CONTENT OF THE TEACHER’S MANUAL
I. ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT ACCOMPANY THE LESSONS
II. FINAL EXAM (STUDENT AND FACILATOR COPIES)
III. GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A BOOK REPORT AND AN ESSAY
ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT ACCOMPANY THE LESSONS
Neighbors
1. How does Proverbs 12:26 (printed below) describe the role of the righteous man with regard to his neighbor? How does the righteous man fulfill this role?
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes them to go astray. (Proverbs 12:26)
As a Christian, by your conduct and your counsel, you should be setting a godly example for your neighbor. Are you living a life that reflects the righteousness of God by keeping His commandments? 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?
2. Consider Proverbs 14:21 (printed below.) What do you think it means for a man to "despise his neighbor?" Hint: Note how the opposite attitude is described in the latter half of this proverb.
He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has pity on the afflicted, blessed is he. (Proverbs 14:21)
The situation envisioned here is one in which a neighbor is in need: he is "afflicted" with some type of trial that is weighing down upon him and threatening to crush him. As opposed to "despising" him, (which is sin), we are to have compassion on him. To despise him, or treat him with contempt, is here used in the sense of avoiding contact with him and his burdens. It is the Christ-like attribute of compassion that moves us to perform deeds of mercy. There is the promise that the man who shows compassion towards the afflicted shall be blessed.
3. What counsel does Proverbs 25:17 (printed below) give us as to how we are to treat our neighbor?
Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, or he will become tired of you and hate you. (Proverbs 25:17)
We are not to make a nuisance of ourselves, we are not to impose upon our neighbor's hospitality or monopolize his time. In Robert Frost's poem, the line "Good fences make good neighbors" is expressing the importance of respect for our neighbor's privacy and personal rights. The poem asks, "Why do they (fences) make good neighbors? Isn't it where there are cows?" Cows, like some self-absorbed people, do not have the sense to respect privacy and unspoken boundaries, hence the need for fences. We should be careful not to act like cows.
4. What does Proverbs 26:18-19 (printed below) tell us about the adverse effects of playing practical jokes on our unsuspecting neighbor?
Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows, (19) so is the man who tricks his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!" (Proverbs 26:18-19)
This proverb is describing a practical joker: he has played a trick on his neighbor that has caused his neighbor harm or inconvenience, and now he declares, "It was all in fun, I was only joking!" Note: the practical joker is described as "a madman" who recklessly hurls around flaming firebrands or who randomly shoots off arrows. In other words, he is not aware of the danger and potential destruction he is causing to his neighbor's well-being and to his good relationship with his neighbor. What biblical principle should guide our conduct towards our neighbor? Note Matthew 7:12, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
5. How does Proverbs 25:18 (printed below) describe the man who bears false testimony against his neighbor?
A man who bears false testimony against his neighbor is a club and a sword and a sharp arrow. (Proverbs 25:18)
Bearing false testimony against one's neighbor (in the form of outright lies, or unsubstantiated accusations, or slander, or gossip) is viewed as the equivalent of making war against him: wielding "a club or a sword, shooting a sharp arrow." To bear false testimony against your neighbor is viewed as assaulting him; it is an assault on his name, his reputation. To bear false testimony against your neighbor is to become a source of destruction, violating the very commandments designed to protect life, honor truth, and promote peace (note Leviticus 19:16).
6. Proverbs 12:26 tells us, The righteous is a guide to his neighbor.” In what ways is the righteous man a guide to his neighbor?
a. By keeping God’s commandments and thereby living a life that reflects God’s divine righteousness.
b. By always pointing out his neighbor’s shortcomings to him with the hope of producing in him the conviction of sin.
c. By always being ready to explain to his neighbor the reason for his Christian hope.
7. Proverbs 14:21 informs us, He who despises his neighbor sins.” What does it mean to “despise” one’s neighbor?
a. It means to avoid contact with him when he is in need.
b. It means being jealous of him because of what he possesses.
c. It means looking down upon him because of his lower social status or smaller income.
8. Match the proverbs listed below with the counsel they give as to how we are to treat our neighbor.
a. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, or he will become tired of you and hate you. (Proverbs 25:17) Do not be a nuisance.
b. He who loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, his neighbor will consider it to be a curse. (Proverbs 27:14) Do not be inconsiderate.
c. Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows, 19so is the man who tricks his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18-19) Do not be a practical joker.
9. Who is described as wielding a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow against his neighbor?
a. The man who plays practical jokes on his unsuspecting neighbor.
b. The man who bears false testimony against his neighbor.
c. The man who ignores his neighbor in his time of need.
10. Match the proverbs listed below with the statements that summarize their teaching with regard to being a good neighbor.
a. The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes them to go astray. (Proverbs 12:26) Set A Godly Example
b. He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has pity on the afflicted, blessed is he. (Proverbs 14:21) Be Compassionate
c. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, or he will become tired of you and hate you. (Proverbs 25:17) Be Considerate
d. A man who bears false testimony against his neighbor is a club and a sword and a sharp arrow. (Proverbs 25:18) Practice Integrity
Peace
1. What does Proverbs 18:19 (printed below) warn us as to the consequence of offending a brother?
An offended brother is harder to be won over than a fortified city; such disputes are like the barred gates of a castle. (Proverbs 18:19)
This proverb is graphically portraying the difficulty of reconciling an offended brother and the strong separation and barrier that contention produces, especially between close friends. Because of the deep bonds between brothers or friends, a conflict is felt more acutely and therefore it is more difficult to reconcile: a trust has been broken; there is a sense of betrayal.
