How to Gain Wisdom: A Study in ProverbsAdult Sunday SchoolFebruary 2, 9, 16, 22 2003Week 1 NotesGregory Chao (gregchao@cox.net)

A. Introduction1. Schedule

a. Week 1 - The Wise and the Fool: Our View of Ourselves

b. Week 2 - The Wise and the Gossip: Our Relationships

c. Week 3 - The Wise and the Sluggard: Our Behaviord. Week 4 – The Good (Righteous), the Bad (Wicked),

and the Ugly (Simple)2. Requirements

a. What to bring – Bible, and Penb. Is there Homework? YES. The goal is to read

the whole book by the end of the class.

B. Why study Proverbs?1. Proverbs is practical, it sees through our excuses

a. “That’s just the way I am” or “It’s just not me” (a fool does not want to learn – 18:2)

b. “I’ll try anything once” or “I’m strong enough to not let it hurt me” (A fool thinks he is invincible, he will not take instruction. 16:18-20)

c. “You only live once, eat drink and be merry” or “But it feels so good” (A fool seeks pleasure over what is right – 21:17)

d. “Don’t be such a goodie, goodie” (A Mocker resents what is right. 15:12, 21:24)

2. Conclusions The Fool – people who know right from

wrong and choose to do wrong anyway. Fools are guided by what feels good instead of what is right. Fools will not take instruction because they believe they already know everything. As a result, fools constantly find themselves in trouble. Their end is pain, heartache and destruction.

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The Mockers are fools that go a step further. They criticize the wise. They are too cool for everyone else. They refuse to participate and look for opportunities to make fun of students who do. They are arrogant, smart-mouthed and condescending. They end up making very unwise decisions because they reject wise counsel.

3. Proverbs answers the question “How far is too far?” Answer: The Bible doesn’t give us a set of rules, it teaches us to pursue wisdom.

Case Study (Sam and the Drink)Every Friday night after the high-school football game, Sam and his buddies like to drop in to the local pizza place. Their habit was to make sure they snagged the booth right behind the one occupied by one of his friend’s big brother. Big Brother would order a pitcher of beer, pour a couple of glasses, and pass them back to Sam and his underage friends. Sam comes to you and describes the battle he fights every Friday night as he sits there trying not to sip the beer. “Sometimes I can make it through the whole night,” he says. “But most of the time, I join in with everybody else.” He swears up and down that he never got drunk. But he knows he had no business drinking. What would you tell him?

a. Asking the question, “How far is too far?” is really the wrong question. It assumes that if something is not wrong, then it must be right. It is the question, “How close can I get to sin without actually sinning?” Instead of “Is there anything wrong with this?, it should be, “Is this the wise thing for me to do?”

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“There’s good and there’s bad…but that’s not our cue. But rather...What is the wise thing to do?”

C. Why should I want to be wise?1. Wisdom is learned not inherited. Therefore, you

have a choice to be wise or be a fool.2. What happens if you pursue wisdom?

a. A picture of the wise person. He/she: Makes good decisions (1:2-4; 8:14) Lives a long live (9:11) Is attractive to others (11:30) Prospers (14:24) Is persuasive (16:23) Is prepared for the future (21:20) Is sought after by those in power and

influence (14:35) Will ultimately rise to a position of power

(17:2) Is kept safe from harm (28:26) Is a good counselor for others (27:9)

b. What is the catch? You will look strange when you choose to

miss opportunities that appear to be fun or good.

You will get mocked by the mockers.i) A way to respond (try this): “For me,

that just isn’t the wise thing for me to do?”

D. How Do I start getting wise? (A start because it’s a life long endeavor)1. Fearing the Lord

a. Makes you teachable and humble (1:7 & 9:10, 3:7a)

b. Makes you avoid and hate evil (3:7b, 8:13, 16:6)

E. Application1. Is the idea of being wise attractive to you? Do

you want it? It can be yours if you pursue it.

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Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11

2. A thought for you when people ask you, “What are your goals in life?” Answer them, to be wise.

F. Homework (Goal is to read the whole book by the end of the class)1. Read Proverbs Chapter 1-92. On a sheet of paper that you will hand in next

week, answer the following questions.a. Chapters 1-4

What about wisdom is appealing to you? What is something that you could work on to be wiser?

b. Chapters 5 & 7 What is the danger of pursuing adultery?

How does the adulteress seduce?c. Chapter 6, 8, 9

What are some stupid things that a fool does? How do you avoid his stupidity? What are some smart things that a wise person does?

