but just an attribute of a prosperous life. It is ultimately righteousness, not wealth, which delivers us from death (Proverbs 10:2; 11:4,28).
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 10-28 (topic related)
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Accomplishments take hard work. Being lazy and living like a sloth, hinder and bring poverty upon a person. There is a time to rest, but resting perpetually guarantees we will not accomplish anything, great or small.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 6-28 (topic related)
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Honesty in the little things we easily look over but God examines the corners of the heart (Luke 16:10). It is a bold lie when people relate that to get ahead in business, a shady deal here and there are required.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 10-28 (topic related)
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A person's integrity can gain him honor, glory, and dignity that money can not buy (Proverbs 22:1). "It is the foundation of society, the basis of justice, and the guarantee of treaties among men and nations." (J.A. McNutt, Pearls from Proverbs Vol.2 p27). This lesson reminds us of the true value of having a good name.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 3-22 (topic related)
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Superficial friends are easily gained and lost. How to inventory friendships, weigh their value, and assess our own motives in being a better friend to others...
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 14-28 (topic related)
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Generosity is not tied to a person's wealth or value of any gift. To the same extent, the poor can be guilty of hoarding what little they have. Generosity is defined from what not one has or has not...but what he/she is.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 1-18 (topic related)
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The home should be a sanctuary, not a battle ground. Proverbs offers some guidance for having a happy and successful family life. Every family member has a personal responsibility for the benefit of the family as a whole.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 5-24 (topic related)
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Godly homes don't just happen. With diligent consistent work, following after the wisdom of God, blessings and protection cover over the married partnership in all storms and each pleasant day.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 5-31 (topic related)
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Contrary to the liberal agenda, the Bible does not suppress women, but rather honors them and elevates them but recognizing man is incomplete by himself. The virtues of a Godly woman are intangible perfection.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 2-31 (topic related)
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Providing the necessary training, instruction, guidance from parent to child tends to ensure the character of their child into adulthood. From religious groups training children to hate early on, to God fearing parents demonstrating by example the correct path, the adult to child development relationship can not be overstated.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 3-29 (topic related)
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A nation's greatness is not measured by wealth, military, commerce, or size. There is no lasting value in a society whose citizens and leaders lack righteousness. Governments are assigned to men by God. Leaders are raised by God to carry out his will.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 8-31 (topic related)
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Within Proverbs, some of the most potent, puzzling, and profound moral truths can be found in the riddles of Agur (Proverbs 30:11-31). The pursuit of understanding the riddle is the weight that etches the truth upon our memory. "...to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles." (1:6)
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 30 (topic related)
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"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge." (Proverbs 22:17). Having read the wisdom in Proverbs, what we do with it determines our future level of wisdom and foolishness. Organizing the recurring themes throughout, might we more easily apply (not just agree with and forget) what we have learned to our lives.
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 4-29 (topic related)
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Solomon awed and impressed people with the profound wisdom God gave him. Solomon spoke of practical living for life...while Jesus spoke words that gave life (John 6:68, 8:32).
Reading Scope:
Proverbs 12 (topic related)
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