Studies in the Book of Proverbs

We have come to our final study in this series on the book of Proverbs - today we want to consider the Perpetuity of Wisdom. We began this study on May 31, 2020 with "An Introduction to the Book of Proverbs" In that message, we noted that the "Self-Improvement Industry" was worth $11.6 billion in 2019 (in just the U.S.) and estimated to grow to $13.2 billion by 2022. Yet, God has given us the ultimate source of wisdom - His Word ... and it is never-changing! PHILOSOPHY is the field of study that "investigates reality and human existence." Literally, it means "the love of wisdom" (from Philo - sophos). Interestingly, "religion" is a subset of philosophy. Even more interesting is therefore is the core question of philosophy: "What is the uncaused cause?" - At the root of the understanding of reality, and the love of wisdom, is a true understanding of what, or WHO, is the uncaused cause! - When you have the proper foundation ... you can begin to build the proper structure!. This message was presented on February 28, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Two weeks ago, we began to consider our "final" pearl ... those verses dealing with our communication. Words are extremely important. They are the foundations of communication. With them communicate value and worth. With them communicate describe concepts, thoughts, ideas and philosophies that impact societies and history. With them we declare, or record, facts or falsehood. With them we edify or destroy. Two weeks ago, we considered the challenge for us to NOT use our words to cause contention or strife, but rather to seek unity. Last week, we considered the challenge for us to use our words to edify and not destroy. Today, we want to consider those verses which discuss the importance of using our words to communicate truth, as opposed to falsehood. The Greek word for truth is the word "alaetheia" which is comprised of two other Greek words: "a" meaning "not" and "lanthano" meaning "to be hid." Truth is that which is "not hidden" ... or by extension, something in which something is not hidden. There are no hidden clauses! We will be breaking our study up using five primary key verses. This message was presented on February 21, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. In various places in our study, we have seen the importance of our words. Last week, we began a three-week consideration of our communication by considering the challenge for us to not use our words to cause contention or strife. The opposite of that would be to seek to edify, or build up, others ... rather than tearing them down. Today, we will consider the verses that address this goal. We begin with a reminder of how we ended last week: that we should pursue healthy discussions and peaceful resolutions. This is best accomplished by seeking to be other-focused with a Christ-like mind. This is because words are important ... what we say can build up or destroy. They convey what is in the depths of the well of a man's heart. ... Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. This message was presented on February 14, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Recently, we have considered the description of those referred to as "The Righteous." The past two weeks, we considered those Proverbs which addressed the family - both the marital relationship and the parental relationship. In those studies, we saw the importance of our words, and how we speak to others. Today's message began as "Pearls on Communication" but quickly began to be reshaped based upon the weight of Proverbs that address our negative communication and the effects of it. The message can be summarized by Proverbs 17:14 "The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts." This message was presented on February 7, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Last week, we began considering some of the Proverbs written regarding the family. We began with some General Principles and then considered those that referred to the husband and the wife, specifically. Today, we will transition into the "Parental Relationship" ... those Proverbs given in reference to how we parent and the reaction/response of the children. As a whole, though, we need to remember that having a proper Biblical "Marital Relationship" will be the first major step toward having a proper Biblical "Parental Relationship." If we do not submit to the authority of the Word of God in our own lives, how can we expect our children to do otherwise in their submission to our authority, and instruction? This message was presented on January 31, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Over the past four weeks, we have been considering verses regarding "The Righteous." Though the principles generally apply to all individuals, the primary target was Solomon's son - Rehoboam. As men, we need to lead the way in the standards of righteousness. This is most prevalent in our homes. It seems that it is in our homes, when we (men, women, husbands, wives, dads, moms, sons, and daughters) let down our guard the most. Today, we want to begin considering the Proverbs which specifically relate to the family. We will start by considering the verses that apply to the family, or home, in general ... and then move to those which talk to the marital relationship. Lord willing, next week, we will consider those