Proverbs 22:1-41NIV New International Version Translations
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. 4 Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
Background2http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/proverbs10-22-lbw.htm
The second major section in the Book of Proverbs is Proverbs 10:1, to Proverbs 22:16. This section contains 375 short poems. Most poems have two lines, and each poem is one verse long. Each poem is in itself is a ‘proverb’.
The structure of this section is unusual. Solomon did not separate the proverbs into groups. The proverbs change from one subject to another. However, their order does matter. Solomon uses an ‘organic’ (that is, ‘natural’) order. This order is similar to a conversation. For example, one proverb might explain the previous one. Another proverb might contrast with the previous one.
Together, these proverbs are like a conversation. Imagine Solomon talking to his children about wisdom. His conversation would be similar to this section of the Book of Proverbs. The proverbs describe daily living, often describing both good things and bad things. They do not always explain whether something is good or bad. Here is where you need to use your own wisdom to decide.
Biblical Truths3http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=20&c=22&com=mhc
- We should be more careful to do that by which we may get and keep a good name, than to raise or add to great wealth.
- Divine Providence has so ordered it, that some are rich, and others poor, but all are guilty before God; and at the throne of God’s grace the poor are as welcome as the rich.
- Through our faith we foresee the evil coming upon sinners, and therefore, look to Jesus Christ as the sure refuge from the storm.
- Where the fear of God is, there will be humility. And much is to be enjoyed by it; spiritual riches, and eternal life.
Items for Discussion
- What is some of the wisdom that you were given from your parents or grandparents? What are some of their “proverbs” that have been passed down to you?
- What are the sources for today’s wisdom? Which ones are reliable and which ones are not reliable?
- What are the attributes of the person(s) who gives good wisdom?
- What are the attributes of the person(s) who give bad wisdom?
- Where should the next generation of adults and leaders be obtaining their wisdom from?
- What are the risks to society when bad sources of wisdom dominate the foundation of human thinking?
Luke 14:7-14
7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Background4http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/luke1-4-im-lbw.htm
The Gospel of Luke does not mention Luke’s name as the author. But few people doubt that Luke did write this book. Also, he wrote the Book of Acts. He sent both books to the same person called Theophilus (Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1). Luke was not a Jew. We know this from Colossians 4:11-14. Paul names the three Jews who were with him in Rome. Luke was not one of them but he was with Paul there. All the other writers of the New Testament were Jews. Luke travelled with Paul on some of his journeys. The evidence for this is that, in several places in Acts, Luke uses the words, ‘we’ or ‘us’. Luke was a medical doctor by profession (Colossians 4:14). There is a tradition that he was born in the city called Antioch in Syria.
Luke was not one of the original disciples of Christ. But he studied the accounts of Christ’s life that were available to him. And he talked with those people who had been with Jesus. Some of the detail shows that probably Luke spoke with Mary the mother of Jesus. We do not know whether Luke wrote this book in Israel, Rome, or somewhere else. He probably wrote it sometime between 59 AD and 63 AD.
Luke’s purpose was to write a good and true account of the life of Jesus. This Gospel tells the story of Jesus from the time before he was born. And it ends when Jesus went back to heaven. Luke wanted Theophilus and all people to know the truth about Jesus. The Gospel of Luke tells us about the things that Jesus said. And it tells us about the things that he did. This helps us to understand how God saves people from sin. Luke shows us that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Sin ruins people’s lives. And after death, punishment is certain. People cannot save themselves. But Jesus came to look for and to save those people. Luke shows that Jesus was also a real man as well as the Son of God. Our verses today focus on Jesus teaching us humility.
Bible Truth5http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=42&c=14&com=mhc
Even in the common actions of life, Christ marks what we do, not only in our religious gatherings, but at our tables within our homes. We see in many cases, that a man’s pride will bring him low, and before honor is humility. Our Savior here teaches, that works of charity are better than works of show. But our Lord did not mean that a proud and unbelieving generosity should be rewarded. Christ taught His precept of doing good to the poor and afflicted should be observed with love.
Items for Discussion
- The placement of guests at a table is often a reflection of importance. What other common actions in life can you think of that contrast one’s humility with self-admiration?
- What affect do acts of humility have on those around us?
- Why do you think that God loves humility so much?
- Contrast humility with introversion, shyness, fear – how is it different?
Discussion Challenge
- What are the effects on society if humility is abundant? If these affects are good, how do we learn it and teach it?
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