Youth 4th quarter 2024
November 10, 2024
“For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” ( Pr 8.35 )
LESSON SUMMARY
Wisdom was present before and during creation. Therefore, whoever finds it finds life and its purpose.
WEEKLY READING
MONDAY - John 1:1-3 Jesus, wisdom incarnate
FRIDAY - Pv 8.35 Whoever finds wisdom finds life
SATURDAY - 1 Cor 9.16 Aware of the meaning of life
OBJECTIVES
UNDERSTAND that God is the source of power:
SHOW the privileges that wisdom brings:
RAISE AWARENESS regarding the real meaning of life
INTERACTION
Dear teacher, in this Sunday’s lesson we will discuss a section of Proverbs that is considered the heart of the book. You will see that wisdom is presented in the first person and do you know why? Because the purpose is to show that it was there before and during God’s creative process, being generated by the Creator. This wisdom, when present in us, brings meaning and security to the path, so when we find it we discover a new meaning for our days (Prov 8:35). The big question that should be asked throughout the lesson is: “What is the meaning of life?” Perhaps the answer will not be immediately assertive, but we need to be aware that God has a specific purpose for each person. Therefore, encourage your students to seek wisdom that comes from above so that they may have knowledge of God’s purpose in their lives. All the choices we make, whether from an emotional, professional or ministerial point of view, must be consistent with the Lord’s purpose for us.
TEACHING GUIDANCE
Teacher, explain that “the calling of wisdom is contrasted with that of the immoral woman, described in chapter 7. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides (Prov 8:1-13) and is successful (vv. 14-21). She was present at creation and worked with the Creator (vv. 22-31). God approves those who listen to wisdom’s advice (vv. 32-35). Those who hate her love death (v. 36). Wisdom should always affect all aspects of our lives. Be sure to ensure that all areas of your life are under God’s direction and leadership.” Adapted from Personal Application Study Bibles. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, p. 867).
BIBLE TEXT
Proverbs 8.22-31
22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 From everlasting I was anointed, from the beginning, before the earth began.
24 Before there were any depths I was brought forth, before there were any springs full of water.
25 Before the mountains were established, before the hills I was brought forth.
26 He had not yet made the earth, nor the fields, nor the dust of the world.
27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there; when he compassed the face of the deep round about.
28 When he established the clouds above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep.
29 When he set the sea its boundary, so that the waters could not transgress his command, when he laid the foundations of the earth.
30 So I was with him and was his disciple, and I was his delight daily, rejoicing before him always.
21 I rejoice in the habitable world, and my delight is with the children of men.
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson, we will study a section of Proverbs considered the heart of the book. It presents wisdom in the first person, showing that it was there before and during God's creative process, generated and anointed by the Creator. When this wisdom is present in us, it brings meaning and security to the path. Therefore, when we find it, we truly find life and its meaning ( Prov 8:35 ).
I – GOD: THE SOURCE OF WISDOM
1- The importance of Proverbs 8:22-31. Scholars consider the biblical section of Proverbs 8:22-31 to be the most important in the book. Unlike other sections of the book of Proverbs, in which warnings about family, sexual chastity, and caring for the heart were emphasized, this section provides a beautiful description of the origin of wisdom. The section also shows how wisdom presents its guidelines that reveal safety along the journey. It is important to note that the section is in the first person. See how the text is introduced: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old” (Prov 8:22). Wisdom speaks in Proverbs.2- Wisdom generated and created by God. This section shows us that God himself generated wisdom. Therefore, it is very interesting to meditate on the expression 'possess me' that appears in verse 22. It appears in the Hebrew text as 'quanar' which, throughout the text of Proverbs, carries the meaning of 'to buy', 'to acquire' or 'to possess'. Scholars, however, agree that the word in verse 22 is ambiguous and, therefore, it has many forms of translation. However, there is a convergence in recognizing that it has to do with the idea that wisdom existed before God's creation. Expressions such as "from eternity, I was anointed"; "before there were depths, I was brought forth"; "he had not yet made the earth" (vv. 23-26) converge well with this meaning. Even before the visible world existed, wisdom was with God.
