“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.