Proverbs 19: Group Study Handout

Overview

Proverbs 19 offers insights into practical living, emphasizing the importance of integrity, wisdom, and humility. The chapter underscores the value of living a life of righteousness and patience, contrasting it with the dangers of foolishness and unbridled desires. It encourages diligence in pursuing knowledge and insight, while warning against the pitfalls of lying, false testimonies, and laziness.

Key verse

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.”

Proverbs 19:1 (WEB)

Outline

1. Proverbs 19:1–4 Integrity versus Foolishness
2. Proverbs 19:5–10 Consequences of Lies and Wealth
3. Proverbs 19:11–14 The Value of Discretion and Relationships
4. Proverbs 19:15–20 Diligence and the Pursuit of Wisdom
5. Proverbs 19:21–24 Plans, Kindness, and Fear of Yahweh
6. Proverbs 19:25–28 Discipline and the Nature of Justice
7. Proverbs 19:29 Final Warnings about Fools

Discussion questions

1. In v4, what does the chapter say about wealth and friendship?
2. What does the phrase 'a hot-tempered man' in v19 suggest about his behavior?
3. The phrase 'he who has pity on the poor' in v17: what does it imply about God's view of helping others?
4. In v21, what does the contrast between human plans and 'Yahweh's counsel' indicate about decision-making?
5. When have you faced consequences for being 'slothful' as described in v15?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Proverbs 19: Proverbs 16, Proverbs 21, Proverbs 14.

Before next time: read Proverbs 20.