A Wise Man Once Said...

Week 32: Discovering the Character of God through Proverbs

32.1 Pose the group the question of what they think it means to be 'wise'. Let it generate discussion as we share our answers.

32.2 Recap some of what we learned about Solomon from Series 1. Read 1 Kings 3:4-15 to help the group remember how Solomon had gone 'all out' for God in seeking the right kind of wisdom for ruling the kingdom. Follow this up by reading 1 Kings 4:29-34 and hone in on verse 32.

Talk about "wise sayings" referred to in this passage and perhaps share some we're familiar with; who says them? what do they mean? do we live by them?

32.3 Discuss the differences and similarities between these and the types of proverbs/sayings that Solomon might have written. Introduce Proverbs, explaining the authorship and purpose.

Read Proverbs 1:1-7 and highlight how this underlines the purpose of this book straight away. It's all about the right kind of wisdom. Read Proverbs 2:1-11 and see how, again, Solomon is setting the scene for what he is going to say with his proverbs: seek wisdom.

32.4 Return to this idea of the right kind of wisdom - what is the 'right/wrong' kind (check out James 3:13-18).

Why is all of this so important? It teaches us about God's character. Read Prov 3:5-6 (NIV). Here, it made really plain: God wants us to rely on Him (compare Jesus to His disciples in JOhn 15:5).

32.5 So, is that it, then? Is it all about wisdom? No. Think of it like a teacher handing out a textbook: the students won't learn just by reading the introduction; they need to get to grips with the actual text/facts that the introduction simply introduces. Let's apply this theory by looking at the first chapter of 'sayings'.

Split into small groups and assign each several verses to pore over. As they read, see if they can see the lesson in the proverb and what this might teach them about God (eg: v4 - God wants us to do well, etc). If time allows, change groups and look at a different chapter and feed back to the wider group. See how much we can learn of God!

Finally, invite each person to choose a proverb to action in their lives this week.


Week 32: Summary
Proverbs is another rich book and viewing it through this 'establishing shot' is a great way to introduce characteristics of God that you may not see directly elsewhere. The best way of studying, 'though, having seen this broader view is to then view it in detail. Zoom in on chapters and verses and before long you'll be finding characteristics of God, one after another...

• He wants us to trust in, and rely on Him
• If we only count on our own wisdom, everything will soon fall apart
• He guides and directs us

Finally, the proverbs aren't just for reading or even memorising. They're for living!

Wisdom, Wealth and Women

Week 12: Discovering the Character of God through Solomon
12.1. Watch Finding Nemo, scene 5 (11:28) to scene 6 (14:54). As a group, discuss Nemo’s behaviour: his attitude, the rules he broke, the consequences and why, ultimately, those rules were in place. David’s son, Solomon, is not so different; even after his father commanded him on his deathbed to ‘Obey the Lord’ and even after God himself reinforces this, Solomon still breaks God’s rules and suffers the consequences. But life isn’t all bad for Solomon. In fact, it starts out quite well…

12.2. Read 1 Kings 3:4-9. Before examining this passage further, give the group a brief overview of Solomon’s story so far:

As David’s firstborn, he was heir to the throne but his brother Adonijah tried to make himself king instead in a secret ceremony. Luckily for Solomon, David’s advisor, Nathan, found out and - together with Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother - exposed Adonijah’s plans. David dealt with Adonijah and Solomon king.

On his deathbed, David then gave Solomon a bunch of commands to follow in order to be a good leader and the blessings that he would enjoy if he kept them (2:3-9). Solomon took his throne, executing some of these commands and was in full control of Israel by the time we arrive at chapter 3.

The verses that we’ve just read say a lot about the man that Solomon was at the beginning of his reign. Note verse 3.

• Discuss the ‘thousand’ sacrifices in verse 4.

Solomon goes all out for God. He wants to live up to his father’s legacy : having the same relationship with God and being respected by the people by - and for - following God’s wisdom, rather than his own.

12.3. Read 1 Kings 3:10-14. Discuss God’s response to Solomon’s sacrifices and request. Notice that God gives abundantly more than Solomon asks for, because he has the right attitude.

• Can the group think of anyone else we’ve studied who experienced this? (Ruth, Joshua, etc).

Also note verse 14: the promise is conditional.

12.4. All through the Bible, we see this continued theme of God’s conditional promises.

• Invite the group to name a few form the people we’ve looked at so far.

Solomon has more than one encounter with the Lord where he discovers this attribute of God.

12.5. Sadly, Solomon’s obedience didn’t last long; just like his father, it was women who led him astray. Read 1 Kings 11:1-6, 9-10 to see what happened and then read 1 kings 11:1-13 to learn of the consequences of his actions. Again and again, we have been witnessing people suffering consequences for sin as hopped through the Old Testament and this, perhaps, is what most distinguishes the Old Testament form the New: the Old Testament is all about sin and its consequences, while the New Testament is all about a Saviour who took on our sin so that we wouldn’t have to endure the consequences.


Week 12: Summary
Lots of characteristics of God this week - including:

• God established rules for a reason
• He gives abundantly more than we ask
• God’s love is unconditional but His promises are conditional