verses which are concerning the parental relationship. This message was presented on January 24, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Three weeks ago, we began considering the volume of verses regarding "The Righteous." Today, Lord willing, we will investigate further the inheritance that is promised them and the injunction, or warning, that is given to them as well. This message was presented on January 17, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Last week we began considering the volume of verses regarding "The Righteous." Today, Lord willing, we will investigate what is declared regarding the impact that the righteous will have in their family and community, and then the inheritance that is promised them. This message was presented on January 3, 2021 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Prior to Advent, we spent three weeks considering the volume of verses in Proverbs that are written in regards to our finances. Today, we will begin considering the volume of verses regarding "The Righteous." However, before we consider what the book of Proverbs has to say regarding the righteous, we must first consider "WHO" the righteous are. This message was presented on December 27, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Over the past two weeks, we have been considering the volume of verses in Proverbs that are written in regards to our finances. We have considered our Attitude on Finances and our Acquisition of Finances. Today, we will transition into the final phase of our consideration - the Administration of Finances. In our sub-culture, this is probably the area which needs to be addressed the most. Again, we are to be reminded of Jesus' primary teaching: "Change the way you think." This message was presented on November 22, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Last week, we began considering the volume of verses that are written in regards to our finances. Specifically last week, we considered what should be our attitude on finances. Today, we will consider our acquisition of finances. A good summary verse for this topic might be: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. This message was presented on November 15, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Over the past three weeks we have considered some of the character traits that are revealed in chapter 6. In each of these of three and in our previous consideration of Proverbs 3:9-10, where we were told to honor YHWH with our material resources, we have noted that what we believe will be realized in our actions and attitudes ... and the chief of those is in regards to our finances. Proverbs has much to say regarding our Attitude on Finances, Acquisition of Finances, and Administration of Finances. Hence, LORD willing, we will be spending the next three weeks considering this subject ... and will probably just be scratching the surface of the Biblical teaching. Today, our goal will be to consider our Attitude on Finances. This message was presented on November 8, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Over the past two weeks we have considered some of the character traits that are revealed in chapter 6. In each of these we have considered a positive trait, or attribute: trustworthiness and diligence, respectively. Today, however, we run into a portion where a certain "type" of individual is just outright denounced and condemned - "The Worthless Man." This message was presented on November 1, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. Last week, we began considering some of the character traits that are revealed in chapter 6. In today's passage, we are called to consider, and learn from, the ways of one of the smallest species of God's creation - the ant. This message was presented on October 25, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have been considering some Pearls of Wisdom. In our recent messages, we have seen that because YHWH is faithful and true, we can trust in Him with ALL our hearts, and make Him known in ALL our ways, by leaning not on our own understanding but, rather, following His guidance. Over the past couple of messages we have discussed two of the primary WAYS that we reveal that we are trusting Him - by honoring Him with our material resources and by accepting the expression of His love through discipline and chastisement. Today, we will begin looking at several character traits that will be evidenced in the lives of those who TRUST YHWH. Those who truly TRUST YHWH will emulate His Trustworthiness in their lives. They too will desire to be trustworthy in their words and dealings. This message was presented on October 18, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have transitioned into more of a "Topical Approach" in considering the Pearls of Wisdom. In our recent messages, we have seen that because YHWH is faithful and true, we can trust in Him with ALL our hearts, and make Him known in ALL our ways, by leaning not on our own understanding but, rather, following His guidance. Solomon then provides us with two critical areas of life in which we reveal that we are TRULY trusting in YHWH. The first area was regarding how we honor YHWH with our material resources. Last week, we began considering the second area: how we accept the love of YHWH expressed in His chastisement. We are told, “For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6) As