Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
22. Proverbs: Advice on Living in God's World
Discussion Questions
- How much attention should contemporary Christians give to the proverbs in the book of Proverbs?
- Since many of the proverbs are addressed to men, how applicable are they for women?
- Frequently in the book of Proverbs a proverb will admonish a child to heed a parent’s advice. For example, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother” (1:8). For how much of our life should we heed this admonition?
- How are wisdom and folly best illustrated in the Christian community today?
- It seems that some proverbs were borrowed from other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Should these be taken as seriously as the ones that are distinctly the proverbs of Israelites?
Class Activities
- Break the class into groups of three. Assign one of the topics for Solomon’s proverbs to each group. Ask the students to find a proverb on the topic which they have been assigned. Conclude with a feedback session where each topic is illustrated by a proverb. Class time allowed: 25 minutes.
- Ask the class to find examples of each purpose in the book of Proverbs and read it aloud in class. Class time allowed: 20 minutes.