Proverbs 3:1-2,
1 My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; 2 for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.”
Study Questions
(vs 1-2) How can being obedient to the teachings and commands of the father, which reflect God’s commands and laws, “bring you many days, a full life, and well-being”?
Is this a promise or a general statement of truth? Why?
Proverbs 3:3-4,
“3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.”
Study Questions
(vs 3-4) Why are loyalty (hesed – covenant love) and faithfulness two vital characteristics for a person to possess? How could they leave a person? What benefits do they bring a person?
Proverbs 3:5-8,
“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.”
Study Questions
(vs 5-8) How do verses 5 and 7 relate to each other? Why is being “wise in ourown eyes” a problem? What does “trust in the Lord with all your heart” mean? Give an example when you have done this.
What does it look like when we “rely on our own understanding”?
Give an example.
How can we know (acknowledge) God in our ways?
Look at verses 7 and 8. What could cause illness and health issues for a person? Are all illnesses and health issues related to sin? Why?
Proverbs 3:9-10,
“9 Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; 10 then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Study Questions
(vs 9-10) How can we honor God with our possessions and first fruits? In what ways can we do this? What could we consider as our first produce (fruits) in our modern non-agrarian society?How can giving away wealth actually increase one’s wealth?
Is verse 10 a promise or a general truth? Who would fill the barns and vats? Why?
Proverbs 3:11-12,
“11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline; 12 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.”
Study Questions
(vs 11-12) What does the Lord’s instruction and discipline in our lives indicate? How can instruction and discipline equate to love from the Lord?
Have you ever experienced the Lord’s discipline? How do you know?
Questions to Ponder this Week
● In what areas of your life do you need to show loyalty and faithfulness? How can you protect these qualities in your life?
● Do you find it easy or hard to trust God? Why? How could you demonstrate more trust in the Lord?
● Which of these teachings do you struggle with most? How can you surrender that struggle to the Lord?