“Wisdom for Leaders” Chapter 12

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
 
“Wisdom for Leaders” Chapter 12
  A manual for leadership
  A wise leader reflects God’s holy character: Righteous Not greedy Not enslaved to substance abuse Not given to sexual immorality or unfaithfulness Has personal integrity Fears God Earnestly seeks wisdom Governs (leads) justly Protects the rights of the righteous and shows compassion to the helpless Has an impact on people
  Act wisely towards those in authority over you
  Jesus Christ is the ideal King.
 

“Wise Child Training” Chapter 11

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“Wise Child Training” Chapter 11
Discipline Your Children
Why is discipline necessary?God has given the rod of discipline as a tool to remove folly from your child’s heart.Discipline is a test of your love for your child and your trust in God.How to carry out biblical disciplineDon’t misuse discipline.Apply both the rod and reproof.
Impart Wisdom to Your Children
Teach them.Education takes place in the home.The goal of parental instruction is to shape character.Formal and informal instruction
Children Should Honor Their Parents
Embrace discipline and instruction.Honor your parents in their old age.Bring joy to your parents.Honor your parents or else…
Why Are Some Children Wayward?
Does wise parenting guarantee wise kids?Why do kids turn out the way they do?
Conclusion:
Train your children in wisdom.

“Wise Words” Chapter 10

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“Wise Words” Chapter 10
Wise Words
Words are powerful.Words are limited.Words reveal what is in your heart.Don’t use your speech to destroy.Learn to speak with wisdom.
Destructive Speech
FlatteryLiesGossip and SlanderAngry speechQuarrelsome speechPerverse speechProud speechExcessive speechGod judges foolish speech.
Wise Speech
Exercise self-control.Speak with integrity.Build others up with your words.Develop excellence in your manner of speechGod values and rewards wise speech.
Conclusion
How can you change your speech?Christ speaks to you.

“Financial Wisdom” Chapter 9

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
 
“Financial Wisdom” Chapter 9
 
Financial Wisdom
Ø The theology of money
Ø Are the wise always wealthy?
 
A Balanced View of Money
Ø Money can be good.
Ø Money is dangerous.
Ø Godly wisdom is more important than wealth.
Ø Learn the secret of contentment.
 
Acquiring Money
Ø Work hard.
Ø Don’t compromise your integrity to gain wealth.
Ø Should Christians gamble and play the lottery?
 
Spending Money
Ø Give generously.
Ø Control your expenditures.
Ø Stay out of debt.
Ø Is it ever legitimate to borrow money?
Ø Don’t make yourself liable for the debt ofothers by co-signing.
 
Saving Money
Ø Anticipate future expenses.
Ø Accumulate wealth and invest wisely.
Ø Is it wrong to receive interest from others?
Ø Save so you can leave an inheritance to yourchildren.
 
Conclusion
Ø Make it your goal to be wise, not rich.
Ø You can’t take it with you.
Ø Remember Christ, who paid your debt.
 
Further Reading
Ø The Total Money Makeover: Classic Editionby Dave Ramsey
Ø Money, Possessions, and Eternity by RandyAlcorn
Ø Christians in an Age of Wealth: A BiblicalTheology of Stewardship by Craig Blomberg
Ø Rethinking Retirement by John Piper
Ø Radical by David Platt
 

“Wisdom at Work” Chapter 8

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
 
“Wisdom at Work” Chapter 8
 
The Theology of Work
Ø God works
Ø His image-bearers work
Ø The fall corrupted work and labor
Ø Christ is reversing the effects of the fall
Ø Work is meaningful and significant before God.
 
