Proverbs 16:1-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Wisdom in Weights

BACKGROUND NOTES

In the days of Abraham or Solomon, were shekels silver coins or weights of silver? The oldest coins that have been discovered date back to around _____ B.C.
In which verse do we find the wise teaching that God knows the motives behind our actions?
Several proverbs in this lesson have to do with “the king” or the person with governmental authority. What are the main teaching points of the king-related proverbs in verses 12 and 13?

In the days of Abraham and Solomon, shekels were weights of silver and their value was determined with the use of scales. The oldest coins date back to around 700 B.C.
In verse 2, we are taught that the Lord judges not only what we do, but why we do it. In other words, He knows and judges our motives.
Kings were responsible to set up a righteous government, so the establishment of a government of wickedness would be a particular abomination before God (v 12). Good kings were to love truth and justice and not desire flattery and hypocrisy (v 13).

Discuss the governmental leaders of today that you are most familiar with. Consider their responsibilities and actions in light of the teachings of the proverbs in this lesson. Will the leaders of today be held to the same standards as the kings of old?

Does the knowledge of the truth that God is acutely aware of your thoughts and motives prompt and compel you to act fairly and justly in all of your relationships? The righteous believer must put all forms of cheating and deception, with actions or words, behind him. Remember, “The Lord weighs the spirits,” and He sees all the weights!

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord direct his steps.” Proverbs 16:9