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How to Gain Wisdom: A Study in ProverbsAdult Sunday SchoolFebruary 2, 9, 16, 22 2003Week 2 Notes – The Wise and the GossipGregory Chao (gregchao@cox.net)A. Miscellaneous Items

1. One Limitation of Proverbs. Proverbs are a set of general teachings. There will always be exceptions. They will apply mostly.

2. Feedback from Homework Assignment3. Review – The Fool, the Mocker

a. The Fool knows right and wrong but does wrong anyway

b. The Mocker is a fool that makes fun of the people doing right

B. The Wise and the Simplea. The Simple

The Wise and the SimpleVerses Comments1:227:7-1214:15,1822:3

Impulsiveness will bring harmLack judgment, easily trickedBelieves anything, inherit follyDoesn’t learn

Definition of the SimpleThe Simple does not know right and wrong and does not want to know it. They are impulsive and lack judgment. They are easily manipulated by others and get into trouble. They do not learn from their mistakes.ApplicationSeek wisdom or end up being manipulated by others. Learn to spot lies among what others say and the media.

b. Some Guidelines on Spotting Messages in Media Study commercials and what the message

is Study TV shows and what the values are Study Music and what the words mean

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C. The Wise and the GossipThe Wise and the GossipVerses Comments11:13

12:18

16:28

20:19

26:20

Definition of the GossipThe Gossip is a fool who talks too much and spreads lies. Through their words they spread unverified news to others. He cannot keep a secret and is therefore not trustworthy. He ends up betraying friendships and worse, destroying other people’s friendships as well.Application

1. Always trust first hand information over second hand information

2. Do not completely trust what you hear second hand.

3. Do not spread damaging information around. You can cause great harm to others.

1) What do we do with a Gossip?a) Do not join in.b) Do not allow your opinion of others to be

modified by gossip. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Do not let the gossip influence you.

c) Rebuke the gossiper. You can do it gently but do it.

The SeducerVerses Comments

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5:3;7:216:25,265:4,5; 7:26-275:65:7; 7:6-9

7:22

Speech is smoothOutwardly beautiful, attractiveWays leads to destruction, many are her victimsThoughtless, carelessFeed on the wealth of others, seduces the simple, has victims“like an ox to slaughter, deer in noose, bird in snare”

Definition of the SeducerThe Seducers is a smooth talking manipulator who feeds on others. He has a way with words and is outwardly attractive. He takes other people’s money and strength through manipulations for his own gain. He is thoughtless and leads himself and other to destruction and death.ApplicationStay away from seducers. Flee from them. Sin will always start in small ways, better not to get started.

D. The Good FriendThe Good FriendVerses Comments12:2613:2017:1718:2419:422:1127:627:927:17

Wise man is cautious with friendshipFriendship influences us greatlyConstant loveLoyal and fewWealth brings superficial friendsPure heart and gracious speechWounds from a friend can be trustedGives good counselSharpens his friend

Definition of the good friend

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1. How our friends influence us.a. Friends can be more influential to us than

convictions, parents, or God. Therefore, it is important to choose them wisely.

b. Proverbs 13:20 is very revealing. Hang around the wise to be wise. Hang around the fools and be harmed.

c. There are counterfeit friends, people who do not have your best interest in mind. Counterfeit friends Do not move the relationship in a healthy

way Have some sort of destructive behavior Lack solid convictions

d. What to do with counterfeit friends Take control of the relationship – where

you hang out, what movies you see, etc If that doesn’t work, take a step away

from the friendship.E. The Parent-Child Relationship

The Parent-Child RelationshipVerses CommentsWise Childa) 1:8; 6:20; 13:1; 19:26

b) 10:1

c) 23:22

d) 23:24,25; 29:3Good parente) 13:24; 19:18; 29:17Foolish Childa)13:1

Listens to parent’s teaching

Brings joy to father and mother

Listens to father and mother

Brings joy to father/mother

Good parents disciplines childrenGood parents instruct their children

Mocks parentsDespises motherLoses inheritanceBrings grief to father and bitterness to motherRobs father and brings shame on

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b) 15:20c) 17:2d) 17:21

e) 19:26; 28:24f) 20:20

mother

Curses father/mother

Definition of Good child/good parentA good parent …

A good child…

1) God has put this relationship in place. Parents have a responsibility to love, teach, and discipline. Children have a responsibility to listen and learn.

2) God places authority over us for our own good. To be under authority is not unique in life (e.g. Parent/Children, God/Jesus, Husband/wife, Government/citizens).