Don’t Be a Sluggard
Ø Characteristics of a sluggard:
o  The sluggard is lazy
o  The sluggard delights in sleep and recreation
o  The sluggard lacks initiative
o  The sluggard procrastinates
o  The sluggard is self-deceived
o  The sluggard is looking for easy money
o  The sluggard is a destructive force
Ø God has ordained severe consequences forsluggard behavior
Ø Don’t provide material aid to sluggards
 
Be Diligent
Ø Characteristics of the wise worker:
o  He works hard
o  Takes initiative and works well withoutsupervision
o  Prepares for the future
o  Patiently pursues success
o  A good steward of his resources
o  Performs duties with excellence and artistry
Ø God rewards the diligent
o  Will enjoy financial success
o  Enjoy success and fulfillment in his vocation
o  Enjoy the fruit of labor
o  Will be rewarded at the final judgment
Ø Proverbs does not promote communism
Ø Warnings to the diligent:
o  Work is only good when exercised under God’slordship.
o  Don’t make an idol out of work.
 
Exhortations to Various Classes of People
Ø Young people should establish habits of diligencefrom an early age.
Ø Homemakers should remain faithful in their work.
Ø Older people should continue working.
Ø Don’t be a spiritual sluggard.
 
Conclusion
Ø God has given you work to do for his glory.
Ø God gives you rest.
Ø Further reading on work/vocation
o  Work Matters by Tom Nelson
o  Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller
o  The Gospel at Work by Traeger and Gilbert
o  Business for the Glory of God by WayneGrudem
 

“The Theology of Proverbs” (Chapter 7)

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“The Theology of Proverbs” (Chapter 7)
The Theology of Proverbs
The biblical proverbs are unique.The attributes of God are revealed in Proverbs.How can you know God?
God’s Omnipotence (Power)
God is the almighty Creator.God controls all things through his providence.Humble yourself before God.
God’s Omniscience (Knowledge)
God is wise.God knows everything.God knows you.Be humble about what you think you know.
God’s Justice
God is just.God’s justice is perfect.Live in light of God’s justice.
God’s Grace
God is holy, and we are not.We all deserve God’s judgment.Proverbs declares that there is hope for sinners.Wisdom calls out to sinners to turn and live.God offers atonement and forgiveness to those who repent.God’s grace is fully revealed in NT.

“The Call of Wisdom and of Christ” ­ Chapter 6

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“The Call of Wisdom and of Christ” ­ Chapter 6
Who Is Wisdom?
Personified as Lady Wisdom in ProverbsWisdom is an attribute of God that he shares with those who are faithful to his covenant.God’s Wisdom is revealed in Scripture.
Adulteress Lady Wisdom
Calls from the darkness and secret Call is open and public
Sexually loose Holy
Unreliable liar Truthful and Faithful
Gives body but not herself Offers true love
Offers fleeting pleasures Provides everlasting joy
Selfish; giving only to get Delights to give, serve
Leads to a chamber of death Gives everlasting life
Jesus Christ Is Wisdom Incarnate
Isaiah 11:2 says that the Spirit of Wisdom and of Understanding would rest on the Messiah.1 Cor. 1:30 says that Jesus is the Wisdom of God to us.Proverbs, like all Scripture points us to Christ. When Wisdom speaks, Christ speaks.Wisdom and Christ call out to you (8:1-5).Wisdom and Christ should be treasured (8:6-11).Wisdom and Christ teach you to humbly fear God (8:12-13).Wisdom and Christ offer you success (8:14-16).Wisdom and Christ offer you great rewards (8:17-21).Wisdom displays its glory in creation (8:22-31).Wisdom will bless you with life (8:32-36).Wisdom invites you to a feast (9:1-5).
What is Your Reply to the Call?
Don’t be a scoffer.Hunger after God, and he will fill you. Thus says the Lord, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the Lord (Jer. 9:23–24).

“Sexual Wisdom” Chapter 5

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
 
“Sexual Wisdom” Chapter 5
(Proverbs 5:1–23; 6:20–35; 7:1–27)
 
Introduction
Ø  Wisdom in the area of sexual relations is a major theme in Proverbs.
Ø  Ironically, Solomon was ultimately ruined by his many pagan wives.
Ø  This issue is just as relevant today as it was 3,000 years ago.
Ø  Our culture is wholly given over to sexuality. It is the main “god” of our current culture.
Ø  Proverbs speaks of moral purity in both symbolic and literal terms.
 
