Proverbs: Words of Wisdom

Background

• Proverbs 1:1 attributes authorship to Solomon, who was a famous collector of such (1 Kings 4:30-32). King Hezekiah’s men wrote chapters 25-29, chapter 30 was by Agur and 31 was written by King Lemuel, who was repeating what his mother told him.

• “Nearly two-thirds of the 916 verses is devoted to short, pithy sayings…rather than extended, connected material” (Donald Hunt, Pondering the Proverbs, p. ix).

The Life a Father Wants for His Children

• I. A blessed life.

• A. Proverbs 1:10

• B. Proverbs 1:15

• C. Proverbs 1:18

• D. Ecclesiastes 12:1

The Life a Father Wants for His Children

• II. A long life.

• A. Proverbs 3:1-2

• B. Proverbs 4:10-11

• C. Ephesians 6:1-3

The Life a Father Wants for His Children

• III. Eternal life.

• A. Proverbs 3:11-12

• B. Proverbs 23:15-16

• C. Proverbs 24:21-22

• D. Acts 10:3-6, 24

A Wise Man Looks at Father’s Role

• I. Father should be a respected leader.

• A. Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” (Glory–garland or headdress that identified someone worthy of respect)

• B. Proverbs 13:1 “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”

A Wise Man Looks at Father’s Role

• II. Father plays a critical role in discipline.• A. Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the Lord loves He

corrects, Just as a Father the son in whom he delights.”• B. Proverbs 13:24 “He who spares his rod hates his

son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”• C. Proverbs 19:18 “Chasten your son while there is

hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.”• D. Proverbs 29:17 “Correct your son, and he will

give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.”

A Wise Man Looks at Father’s Role

• III. Father should instruct his children in the Lord’s way.

• A. Proverbs 2:1-5• B. Proverbs 6:20-23• C. Genesis 18:19• D. Deuteronomy 6:6-9• IV. Father rejoices when his children do what is right.• A. Proverbs 23:15-16• B. Proverbs 23:24-25• C. Proverbs 29:3a “Whoever loves wisdom makes

his father rejoice,...”