The Fear of the Lord

WofWThe Proverbs 31Exploring Women of the Word Women of the Word by Sue LeBoutillier by Sue LeBoutillier ay=isdom

Welcome to our Women’s Bible Study “The Way of Wisdom” which is an exploration of Proverbs 31. I’d like to share a little with you about how to use this six-week video series with accompanying study notes. You’ll find a PDF download for each of the sessions in this study. This is the first of six. You can print them or simply reference them on your device and use a notebook to jot down your own thoughts. Whether you’re participating in this study on your own or in a group, the first thing you will want to do is watch the Session #1 Video, which will give you a really good perspective of the content of this Bible Study and help you understand how it is formatted. After you have watched the Session #1 video, the next page of this PDF titled Questions for Discussion: Session #1 gives you resources that are especially useful for group discussion following that video, but certainly worthwhile for your personal study as well. The final page of this download is labeled Study Guide Between Sessions #1 &#2. You’ll find a Proverbs reading assignment and a few questions related to specific Scriptures and concepts. But the majority of discussion questions for the next video will be found in the next PDF labeled Session #2. This first Study Guide contains four pages: a cover page, this introductory page, Question for Discussion on Session #1, and a Study Guide for Preparation before Session #2. All of the PDFs after this one will contain two pages: Questions for Discussion and a Study Guide for Preparation. I just wanted you to know what to expect if you are printing materials for your group. I’m primarily teaching from the English Standard Version of the Bible (ESV), although I will also reference other translations. If you have a preferred translation, that is just fine – use what you’re comfortable with. We will also be reading through the entire book of Proverbs during this study. I discovered a sweet little paperback produced by Crossway called the ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal. You can search for it on Amazon or use this link. It’s a reasonable price and you may really enjoy the space for notes. It’s my sincere hope that this Bible Study will bless you and give you not only a greater Biblical understanding of Proverbs 31, but a fresh overview of the book of Proverbs as a whole. While you’re spending personal time following this study, don’t forget to pray first and ask the Lord to help you focus your mind on the Scriptures and open your heart to His messages. May the Lord Bless you abundantly, www.lifebibleministry.com Sue LeBoutillier – Women of the Word Bible Studies The Way of Wisdom How to use this study Sue www.lifebibleministry.com Sue LeBoutillier – Women of the Word Bible Studies The Way of Wisdom Questions for Discussion: Session #1 The following are questions that can be used after you have watched the Session #1 Video. #1 If you were one of those 100 people interviewed on the street and asked about your thoughts on Proverb 31, what would your answer have been? #2 Can you share one Proverb that comes to mind, which would prove the point that they are short, memorable sayings. #3 Part of the Webster’s dictionary definition of wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment, either in avoiding evils or attempting good. What would you add to that definition? #6 Have you ever struggled with the phrase “The fear of the Lord?” If so, how has your understanding changed following today’s teaching? #4 Wisdom doesn’t just appear like grey hair.

Discuss what type of effort is required and give at least one real life example of that effort. #5 Read

Discuss the real source of wisdom. Proverbs 1 Proverbs 2 Proverbs 3 Proverbs Reading Assignment for this Week: Proverbs 4 Proverbs 5 Proverbs 6 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The Way of Wisdom Study & Prep for Session #2 #1 The Fear of the Lord is mentioned 18 times in the book of Proverbs. We’ll look up six of those references. What do these verses add to your understanding of The Fear of the Lord? www.lifebibleministry.com Sue LeBoutillier – Women of the Word Bible Studies #2 From

list some benefits of seeking wisdom as well as some ills that a person could be delivered from by obtaining wisdom. Prov. 10:27 Prov. 14:26 Prov. 15:33 Prov. 19:23 Prov. 22:4 Prov. 28:14 #3

is a very popular passage – it may even be a life verse for some. This is the first mention of trust in the Proverbs. How would you describe trusting in the Lord and fearing the Lord as similar ideas and how are they different? #5

admonishes us to be not wise in your own eyes – in other words: don’t be proud. Read

and consider how the words of the prophet echo the words of Solomon. Read these Proverbs and consider what they add to the call toward humility instead of pride: #6 In preparation for Session #2, Read

What is mom cautioning her son against and what is she instructing him about? #4a) What are some of the contrasts that you noted as you read through the first six chapters of Proverbs? (Example: The way of wisdom (4:11) and the way of evil (4:14). b) Read

which speaks of people entrapped in moral confusion. What does v.21 suggest as the root of that confusion? Prov. 11:2 Prov. 16:18-19 Prov. 28:26 Prov. 29:23