March 24, 2024 – Proverbs 1; 2; 9

Lesson Date: March 24, 2024

Focal Scripture Passage: Proverbs 1:1-9; 2:5-9; 9:10-12

AIM: To lead students to discover that the first step to living wisely and being blessed by God is a saving relationship with Jesus, and to trust Christ for salvation if they have never done so.

Before class: Read the notes on Proverbs 1; 2; and 9 found in the Sunday School Teacher Book.  Write the following on the board: “Hike the Appalachian Trail,” “Run a Marathon,” and “Walk Around Your Neighborhood.”

INTRODUCTION (Create Learning Readiness): Direct the students’ attention to the words, “Hike the Appalachian Trail” written on the board.  Tell them the Appalachian Trail is a hiking path stretching more than 2,000 miles, from Georgia to Maine.  Explain that the mountain trail is very grueling, requiring 5 to 7 months to complete.  Ask: “What kind of special training and equipment are needed to hike the Appalachian Trail?” (months of physical training to increase strength and stamina, along with hiking equipment, camping equipment, and provisions).

Direct everyone’s attention to the words, “Run a Marathon” written on the board.  Tell the class that a marathon is a long-distance endurance footrace.  Ask: “How long is a marathon?” (26.2 miles).  Explain that only a small percentage of runners ever complete a marathon in the desired goal of under 3 hours.  Ask: “What kind of special training and equipment are needed to run a marathon?” (months of physical training to increase strength and stamina, along with good running shoes).

Direct the students’ attention to the words, “Walk Around Your Neighborhood” written on the board.  Ask: “What kind of special training and equipment are needed to take a leisurely walk around your neighborhood?” (none).

Tell the class that the three activities listed on the board require vastly different degrees of preparation, but one requirement is common to all three: taking the first step.  Stress the fact that no one has ever hiked the Appalachian Trail, run a marathon, or walked around their neighborhood without taking the first step.

Tell the students the title of today’s lesson is The First Step.  Tell them as we begin our study of Proverbs, we will discover the first step to living wisely and being blessed by God.

HEART OF THE LESSON (Bible Study):

