Aquainting the Students with the Course And

PROVERBS (3)

Miami International Seminary

Rev. Donald F. Ritsman, Th.M.

Aquainting the Students with the Course and

What will be Expected of Them

A. Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed as a topical study of the Proverbs, with cross-references to other portions of Scripture. The purpose is to assist the student in gaining a greater comprehension of the biblical teaching contained in the Proverbs with an emphasis on practical application. The course is composed of eight lessons.

A Note on Hebrew and Greek Fonts:

At certain points in the lessons Hebrew or Greek words are incorporated into the text. In order to retrieve these words it is necessary to download Teknia Hebrew and Teknia Greek. The student may contact MINTS for free downloads of these fonts by clicking Biblical Language Fonts.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goals

1. The student will gain a greater comprehension of the biblical teaching contained in the Book of Proverbs.

2. The student will come to greater appreciation for the message that God communicates to us in the Book of Proverbs.

3. The student will apply the teaching gained from the Book of Proverbs to his own life for spiritual development.

Objectives

1. By means of the questions following the lessons, the student will identify the key teachings found in the Book of Proverbs.

2. By means of the reading assignments, the student will gain a greater appreciation for the teaching of the Book of Proverbs.

3. By means of the written essay, the student will express how the teaching of Proverbs has a practical impact on his life and the life of the church.

CREDIT

This course may be taken for credit towards either a Bachelor or Masters degree. The assignments will vary according to each program as explained below.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS

For credit toward a Bachelors Degree

1. Studying the Scripture text and the accompanying commentary:

The student will study the key proverbs pertaining to a particular topic, guided by an expositional commentary on the text. The student will then be required to answer questions based on his study of the expository notes.

2. Extra reading:

The student will read an additional 300 pages, which he can choose from the list of suggested resources found below in the section entitled, "B. Reading Resources." He will write a report on each book or article, using the form, Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.

3. Essay*:

The student will write an 8-10 page essay in which he discusses Proverbs’ teaching on the subject of wealth, critiquing the Health and Wealth “Gospel” in light of that teaching, and contrasts Proverbs’ teaching with the various views about wealth held by the world.

*See “Guidelines for Writing an Essay," to be distributed by the facilitator.

For credit toward a Masters Degree

1. Studying the Scripture text and the accompanying commentary:

2. Extra reading:

The student will read an additional 600 pages, which he can choose from the list of suggested resources found below in the section entitled, "B. Reading Resources." He will write a report on each book or article, using the form, Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.

3.Essay*:

The student will write a 15-20 page essay in which he discusses Proverbs’ teaching about the role of women, compares and contrasts that teaching with the view held by the modern feminist movement, and finally, in light of Proverbs’ teaching, critiques some of the less-than-biblical views that at times have been propounded by the church.

*See “Guidelines for Writing an Essay," to be distributed by the facilitator.

WITHOUT CREDIT

The student will study the key proverbs pertaining to a particular topic, guided by an expositional commentary on the text. The student may answer the questions that follow each lesson and take the final exam (to be administered by the facilitator) based on his study of the expository notes.

FINAL GRADE

For Bachelors or Masters credit:

If the student is taking the course for credit, we recommend the following percentages for the final grade. However, the MINTS center or institution that is giving credit for this course may modify these requirements.

60% Quizzes ("Evaluating Your Comprehension") and Final Exam

10% Report on additional reading

30% Essay

100% Total

Without credit:

The final grade for taking this course without credit will be calculated in the following manner:

80% Quizzes ("Evaluating Your Comprehension")

20% Final exam

100% Total

B. Reading Resources

INTERNET RESOURCES

Book of Proverbs; Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Proverbs

Practical Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs; Paul G. Apple

www.tldm.org/bible/old%20testament/proverbs.htm

The Book of Proverbs, Sermon Outlines; Mark A. Copeland

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=the+book+of+Proverbs&btnG=Google+Search

Book of Proverbs; Got Questions.org

http://www.gotquestions.org/book-of-proverbs.html

Proverbs by Topics; BibleStudy.org

http://www.biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/proverbs/introduction.html