3- Wisdom and the process of creation. Verses 27-29 portray wisdom acting in the process of creation. They show that while God created the heavens (v. 27), passed over and fortified the sides of the deep (vv. 27,28), when He cared for the sea and established the foundations of the earth (v. 29): wisdom was with God throughout the creative process. However, the verse shows that wisdom itself was like a student of God, enjoying and participating in His creation (vv. 30,31). This entire description of wisdom has a reference to the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” ( John 1:1-3 ). It is no coincidence that throughout history, the church has always seen the wisdom described here as a type of Christ, Our Lord, par excellence, and wisdom incarnate as the light that enlightens men (John 1:4,5).
THINK ABOUT IT!
God reveals his wisdom in creation.
IMPORTANT POINT!
The church, throughout history, has seen wisdom as a type of Christ.
SUBSIDY 1
Teacher, 'Chapter 7 of Proverbs is a repulsive portrait of seduction and sin. In chapter 8, which we will study in this lesson, the Hebrew concept of wisdom reaches the zenith of its expression in the Old Testament. This chapter is not a series of discourses on the beauty of family life, nor even in praise of chastity, but an appeal to the young student to dedicate himself zealously and tirelessly to the search for wisdom that offers the safest guidance for life.' (Adapted from Beacon Bible Commentary. Vol. 3. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2005, p. 376.)
2- The beauty of applying wisdom to reality. Wisdom is not just knowledge, it has to do with applying an understanding to the concrete situation. The entire book of Proverbs is an invitation to the reader to apply the advice to concrete situations in life. This is exactly what the Lord Jesus, the greatest sage par excellence, taught about listening, understanding and applying: “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain came down, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and beat against that house, and it did not fall, because it was built on the rock” ( Mt 7.24.25 ). Therefore, the value of wisdom lies in its application to solve or prevent a concrete situation in life. His guidance brings security to life, which is why we are likened to the fortress of a rock that cannot be shaken.
3- The beauty of being aware of the purpose of things. In addition to knowing and applying wisdom, one of the great privileges it provides us is awareness of the purpose of things. Only human beings have the ability gifted by God to do this. Unfortunately, as a result of sin, we greatly lose the ability to understand our purpose ( Gen. 3:4-12 ). No less bad, there are those who say that there is no purpose in human life. These phrases are part of the vocabulary of those who like to play at deconstructing others. Generally, those who do this are already deconstructed inside. The wisdom of the Christian Faith always ensures the positive construction of meaning in people's lives, because looking at God and observing nature, as narrated in Proverbs 8, there is a very clear purpose in creation. Now, life in the world is only possible because each living being is acting in accordance with its purpose, its function. However, only humans can be aware of this. By the way, what is the meaning of your life?
THINK!
SUBSIDY 1
Teacher, 'Chapter 7 of Proverbs is a repulsive portrait of seduction and sin. In chapter 8, which we will study in this lesson, the Hebrew concept of wisdom reaches the zenith of its expression in the Old Testament. This chapter is not a series of discourses on the beauty of family life, nor even in praise of chastity, but an appeal to the young student to dedicate himself zealously and tirelessly to the search for wisdom that offers the safest guidance for life.' (Adapted from Beacon Bible Commentary. Vol. 3. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2005, p. 376.)
II – THE PRIVILEGE THAT WISDOM BRINGS
1- The beauty of knowing. Chapter 8 of Proverbs shows the divine nature of wisdom and how much of a privilege it is to acquire it. Unfortunately, not everyone has it. James, the Lord's brother, said that we can acquire it by asking God ( James 1:5 ). Therefore, it is very important to consider that the human species is the only one in creation that has the capacity to know, to know, No other earthly being can have the knowledge of reality, not the mineral, not the vegetable, not the irrational animal, For Therefore, the privilege and responsibility of knowing things weighs on us. We are the only ones who can understand the beginning and end of life, the successes and mistakes of our choices and, from creation, realize the existence of the Creator who orders all things ( Rom 1.20 ), Only the human being has this privilege.2- The beauty of applying wisdom to reality. Wisdom is not just knowledge, it has to do with applying an understanding to the concrete situation. The entire book of Proverbs is an invitation to the reader to apply the advice to concrete situations in life. This is exactly what the Lord Jesus, the greatest sage par excellence, taught about listening, understanding and applying: “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain came down, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and beat against that house, and it did not fall, because it was built on the rock” ( Mt 7.24.25 ). Therefore, the value of wisdom lies in its application to solve or prevent a concrete situation in life. His guidance brings security to life, which is why we are likened to the fortress of a rock that cannot be shaken.
