The Big Picture Proverbs 31:10-31 “is set in the form of an acrostic, in which each verse begins with the successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet… The acrostic portrays an ideal woman and shows young men what kind of woman to seek for marriage. The poem begins and ends in the same way—with the value of an excellent wife. However, the woman’s marital status is not the primary emphasis of the acrostic. She is a portrait of feminine wisdom. She embodies in all areas of life the full character of wisdom commended in Proverbs. ” Read the entire passage, is there anything that surprises you? Breaking Things Apart Proverbs 31:11. “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain” (31:11). • In what ways does the woman in this poem depict a wife who can be trusted? Proverbs 31:15-18. • What teaching from Proverbs is seen in the depiction of the woman as active before sunrise till long after sundown? • Question for women only, are there any unique ways women may be tempted to be a sluggard? How have you delt with this is your own life? Proverbs 31:16. “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard” • From the poem overall, identify two or three things that are the basis for her confidence. • What might that kind of confidence look like today? Proverbs 31:21-25. The woman in the poem is depicted as confident. • As you examine her life in the poem, what sort of strength is most likely meant? • What might that look like today? Proverbs 30:21-28. The woman in the poem exemplifies nurturing. No matter what task she is involved in, her primary aim is the nurture of others. She provides food for those in her home, including the servants (Prov. 31:15); she extends her hand to the poor and needy (v. 20); and she watches over the ways of her household (v. 27). • How is this nurturing aspect of her character demonstrated in her words (v. 26)? Proverbs 31:29-31. • How do these verses tie this poem of womanly excellence to the rest of Proverbs? Truth be told, not every aspect of this poem is in reach for all. The woman being depicted is one of significant means in the ancient world. However, verses 29-31 are universal. Whatever a woman’s lot in life is; in fearing the Lord she will have a firm foundation to faithfully go about her vocations. • How might this poem look different if the woman’s lot was one of poverty? • How do you imagine a typical working woman today exuding the virtues of this poem? Conclusion • Reflecting on our journey through the book of Proverbs, is there anything that gave you fresh grasp of who God is, who you are, or how you might live faithfully? • Are there any unique contributions does Proverbs make toward our understanding of who Jesus is and what he accomplished through his life, death, and resurrection? • As you reflect on Proverbs as a whole, what implications do you see for your life? • What might lead you to praise God, turn away from sin, and trust more firmly in his promises? *This entire lesson has been adapted from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-the-bible-proverbs/#week-4-wisdom-personified-81-36

A Christ the King Sunday Sermon on Luke 23:33-43.

The Big Picture Proverbs 30 “contains the sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh. His identity is unknown, and his name occurs nowhere else in the Bible. Notable about Agur’s words is the stress he lays on humility. Proverbs 31:1–9 contain the words of King Lemuel based on teaching he received from his mother about wise kingship. No one knows who Lemuel was or where he was king. Most suppose that he was not an Israelite. ” Breaking Things Apart Proverbs 30:1-4. • What virtue is Agur exuding in this confession? How does it make him a prime candidate for wisdom? • Ultimately, what is the answer to his rhetorical questions put forth in these verses? (Hint, in John 3:13 Jesus declares, “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.”) Proverbs 3:5-6. This Proverb underscores the authority, truthfulness, and reliability of the Bible. These words are similar to commands found in God’s Law (Deut 4:2; 12:32) and is echoed by Jesus at the very end of the Bible: “18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” -Revelation 22:18–19 • Why do you think tampering with God’s Word is such a persistent temptation in human history? • Are there any parts of the Bible you somewhat blot out of your mind? • How should one who “takes refuge in” the Lord, relate to his Word? Proverbs 30:7. Believe it or not, this is the only prayer in the book of Proverbs. • In your own words, what two things is Agur requesting? • Based on these, what does Agur value most? • What can that teach us about prayer? Proverbs 30:12 & 20. • What similar issue are both these proverbs addressing? • Where have you seen it displayed in the world? • How can you keep your heart and conscious open to the Spirit’s convictions? Proverbs 30:21-28. How these two lists relate can be a bit confusing, so we may have to read it more than once. • What is the list in 30:21-23 describing? How about 30:24-28? • How do they both compare two each other? • What does that teach us about the Kingdom of God? Proverbs 31:2-9. Here we’re introduced to the words that King Lemuel’s mother taught him. In them we’re introduced to the picture of an ideal king—one set apart in the service of God for the good of his people. • Is there anything that sticks out to you about this picture of an ideal king? • Read 1 Kings 11:1-8. How might Soloman’s personal history have influenced the inclusion of this passage in the Proverbs he collected? • Where have you seen some of these traits exuded by leaders? • How is Jesus the ultimate fulfillment of these words? Application GOD’S WISDOM. “In Proverbs 30:24–28 Agur observes four things that are small but wise (v. 24). Ants are small and weak, but they are instinctively wise; likewise the rock badger is weak but is able to provide a home for himself. Locusts have no leader, yet they exhibit cooperation with one another. The fourth thing is the lizard, an inglorious creature that winds up in glorious places. God’s wisdom as explained by the apostle Paul is reflected in this portion of Agur’s teaching. Paul wrote that God chooses what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, what is weak to shame the strong, and what is low and despised to bring down the proud (1 Cor. 1:27–31). The epitome of this “wisdom” is a crucified Messiah, a blessed paradox that the worldly wise cannot comprehend.” How might knowing the “blessed paradox” of God’s ways minister to you in both the good times and the bad? How can you take this wisdom to heart? *This entire lesson has been adapted from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-the-bible-proverbs/#week-4-wisdom-personified-81-36

A Thanksgiving sermon on Philippians 4:4