Seminaries and Institutes
Proverbs: An Overview

“Proverbs: An Overview,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 134–135

“Proverbs,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 134–135

Proverbs

An Overview

Studying the Scriptures

Do six of the following twelve activities (A–L) as you study the book of Proverbs.

  1. Make up a Title

    1. Some people feel that Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10 are the theme of the book of Proverbs. Read these verses. Based on what you read, write a title for the book of Proverbs. (Note: The word fear, as used in these verses, means reverence or deep respect for God.)

    2. From what you have experienced and learned, explain how what these two verses teach is true.

  2. Scripture Mastery—Proverbs 3:5–6

    1. Draw something that represents the meaning of Proverbs 3:5–6. For example, you could draw a diagram or a picture with a short, catchy phrase. Show your drawing to your family and see if they understand the meaning; then read the scripture and explain the meaning to them.

    2. Who have you read about in the Old Testament who was an example of Proverbs 3:5–6? Explain why.

  3. Give an Example

    In Proverbs 3:11–12 the phrase “to chasten” means to punish for the purpose of correcting. Write a brief situation or story that shows the truth of this proverb.

  4. Make a Chart

    Make a chart like the one below and fill it in with information from Proverbs 6:16–19 and from your own thoughts and experiences about what the Lord “hates” (there should be seven characteristics listed in Proverbs).

    Characteristics the Lord Hates

    Why You Think He Hates Them

  5. Give Advice to a Friend

    Imagine you are helping someone who is struggling with why he or she should live the law of chastity. What verses in Proverbs 6:23–33 would you read to him or her? For each verse you choose, tell how you would explain what the verse teaches. For example, if you were to choose verse 32, you might ask “What understanding do you think a person who commits adultery lacks?”

  6. Try It Out

    Try living the principles taught in Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32 for two or more days, and write in your notebook about your experience.

  7. Write It in Your Own Words

    Write Proverbs 27:12 in your own words. How might verse 12 apply to the counsel we get from the prophets in the booklet For the Strength of Youth (36550)?

  8. Write the Opposite

    Rewrite Proverbs 30:11–14 so that the verses express ideas opposite from the ones found in the scriptures. So, instead of the verses speaking of an unrighteous generation, they will tell about a righteous generation of Latter-day Saints. What could you do to help bring about this righteous generation?

  9. For Great Women

    Proverbs 31:10–31 gives a description of a godly woman. List what you think are the five most important qualities mentioned, and explain why each one you chose is important.

  10. If You’re So Wise …

    Solomon is supposedly the author of most of the proverbs. Considering what you know about Solomon’s life, find a proverb you think could have saved him from the problems he had later in his life.

  11. Proverbs about Riches

    Read the following proverbs and summarize what they say about riches: 11:4, 28; 13:7–8; 15:16; 19:17; 21:6, 17; 22:1–2, 4, 7, 9, 16, 22–23; 28:6, 8, 11, 20, 22, 27; 30:7–9.

  12. Proverbs about Work

    Read the following proverbs and summarize what they say about work: 6:6–11; 10:4, 26; 12:24, 27; 13:4; 14:23; 19:15; 20:4, 13; 21:25–26; 24:30–34; 26:13–16; 28:19.