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             Everybody loves the book of Proverbs. The book of Proverbs contains direction in the wisdom of life. This is not wisdom like that of Ben Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac. This is divine wisdom covering the entire range of human experience.
            On March 9th, in my Wednesday night Bible class, we began an introduction to the book. There is more work to do in that area. When we finish the material with Rob Whitacre we will get back to our study of Proverbs. Along with continuing the introduction to the book I intend to address Proverbs as general rules. These things are important as we lay the groundwork for our studies.
            The book of Proverbs makes for wonderful reading from start to finish. In a classroom setting, however, it is best to work through the book topically. Such an approach does not lend itself to a verse-by-verse study of the book. We will study the book of Proverbs by addressing thirteen general topics. Below are the topics with which I will attempt to deal. Included are a few related passages that will be covered. The passages given here are not an exhaustive list of what will be covered in these studies.
1.     Cheerfulness (12:25; 15:13, 15, 23; 21:15; 29:18).
2.     Contentment (13:11; 16:8, 19; 25:16, 27; 28:20; 30:7-9).
3.     Decisions (4:23, 26-27; 10:9; 16:1, 3, 9; 19:21; 21:2).
4.     Diligence (11:27; 12:24; 21:5; 22:29).
5.     Friendship 3:3-4; 14:20-21; 17:17; 19:6-7; 22:24-25; 23:6-8; 27:10).
6.     Generosity (8:18-21; 11:24-26; 13:22; 14:31; 21:13, 26; 31:20).
7.     Humility (6:3; 15:33; 16:19; 18:12; 22:4; 25:6-7; 29:23).
8.     Kindness (3:3; 12:10; 25:21-22; 31:26).
9.     Parenting (3:11-12; 13:22, 24; 20:7; 22:6; 23:24-25).
10. Purity (7:24-27; 20:11; 21:8; 22:11; 23:26-28).
11. Righteousness (2:9; 11:5, 18-19; 14:34; 15:9; 21:21; 29:7).
12. Truth (6:16-19; 14:5; 23:23; 27:5-6; 30:6).
13. Foolishness (10:23; 12:16, 23; 17:24; 19:3; 26:11).
        Thirteen topics have been selected but, that does not mean this will be a 13-week study. Some topics may require only one class period to complete. Others may need more time. Some of these studies will involve opposites. For example, our study of humility will also involve a look at pride. Also, the particular words employed for the titles of these studies may or may not appear in all the passages we investigate. For example, the word “Cheerfulness” may be couched in terms we don’t expect. And the word “truth” is used in only one of the passages listed above. The other references deal with the concept of truth.
        I hope that you are looking forward to this study of the amazing book of Proverbs. It should be a very profitable time spent as we find ways to apply God’s wisdom to our lives. Please join us!