3- The beauty of being aware of the purpose of things. In addition to knowing and applying wisdom, one of the great privileges it provides us is awareness of the purpose of things. Only human beings have the ability gifted by God to do this. Unfortunately, as a result of sin, we greatly lose the ability to understand our purpose ( Gen. 3:4-12 ). No less bad, there are those who say that there is no purpose in human life. These phrases are part of the vocabulary of those who like to play at deconstructing others. Generally, those who do this are already deconstructed inside. The wisdom of the Christian Faith always ensures the positive construction of meaning in people's lives, because looking at God and observing nature, as narrated in Proverbs 8, there is a very clear purpose in creation. Now, life in the world is only possible because each living being is acting in accordance with its purpose, its function. However, only humans can be aware of this. By the way, what is the meaning of your life?
THINK!
Wisdom begins with knowing.
IMPORTANT POINT!
Knowledge applied to a concrete situation is wisdom.
SUBSIDY 2
Teacher, talk to the students about the privileges that wisdom brings. Tell them that in order to achieve it, as well as its benefits, we need to know the Word of God. Knowing also means memorizing. Then, “emphasize the importance of memorizing the Word of God and talk about how doing so benefits us, in a practical way. Memorization, however, is only one of many ways to interact with the Scriptures. First, we can listen to the Scriptures. This is the simplest and least difficult method of learning the precepts and principles of the Bible. Second, we can read the Scriptures. Listening can become a passive encounter with the Bible, but reading requires a more personal involvement – a greater investment of energy than simply listening to instructions about the Scriptures. (Adapted from SWINDOLL, Charles R. Living Proverbs. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD. 2013. p. 66.)
2- The vocation in life. Discovering the vocation in life is a very complex challenge. Not everyone can answer assertively what they want to be professionally or what type of vocation they want to develop in the work of God. Discovering this vocation is very important for making other decisions throughout life. Discovering our vocation has to do with personal knowledge about our natural abilities, a sense of self-fulfillment in what we do and, especially for Christians, what God sovereignly wants us to do. This can be seen in the life of the apostle Paul, who was fully convinced of his apostolic vocation when he expressed that “preaching the Gospel” was an obligation imposed on him ( 1 Cor 9:16 ). It was not a human obligation, but an imposition that came from above. This is the big difference in the discovery of a Christian’s vocation, because it is a sense of duty imposed directly from above.
3- The Holy Spirit generating motivation. It is important to clearly perceive through the Word of God that we are not alone in discovering our vocation. In Exodus 31, God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, together with Oholiab, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge to make artistic works for the Tabernacle ( Ex 31:1-11 ). In Acts, we read that the Holy Spirit set apart teachers and prophets, entrusting them with a cross-cultural task to proclaim the Gospel to the nations ( Acts 13:1-3 ). Yes, through the Holy Spirit, divine wisdom continues to produce creative power. We are the instruments through which wisdom will flow in the power of the Holy Spirit to produce something that glorifies God and meets the needs of others. Thus, in Christ, we will be fulfilled when we discover what we came to do in the world to glorify God and serve others. Everything we do, directly or indirectly, will affect others. Therefore, no gift or vocation can be disassociated from the greatest virtue: love ( 1 Cor 13:1-3 ). When this happens, it is because divine wisdom has manifested itself.
THINK!
SUBSIDY 2
Teacher, talk to the students about the privileges that wisdom brings. Tell them that in order to achieve it, as well as its benefits, we need to know the Word of God. Knowing also means memorizing. Then, “emphasize the importance of memorizing the Word of God and talk about how doing so benefits us, in a practical way. Memorization, however, is only one of many ways to interact with the Scriptures. First, we can listen to the Scriptures. This is the simplest and least difficult method of learning the precepts and principles of the Bible. Second, we can read the Scriptures. Listening can become a passive encounter with the Bible, but reading requires a more personal involvement – a greater investment of energy than simply listening to instructions about the Scriptures. (Adapted from SWINDOLL, Charles R. Living Proverbs. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD. 2013. p. 66.)
