Proverbs Lesson 2 Lady Wisdom Chapters 1-2 (Part 1)

 Lesson 2

Lady Wisdom Part 1

Chapters 1-2

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using words "like or "as". Example: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."

A Metaphor states that an object or idea is in some way the same as another, seemingly unrelated thing. Example: "That test was a breeze."

Personification is the attribution of human qualities to non-human things. These can be objects, events, ideas, or even living, non-human things. Example: "The sun smiled down on us." Or "The story jumped 

off the page." 

1. In the space below, list every synonym given for the word "wisdom" in 1:1-7. 

   

   Answers may vary: instruction, understanding, knowledge, discretion, learning, wise

   These synonyms are saying that it is desirable that we should gain wisdom that comes from God. 

    What are the two ways of living that Solomon mentions in 1:7?

    1. The way of wisdom: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

    2. The way of folly: Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

     

        Proverbs are not just short little sayings. It's a book about a relationship with God. If the more we read this book, we'll begin to see it as a life lived out in active relationship with Him. (Listening, following, repenting. And here in verse 7 the very foundation of wisdom: "fearing".

   

2. What two metaphors does the father use to describe the value of his and his wife's teaching in the life of 

    their son (1:8-9)?

   

    1. A graceful ornament on your head

    2. Chains about your neck

       This is the first of many mentions like this in relation to wisdom. The idea here is that wisdom is highly visible to others and it is of great value.

3. Circle the literary device the father uses to describe wisdom in 1:20.

      Personification                 Metaphor                Simile 

4. What three groups of people does wisdom call out to in 1:22?

     1.  Simple (naive/immature)

     2.  Scorners or scoffers (This can be like putting someone down in order to elevate self)

     3. Fools who hate knowledge 

     What do you notice about all the places Lady Wisdom is crying out? 1:20-21

      

         In the streets (where everyone is); In the market place (where people do business); Openings of the gates ( where laws are made). 

When we get to the collected sayings, we will see Lady Wisdom not just in the open spaces but she will be in our places of business, kitchens, bedrooms - she will be in every nook and cranny of our lives. And this can be annoying yet comforting because she can be found in every aspect of our crazy lives. 

      

5. Rewrite verse 31 in your own words: Answers will vary: They shall eat their just desserts. 

     When we read about these fools, we can understand that the consequences of their actions are natural and logical. It's just what is going to happen. It's the way life works. This is why it is so important to seek wisdom, so we can live in God's world God's way. 

Now look at Proverbs 2

6. In 2:1-11, the father takes his second appeal to his son using conditional statements. Rewrite the first 

    part of those conditional statements in your own words (2:1-4. Hint: Each part begins with the word 

    "if".  the first ones have been done for you.

Answers may vary

   1. (2:1-2) If you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you.....

 

   2. (2:3) Yes, if you really look for discernment and lift up your voice and make it known to all you want  

                understanding

   3. (2:4) If you look for wisdom as if it the most precious thing on the earth

7. In your own words, rewrite the second part of the conditional statement, or result, the father mentions in 

    2:5-11. Hint: Each part begins with the word "then". 

Answers may vary

   1. (2:5) Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find knowledge of God. 

   2. (2:9) Then you will get what you asked for: righteousness, justice, equity and every good thing 

8. In 2:12 and 16, note the two mentions of deliverance. What two groups of people does wisdom provide 

    deliverance from?

    1. The man who speaks perverse things

    2. The immoral woman

9. What is the blessing of the upright and the judgment of the wicked in 2:20-22?

    Walk in the way of goodness and keep those paths of righteousness; Dwell in the land and stay there

    Be cut off from the earth and uprooted

       

10. Apply: Fill in the blanks or 2:6-8:

     "Fo the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up 

     sound wisdom for the upright;  He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the path of 

     justice and watching over the way of  His saints."

     What other names or institutions have you wrongly credited as true sources of wisdom? 

   These answers will vary

     How should this passage reorient your search for wisdom? 

Answers will vary