Christian Leader's Guide, Chapter 10

Christian Leaders’ Guide to The Art of Wisdom – Chapter 10

Having just discussed the effect fathers have on sons, the 1st verse of this chapter should bring some interesting comments on the complement to the father issue. It should also cause one to carefully consider what follows.  In fact, it might be true that the whole chapter should be considered against that first truth.

Ask any kids how this knowledge might drive them to wiser living. Ask parents how their kids’ lives effected theirs. Knowing this, would you change you life as a parent? As a child?

This, and following, chapters are mostly stand-alone proverbs, but fairly straight forward. Discussion should be lively, as the subject for each is very focused. Maybe ask if anyone knows an example that illustrates either the good or the bad in each one.

        Verse 1 – consider a discussion of the prodigal son

        Verse 2 – Luke 12:15-21, 16:19-31, James 5:1-3, Romans 2:1-11

        Verse 3 – Luke 12:13-34

        Verse 4 – Luke 16:10-13

        Verse 5 – Col 3:23-24

        Verse 6 – 2 Tim 1:16-18

        Verse 7 – Mark 14:3-9

        Verse 8 – James 3:13-18

        Verse 9 – 1 Cor 4:5

        Verse 10 – 1 John 2:4

        Verse 11 – James 3:5-10

        Verse 12 – 1 Cor 13:4a & 7

        Verse 13 – Hebrews 12:5-13

        Verse 14 – Matt 12:35

        Verse 15 – 1 Tim 6:16-19

        Verse 16 – Gal 6:7-9

        Verse 17 – 1 Peter 1:5-11

        Verse 18 – 2 Peter 2

        Verse 19 – James 1:19

        Verse 20 – Matt 12:35, Mark 12:34

        Verse 21 – 1 Peter 5:1-4

        Verse 22 – Rev 21:3-4

        Verse 23– Jude

        Verse 24 – 1 John 5:13-15

        Verse 25 – Jude 12-13, 20-21

        Verse 26 – Hebrews 6:9-12

        Verse 27 – Gal 6:7-10

        Verse 28 – Rom 12:3-21

        Verse 29 – Matt 7:15-27

        Verse 30 – Rom 8:35-39

        Verse 31-32 – Eph 4:29, 5:4,

Manly Love

This description, which you will recognize comes from 1 Corinthians chapter 13, is arranged in the form of a chiasm.  The first pair “patient and kind” is paired with the short chiasm at the end bears/endures – believes/hopes.  (This is some beautiful writing!) There are two more pairs of two and then you reach the center, the pinnacle, of the chiasm and description of love – “It does not insist on its own way”. Some have translated this “is not self-seeking”. Others “is not selfish”.

The author of this leaders’ guide contends that this is the unifying description of the triune God. For all eternity each person of the Trinity has cared not for himself, but for the other two.  The Father cares for the Son and the Spirit, the Son cares for the Father and the Spirit, the Holy Spirit cares for the Father and the Son. (i.e. John 5:30.)  And we are to be like Them in our love – caring not for ourselves, but for others.  Never insisting on our own way, but always caring for others.

Note also that this description of love is thought by many to be a description of Jesus.  If we are to be Christlike, we need to care first for others.  Doing what is love, and not chasing feelings.

Study Guide, Chapter 10

Words to clarify.

Sections/proverbs to discuss (7, 12, 26, 32)

Most of these proverbs are independent one from another. Do any connect? Is there any significance in that?

Most of these are contrasting wisdom. What is the significance of those few that are not?

What words with like or similar meanings do you find? Does this help to understand some of the proverbs?

Copyright Rick Henderson, Th.M. 2026, SouthBeachHope@gmail.com