Sex Education Takes Place in the Home (5:1-4; 6:20-24; 7:1-5)
Ø  These three discourses are addressed from a father to a son.
Ø  Parents need to be the primary teachers on his issue.
Ø  Teach children that sex is a gift from God for joy in marriage and for bringing children into the world.
Ø  Teach children that sex (like all of God’s gifts) can be abused and used for evil.
 
The Adulteress Can Destroy You (7:6–23)
Ø  Proverbs 7 dramatically describes the temptation of a naïve young man.
o  The prey(6-9)
o  The huntress and her tactics (10-20)
ü  She besieges every sense (10-17).
ü  She lures you with the promise of ultimate sensual exhilaration (16, 18).
ü  She overcomes your doubts and fears (19-20).
o  The kill(21-23)
 
Make Wisdom Your First Love (4:5–9;7:4–5)
Ø  Lady Wisdom will deliver you from immorality.
Ø  Lady Wisdom helps you see the true nature of he seductress.
Ø  Lady Wisdom shows you why sexual immorality is wrong.
Ø  Lady Wisdom reminds you of the deadly consequences of immorality (5:4–5, 11–12, 22–23; 6:26–35; 7:22–27).
o  Sexual sin will affect you physically (5:9, 11; 6:34–35).
o  Sexual sin will ruin you financially (5:10; 6:26a, 30–31; 29:3).
o  Sexual sin will destroy your reputation (5:14; 6:33).
o  Sexual sin will break apart your family (5:16–17).
o  Your sin will find you out (6:27–29; Num. 32:23).
Ø  Lady Wisdom trains you to stay far away from sexual temptation.
 
Your Wife Can Also Protect You (5:15–23)
Ø  Your wife can also protect you from sexual immorality.
o  Find sexual happiness with your spouse (5:15–17).
o  Marital sex brings a greater joy (5:18–19).
o  Sexual happiness in marriage serves as a guard against the wiles of the adulteress (5:20–23).
o  Clarifications:
ü  Marital joy assumes a godly marriage.
ü  God and his wisdom must be your first love.
ü  If you are not wise, your wife will not protect you from temptation.
 
Conclusion
Ø  Proverbs 5-7 tells us about three women:
o  The adulteress can destroy you. 
o  Lady Wisdom will save you.
o  Your wife can help you.
Ø  Christ is our ultimate treasure.
o  We have all been unfaithful to God.
o  We all deserve God’s wrath.
o  Jesus Christ cleanses us and makes us wise.
o  Christ purifies and transforms us (1 Cor. 6:9–11; 2 Cor. 5:17).
o  He quenches our spiritual thirst and provides the ultimate satisfaction for our souls (Prov. 14:27; Isa. 12:3; Zech.13:1; John 4:14).
  

“A Crash Course in Success” Chapter 4

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“A Crash Course in Success” Chapter 4
Pay Attention (1-4)
The father pleads with the son to remember and internalize what he is being taught.The wise father portrays wisdom and lovingkindness as bound around one’s neck or written on the tablet of the heart.The father reminds the son of the great benefits of wisdom (vv. 2, 4).Wisdom will bring you favor and a good reputation before both God and men.
4 Ways to Act Wisely towards God (5-12)
Trust in the Lord (5-6).Trust God entirely.Trust God exclusively.Trust God extensively.Fear the Lord (7-8).Honor the Lord w/ your wealth (9-10).Embrace the Lord’s Discipline (11-12).
3 Ways to Act Wisely towards Men (27-35)
Repay your needy neighbor (27-28).Do not harm your innocent neighbor (29-30).Do not envy your wicked neighbor (31-35).
If You Act Wisely towards God and Men, You will Enjoy Success (2, 4, 13-26, 32-35)
Long, healthy, pleasant life (2, 6, 8, 16a, 17-18)Enjoy the favor of God and men (4, 35a)Enjoy material prosperity (10, 16b)Enriched with spiritual treasures (14-15)Partake of the wisdom of God, which created the world (19-20)Protected from trouble and fear (22-26)Know the counsels of God and have close fellowship with Him (32b)Honored by God (35a)
Does Proverbs Promise Too Much?
Proverbs contains maxims that describe the way life generally works in God’s world. Not necessarily promises to each individual, especially in the short term.God is sovereign and may allow his children to suffer for his glory (Rom 8:28).Proverbs written in the old covenant connected with land and blessing.Proverbs look ahead to eschatological blessings in God’s kingdom.

