Confirmation Lesson
Proverbs
Opening Prayer
Take a minute to think about all the conversations you have heard and books you have read today at home, school, or church. Identify one real wise thing you have heard or read. Remember that thing as you pray the following prayer:

Lord, we are looking for wisdom . . . and you give it to us.
We look for guidance . . .and you are giving it to us.
We are looking for answers . . .and you are giving them to us.
For all you give us, Lord . . .We thank you!
Amen.
Proverbs
Find the book of Proverbs on the bookshelf below. What kind of book is it?
Next check out the time line and see where we're at with our studies. We've covered a LOT so far this year!
Proverbs - Commands
Read Proverbs 1:7; 2:1-6; and 3:1-6.
For the writer of Proverbs, all wisdom begins and ends with an understanding of God and God’s commandments. The core of wisdom is reliance on God, awe before the greatness of God, and trust in God’s intent for us and for all history. 
Why would this be a good motto for a person? For a school?
Break it Down
Proverbs can be broken down into three parts:
  1. Proverbs 1-9
  2. Proverbs 10-29
  3. Proverbs 30-31
Proverbs 1-9
Introduction
-Attributed to King Solomon (remember when he was king and he asked God for wisdom - which was pleasing to God?)
-Introduction to Proverbs as a book to be used for gaining wisdom
-Hebrew for wisdom: Khokmah
-Khokmah is skill or applied knowledge. The wisdom we are to seek is not just to know, but to apply to our lives and to live it.
-Introduction contains 10 speeches from a father to a son
-Introduction contains 4 poems of "lady wisdom" (1:20-33, 3:13-20, 8, 9)
-Introduction boils down to this:
Proverbs 10-29
Hundreds of ancient Proverbs that apply wisdom in the fear of the Lord through many topics: family, work, poverty, friendship, generosity, etc.

-Meant to be a reference that you can return to over and over throughout the years of your life for wisdom.
-Proverbs are not promises of success. They are the best living practices.
Willie Wonka & Charlie's Choice
An example of wisdom...
After winning a contest with some other kids that gives unprecedented access to Willie Wonka’s factory, Charlie is the only child remaining. Willie Wonka invites Charlie to be his successor. His only requirement is that Charlie must give up his family. Charlie remains faithful to his family by immediately turning down Willie Wonka’s offer. Even though it is difficult to say “no,” he seeks to be with his family above all, to live out the most important blessing of his life.
• Would you make the same decision as Charlie? Why or why not?
• Who in your life is an example of someone you know who made a wise, but
difficult, choice.
Proverbs 30-31
Two poems close our book of Proverbs.
-Agur is the poet author of chapter 30 and he sets us an example in chapter 30 of always being open to gaining wisdom through Scripture.
-King Lemuel is the poet author of chapter 31 and he gives guidance for wise leadership and talks about taking God's wisdom and using it in daily life.
Curious for Even More Details?
If so, check it out here:
Your Own Proverb
Write your own proverb ... share a bit of wisdom that you have gained through your learning about God and God's love for you and all of God's creation.
Write your Proverb on your makeup attendance form.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, you can email Leisha at ltays@oursaviourslc.org