Key Thought : Moral situations that humans face do not change over the years. The book of Proverbs is an ethical textbook that fits our situations today.

[Lesson plan for Behind the Mask March 2, 2015]

1. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 25:2-7.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What are some of the mysteries of God that intrigue you? Are they in nature, spiritual, or other?
c. Personal Application: How do we get the dross taken away from the silver in our lives? Share your thoughts. Is it only God who tests us, or do we need to do something as well?
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Everybody wants to be famous, or in the presence of someone who is. Why is Solomon telling us not to want to be in that position? He was the king, son of David, so he was famous.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 26:11,12.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Why do so many people who overcome vices return to them later?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever been tempted to compromise on your core values or truths? How do we know which values trump others? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “God seems to be far away during difficult times. How do we find Him when things are tough?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 26:13-16.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why don’t lazy people want to take risks? Fear of danger? Fear of rejection? Lack of training? Lack of motivation? Or something else?
c. Personal Application: Do you consider yourself lazy or slothful in work? What about in spiritual things like reading God’s Word or doing His work? Share your thoughts..
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Our church and our government encourages slothfulness by rewarding those who are lazy to work and don’t want to earn their own living. They think society owes them something.?” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 26:17-23.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why do people butt in to other people’s arguments and affairs? If it is not a smart thing to do, is there any good reason to do so?
c. Personal Application: Do you know any talebearers? How can we stop the burning lips from spreading fire? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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