The Purpose of Proverbs 1:1-7 What’s the difference a “rapid” and a “reflective” read when approaching Proverbs? What steps could I take to chew rather than skim through this book? What lesson can you learn from the Queen of Sheba's journey to hear Solomon? Pro 1:2 “to know wisdom and instruction.” What is wisdom and instruction? Think about moment of correction from the Lord. How did you respond to it? Could you see His love in that correction? Pro 1:2 “to perceive the words of understanding” In a world full of voices, what practices help you perceive whether words are grounded in true understanding—and what warning signs tell you they aren’t? Pro 1:3 “to receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, and judgment, and equity;” How could Joshua 1:8 and 1 Samuel 18:14 help me understand how to receive the instruction of wisdom? How could I apply this kind of instruction in my life? Proverbs calls us to receive the instruction of wisdom—justice, judgment, and equity. Where do your habits and relationships most need this kind of instruction right now? Pro 1:4 “To give subtilty to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion.” Proverbs aims “to give subtilty (prudence) to the simple” and “knowledge and discretion” to the young. Where do you feel inexperienced or easily influenced—and what first step of prudence could you take this week? Proverbs 1:5-6 “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” Proverbs invites the wise to keep growing: “A wise man will hear (shema) and increase learning.” Where do you sense the Lord asking not just to hear but to obey? Our podcast discussed how wise counsel is like a rope that pulls us in a direction. What counsel (people, friend groups, etc) are you “tied” to—and how is that shaping your path? What “dark sayings” (hard questions) are you wrestling with? How could you approach them with a teachable spirit? Pro 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” What is the fear of the Lord and what does this look like in your everyday conduct? What difference is shown between the wise and the fools?