Proverbs 23:17-35

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Wisdom in Hope

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Proverbs are wise advice for everyday living.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Look Up and Look Ahead!

QUESTIONS

  1. What would be the primary virtue or godly characteristic missing from the life of the winebibber or glutton mentioned in verses 19-21? Because of this missing virtue, should we refuse to befriend this type of person?

  2. In verse 23, what does the wise saying mean when it instructs us to “buy” truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding?

  3. In the wise saying of verses 26 through 28, what is the solution for avoiding the traps or pitfalls described in verses 27 and 28?

ANSWERS

  1. The primary virtue missing from the life of a drunkard or glutton is discipline. One who is not able to discipline his consumption of food or drink is likely to lack discipline in the more demanding areas of life. While we should not socialize with people like this, we certainly should befriend them when opportunities arise, in order to help them and share the gospel with them.

  2. In verse 23, the instruction to “buy” means that we should spare no expense or make every effort to acquire truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding. Obviously, this teaching indicates that we would begin by searching and learning from the truth of God’s Word.

  3. The solution for avoiding the traps or pitfalls described in verses 27 and 28 is found in verse 26. Literally and figuratively turning one’s eyes away from sources of evil seduction and toward the way of wisdom, that is, the way of the Lord, and observing His ways, based on His Word, is the solution taught us in this wise saying.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss what it means to honor your parents, what it means to listen to them, and what is entailed in not despising them. Consider the situation with parents who are believers and with parents who are not believers.

CHALLENGE

  1. Where have you placed your hope today? Is your hope placed in the friends you have, or in your job, or in your investments? Put your trust and hope in things unseen, in the person of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness and salvation offered by Him, and His promise of an eternal future in His presence.

KEY VERSES

  • “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but in the fear of the Lord continue all day long. For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:17, 18



Proverbs, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsProverbs 23:17-35