The Book of Proverbs; BibleExplore.com

http://www.godrules.net/library/delitzsch/26delitzsch_f0.htm

The Book of Proverbs and Ancient Wisdom Literature; Bruce K. Waltke

http://www.google.com/search?q=the+book+of+Proverbs&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&prmd=b&start=20&sa=N

Book of Proverbs and Biblical Theology; Roland E. Murphy

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LAL/is_1_31/ai_94331627/?tag=content;col1

The Book of Proverbs and Old Testament Theology; Bruce K. Waltke

http://www.google.com/search?q=the+book+of+Proverbs&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&prmd=b&start=30&sa=N

Introduction to the Book of Proverbs; author not specified

http://www.google.com/search?q=the+book+of+Proverbs&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&prmd=b&start=50&sa=N

Wisdom Literature of the Bible, The Book of Proverbs; F.F. Bruce

http://www.google.com/search?q=the+book+of+Proverbs&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&prmd=b&start=50&sa=N

Interpreting the Book of Proverbs; Bob McCabe

http://www.oldtestamentstudies.org/interpreting-the-book-of-proverbs-part-11/

BOOKS

Archer, Gleason l. Jr.; A Survey of Old Testament Introduction; Moody Press, Chicago, 1964 (Sixth Printing, 1970.)

Bridges, Charles; “Proverbs;” Crossway Classic Commentaries; Crossway Publishers; original publishing date 1846.

Bullock, C. Hassell; An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books; Moody Press, Chicago, 1988.

Delitzsch, Franz; “Biblical Commentary on the Proverbs of Solomon,” Vol. 1, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, Reprinted, May 1970.

Dillard, Raymond B. and Longman, Tremper III; An Introduction to the Old Testament; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI, 1994.

Harrison, R.K.; “Proverbs,” Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Edited by Walter A. Elwell; Baker Book House, Grand Rapids MI, 1989.

Harrison, R.K.; Introduction to the Old Testament; Wm. B. Erdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, 1969 (Fifth Printing, November 1975.)

Hubbard, David Allan; “Proverbs;” The Preacher’s Commentary; Thomas Nelson; 2002.

Jones, W.A. Rees and Walls, Andrew F.; ‘The Proverbs,” The New Bible Commentary, Edited by Prof. F. Davidson; The Inter-Varsity Fellowship, London, Reprinted October 1967.

Kidner, Derek; “Proverbs;” Tyndale Old Testament Commentary; Inter-Varsity Press; 1981.

Koptak, Paul; “Proverbs;” NIV Application Commentary; Zondervan Publishing House; 2003.

Longman, Tremper III; “Proverbs;” Baker Commentary on the Old Testament; Baker, 2006.

Waltke, Bruce K.; “The Book of Proverbs 2 Vol.;” The New International Commentary on the Old Testament; Eerdmans, 2004.

Young, Edward J.; An Introduction to the Old Testament; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, Revised Edition, Fourth Printing, June 1969.

Note: The student may also consult the Ligonier Ministry website (http://www.bestcommentaries.com/reviewer/ligonier-ministries-keith-mathison/) for a listing of useful commentaries on the Book of Proverbs.

WELCOME TO THE COURSE ON

THE BOOK OF PROVERBS (3)

Lesson One: Topical Studies of the Proverbs

The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Scriptures.

Assignments:

1. Bible Study: By a consideration of the proverbs pertinent to them, the student will explore the following topics: Neighbors and Peace. The student will be guided by an expositional commentary on the text. The student will then answer the questions found at the end of the expository notes.

2. Extra Reading: For Bachelor's credit, the student should do at least 100 pages of additional reading (see "B. Reading Resources" listed in the Syllabus for suggested reading material.) For Master's credit, the student should do at least 200 pages of additional reading. (In preparing his Book Report, the student should follow the instructions given in Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.)

Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Comic Sans MS font; all extended quotations from other authors will appear in Courier font.

Be a Good Neighbor

Selected Proverbs

THEME: We must remember that our Lord Jesus Christ summarized the second great commandment in these words, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)

PURPOSE: To instruct the hearers as to how Proverbs defines a good neighbor so that, by the grace of God our Savior, we may live accordingly and so strive to fulfill the second great commandment.

