August 29–September 4

Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12

“The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom”

How might the messages in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes bless the lives of those you teach? Follow the promptings and impressions you receive as you study and prepare to teach.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

There are many beautiful and powerful messages in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Before discussing specific passages, such as those suggested below, invite class members to share some of their favorites from their personal or family scripture study this week.

Teach the Doctrine

Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12

“Incline thine ear unto wisdom.”

• The invitation to seek wisdom and understanding is repeated throughout Proverbs. How can you help class members share what they learned about wisdom during their study? One way might be to write wisdom on the board and invite class members to add verse numbers or phrases from Proverbs or Ecclesiastes that they feel provide insights about wisdom. (If it would be helpful, you might suggest that class members search Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12.) What do we learn about wisdom from these scriptures? How are we blessed when we seek wisdom from God?

Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 15:33; 16:6; 31:30; Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord.”

• Another theme found throughout Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7; see also Proverbs 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 15:33; 16:6; 31:30; Ecclesiastes 12:13). Perhaps class members could read some of these verses and share what they feel it means to fear the Lord. How is fear of the Lord different from other kinds of fear? You could share insights from Elder David A. Bednar’s explanation found in “Additional Resources.”

Learning to Trust the Lord, by Kathleen Peterson

Proverbs 3:5–7

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.”

• Class members might enjoy an object lesson that helps them understand what it means to “trust in the Lord” and “lean not unto [their] own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). For example, you could invite a class member to lean against something sturdy and stable, like a wall. Then the person could try leaning against something that is not sturdy, like a broom. How does this demonstration help us understand Proverbs 3:5? What does Proverbs 3:5–7 teach about what it means to trust in the Lord? Why is it unwise to lean on our own understanding? How have we felt the Lord direct our paths as we have trusted Him?

Proverbs 15:1–2, 4, 18, 28; 16:24–32

“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”

• To help class members discuss how they can have more peace and less contention in their lives, you could invite them to read Proverbs 15:1–2, 18; 16:32. Then they could share experiences they have had that illustrate the truths in these verses. For example, when has using “a soft answer” helped to “[turn] away wrath”? (Proverbs 15:1). Or they could think of times when the Savior exemplified what is taught in these verses (see John 8:1–11; 18:1–11). How can we follow His example as we interact with others?

• While the writers of Proverbs didn’t know about the many communication channels that exist in our day, the counsel in Proverbs 15 and 16 can apply to all forms of communication. To help class members understand this, you could invite each person to pick one of the following scriptures to read: Proverbs 15:1–2, 4, 18, 28; 16:24, 27–30. Class members could then restate their proverb in the form of advice about interacting with others over social media, through texting, or online. They can find additional helpful counsel in “Language” in For the Strength of Youth (2011), 20–21.

Additional Resources

“Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him.”

Elder David A. Bednar explained:

“Godly fear grows out of a correct understanding of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, a willingness to submit our will to His will, and a knowledge that every man and woman will be accountable for his or her own sins in the Day of Judgment. …

“Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And ‘perfect love casteth out all fear’ (Moroni 8:16). I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see Doctrine and Covenants 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment” (“Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 48–49).

Improving Our Teaching

Focus on Jesus Christ. There is no better way to increase the faith of those you teach than by centering your lesson on the Savior. Through your teaching, invite class members to build “upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God” (Helaman 5:12).