Pearls of Wisdom
In-Home Bible Study for Teens
by
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INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS
Certain clothes go in and out of style. It is said that if you keep out of date clothes long enough, they will eventually come back in style. Amazingly enough, even bell bottoms have recycled! Certain words are like fashion; their use comes in and out of style. We use them for a while and then they are dropped from our vocabularies. They are considered outdated or old fashioned. One of my grandfather’s favorite words was “wholesome.” I don’t hear that word used much anymore. Another word I don’t hear used often is “wisdom.” This is the key word in our study of Proverbs.
We have a collection of wise sayings in our society today, sayings that have been passed down orally from generation to generation. Some are based on scripture; others have come from literature; some have come from observation. What can you recall? I’ll get you started.
Two heads are better than _________.
Actions speak louder than ___________.
All that glitters is not _____________.
Proverbs 1:1 ascribes its “wise words” to whom? Solomon_______________
Most of the book of Proverbs is closely linked to Solomon. He was the son of King David and Bathsheba. He inherited the kingdom when his father David died.
Read I Kings 3:5-13. This passage of scripture gives us important insight into Solomon’s wisdom. God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God instructed Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted and it would be granted.
What would you ask for?
What did Solomon request?
Verse 9, “I ask that you give me an obedient heart so I can rule the people in the right way and will know the difference between right and wrong.” Solomon asked for wisdom to make the right decisions.
Just how much wisdom did God grant Solomon? I Kings 4:29, I Kings 4:32
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight; and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. He passed down some of his wisdom to us!
The book of Proverbs encourages EVERYONE to get wisdom. Gaining wisdom should be a top priority for us--just as it was for Solomon.
Proverbs 2:2 “Incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding.”
Proverbs 3:21 “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.”
Proverbs 13:12 “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
Proverbs 16:16 “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.”
Proverbs 3:13-15 “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Apparently, Solomon believes obtaining wisdom is of more importance than obtaining
wealth.
Charles Swindoll said, “Foolish indeed is the person who considers himself safe and sound because he has money….Money, in the final analysis, brings no lasting satisfaction, certainly not in the area of things that really matter. There are many things that no amount of money can buy. Think of it this way:
Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Money can buy companionship, but not friends.
Money can buy food, but not an appetite.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy the good life, but not eternal life.
It is God alone who is able to supply us with all things to enjoy.”
We are truly wealthy when we learn that the greatest gifts ever obtained are the ones that only God can give. What “treasures” might you gain in an obedient life to him?
See Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
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About the Book
—Josh D. McDowell, author and speaker
“Pearls of Wisdom examines some of the most familiar and well-loved passages in the Bible. My friend, Mary Love Eyster, and her daughter, Weety Vickery, draw on years of teaching and life experience to share their wisdom. I would encourage you to use this study guide as a tool to teach teens how to apply these scriptural principles to everyday life!”
About the Author
Mary Love Eyster has been teaching Sunday school and various Bible studies for over thirty-five years. She and her daughter, Weety Vickery, provided teenage Bible studies for each of Weety's three daughters. Pearls of Wisdom and their first book, It Will Stand, have been written from their experience, to encourage and assist those who would like to teach a teenage Bible study. Mary Love lives in Decatur, Alabama and spends much of her time enjoying her family. She also writes a weekly devotional which is posted on her blog, mlovenotes.blogspot.com, and has just released a devotional book entitled Love Notes. Another book, Life's Little Frustrations, is also in the works.
Elizabeth "Weety" Vickery is a native of Decatur, Alabama. She and her husband, Mike, have raised three daughters, who have multiplied to a family of fifteen. She has led in-home Bible studies for the past nine years. She says, "I am constantly amazed at the dedication of my teenagers to attend a weekly Bible study (especially at 6:30 a.m.). The same Living Word that has spoken to individuals throughout the ages is still touching hearts and changing lives. Mike thinks they come for his good breakfast, but we know it is their hunger to hear the truth of God's mighty Word."