3) Some ideas on how to handle a conflict with your parentsa) Communicate to your parents that you are

listening to them and considering them. Although listening does not mean you must agree with everything they say, you should always seriously consider their opinion since God put them there.

b) Watch the way you talk to them. Never give them the impression that you are dishonoring them.

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c) Occasionally, there will be issues of conviction and faith. State your disagreement but do so respectfully.

d) A win-win situation is always better than win-lose. Suggest alternatives (Daniel and eating meat)

e) Make an effort to bring them joy in little things. (a simple thank you, “I love you”, etc)

4) Some ideas to handle your children (not a complete list)a) Parents have a responsibility to teach their

children through both words and deeds. We should not look to have their approval or try to be friends with them.

b) Talk with your children. Explain the reasons and principle of what you are doing. Create settings to teach (Bible study, one-on-ones, etc.)

c) Live out your convictions. Let them see what you do and explain why.

d) Be a benevolent authority. Give them an opportunity for appeal. Learn to say you are sorry when you are wrong.

F. Summaries of names.1. The Fool knows right and wrong but does wrong

anyway2. The Mocker is a fool that makes fun of the

people doing right3. The Simple does not know right and wrong and

does not want to know it. 4. The Gossip is a fool who talks too much and

spreads lies5. The Seducers is a smooth talking manipulator

who feeds on others. 6. The Good Friend is loyal and true7. The Good Parent loves, disciplines, and

instructs8. The Good Child listens and brings joy to the

parent

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G. Homework1. Read Proverbs 11-20

a. Pick a saying that you would like to share with the class and be prepared to explain why you like it. Memorize it and you will get a prize (if you are one of the first 10)

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How to Gain Wisdom: A Study in ProverbsAdult Sunday SchoolFebruary 2, 9, 16, 22 2003Week 3 Notes – The Wise and the Sluggard

A. Homework1. Recite a memorized verse and tell why you like it

for a prize.2. Definitions - The Fool, the Mocker, the Simple and

the Gossip, The Seducer, the Good Friend, The Good Parent, and The Good Child (Part of studying Proverbs is to give you a vocabulary to spot the folly of others.)

B. The SluggardThe Wise and the SluggardVerses Comments6:66:9;20:1313:415:919:2420:421:2522:1326:13-16

Consider the ant.Sleeps a lot, grows poorDoes not get what he wantsThorny path in lifeLazy (will not even eat)Will not work, gets nothingCraves for things but will not get themFull of excuses for not workingLike a hinged door in his bed, wise in his own eyes

Definition of the SluggardThe sluggard is lazy and will not work and is full of excuses for not working. He sleeps and considers himself smart. He craves for things but will not get it. He finds it difficult to survive in life will have lots of troubles.ApplicationWork hard at what you do and success is more likely to come. Don’t make up excuses for not trying.

C. The Wicked

The Wise and the WickedVerses Comments2:13- Delight in doing wrong, rejoice in

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14;21:10

4:145:22; 11:66:1411:1912:1315:28; 16:2717:1117:1324:824:19-2028:529:6

perverseness, craves evilCannot sleep till they do evilEvil deeds will ensnare themStirs up dissensionResults in deathTrapped by his talkMouth gushes evil, speech like fireBent on rebellionRepays evil for goodSchemingNo future or hopeDo not understand justiceSnared by his own evil

Definition of the Wicked

1. Evil is very real and there are people who have embraced it. These people have gotten to the point where they enjoy doing wrong. They have no conscious.

2. Evil people are sometimes hard to spot since they can be scheming and sly. Look at not only what they say but what they do.

3. They have no morals and therefore operate on the belief that the ends justify the means.

4. Although they may seem to be temporarily successful, they will be brought down in the long run by their own evil deeds. Therefore, do not envy them.

Proverbs 24:19-20 - Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

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My definition of the Wicked - The Wicked are people who enjoy doing evil. They find thrill in perverseness. They love to cause fights among others. They lie and their mouth is foul and sly. They are scheming and rebellious and repay back evil for good. They will eventually entrap themselves through their evil deeds or words. They have not future or hope.

The Noble Woman (Proverb 31)Verses Comments1011-1213-1516-192021-222325-262728-2929-31

Noble and rareTrustedHardworking and industriousSmart with moneyCares for the poorThinks ahead, preparedRespected, rubs off on husbandHas dignity and wisdomNot lazyHusband and children respect herNot necessarily charming or beautiful; fears the Lord

Definition of the Noble WomanThe Noble woman is trusted and hardworking. She is industrious and smart with money. She thinks ahead and has the respect of her peers, her husband, and her children. She is not necessarily beautiful. She fears the Lord.

