Bible Study - "Our Resource for Wise Living"

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-10

Proverbs is one of the "books of wisdom" found in the Bible. The book of Proverbs contains rules, guidelines, and instructions for living. These proverbs are the rules of David's son, King Solomon. He wrote them to teach his people how to live and act in every circumstance. He wanted them to have an understanding of how to be just and fair in everything they did. He wanted to help make even the most simple-minded person wise. He wanted to warn young men and women of the problems they will face in life and ways to overcome them.

Solomon gave us these rules so that the Lord can reign over our lives. His proverbs teach us that not only should we do the right thing, but they explain to us how to do what is right. The proverbs force us to pass judgment upon ourselves. There are no grey rules - only black or white, only evil or good. Solomon left no middle ground for excuses.

Proverbs helps women know how to make right choices, how to be wise. Wisdom can be defined as having the highest degree of knowledge when making life's decisions.

What is the first step to gaining wisdom?

Proverbs teaches us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs. 1:7)

Fear means that we as women are to respect and reverence the authority of Jesus Christ. It is coming to the realization that God is our Creator and that He knows what is best for us. The Lord has made everything for His own purpose, but He is not in business of making humans do anything. He has given us free will and it is our choice. We have to make a conscious decision to trust Him or not.

In other words, Christ is not going to force us to practice holiness nor is He going to force us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Solomon lists only two kinds of people in Proverbs - the wise and the foolish. He said that there is no middle ground. People either choose one category or the other. The message here is that there are those in the world who will choose to be God's children and there are those who won't. It's totally our choice.

What is your choice?

Solomon wanted those who were already wise to become wiser and become leaders by exploring the meaning of these nuggets of truth. Read through the book of Proverbs this week. Use these guidelines to help you make your daily decisions, to make wise decisions. Allow God to reign by removing the struggle of life's problems.

Think About It.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
Do you want to live God's way?
Do you trust God in all you say and do?

If your answer is yes, then pray and tell God that He is in control. Tell Him that you will trust Him in all situations. Tell Him how much you love Him.

Personal Prayer
Prayer is a Christian's most powerful resource. The Lord has promised to hear us when we call on Him. Remember to call on Him throughout your day, in all situations.

Thank you, Jesus, You bring such joy and comfort to my heart. Sometimes I am confused, sad, frightened and life situations have pushed me to the end of my rope. I find comfort in knowing that You are the Creator, and You know what is best for me. Please remind me to open myself to You and to Your love. Amen.

Written by: Minnie L. Jackson