1. Review.
   • Ask: “What was last week’s lesson from chapter 4 of Jonah about?” (being Angry With God; we discovered some causes and effects of Jonah’s anger toward God, and examined ourselves for signs of anger toward God).
   • Ask if anyone would recite the suggested memory verses for last week (1 Pet. 5:6-7).
   • Tell the class that today we begin a study of the Old Testament book of Proverbs.
2. The Purpose of Proverbs.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Proverbs 1:1.
   • Explain the following:
     • King Solomon wrote most of the Proverbs.
     • The Bible tells us Solomon wrote a total of 3,000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:32), several hundred of which are included in the book of Proverbs.
     • Solomon wrote the Proverbs to teach principles of wise living to his son.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Proverbs 1:2-4.
   • Ask: “What’s the first thing verse 2 says we can learn from studying Proverbs?” (wisdom).
   • Ask: “How would you define wisdom?”
   • After allowing time for some responses, tell the class that a dictionary defines wisdom as, “The ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments.”[i]
   • Ask: “Look back over verses 2-4; what else can we gain from studying Proverbs?” (understanding, justice, how to make wise judgments and treat people fairly, and how to be prudent).
   • Read Proverbs 1:5-6.
   • Ask: “What can the Proverbs do for anyone who is wise enough to heed them?” (increase his or her wisdom and understanding).
   • Summarize: The purpose of Proverbs is to teach us how to live wisely and make wise choices.
3. The First Step to Wisdom.
   • Remind the students that today’s lesson is about The First Step to wise living; that first step is identified in the next verse.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Proverbs 1:7.
   • Ask: “What is the first step to knowledge, discretion, and wise living?” (the fear of the Lord).
   • Ask: “What do you think it means to fear the Lord; does it mean to live in terror that God might squash us at any moment?” Allow time for some responses.
   • Explain the following:
     • As used in the Old Testament, fearing the Lord is to respect, trust, and submit to Him.
     • It means to realize that the Lord is holy and powerful, but we are sinful and helpless.
     • Fearing God in the Old Testament is much like salvation in the New Testament.
     • In other words, knowing Jesus as Savior is the first step to knowledge and wisdom.
   • Ask: “How does verse 7 describe those who reject God’s wisdom and instruction?” (it says they are fools).
   • Read Proverbs 1:8-9.
   • Ask: “What did Solomon tell his son in verse 8?” (to hear the instruction of his parents and not turn from their teachings).
   • Ask: “According to verse 9, what are the benefits of heeding the wise instruction of parents?” (it adorns and beautifies much more than beautiful ornaments, crowns, or expensive jewelry).
   • Ask: “Look back at verse 7; what’s the first step to living wisely?” (fearing the Lord; in other words, knowing Jesus as Savior).
   • Summarize: The first step to wise living is to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. If you want to live wisely, you must place your faith in Jesus.
4. The Source of Wisdom.
   • Ask everyone to turn to Proverbs 2.
   • Ask: “What is the third word of verse 1?” (“if”).
   • Explain the following:
     • The word “if” appears three times in Proverbs 2:1-4.
     • These verses present a condition: if we receive godly instruction and diligently seek wisdom, then we can expect a certain result.
     • The result of doing those things is described in verse 5.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Proverbs 2:5.
   • Ask: “What will happen if we receive godly instruction and diligently seek wisdom?” (we will more fully understand the fear of the Lord and grow in our knowledge of Him).
   • Read Proverbs 2:6.
   • Ask: “Where does wisdom come from?” (the Lord gives it).
   • Ask: “What comes from God’s mouth?” (knowledge and understanding).
   • Ask: “How do we hear the words of God’s mouth?” (by reading the Bible).
   • Ask a volunteer to read Proverbs 2:7-9.
   • Ask: “What other blessings does the Lord give to those who have taken the first step of trusting Jesus?” (v. 7 – He gives wisdom in abundance and He is a shield for them, v. 8 – He watches over and protects them, v. 9 – He enables them to understand righteousness, judgment, equity, and enables them to recognize and follow the right path).
   • Ask: “Look back at verse 6; where does wisdom come from?” (the Lord).
   • Summarize: The source of wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ. If you want true wisdom, you must place your faith in Jesus.
5. The Personal Choice of Wisdom.
   • Ask everyone to turn to Proverbs 9.
   • Ask a volunteer to read Proverbs 9:10.
   • Ask: “What is the first step to wisdom and wise living?” (the fear of the Lord; in other words, knowing Jesus).
   • Ask: “According to the last half of that verse, what is required to have genuine understanding?” (knowing Holy God [which comes only through faith in Jesus]).
   • Read Proverbs 9:11-12
   • Tell the class that in the early verses of Proverbs 9 wisdom is personified as a woman; the same is true in verse 11.
   • Ask: “According to verse 11, what is one of the benefits of wise living?” (long life).
   • Explain that verse 12 says if we choose wisdom we will be blessed, but if we reject it we will pay the price for our foolish choices.
   • Stress the fact that living wisely is a personal choice; but as with all choices, there will be consequences.
   • Ask: “Which would you rather have: the blessings that come from wise and godly living, or the negative consequences of rejecting God’s wisdom?” (we would all certainly choose the blessings of wise living).
   • Ask: “What have we learned today is the first step to wisdom?” (the fear of the Lord; in other words, knowing Jesus as Savior).
   • Summarize: Wisdom is a personal choice. We can wisely choose to embrace Jesus and be blessed, or we can reject Him, make foolish choices, and suffer the consequences.

PERSONAL APPLICATION: Remind the students that the title of this lesson is The First Step.  Remind them of the opening illustrations about hiking the Appalachian Trail, running a marathon, and taking a leisurely walk around your neighborhood.  Tell them that we can’t do any of those activities without taking the first step.

Ask: “What is the first step to wisdom?” (the fear of the Lord).  Ask: “What does it mean to fear the Lord?” (it means to have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ).

Tell the class we could summarize this entire lesson with one statement: the first step to living wisely and being blessed by God is having a saving relationship with Jesus.

Ask: “Do you want to live wisely and experience God’s blessings?” (yes).

Ask everyone to bow their head and close their eyes.  Ask: “Have you taken the first step to wise living by trusting Jesus Christ for salvation?  If so, thank God for that and ask Him to teach you to live wisely.  If you’ve never trusted Jesus for salvation, tell Him you are sorry for your sin, turn away from your sin, and believe by faith that Jesus can save you.”  Allow a moment for silent prayer, and then voice a closing prayer.

CONCLUSION: Tell the students you will be happy to talk with any of them after class if they have questions about trusting Jesus.  Ask everyone to memorize Proverbs 1:7.  Tell them when they need wisdom, they should ask God for it (James 1:5).  Urge them to make decisions based on the instructions and warnings found in the Bible.

[i] Cambridge Dictionary, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/wisdom