Proverbs 9 - Carpenter Flock Notes for 120122SS@TBC

Study Questions:

1. There are eighteen verses divided into three sections.  What is each section about?

2. What are the two middle verses in this chapter?  How is that significant?

3. The first six verses are an appeal by Wisdom and the last six are an appeal by Folly.  Make a list of similarities and a list of contrasts between their appeals.

4a. Look for statements that emphasize choosing to be wise (or not).

4b. Look for statements that connect deeds to destiny (or illustrate lack of connection).

4c. Look for the terms that describe the three kinds of people (have chosen Folly; have chosen Wisdom, still on the fence).

 Application Questions:

·         Based on this chapter, think of characteristics that make a child prone to choose Wisdom or prone to choose Folly. How much can parents shape them?

·         Who speaks for Wisdom and Folly in our culture? in your children's lives?

·         Is it possible for parents to keep their kids from hearing Folly? If yes, then how?  If no, then how do we prepare them?

·         Think about these statements...

      "People show their character by their response to correction." 
       “But how can we expect our children to want to come to a banquet if we never attend ourselves?”  --Paul Kiptak in The NIV Application Commentary

Teaching:
I. WISDOM OFFERS CORRECTION:

1) Wisdom demands a decision, a change of direction  (5, 6; turn in here, come, eat and drink, forsake, go in the way)
2) To receive correction or rebuke requires humility (vs. the arrogance of the mocker).  (7-9; The mocker, the contrast between the scoffer [wicked] and the wise, and the wise related to correction   "Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid." Prov. 21.1)

--> Do you teach your children how to respond to correction and why?  Be clear on your expectations and even roll play with them.  (What is the purpose of reproof and correction in 2 Timothy 3.16-17?  ...that the man on God might be....) 

3)  As we look at the middle verses we see that author is not neutral, but interjects comments in favor of wisdom.   Parents can't force a decision, but should be avocates.  Wisdom sent her maidens and shouted from the hill top.

II. WISDOM IS THEOLOGICAL

1) The knowledge and fear of God represent an understanding of The Holy One and the change it causes in our attitude.  Two sides of one coin.

2) Knowledge of God - "Knowing God becomes a basis for knowing how to live, and how to choose."  (Do you ever have the opportunity to tie the character traits and rules to the character God.  Be careful, consistent, and clear when (not if) making those connections.)

Ill. how we connect the character (attributes) of God to character traits in everyday life.

3) Fear of God - balance between watering down the meaning and being one dimensional in our understanding.  ("It is important to understand and teach that the same God who inspires fear tells us not to fear.")  

(What do you think about 1 Samuel 11.7?  Does it offer any help for parenting?)

III. WISDOM TEACHES DISCERNMENT

1) Children and adolescents are neurologically not well equipped to make those connections and need help.

2) Enforcing, teaching and then coaching an understanding of the connection between deeds and destiny.  The idea of James 4.17
v. 12  "the ultimate gainer or loser is the man himself.  Your character is the one thing you cannot borrow, lend, or escape, for it is you.  (cf. 14.10)"  --Kidner

3) Learning to contrast planning, consistency, and effort for lasting fulfillment with instant and temporary gratification.  

4) Learning to think in terms of eternity.  (6: live -- 18; the dead are there)