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The book of Proverbs was written primarily by Solomon, son of David, in the
early part of his reign as king of Israel. "In the proverbs of Solomon are
outlined principles of holy living and high endeavor, principles that are
heaven born and that lead to godliness, principles that should govern every
act of life. It was the wide dissemination of these principles, and the
recognition of God as the One to whom all praise and honor belong, that made
Solomon's early reign a time of moral uplift as well as of material
prosperity."-Prophets and Kings, pp. 33, 34.
The last two chapters of the book are attributed to "Agur" and "Lemuel."
Some scholars have assumed that these two names refer to Solomon. Others
have concluded that they were unknown compilers or authors.
We know from
1
Kings 4:32 that Solomon "uttered three thousand proverbs; and his songs
were a thousand and five" (RSV). His fame spread abroad; the wisdom with
which he was endowed was the wonder of the whole world. "And the whole earth
sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into
his mind"
(1
Kings 10:24, RSV).
The purpose of these lessons on Proverbs is to demonstrate that only as we
have a living fellowship with God can we maintain purity of heart and conduct.
Knowing God through Christ as Savior and King affects every area of our lives.
True religion is the power for moral and ethical purity. Proverbs is a book
of practical religion designed to demonstrate the results of faith in action.
It is a tool for the purpose of enabling believers to act wisely, to think
about what they do and why they do it, and to be more sensible and sensitive
citizens as a result of integrating learning and faith.
We will study the book of Proverbs topically rather than verse by verse because
the issues and themes raised in the book are not in any apparent order, and
some of them recur a number of times.
The major purpose of education is the redemption of the individual-to impart
God's character to those who are willing, so that their thoughts, words,
and deeds are truly representative of Him. The proverbs and these lessons
were designed: (1) to provide a view of our need; (2) to lead us to the Source
of wisdom, power, and salvation; and (3) to furnish a practical guide for
every motor area of life. Hence the title—Proverbs, Wisdom to Live
By.
Contents: (no frames, all lessons
may not be posted)
Meet the Principal Contributor to This Guide
 Virginia Davidson and her husband, Jim, live in
Kennewick, Washington, where he is an environmental statistician at nearby
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Their two daughters, Carol and Becky,
are students at Walla Walla College and Upper Columbia Academy, respectively.
Through the years, Virginia's main emphasis has been keeper of the home.
Wanting to "be there" for her girls, she also provided child care for friends,
later moving to custom sewing and alterations. After a six-month stint of
graphic arts at a local print shop, she returned home to design and build
stained-glass windows-a pursuit that continues to furnish her days with beauty
and inspiration, challenge and opportunity. Beneath her signature, she inscribes
each piece: SOLI DEO GLORIA.
 Ernest H. J. Steed, Ph.D., rejoices in 40
years as an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister and 55 years as a church
worker.
With his wife, Roda, and family-Lincoln, Leonie, and Martin-he came to the
General Conference in 1966 and over the next 22 years served as World Temperance
director, executive director of the International Commission for the Prevention
of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, and special assistant to the General
Conference president.
Pastor Steed, in retirement at DeBary, Florida, launched a new company, which
became a church in February 1998.
Giardina Sabbath School
Study Helps
Jerry Giardina of Pecos, Texas, assisted by his wife, Cheryl, prepares a
series of helps to accompany the Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related
scripture and most EGW quotations. Jerry has chosen the "New King James Version"
of the scriptures this quarter. It is used with permission. The study
helps are provided in three wordprocessing versions
Wordperfect; Microsoft
Word; RTF for our MAC friends; and
HTML (Web Pages).
Last updated on November 13, 2000
Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
Principal Contributors: Virginia Everett Davidson and Ernest Steed.
Acting Editor: Lyndelle Brower Chiomenti.
Editorial Assistant: Soraya Homayouni Parish.
Art and Design: Lars Justinen.
Pacific Press Coordinator: Paul A. Hey.
Copyright © 2000 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist.
All Rights Reserved.
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