Wisdom for Living Well with Others – Class 5
Proverbs 14:20-35
Sometimes Proverbs do not make a judgment – just an observation. How does verse 20 do that?
We may have the impression that the Bible takes a dim view of money and those who have money. How do verses 20-24 bring some balance to that impression?
When is wealth a blessing (vs. 21) and a crown (vs. 24)?
The “fear of the Lord” is a major theme in Proverbs (see 1:7). How is living in the fear of the Lord a benefit as observed in verses 26 and 27?
How are the proverbs about truth (vs. 25), generosity
to the poor (vs. 31), and righteousness (vs. 34) applied to a community
context?
How does one control anger (v. 29)? Envy (30)? Why is it wise to learn to control
them and what virtues replace them?
How does our path of life change the perspective on the end of life? (vs. 32).
What does verse 28 reveal about the relationship between leaders and followers? If we see this verse in the real life context of Solomon and his sons, how did this nugget of wisdom play out in the king/princes/ people dynamic of their day? See 1 Kings 12.
The NIV Study Bible says this about Proverbs: “Acquiring wisdom and knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of folly lead to 1)personal well-being, 2)happy family relationships, 3)fruitful labors and 4)good standing in the community.” How are each of those four goals addressed in this section of Proverbs?