OUTLINE: I. Be a Good Neighbor,

…by Setting a Godly Example (Proverbs 12:26)

II. Be a Good Neighbor,

…by Being Compassionate (Proverbs 14:21)

III. Be a Good Neighbor,

…by Being Considerate (Proverbs 25:17; Proverbs 27:14; Proverbs 26:18-19)

IV. Be a Good Neighbor,

…by Practicing Integrity (Proverbs 25:18)

Introduction

1. There is a well-known insurance company that advertises itself as being “a good neighbor.”

2. But what does it mean to be “a good neighbor?”

3. According to the slogan of that particular insurance company, to be a good neighbor means to “be there”—to be there to lend assistance in time of need.

4. In a famous poem, Robert Frost lays two thoughts side by side: as two New England neighbors repair the stonewall that separates their adjacent properties…

· the one declares, “Good fences make good neighbors” (i.e., a respect for privacy and boundaries is a characteristic of a good neighbor).

· the other friend muses, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” (i.e., here is the desire to tear down and do away with unnecessary boundaries and barriers in an effort to build bonds of friendship and interaction).

5. What does the Word of God, especially as revealed in the book of Proverbs, tell us about being a good neighbor?

I. Be a Good Neighbor,

…by Setting a Godly Example (Proverbs 12:26)

The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes them to go astray. (Proverbs 12:26)

1. As a Christian, by your conduct and your counsel, you should be setting a godly example for your neighbors.

a. Are you living a life that reflects the righteousness of God by keeping His commandments (as they are summarized in the Ten Commandmenst)?

And God spoke all these words: 2I am Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3You shall have no other gods besides me.

4You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any replica of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water below the earth. 5You shall not bow down to them or serve them…

7You shall not misuse the name of Jehovah your God, for Jehovah will not regard anyone who misuses his name as being guiltless.

8Remember the Sabbath day, remember to keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work; 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath dedicated to Jehovah your God. …

12Honor your father and your mother…

13You shall not murder.

14You shall not commit adultery.

15You shall not steal.

16You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant or his female servant, or his ox or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:1-17)

b. Are you living a life that recognizes the lordship of Jesus Christ by accepting what He brings into your life and thereby presenting to your neighbor a true example of godly living?

Do all things without grumbling and arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without blemish, in the midst of a perverse and depraved generation, among whom you shine like stars in the universe, 16firmly holding the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16a)

“How can you praise God after He gave you a baby with all these problems?” I asked by neighbor Dionila….

“God will work all these problems for good because I love and trust Him.” was Dionila’s reply….

Seeing her eyes glisten with love and praise for God in the midst of her terrible ordeal, I marveled. I went home that day and did something I hadn’t done for a long time. I prayed. …

Dionila’s faith was affecting me! …

Both Oscar, my husband, and I began attending church. We asked for God’s forgiveness for wanting to run our lives our own way. When things had been going well for us, we’d accepted God’s blessings without thanking Him. But when our problems started, we were quick to blame Him.

By her example, Dionila taught me that God wants us to rely on His power and strength, not on our own. She accepted her trials and thanked God, knowing He could turn her baby’s problems into blessing….

I thank God for Dionila’s amazing faith, which encouraged me to place my trust in the Lord at a time when things looked hopeless. (POWER, 5/16/93, pp.2-ff.)

2. The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but conversely, the way of the wicked causes them to go astray—i.e.; to depart from the Lord God and His way

You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who boast about having the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. (Romans 2:21b-24)

II. Be a Good Neighbor,

…by Being Compassionate (Proverbs 14:21)

He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has pity on the afflicted, blessed is he. (Proverbs 14:21)

1. The situation envisioned here is one in which a neighbor is in need: he is afflicted (hn2e2) with some type of trial that is weighing down upon him and threatening to crush him

2. As opposed to despising him, (which is sin), we are to have compassion on him

a. to despise him, or treat him with contempt, is here used in the sense of avoiding contact with him and his burdens

· there is within us a desire to steer clear of those situations and those people who may require the giving of our time, our energy, our resources, ourselves

· there is the natural tendency, with few exceptions, to avoid costly relationships, note 2 Timothy 1:8,15-16;

…do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, …15You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me…16May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. (2 Timothy 1:8, 15-16)

b. it is the Christ-like attribute of compassion that moves us to perform deeds of mercy