Proverbs 1, 2 and 3 (The very first three chapters in Proverbs talks about Prudency)

Objective: Instruction on how to attain and live a prudent life.

Summary: A Prudent Believer fears God, always careful not to go against the will of God, Does live a flamboyant lifestyle, does not waste the wealth God had given to him/her and is very resourceful.

Reading: Proverb 1:1-9.

Memory: Proverb 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,”

Introduction:

1. Some people are always in trouble? Why are they surrounded by strife? How come things never seem to work for them? Why do they seem to make so many bad choices?
2. Lord, help me to live a more prudent and disciplined life. Teach me, guide me, instruct me.

We need to know how to make good choices to live a prudent life.

This is the theme of the first three chapters of the Book of Proverbs. Here are the insights on how to avoid constant trouble in life. Oh, there will be difficulties. Even trying to live righteously itself can bring persecutions and trouble, but here is guidance in how to avoid unnecessary hassles in this life.

As the wise, divinely inspired author communicates here, three things stand out to guide us to prudent living.

Three keys to prudent living.

The very first step in living a prudent life is to

• Seek Wisdom.
• Wisdom is the application of knowledge.
• Wisdom and knowledge relate.
• Get some “knowledge” get some facts, some truths, some understanding, then when you can apply these things to making good choices in real life situations, this is wisdom.
• Such application of knowledge/wisdom is also what makes for good family leaders and enables each to work their way through their own life in prudent fashion.
• Such wise application of godly principles is what makes for a good and blessed life.
• Wisdom starts with respect for God.
• Proverb 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
• To stand in awe of God is where prudence and blessing all begins.
• There is a God. Created all. Set all up. Controls all.
• If you are not yet amazed, astounded by the concept of God, now is the time to begin to seek Him.

Now is the time to begin to look around and ask, to look for evidence of God’s Presence in everything we do!

• He is Present in the birth of all human kind or any living things. Present in the unfurling of a rose. Present in the compassion of a mother for her child. In the charitable response of some people for others.
• Feel Him in the expanse of the sky at night or the power of a storm.
• Feel Him identify with you and know you and relate to you as you read the Scriptures. Feel His very Spirit as it works on your own soul, calling and entreating you. Open the Bible and read about His word and read secret things about yourself that even you weren’t aware of. Realize there is a God Who knows you!
• Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Of course there is a God! And it is wise for anyone to pay attention because He cares. And He is watching! Psalm 53:2, “God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”
• To have a good and prudent life, know that there is a God and act like it. Fear Him, love Him, pay attention to Him. Go to Him for help and direction.
• Seek wisdom from God.
• To be prudent in life, learn from the Maker of life!
• Proverb 2:3-6, “… if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
• The Lord is willing, even eager to share wisdom. But expects us to be serious about finding it.
• James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
• Proverb 2:9-11, “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” Here is the secret of a prudent life.

• Prudent living means that you make good choices and decisions. About where to live. Which job to take. How to spend wisely. How to relate to people. Who to date, marry, hang around with. Ask for wisdom.

Those who acquire wisdom know that it is beneficial to