we mentioned last week, this area of our walk with the Lord has been expounded upon by the writer of the book of Hebrews. Hence, we are considering Hebrews 12:1-13 alongside Proverbs 3:11-12. This message was presented on October 11, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have transitioned into more of a "Topical Approach" in considering the Pearls of Wisdom. In our recent messages, we have seen that because YHWH is faithful and true, we can trust in Him with ALL our hearts, and make Him known in ALL our ways, by leaning not on our own understanding but, rather, following His guidance. Solomon then provides us with two critical areas of life in which we reveal that we are TRULY trusting in YHWH. Two weeks ago, we examined the call for us to honor YHWH with our material resources. With the command, YHWH provided a promise that He would bless those who trust Him in that area. Similarly, with today's exhortation we are given tremendous encouragements as well! It will take us two weeks to adequately cover the volume of verses that this "pearl" covers. Today's portion has been expounded upon by the writer of the book of Hebrews. Hence, we will use Hebrews 12:1-13 alongside Proverbs 3:11-12. This message was presented on October 4, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have transitioned into more of a "Topical Approach" in considering the Pearls of Wisdom. Three weeks ago, we considered the call for us to bind "mercy and truth" about our necks. In that message, we considered that the Hebrew words used were: khesed and emet, and that combined they referred to a trustworthiness - faithful and true. Additionally, this combined quality was applied to YHWH Himself and is what Jesus (YHWH Incarnate) would be referred to as at His return. It is this attribute, as well, that will be applied to those who serve the Lord faithfully! Last week, we saw that because of the khesed and emet of YHWH being bound about our necks we should trust in Him with ALL our hearts. In doing so, we will not lean on our own understanding but rather "acknowledge Him" (lit. know Him) in ALL our ways. Today, we will discuss THE CHIEF WAY that reveal that we are truly trusting in YHWH ... If we HONOR Him with our MATERIAL RESOURCES! As Jesus stated in the Sermon on the Mount - you cannot serve God and mammon (the things that money buys). In Matthew 25, He gives a parable, relating to the Kingdom of Heaven, where He describes a Master who gives of his assets to three servants and then goes away. His expectation was that they would take these resources as a stewardship and invest them for him while he was away. Two did and one did not. The two that did heard that beautiful statement: "Well done, My good and faithful (khesed and emet) servant!" Let's see what the Scriptures tell us about reveal our Confidence in the Khesed and Emet of YHWH demonstrated in our Honoring Him with our Material Resources! This message was presented on September 20, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have transitioned into more of a "Topical Approach" in considering the Pearls of Wisdom. Two weeks ago, we considered the call for us to bind "mercy and truth" about our necks. In that message, we considered that the Hebrew words used were: khesed and emet, and that combined they referred to a trustworthiness - faithful and true. Additionally, this combined quality was applied to YHWH Himself, is what Jesus (YHWH Incarnate) would be referred to as at His return, and is the attribute that will be applied to those who serve the Lord faithfully! Today, we will continue in Proverbs 3 ... where we see that the next command is actually an extension of binding khesed and emet around our necks. If we embrace the khesed and emet of YHWH then we naturally will trust in YHWH! This, then, will lead to affecting the way we think and act in our decision making process. This message was presented on September 13, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In our study of the book of Proverbs, we have transitioned into more of a "Topical Approach" in considering the Pearls of Wisdom. "A natural pearl (often called an Oriental pearl) forms when an irritant works its way into a particular species of oyster, mussel, or clam. As a defense mechanism, the mollusk secretes a fluid to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating is deposited on the irritant until a lustrous pearl is formed." (JThomasJewelers.com) ... The truth recorded in Proverbs can be like that little irritant. It first rubs against you the wrong way and you may initially want to set up your "defense mechanism" against it. But, eventually, given time the truth will work in you to produce something that is extremely valuable! Jesus likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a Merchant who was searching for costly pearls. When he found one of great value, he sold everything he had in order to purchase it! (cf. Matthew 13:45-46) There are many valuable pearls to be found in the book of Proverbs! We have begun this discovery of the Pearls of Wisdom in Proverbs by using chapter 3 as our springboard. We have considered those truths which have focused upon Life and Health, and Food and Drink. Today, we want to examine the call to embrace mercy and truth. This message was presented on August 30, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

