Phrases to Understand
Proverbs 7:2 “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.” What does this “apple of eye” refer to, and why?
What people does the Lord refer to as “the apple of his eye?”
This phrase is one of many commonly used expressions that come from the Old Testament. The phrase is also found in Deuteronomy 32:10, Psalm 17:8, and Lamentations 2:18. The word apple, however, refers not to the fruit but to the pupil of the eye (see William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies, s.v. “apple”). The idiom suggests that just as the eye is a sensitive organ requiring care and protection, so is the law precious and worthy of protection.
The People of Israel are "the apple of his eye." See Deuteronomy 32:9 -10
In Proverbs 3 and 7, Wisdom is personified as a what?
A woman
See Proverbs 3:13–18
Fill in the blank: Proverbs 1:7
7 ¶The fear of the Lord is the beginning of….: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
knowledge
Finish the phrase from Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer…
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Elder W. Craig Zwick: “A ‘soft answer’ consists of a reasoned response—disciplined words from a humble heart. It does not mean we never speak directly or that we compromise doctrinal truth. Words that may be firm in information can be soft in spirit”
What literary genre do Proverbs and Ecclesiastes fall under:
a: Books of the Law
b: Historical Books
c. Wisdom Literature
d. The Prophets
C. Wisdom Literature
Others in this genre include Job, Psalms, and Songs of Solomon
Why will obeying parental counsel result in “Chains about one’s neck” in the following verses? Proverbs 1:8–9.
8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Trick Question: These verses express the idea that wisdom won through obedience to parental counsel is as a lovely ornament (crown) to one’s head and as chains (necklaces) about one’s neck.
What does this scripture in Proverbs 11:22 mean? As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Nose jewels were a common adornment for the women of Israel and surrounding cultures, but a jewel in a swine’s snout was unthinkable because swine were held in such contempt among the Israelites. This proverb thus dismisses the value of physical beauty when it is not accompanied with self-control and righteousness.
Fill in the blank for Proverbs 4:7.
7 Wisdom is the …; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
a) guiding light, b)principal thing, c)beginning of knowledge
B: Principal thing
Where can you find the scripture reference for this song?
Ecclesiastes 3:1–11
Proverbs 1:1. Who Wrote the Book of Proverbs?
“The general title is ‘The Proverbs of Solomon the son of David’. At several points in the book, however, there are rubrics [headings] giving the authorship of different sections. Thus sections are ascribed to Solomon at 10:1 and to ‘the wise’ at 22:17 and 24:23.
At 25:1 there is the rubric ‘These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied’ (Hezekiah about two centuries after Solomon); ch. 30 is headed ‘the words of Agur son of Jakeh’, and ch. 31 ascribed to ‘King Lemuel’, or, rather, to his mother.” (Guthrie and Motyer, New Bible Commentary, p. 548.)
According to the scriptural record, Solomon spoke or compiled three thousand proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs (see 1 Kings 4:32). Some of his wisdom was undoubtedly preserved by later writers and editors of the Old Testament and is now found in the wisdom literature.
Proverbs 6:16–19 lists seven things the Lord hates. Name any 3 mentioned.
16-19 ¶These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
How does the JST change the following scripture: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22
Joseph Smith Translation, Proverbs 18:22, reads, “Whoso findeth a good wife hath obtained favor of the Lord”
Fill in the blank: Proverbs 9:9–10 “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is …”
understanding
Scripture mastery question: What is Proverbs 3:5?
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
The Youth Theme for 2022 is from Proverbs. What is theme and it's corresponding scripture?
Trust in the Lord
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
In Proverbs 23:16. Why is the term reins used? “Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.”
“In the ancient system of physiology the kidneys [reins] were believed to be the seat of desire and longing, which accounts for their often being coupled with the heart” (William Smith, A Dictionary of the Bible, s.v. “reins”).
The word reins is used frequently in Psalms and in the famous passage in Job 19:27.
Proverbs 19:18; and Proverbs 29:17 tell us to do two things to help raise our children. Both start with the letter “C.” What are they:
What does our Heavenly Father do to us to help us grow?
Chasten and Correct
Proverbs 19:18: Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Proverbs 29:17: Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 3:11–12: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
These verses sound an often repeated theme in the scriptures: the Lord frequently chastens His children to help them grow and progress spiritually (see Helaman 15:3; D&C 95:1; 101:4–5)
Proverbs 3:18 and 1 Nephi 11:8–11, 21–25 share a symbol, although it doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing. What is the symbol?
Proverbs 3:18 says that wisdom “is a tree of life” to those who have it.
What can this symbol teach us about the value of wisdom?
Proverbs 13:10 tells us that contention comes from what?
Pride “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”
(See President Ezra Taft Benson quote)
One of the themes in both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is "Fear the Lord." What does this mean?
Ex: Ecclesiastes 12:13: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. … [It] encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ; obedience to His commandments; and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand. … Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him.”
Elder David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears”
What is a “Hoary Head” in Proverbs 16: 31
Hoary means “white”; thus, this phrase could be translated as “the gray hair of old age” (Proverbs 16:31).
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Fill in the blank, and then discuss the following scripture:
Proverbs 31:10: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is …?
far above rubies
Discuss double standard of virtue; the role of virtue and integrity in sexuality; and the Law of Chastity post-marriage.
Proverbs 13:20 says “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be” what?
destroyed
Which is the correct beginning for this scripture: “Teach a child” or “Train up a child?” Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 43; or Ensign, May 1993, 34).
There are no "Thus Saith the Lord" in these books.Are Proverbs & Ecclesiastes considered the Word of God, or wise saying handed down through time?
Discuss