Proverbs 2 Wisdom's Value

1.    Make Observations – What do I see?

I. Solomon’s Admonition to Gain Wisdom (1:8-9:13)

A. Honor father and mother (1:8-9)

B. Avoid sinful enticement and disaster (1:10-33)

C. Wisdom’s value (2:1-22)

Main idea: Wisdom can be found, if a person searches for it diligently enough, and once found, it will save a person from disaster and lead to satisfaction. [Anders, p.25]

1. Appeal to pursue wisdom (vs.1-4)

Solomon’s call involves several “if… then…”statements to persuade his children to consider the value of wisdom (vs.1, 3, 4, 5, 9)

Solomon’s appeal outlines the attitude and effort involved with obtaining God’s wisdom: attentiveness, prayerfulness, and discipline

What progression, if any, do you see in the appeal for wisdom?

How does this help your understanding in how wisdom is obtained?

2. Reward of gaining wisdom (vs.5-10)

“then you will understand the fear of the Lord” – personal relationship and knowledge of God is the end prize of wisdom. God is both the reward and rewarder of wisdom

What benefits are included in God’s gift of wisdom?

“then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity every good path” – God’s gift in wisdom is through the personal quality of life it provides

How do we make the qualities attractive to our children? How do we appeal in discipleship?

3. Deliverance provided through wisdom (vs.11-19)

Wisdom provides guidepost through discretionand discernment. The fruit of knowledge and understanding is evidenced in its right, moral application. Wisdom is concerned with personal holiness and moral correctness

“delivering you from the way of evil” – the influence of morally corrupt company persuades through twisted speech and perverted paths

What is the progression and outcome of the morally evil pathway?

“delivered from the forbidden woman” – the enticement of the immoral woman seduces through sweet speech, abandoning her covenant with husband and God. Adultery is a trap that ends in both personal and spiritual disaster

How are these immoral companions similar? How are they unique?

How do we have these conversations with our children or in discipleship?

4. Goodness of walking in wisdom (vs.20-22)

God will preserve and sustain the morally upright (holy living). He will remove those who do not belong to His people

3.    Make Application – How does it work?

How is wisdom valued and communicated in your home?

Even though God gifts wisdom, He entrusts you to diligently pursue and acquire it

Wisdom is necessary to gain deeper relationship with the Lord and navigate relationships with others

4.     Prayerful Meditation – How can I pray this Scripture?

“God enable us to faithfully train and teach our children (disciples) the value of wisdom. May we make wisdom attractive in our homes and showcase the delightful benefits of God’s good gift. Grant discretion and discernment in our relationships with others, entrusting our souls the guardianship of our God.”