In the beginning, God created. .. in an orderly fashion. He created the heavens and the earth. He created light. He created the atmosphere. He created the seas and the lands. He created vegetation. He created the sun, moon and stars. He created the fish and the fowl. He created the land creatures. He created man. Consider Genesis 1:26-31. When God created humans, He created them in His image and likeness, to have dominion over the rest of creation. He created them to be fruitful and multiply. He also created them with a need to consume "food" to provide nutrients to their bodies. So, before God created animal life or human life, He created vegetation to be for food for mankind. Food is a blessing of God. It is not evil. Yet ... it can be and has been used for evil. At the beginning, Satan tempted Eve with food. It was good-looking, would taste good, and was the first "SuperFood!" ... it would give you wisdom to become like God! (*The food industry bestows the superfood label on nutrient-rich foods with a supposed capacity to positively affect health. Though many foods could be described as super, it's important to understand that there is no single food that holds the key to good health or disease prevention. ... https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/true-superfoods *) This message was presented on August 2, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

Over the past three years, approximately $3.5-3.6 trillion has been annually on U.S. Health Care. That works out to be about: $10,739 per person per year. Put that together with the $11.6 billion that is spent annually in the Self-Improvement industry and you will note that mankind significantly cares about The Quantity and The Quality of Life. And yet, for all of the money that is spent in those areas ... as well as in the entertainment industry and consumable industries ... length of life and steadfast happiness is fleeting. It cannot be bought or purchased. This in fact, has been declared to by God in His Word. (Psalm 90:10,12 10 "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years ... So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalms 39:4-7 4 "LORD, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. 5 Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah 6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You." Psalms 139:14-16 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.) Yet, within the plan and design of God is the balance of predestination and fore-knowledge ... that which He ordained and that which He allowed. One of the great mysteries is how those two determiners of God's will played out in the writing of His book, and in the planning of history. God is Sovereign. Yet in His Sovereignty, He created man to be a Free-Will creature. The decisions that I make DO affect "history" - in some manner - as it plays out in the tapestry of my life and those with whom my life intertwines! God's Word then has a lot to say regarding HOW our decisions MAY - CAN - DO affect Our Quantity of Life ... and Quality of Life. Today, we will begin considering The Pearls from Proverbs regarding Life and Health (Quantity and Quality of Life). This message was presented on July 26, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

Today's message is a continuance of the "The Pursuit of Wisdom" ... As we considered over the past two weeks, IF TRULY WANT WISDOM and SEEK FOR IT LIKE THE TREASURE THAT IT IS ... THEN: YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF YHWH and FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. If you do that, then you will have begun walking along the PATH OF WISDOM. If you do that, then the goal is to continue to walk on the straight path! And THAT is the summation of living the Christian life!!! Jesus said, "I am the way ... no one comes to the Father except by me." (John 14:6) Jesus also said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) Joshua was challenged in this light by YHWH, "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:7-8) Joshua was told that he was going to have to be "Strong and Courageous" in order to stay on the "straight path." Finally, in introduction to our passage, we our warned in Proverbs twice, "There is a way that seem right to a ma but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) So, as we consider the "Path of Wisdom" today, it is more of a warning of being tempted, distracted and enticed away from the "straight path" of wisdom! This message was presented on July 19, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

"The fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge." That is the over-riding precept for the book of Proverbs. From that precept is derived the principle that flows through much of the teaching and is the gist of many of the proverbs in the book - "The wise will desire wisdom and understanding; the fool will despise wisdom and understanding." Last week we began considering "The Pursuit of Wisdom." What we desire will guide our priorities and will be evidenced in our passions. In our passage, we see a large conditional statement with four requisites followed by a resultant promise based upon the faithfulness of YHWH. Last wee we considered the four requisites. Today, we want to consider the promised result and the basis for this promise. This message was presented on July 12, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

Proverbs 1:5-7 "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This passage provides us the Precept and Principle upon which the book of Proverbs is built. We have seen this precept and two-pronged principle continuously cropping up in each of the messages on the book of Proverbs so far. Today will be no different! Everybody has, in some manner, a "Wish List" ... or a "Bucket List" ... of things that they would like obtain, see, or accomplish. What is it that you TRULY WANT? What is on your BUCKET LIST? .... Where is wisdom on that list? Today, we want to begin considering Our Passion for Wisdom ... by considering The Pursuit of Wisdom for which this book calls. We will be considering this topic over the next two weeks. Our primary passage is established as a conditional statement with multiple requisites and results. As well, we are given the rationale, or reasons, for the results. Our goal today is to consider the Requisites, but first peek at the Results ... in order to fully appreciate having the passion for which the passage calls. This message was presented on July 5, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

