Proverbs Chapter One - Lesson
According to the people who wrote Christian Character Curriculum in Volume 1[1] in their three-volume set say in general verbiage, Christian character qualities are desirable in and for life. The instructors or sages for this Book of Proverbs class wholeheartedly agree. A few of the desired qualities we discuss today derive from the Book of Proverbs (ESV) comes with a focused design to enlighten you to these qualities and how they will enhance your life. Regarding them, we begin with Proverbs Chapter One. The first quality or character application you need to understand where you obtain all other qualities regards Reverence.
Regarding this attribute for this study purpose, its meaning carries the ability to Respect. This Respect aspect stems from "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov 1:7a). The understanding of this statement is and will be essential in life for many reasons. The initial reason ties to a capability to understand a Proverb, or in other words, to be or become wise. In direct association with this capability, you can become righteous, offering justice and provide equity. (Prov 1:3b). Indeed, with Respect for Him and others via His promise, you will, as a person, gain Security, which is what we all desire. (Prov 1:33b). Right?
Do you know what complacency will bring you? It certainly does not bring security. It brings destruction (Prov 1:32b). However, if you turn from this and evil, the Lord makes you an ever more profound promise. God says, "if you turn at my reproof, behold; I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you." (Prov 1:23). His spirit will make you wise and not greedy. (Prov 1:19b). Moreover, obtaining Wisdom will help you gain even more; according to William P. Brown, Wisdom will develop Moral Character. A few of these moral characters are "perception, intention, and virtue, to which a fourth is added: emotion." [2]. The beauty of having these character traits in place relates to controlling your desire with an exact meaning of knowing you can keep yourself away from the fruits of evil and its ways, plus people that have evil devices in place. (Prov 1:31).
Regarding his promise and via these valued behaviors or attributes, His words will help you in life become the best you stand gifted with and for because He is your friend and not against you. Yes, God, His son Jesus said, "I have called you friends." (John 15:15). Therefore, as a friend, He will ensure you "increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Prov 1:5).
This guidance or offering you Mentorship is what this class or study regards with its applicational ties to Obedience, especially with parents (Prov 1:8). Furthermore, this study will help you appreciate plus listen to Lady Wisdom's voice, perceiving what her cries mean coming from the streets, which is the marketplace where you will work someday. (Prov 1:20). Finally, concerning your listening, you need to act on this Lady's[3] advice because it is accurate and pure. This advice stands as such because she has been with God standing alongside Him ever since creation and now stands beside you, waiting to help you. Indeed, she is His companion and your friend.
Please listen to this Lady while reading the first chapter's thirty-three verses.
[1] Jim Carden and Jeanie Carden. Christian Character Curriculum Volume 1. (Tucker, GA: Children's Ministry International, 2006), iii.
[2] William P. Brown, Wisdom’s Wonders: Character, Creation, and Crisis in the Bible’s Wisdom Literature. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 2014 ), 9.
[3] Derek Kidner, An Introduction to Wisdom Literature: The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job & Ecclesiastes (Drowners Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 1985), 24.
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