Proverbs 12:15-28

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Wisdom in Conversation

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Proverbs are wise advice for everyday living.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. A word to the weary works wonders.

QUESTIONS

  1. Solomon again offers a series of wise sayings here in chapter 12 regarding the speech of the wise and the foolish. What specific advice has Solomon given the wise and righteous person in these verses?

  2. Generally speaking, what will characterize the life of the slothful person as it relates to his or her work? See verses 24 and 27.

  3. Which verse included in this lesson is an example of synonymous parallelism?

ANSWERS

  1. Verses 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23 all offer advice concerning a righteous person’s speech: a. We should always speak the truth, as it is truth that communicates righteousness (v 17). b. We should speak words of comfort and encouragement, building up others (v 18). c. We should always speak truthfully. Truth stands the test of time (v 19). d. We should speak truthful words. Only words of truth delight the Lord (v 22). e. We should be discreet and humble in the sharing of the knowledge God has given (v 23).

  2. Verses 24 and 27 indicate that, as a general rule, the slothful or lazy person will not be advanced to more responsible levels of work or supervision, and will not be a good steward of those things that come to him as a result of his work.

  3. Verse 28 is translated in most versions of the Bible as synonymous parallelism, not as antithetic parallelism. So we believe this proverb teaches that there is not only abundant life for the righteous in this lifetime, but immortality and eternal life for the righteous as well.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The memory verse below speaks of the careful choosing of friends by a righteous person. Discuss characteristics that you have learned thus far in the study of Proverbs that would be those of friends that God would be pleased for you to associate with.

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you an anxious person? Has the word “depression” crept into your vocabulary? Do you find that your current friends offer no words of encouragement? Perhaps it is time to “choose your friends carefully,” those who would restore you with “good words,” giving you a glad heart. It may also lift you up to offer more words of encouragement to others!

KEY VERSES

  • “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Proverbs 12:26



Proverbs, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsProverbs 12:15-28