Proverbs: Questions and Answers
Question 1
From Proverbs chapter 4, what is wisdom?
Answer
Wisdom is the correct and positively productive application of knowledge. The ability or enablement to do the right things at the right times in the right places to achieve the best outcomes possible. This is best achieved by divine enablement, through Divine Wisdom.
Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). Accepting and receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior brings us into the realm of being able to access Divine Wisdom.
Question 2
From Proverbs chapter 4, what are the benefits of wisdom?
Answer
The benefits of wisdom as enunciated in Proverbs chapter 4 include: long life, understanding, honour, promotion, preservation, grace and being bestowed with a crown of glory. Other notable benefits include being led in the right paths, not being hindered, not stumbling and being able to successfully avoid the ways of evil men and their wicked consequences. It then sets the wise on a shining path that shines more and more unto the perfect day.
Question 3
What is the fear of the Lord?
Answer
According to Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This means dutiful reverence, respect of God and holding God in high regard is the true foundation for wisdom, since wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom or knowledge that is not based on God and his ways would present a faulty and unsustainable foundation.
The fear of the Lord guarantees life and deliverance from evil according to Proverbs 19:23:
“The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.”
Further, the Bible states in Job 28:28
“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
Question 4
From Proverbs chapter 2, in what ways can wisdom be obtained?
Answer
(i) Receiving God's words, accepting what God is saying (V1). (ii) Hiding God's commandments with us, keeping his instructions at the forefront of our relationships and interactions, so we are properly guided (V1). (iii) Listening to God's words as they are words of wisdom (V2). (iv) Applying our hearts to understanding by relating the applicability of God's wisdom to everyday life encounters (V2). (v) Crying out to God to grant you knowledge (V3). (vi) Calling upon God to give you understanding (V3). (vii) Seeking wisdom as you would a highly valued treasure (V4).
Question 5
From Proverbs chapter 2, wisdom delivers you from what?
Answer
Evil men who use deceitful or perverted language (Proverbs 2:12-15) and strange women who flatter and wants to lead you into death, hell and destruction (Proverbs 2:16-19).
Question 6
From Proverbs 10:19, how should we comport ourselves when it comes to the use of words?
Answer
The Bible states in Proverbs 10:19 that “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Even a fool when he keeps silent is considered a wise person, because he or she will not say foolish things that will be regretted later (Proverbs 17:28).
Further, words are like broken eggs or spilt milk, when it goes out, it cannot be retrieved or withdrawn. Therefore, the Bible cautions us to be ready to listen more than to speak (James 1:19), and controlling our tongue is a mark of perfection (James 3:2).
Question 7
State the qualities of a virtuous woman as enumerated in Proverbs 31?
Answer
The scripture in Proverbs 31:10-31 specifies the qualities of a virtuous woman. She is more valuable than precious jewels (v10), she earns the trust of her husband (v11-12), , respects her husband, is entrepreneurial (v13, 18-19), enterprising (v14, 16, 24) , cares for her children and family and keeps them warm in winter (v15, 21, 27), cares for the poor and needy (v20), she is kind and wise (v26), she is God fearing, has inner beauty is as a result of her godly character (v30).
Question 8
It should be okay to drink wine and some alcohol. After all, didn't Paul tell a minister of God - Timothy to take some wine?
Answer
The Bible states in Proverbs 31:4-6 that:
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes’ strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. “
It is not for Kings to drink wine or be drunk. Kings are people with authority, whose words matter and their words can result in life or death (Proverbs 18:21). We are Kings and priests (Revelation 1:6) and therefore should be in control instead of allowing wine or alcohol to control us.
Paul told Timothy to take some wine to help in his sickness, we were not told if it is fruit juice or very strong alcohol.
The scripture above is clear that strong drink should be given to people who are ready to be destroyed or who are ready to perish. Are you ready to perish?
We know of many who have perished or homes destroyed due to drunkenness which sometimes creep on the drinker. There are various movements against alcoholism and drunkenness due to its various ills, for example, Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Wine or alcohol sometimes gives strength and boldness to the drinker. However, God gives us strength (Psalm 46:1). And as righteous people we receive boldness from God and are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 18:1). Therefore we should be filled with the Holy Spirit not with wine and not half wine, half Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
