Proverbs 6:1-19

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Dangerous Words and Sinful Actions

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. A wise believer avoids surety.

  2. A wise believer avoids laziness.

  3. A wise believer avoids deception.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t be a strife spreader!

QUESTIONS

  1. In review, list the 3 precepts of wisdom.

  2. In verse 1, notice Solomon’s description of the person for whom the son has become surety. He is described as the son’s _________! What is Solomon’s counsel to the person who has already become surety?

  3. Explain why the agreement between the apostle Paul and Philemon regarding the debt of Onesimus was not in contradiction to the words of wisdom in verses 1-5.

  4. continuing

  5. After reading verses 12-14, explain how you would identify or recognize a person who practices deception.

ANSWERS

  1. In review, the 3 precepts of wisdom are: revere God, respect authority and resist temptation.

  2. In verse 1, the person for whom the son has become surety is described as his friend! This is an indication that we should consider avoiding surety even when it involves people close to us, even perhaps, our relatives. In verses 3-5, Solomon counsels the one who has become surety to make all efforts to get out of the binding contract.

  3. Paul told Philemon that he would pay off the past debts of Onesimus. Paul did not cosign (become surety) for any loan that Onesimus had already made, and Paul did not give a pledge to Philemon that he would pay for any possible future debts of Onesimus.

  4. The likely consequence of a life of laziness is the onset of poverty and need, often coming suddenly and with the realization that it is too late to be avoided (v 11).

  5. Some characteristics that may be recognizable in a person who practices deception would be a corrupt or untrustworthy mouth, a body language that demonstrates nervousness and cleverness, a blame-others attitude, and a divisive spirit (vs 12-15).

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss alternative means of helping a friend or relative in true financial or material need other than cosigning on a loan or contract. Share your experiences that have turned out to be examples of effective or ineffective means of assistance in this area.

CHALLENGE

  1. If you have been unjustly or unfairly critical of a person in your circle of believers, causing discord, commit yourself today to go to that person and to that group in a repentant spirit, asking for their forgiveness. Be a peacemaker, especially where you have caused discord.

KEY VERSES

  • “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among the brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19

Proverbs, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsProverbs 6:1-19