“The Blessings of Wisdom” Chapter 3

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser

“The Blessings of Wisdom” Chapter 3

The Blessings of Wisdom
The book of Proverbs calls upon us to search for wisdom as a hidden treasure.The benefits of wisdom far outweigh what one can receive from earthly riches.True wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a transformation of character.Proverbs 2 tells us how to pursue wisdom (vv. 1–4) and then sets forth the great benefits of wisdom (vv. 5–22).

Earnestly Seek Wisdom (1-4)
Be receptive to wisdom (1-2)Earnestly pursue wisdom (3-4)Cry out to God in prayer for understanding (3).Search, through diligent study, for wisdom as treasure (4).Keep seeking wisdom.Seek wisdom in Christ.

Wisdom Will Bless You in Many Ways (5-22)
You will know God personally (5-8).Wisdom will transform you as a person (9-11).Wisdom will deliver you from dangerous people (12-22).Protect you from evil men (12-15)Deliver you from loose women (16-19)Be aware of her methods (16b)Recognize her true character (16a, 17)Realize where she will lead you (18-19, 22)When you see the adulteress as she really is, she is no longer a threat to you.Wisdom will keep you safe (20-22).

Christ Offers True Joy and Happiness
The key to avoiding sin is not to try to ignore the temptation, but to find a higher and more fulfilling joy.Lady Wisdom, who is a personification of Christ, is more beautiful and sings a sweeter song than Madame Folly.Wisdom is the path to true joy and fulfillment. Seek Christ, in whom are the treasures of wisdom and life.

“Two Invitations with One Moral” Chapter 2

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“Two Invitations with One Moral” Chapter 2
Wisdom Begins at Home
God’s plan is that parents are to be the primary teachers of wisdom.Deuteronomy 6:6-7A major purpose of Proverbs is to prepare a young man to wisely and effectively assume the responsibilities of life. Children are exhorted to listen and receive wisdom.Parents cannot pass off their responsibility to impart wisdom to the school, church, or other means.Many parents are so busy trying to provide the best material things for their children that they abdicate their responsibility to properly train them in wisdom.
Refuse the appeal of ungodly companions
The enticement of moral misfits.Gullibility and malleability of youthFalse promises of happiness and belongingIf you follow evil companions, you will reap destruction. Foolishness is short-sighted.Foolishness is self-destructive.Choose your companions wisely.
Heed the appeal of Wisdom before it’s too late
Wisdom calls out to you (20-23).Wisdom appeals to four different kinds of fools (v. 22):The naïve: simple and vulnerableThe fool: rejected wisdom and is morally insensitiveThe rebel (1:7): loves folly and despises wisdomThe scoffer: mocks God, sin, judgmentWisdom promises blessings to those who repent (23).If you reject Wisdom’s appeal, you will reap calamity (24-32).Those who seek Wisdom are secure (33).
Conclusion
The voice of wisdom is the voice of God.Jesus is wisdom incarnate.You are the voice of wisdom in a foolish world.Are you wise?Wisdom cries out, pleading with people to turn away from foolishness and enjoy true life.

