“A hard heart is frequently accompanied with a brazen face.”
John Arrowsmith
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
How do we keep our heart with all vigilance? We do so by studying the Scriptures. And one of the books that constitute the Scriptures is the book of Proverbs. I want to invite you to join us in our study of the book of Proverbs on Wednesday nights at 7 PM. Proverbs is the prime example of Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament. The other books are Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. [see the ESV Study Bible notes]
What is a proverb?
- It is a “concise memorable statement of truth learned over extended human experience.” [Klein, Blomberg, and Hubbard, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, 387]
- It is a “short sentence long remembered.” [Leland Ryken]
- A proverb is a “short saying that expresses a universal truth for practical, righteous living.” [Christianity.com]
- A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept. [American Heritage Dictionary]
What are some of the key themes of the book of Proverbs?
- God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of his people’s lives.
- A life lived by God’s will is a happy life. (3:21-26)
- A life lived by God’s will is a useful life. (3:27-28; 12:18, 25)
- A life lived by God’s will does not just happen, one must seek after it, study it, pursue it, and discipline oneself.
- Such a life is available to those who go after it. (9:1-6) [ESV Bible Study notes]
Are you interested in going after such a life? If so, please come out and attend the Wednesday night study on Proverbs. Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
