Proverbs: Closing the Book

We've been studying Proverbs for a while now and I want to draw our study to a close. I think that while studying Proverbs, we've learned a lot and gained a lot of wisdom. I want to look a little bit more at one of the topics that we started our study with.

If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the Lord. But foolish people hate wisdom and training.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIrV)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

We studied this at the beginning of our study. Proverbs has other things to say about the fear of the Lord or about respect for the Lord.

Anyone who shows respect for the Lord has a strong tower. It will be a safe place for his children. Respect for the Lord is like a fountain that gives life. It turns you away from the jaws of death.

Proverbs 14:26-27 (NIrV)

Discussion

• We can see a couple more things about the fear of the Lord in this passage.
• The fear of the Lord gives us protection.
  • It is a strong tower. Towers were defensive structures that allowed you to see an enemy approaching from far off and also give you an advantage in battling the enemy
  • It is a safe place. Knowing that we have a strong tower watching over us, we can be safe.
  • Proverbs has taught us a lot about how to recognize the wickedness around us and how to avoid it. Proverbs has provided us with warnings against the enemy as well as guidance to keep us on the right, safe path.
• The fear of the Lord gives us life
  • It is a fountain of life. The fear of the Lord is something that sustains us day by day.
  • It saves us from death. It guides us in the ways of life.
  • As we've studied, we've learned a lot of things that are valuable for our daily life including
    • learning how to control our tongue
    • Learning about being kind to the poor
    • Learning about what we should find happiness in
    • Learning about goals and priorities
    • Learning about being truthful
    All of these are things that are valuable for our daily life
• What are some of the things you have learned from our study of Proverbs?
• How have you benefitted from our study of Proverbs?