"Opening Up Proverbs"

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
“Wisdom & the Fear of the Lord” Chapter 1
Proverbs 1:1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:  2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;  3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;  4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--  6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.  7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Purpose of the Book of Proverbs (2-6)
Proverbs will train God’s People to live wisely (skillfully) (2a, 3-5).What is wisdom?Wisdom is gained through disciplined instruction.The student benefits from instruction.Wisdom benefits the young and the simple.Those already wise will grow in wisdom.Proverbs will impart mental discernment (2b, 6).You need insight into reality.You need insight into God’s Word.You need to understand the figures of speech in Proverbs.Studying the book of Proverbs will sharpen your mind.
The Credo for the book of Proverbs
The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.What does it mean to fear the LORD?Don’t be a fool! Fools despise wisdom and instruction (7b).
Questions
Other than Solomon, what are some other examples of wise men/women in the Bible?Biblical examples of fools?What is a proverb?What is wisdom? How do we impart it to others?How can we demonstrate the fear of God at work and in our homes?

"Opening Up Proverbs"

Opening Up Proverbs
A study by Jim Newheiser
Proverbs and Success
⦁ The book of Proverbs reveals how you can have success in every aspect of your life.
⦁ The Bible sets forth an entirely different measure of success. 
⦁ Success is found in living wisely in the fear of the Lord. To live wisely is to live beautifully—that is, to live a life that counts.
Uniqueness of Biblical Proverbs
⦁ Many cultures and languages have proverbs that express common wisdom.
⦁ Many ancient cultures outside of Israel had collections of Proverbs.
⦁ Biblical proverbs are unique in that they are grounded in a covenant relationship with the LORD God.
⦁ Right relationship with God (fear of the LORD) is the beginning of all wisdom.
Proverbs and the Rest of the OT
⦁ Proverbs are short memorable sayings that impart general truths of wisdom.
⦁ They are a special form of OT wisdom literature.
⦁ The book of Proverbs assumes and builds upon the law and the prophets but goes beyond them in training the reader to live wisely in a very practical ‘how to’ way.
Challenges in Studying Proverbs
⦁ Proverbs does not lend itself to a chapter by chapter, verse by verse study.
⦁ The book of Proverbs does not clearly explain the Gospel.
⦁ The book of Proverbs contains maxims, which are not the same as promises.
⦁ The book of Proverbs is primarily addressed to young men.
Proverbs for Everyone
⦁ Written to prepare a young person who faces the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.
⦁ Instructs parents in how to train their children.
⦁ Offers the basics of wisdom to those who are young and naïve. 
⦁ Deepens the understanding of those who are already wise.
⦁ Exposes the fool and the result of his or her arrogant rebellion.
Background & Summary
⦁ Proverbs of Solomon (v. 1a)
⦁ a short witty saying that gives you a standard by which you might judge your life; a comparison, an object lesson, a simple illustration, or a parable which exposes a fundamental reality about life
⦁ The objective of the book is to enable us to live successfully in relationship to God in the world he has created.
⦁ Authorship
⦁ Solomon (1:1)
⦁ Sayings of the Wise (22:17; 24:23)
⦁ Agur (30:1)
⦁ Lemuel (31:1)
⦁ Hezekiah’s scribes (25:1)
⦁ Ezra’s scribes
⦁ Setting
⦁ Home
⦁ Father and Mother instructing their son
⦁ Palace
⦁ Young man being prepared for responsibilities of leadership
⦁ Divisions
⦁ Prologue (1:1–7)
⦁ A tenfold call to pursue wisdom (1:8–9:18)
⦁ The proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
⦁ Sayings of the wise (22:17–24:34)
⦁ More proverbs of Solomon (the Hezekian collection) (25:1–29:27)
⦁ The words of Agur (30:1–33)
⦁ The words of King Lemuel (or rather, of his mother) (31:1–9)
⦁ An acrostic of wifely excellence (31:10–31).