Proverbs 1:5-7 "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This passage provides us the Precept and Principle upon which the book of Proverbs is built. We have seen it displayed in each of the past three messages; today, will be the same! Repetition is the key to learning! God desires for us to understand the importance of our response to the call of wisdom! In the beginning of the book, wisdom is personified as a woman whose call is in contrast to another woman (described as a harlot) who is the personification of foolishness. Today, we want to consider the Portrait that is verbally given within the first nine chapters of the book. This message was presented on June 28, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

So far in our study of the book of Proverbs, we have considered that the purpose of the book of Proverbs is to provide wisdom, knowledge, discipline, understanding, discernment and discretion. Additionally, we have seen that the primary precept of the book is: the fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge. The principle then that is derived from that precept is that those who are wise will seek the wisdom and understanding, but fools will despise wisdom and understanding. Last week, we began considering Solomon's Counsel to his son to make it his goal to Possess Wisdom. He warned him against the counsel of sinners who would seek to have him focus on the Wealth of the World instead. The proposition of the book of Proverbs is that Wisdom is the best thing that we can possess. Today, we continue looking to Solomon's desire to Propagate Wisdom to his children by considering his Challenge recorded at the beginning of chapter 4. The use of doublets, as a literary device (coupled synonyms, binomial expressions, etc) to expand or heighten the description of something, is frequent throughout the book of Proverbs. In today's passage we see them used extensively. This message was presented on June 21, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

The Purpose of the book of Proverbs is to provide wisdom, knowledge, instruction, understanding, discernment and discretion. Last week, we considered the primary precept of the book: the fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge. The principle then that is derived from that precept is that those who are wise will seek the wisdom and understanding, but fools will despise wisdom and understanding. As we continue in our study of the book, we instantly see Solomon place a challenge to his son regarding choices. This book of Proverbs is all about choices! Our choices will be affected by our desires - in the end, what is it that we want to possess? The proposition of this book is that Wisdom is the best thing that we can possess. This message was presented on June 14, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

Google Self-Help Books ... 5.1 Billion results!!!! ... Self-Improvement Industry - $11.6 Billion in 2019. Scriptures are "God-Breathed" and written via holy men moved by the Holy Spirit to complete and equip the man of God to all good works (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim 3:16-17). The Wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs has stood the test of time. It was "written" to provide us with: wisdom, knowledge, instruction, understanding, discernment and discretion. Last week, we began an Introduction into the book of Proverbs by considering the Purpose of the writing and beginning to consider the primary Principle and Precept. Today, our goal is to continue our consideration of the primary Principle and Precept of the book. This message was presented on June 7, 2020 by Bob Corbin.

Google Self-Help Books ... 5.1 Billion results!!!! Self-Improvement Industry was worth $11.6 Billion in 2019, and is estimated to grow to $13.2 Billion per year by 2022! Where are people turning to find wisdom, knowledge, instruction, understanding, discernment and discretion? The world and relative truth! The Wisdom recorded in the book of Proverbs has stood the test of time. It was "written" by a small group of individuals 2500-2800 years ago! Ultimately, we understand that these authors were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), such that every word is "God-breathed" in order to fully equip the man of God to all good works (2 Tim 3:16-17). Sadly, those who are called by God's name turn to the world for wisdom rather than to He who is the source of all true Wisdom! Lord willing, we will spend at least 12 weeks considering the wisdom recorded in this book. We will not be able to consider it verse-by-verse but rather thematically - considering a group of like passages. However, we will still consider those passages expositionally and exegetically - seeking to glean the wisdom, knowledge, instruction, understanding, discernment and discretion that is being communicated to the "man of God" in order that we might be equipped! This message was presented on May 31, 2020 by Bob Corbin.