If you are not here regularly on Wednesday nights or you are part of another class, you might not know that our adult auditorium class just finished discussing themes in the book of Proverbs from a study called “Practical Proverbs” by Scott Franks.  The book is filled with short sayings that are long on wisdom. Wisdom is described in the Bible Knowledge Commentary as “having the ability to cope with life in a God-honoring way.” That is something we should all be striving to do. I wrote about the first half of that study several weeks ago. You can read that post by clicking here. As for the second half of the study, these are some of the big ideas that we talked about during our time together on Wednesdays.

Anger

There are good and bad kinds of anger. Good anger is often a reaction to injustice and motivates us to improving the situation and righting the wrong. Usually bad anger is selfish and leads to bad decisions. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11)

Quarreling

Some of us enjoy a good debate, but we can also be prone to pointless quarrels. The key to avoiding them is understanding their source and not fanning the flame once quarrels have started. “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20)

Marriage

It may seem humorous that the discussion of marriage came on the heels of lessons about anger and quarreling, but we realize the negative impact those things can have on a relationship. Our relationships should instead be filled with respect, honor and praise. “Houses and wealth are inherited from the parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:14)

Parents & Kids

Steven Covey talks about the “law of the farm.” Farmers understand that they should only expect a harvest of what they have planted and cultivated. If we have a desired outcome for our children’s lives, we must plant those seeds and nurture them through prayer, love and discipline. “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9).

Work

From the time man was placed in the garden, he was given a job to do. We have a need to do work, but how and why we do that work matters. We should not find our meaning in work, but it can be fulfilling. “He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” (Proverbs 12:11)

Balance and Contentment

– Brian