2. What does Proverbs 29:22 (printed below) warn us about the consequence of uncontrolled anger?
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man commits an abundance of transgressions. (Proverbs 29:22)
We are told, "An angry man stirs up strife." When you approach an already volatile situation in an angry spirit you are sure to make matters worse; it is like pouring gasoline on smoldering charcoal. This proverb goes on to warn, "a wrathful man commits an abundance of transgressions." When you surrender to your temper, remember what else you are surrendering: your reason and your long-range perspective; …and remember what you may well get in exchange: the painful consequences of foolish and sinful behavior that may last for a lifetime.
3. What does Proverbs 28:25 (printed below) tell us is one cause of strife?
He who has a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat. (Proverbs 28:25)
If you possess and are possessed by a greedy spirit, you can expect to be a source of strife, or at least contribute to strife and contention. A greedy spirit will cause you to act selfishly, will motivate you to take advantage of other people, will make your life become self-centered and will cause you to sacrifice your relationship with others to reach your goals and satisfy your greed.
4. How does Proverbs 26:17 (printed below) describe a man who takes the initiative to interject himself into other peoples' quarrels? What lesson should we learn from this proverb?
A passer-by who troubles himself with a quarrel that is not of his concern is like someone who takes a dog by the ears. (Proverbs 26:17)
To bring out the meaning of this proverb, consider the following scenarios: You are out for a walk and you happen to see the neighbor's dog sleeping in the sun: you sneak up on him and give his ears a good tug. What do you think is going to happen? Once again you are out for an afternoon walk, this time you see your two neighbors arguing back and forth over their fence: uninvited, you feel the impulse to become involved. But before you do, remember the previous episode with the dog. The lesson of this proverb: it is not wise to thrust yourself into quarrels and conflicts, especially when your aid or opinion has not been solicited.
5. According to Proverbs 18:18 (printed below,) what is one way in which disputes may be settled?
Casting lots settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. (Proverbs 18:18)
In Old Testament Israel the drawing of lots was employed as a means of settling controversies and determining the will of God (cp. Numbers 33:54). In the New Testament era it was employed when the apostles sought to determine who would take the place of Judas (Acts 1:23-26). In employing the lot, the people of God were aware of the fact that the Lord sovereignly controlled the lot (Proverbs 16:33); consequently, it was a means of submitting a matter (which men by themselves could not resolve with fairness and equity) to the Lord for His direction and decision.
6. Proverbs 18:19 declares, “An offended brother is harder to be won over than a fortified city.” Match the passages listed below with the counsel they give for promoting peace among Christian brothers.
a. Since you have, by obedience to the truth, purified your souls for a sincere love of your brothers, earnestly love one another from the heart (1 Peter 1:22) Exhibit a brotherly attitude
b. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but with a humble mind let each one consider others as occupying a higher position than himself. (Philippians 2:3) Assume the position of a servant
c. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13) Exhibit a forbearing and forgiving spirit
7. According to the proverbs studied in this lesson on promoting peace, what kind of spirit stirs up strife?
a. A Greedy Spirit
b. An Honest Spirit
c. An Angry Spirit
d. A Contrite Spirit
8. In Proverbs 26:17, (“A passerby who troubles himself with a quarrel that is not of his concern”) is compared to whom?
a. Someone who pours water on burning coals.
b. Someone who bridges the gap between adversaries
c. Someone who takes a dog by the ears.
9. Although we may not necessarily employ the lot as did Old Testament Israel, the principle is important to employ in our lives: submit a matter to God, seek His will, and accept His will (often determined by the outcome of the matter); as opposed to striving for your own will to prevail. True or False
10. Match the proverbs listed below with the lessons they teach with regard to promoting peace.
a. An offended brother is harder to be won over than a fortified city; such disputes are like the barred gates of a castle. (Proverbs 18:19) Recognize the awful consequences of strife
b. An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man commits an abundance of transgressions. (Proverbs 29:22) Control your temper
c. He who has a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat. (Proverbs 28:25) Avoid entertaining a greedy spirit
d. For lack of wood a fire goes out; and where there is no gossiper, quarreling stops. (Proverbs 26:20) Abstain from gossiping
e. A passer-by who troubles himself with a quarrel that is not of his concern is like someone who takes a dog by the ears. (Proverbs 26:17) Mind your own business
Pride
1. According to Proverbs 13:10 (printed below,) what is one consequence of pride?
Pride only breeds contention, but wisdom is found with those who accept advice. (Proverbs 13:10)
One common by-product or result of pride is contention: wherever the attitude of pride is displayed, contention will appear. Consider Galatians 5:26; "Let us not become conceited—provoking each other, envying each other."
2. What is another consequence of pride? See Proverbs 11:2 (printed below)
When pride comes, then comes shame; but wisdom is found with the humble. (Proverbs 11:2)
When you entertain a spirit of pride, you are liable to part company with wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 indicates that wisdom is a close friend of humility, a friend for whom pride has little time and no use. When you make pride your companion, pride will eventually introduce you to folly, and the two of them will lead you down a road that leads to shame. Pride will convince you that you can do something stupid or foolish and get away with it (because you are so very wise or strong or clever or special.) But the final outcome will not be success; on the contrary, it will prove to be shame.