Proverbs Lesson 10: Wisdom & Virtue
Lesson 10
Wisdom & Virtue
- Look up Proverbs 12:4 in the King James Version and fill in the blank:
“A virtuous woman is a crown of her husband.”
Now compare this phrase in the different versions noted and write the translation for “virtue”
you find:
ESV
NIV
NLT
Look up “virtue” in the dictionary and note other helpful synonyms you find.
Virtue: Goodness; righteousness; integrity; honor; decency
What is the opposite of virtue? Write down some antonyms
Diligence versus Laziness
2. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to write a definition, description, or synonym for each word
below:
Diligence: A constant, earnest effort to accomplish a task.
Laziness: Having or showing an unwillingness to work--slow or sluggish
3. What common word do you see in each one of the following proverbs? Circle it.
Proverbs 19:15 “Slothfulness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer
hunger.”
Proverbs 20:13 “Do not once sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will
be satisfied with bread.”
Proverbs 24:33-34 “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; So shall
your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.”
What does this teach us about the habits of a lazy or slothful person?
Not involved
4. Read Proverbs 24:30-34. What is the word picture painted for us here?
an overgrown or unkept vineyard
How long would it take for such a place to get to this state of disrepair?
awhile
Circle what you think is most likely true:
a. The owner hit a hard season and is struggling.
b. The owner is characterized by laziness and slothfulness.
Humility versus Pride
5. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to write a definition, description, or synonym for each word
below:
Humility: _______________________________________________________________________
Pride:__________________________________________________________________________
6. Read Proverbs 11:2 and fill in the blanks.
“When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Think of an example of pride leading to disgrace either in your life or someone in the public
sphere. Write it below.
7. What repeated theme do you see in Proverbs 15:31-33? Circle the words that stand out to
you.
“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores
instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reroof gains intelligence. The fear of the
Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
How is listening connected to humility and wisdom? those who listen know that they can benefit from it, while those who do not listen think they have nothing they need to learn.
8. Read Proverbs 13:18 and Proverbs 15:5. Fill in the chart below with the end result of each
action.
|
Proverbs 13:18 |
Ignores instruction |
Poverty & shame |
|
Proverbs 13:18 |
Heeds reproof |
honor |
|
Proverbs 15:5 |
Despises instruction |
fool |
|
Proverbs 15:5 |
Heeds reproof |
prudence |
9. Read Proverbs 25:6-7 and Luke 14:7-9.
Why do you think Jesus repeats this proverb in the form of a parable in the New Testament?
What does the emphasis reveal about our nature?
We want to be first. Better to have others honor you than you do it and be made low.
Integrity
10. Use a dictionary or thesaurus to write a definition, description, or synonym for the word
below:
Integrity
What is the opposite of integrity? Write down some antonyms:
11. What is implied by the verbs in Proverbs 10:9 (walks/perverts)? Does it sound like a one-
time event or repeated action?
12. God Himself calls Job a man of integrity. Read the verses below and list some qualities
about Job that could be described as integrity.
Job 27:4-7
Job 2:3
Self-Control
13. What is the word picture painted by Proverbs 25:28?
The man is compared to a city.
Self-control is compared to the city’s Walls.
14. Apply: What do we learn from this picture about the danger of lacking self-
control and the benefits of practicing it?
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