D. Homework1. Read Chapters 21-31 (Wow! You finished)

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How to Gain Wisdom: A Study in ProverbsAdult Sunday SchoolFebruary 2, 9, 16, 23 2003Week 4 Notes

A. Homework from last week1. What is your opinion about Proverbs now that you

have read the entire book? What part do you like? What part do you have trouble with?

B. The Righteous

The RighteousVerses Comments3:33;10:64:18;13:99:910:3

10:710:11,20,21,31,32

10:24,28, 30; 21:2611:18,21;12:13,2111:21,28,30,31;13:21;14:32;15:612:1012:2613:513:2115:2816:3120:721:15;29:2723:2424:1628:128:1228:28;29:228:7

The Lord will blessShinesteachableProvided for and protected by the LordWill be rememberedWise in words, valuable, nourishes manyGets desires, joyful, rootedRescued from troubleProsperous

Kind to animalsCautious with friendshipsHates what is falseWell-fedCareful with wordsLong lifeChildren are blessedLoves justiceFather is blessedRecovers from calamityBraveOthers cheer for themOutlasts the evilCares about the poor

Definition of the RighteousThe Righteous seeks to do what is right and hates evil. He is kind, cares for the poor, and is

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teachable and wise. The Lord personally blesses him, protects him, and helps him prosper. He is well thought of by all. He overcomes the Wicked by outlasting him and fighting him.

Thought - To be righteous, you need to have a vocabulary of right and wrong not relativism. This is mocked today.

C. The Quarreler

The QuarrelerVerses Comments14:2915:115:1817:1417:19a20:321:926:1726:20

Displays follyHarsh word stirs angerHot tempered: stirs dissensionLike breaching a damLoves sinFoolQuarrelsome wife is miseryStay out of other people’s quarrelsFueled by a gossip

Definition of the QuarrelerA Quarreler is hot tempered and stirs up trouble. He is a fool and loves sin. He falls into the trap of listening to gossip. He brings misery upon himself.

Thought – A Quarreler is often not self-aware of what he is doing. Yet, he can cause great harm to himself and others.

D. The Liar

The LiarVerses Comments6:1912:1714:514:25

Pours out liesLies versus honest testimonyDeceitHarms others

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17:419:519:919:2821:2825:1829:12

30:8

Liars listen to each otherWill be punishedWill perishMocks justice; mouth of evilWill perish with those who listenHurt othersListen to liars influences you and othersFalsehood leads to poverty

Definition of the LiarThe Liar pours out lies. They harm others, care nothing for justice and have mouths of evil. They gather together and listen to each other. They will eventually be punished and perish. Listening to a liar will hurt yourself and other around you.

Thought - Learn to spot a liar. Once you have don’t be fooled by his words or you will become the fool.

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E. Quiz – Define the following terms. (Grades - A=12-14 correct, B=9-11 correct, C=8-10 correct, D=5-7 correct, F=1-4 correct)

Title Definition Type1. The Fool

2. The Mocker

3. The Simple

4. The Gossip

5. The Seducer

6. The Good Friend

7. The Good Parent

8. The Good Child

9. The Sluggard

10. The Wicked

11. The Noble Woman

12. The Righteous

13. The Quarreler

14. The Liar

Ugly

Bad

Ugly

Bad

Bad

Good

Good

Good

Ugly

Bad

Good

Good

Ugly

Bad

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F. Concluding Remarks to Proverbs1. Proverbs is an amazingly practical book that

helps us see both the smart path and the foolish path in life. It teaches us to pursue wisdom and avoid the common pits that people fall into in life.

2. It gives us a vocabulary…labels to help us understand the choices in life. We have studies 14 but there are more that you could study on you own with a concordance or Bible software with a search capability.

3. Proverbs is worth visiting over and over again in a culture that bombards use with its values through the media. It can provide us with a key to judging the values that are pushed on us.

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Evaluation Questionnaire for How to Gain Wisdom Class, Feb 2003

1. How well did the class help you study the Bible?

2. How practical was the class?

3. How would you rate the handout material?

4. How would you rate the class time?

5. How would you rate the homework?

6. How would you rate the teacher?

7. How would you rate the class overall?

8. What other suggestions do you have to improve the class?

9. Other comments?

worst best1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

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