On Sunday, Dr. Chute began a new series of messages through Proverbs. The book of Proverbs is street-level wisdom for living directly from God. It’s a collection of sayings and principles that provide guidance and direction for our friendships, marriages, finances, ethics, work, etc., rooted in God’s character.
Suggestions for Students in the University of Proverbs
As we spend the next several weeks studying through Proverbs on Sunday mornings, here are some ideas that Dr. Chute given us to get the most out of this terrific book.
- Read through Proverbs in a month! Since there are 31 Chapters, you can read one chapter a day and read through the book in a month, then repeat! If you’d like helpful reminder to read each day, download the free app on your mobile device. Then go to “Plans” and choose the Proverbs 31 Days plan. It’s the simplest. And Plans, if you allow them, will send you a gentle notice each day!If you want a plan that will include a bit more thought, consider using the “Deeper into Scripture, Proverbs 31 Days plan.”
- Consider buying and using a small, simple commentary on Proverbs. Commentary’s aren’t just for Pastors! In fact, some are written with the everyday Christian in mind. Remember, Dr. Chute taught, “You can use common sense for many proverbs that are obvious in their meaning, but it helps to use a commentary for ones that are more obscure.” Here are amazon links to two of the best simple commentaries for Proverbs: Derek Kinder Commentary, David Atkinson Commentary.
Reading through Proverbs will help you learn God’s wisdom for living everyday, and ultimately help you become more and more like Jesus!
Takeaways from Sunday’s Message
At the end of his message, Dr. Chute mentioned four main points to remember:
- Proverbs aren’t promises – they are short statements of guidance and wisdom. (“What’s the path of wisdom for me in this?”)
- Use common sense for proverbs that are obvious and a commentary for one’s that are obscure. (i.e., Prov. 16:3, 26:8)
- Some Proverbs are true now, but some are true ultimately.
- Take a Proverb as a whole (many are written with two parts) to understand them correctly. (i.e., Prov. 26:4-5, 13:24)