III- BECOMING AWARE OF THE MEANING OF LIFE
1- It is wise to understand the meaning of life. Still in chapter 8, the wise man writes: “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord” ( Proverbs 8:35 ). Whoever finds wisdom finds the meaning of life, his purpose to be developed in the world. Therefore, according to the New Testament, Jesus is the meaning of the Christian’s life. Yes. He is the center from which everything is ordered ( Phil. 3:14 ). He is the pinnacle of our life and the center of our existence. It is from Him that everything will make sense in the Christian’s life. This is wisdom! It is from Jesus that our vocation, family and ministry make all sense.2- The vocation in life. Discovering the vocation in life is a very complex challenge. Not everyone can answer assertively what they want to be professionally or what type of vocation they want to develop in the work of God. Discovering this vocation is very important for making other decisions throughout life. Discovering our vocation has to do with personal knowledge about our natural abilities, a sense of self-fulfillment in what we do and, especially for Christians, what God sovereignly wants us to do. This can be seen in the life of the apostle Paul, who was fully convinced of his apostolic vocation when he expressed that “preaching the Gospel” was an obligation imposed on him ( 1 Cor 9:16 ). It was not a human obligation, but an imposition that came from above. This is the big difference in the discovery of a Christian’s vocation, because it is a sense of duty imposed directly from above.
3- The Holy Spirit generating motivation. It is important to clearly perceive through the Word of God that we are not alone in discovering our vocation. In Exodus 31, God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, together with Oholiab, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge to make artistic works for the Tabernacle ( Ex 31:1-11 ). In Acts, we read that the Holy Spirit set apart teachers and prophets, entrusting them with a cross-cultural task to proclaim the Gospel to the nations ( Acts 13:1-3 ). Yes, through the Holy Spirit, divine wisdom continues to produce creative power. We are the instruments through which wisdom will flow in the power of the Holy Spirit to produce something that glorifies God and meets the needs of others. Thus, in Christ, we will be fulfilled when we discover what we came to do in the world to glorify God and serve others. Everything we do, directly or indirectly, will affect others. Therefore, no gift or vocation can be disassociated from the greatest virtue: love ( 1 Cor 13:1-3 ). When this happens, it is because divine wisdom has manifested itself.
THINK!
Understanding the meaning of life and correlating it to our vocation is wisdom.
IMPORTANT POINT!
The Holy Spirit can enlighten, separate, call and send us
CONCLUSION
What is the meaning of your life? It may take you a few months, or even a few years, to answer assertively. But you have a purpose given by God for living. Therefore, seek wisdom from God to be aware of the purpose of your life. Then, all the choices you make, whether from an emotional, professional or ministerial point of view, must be consistent with the conscious purpose of your life in God.
TIME FOR REVIEW
1- How is the biblical section of Proverbs 8.22-31 considered?
The biblical section of Proverbs 8.22-31 is considered by scholars to be the most important in the book.
CONCLUSION
What is the meaning of your life? It may take you a few months, or even a few years, to answer assertively. But you have a purpose given by God for living. Therefore, seek wisdom from God to be aware of the purpose of your life. Then, all the choices you make, whether from an emotional, professional or ministerial point of view, must be consistent with the conscious purpose of your life in God.
TIME FOR REVIEW
1- How is the biblical section of Proverbs 8.22-31 considered?
The biblical section of Proverbs 8.22-31 is considered by scholars to be the most important in the book.
2- What reference can be made to Proverbs 8.22-31?
This entire description of wisdom has a reference to the gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made (John 11:3)
This entire description of wisdom has a reference to the gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made (John 11:3)
3- What makes us stand out among other beings in Creation?
We are the only ones who can understand the beginning and end of life, the successes and mistakes of our choices and, from creation, realize the existence of the Creator who orders all things (Rm 120). Only humans have this privilege.
We are the only ones who can understand the beginning and end of life, the successes and mistakes of our choices and, from creation, realize the existence of the Creator who orders all things (Rm 120). Only humans have this privilege.
4- What is the value of wisdom?
The value of wisdom lies in its application to solve or prevent a specific situation in life.
The value of wisdom lies in its application to solve or prevent a specific situation in life.
5- According to the lesson, how will we be fully fulfilled?
In Christ, we will be fulfilled when we discover what we came to do in the world to glorify God and serve others.
In Christ, we will be fulfilled when we discover what we came to do in the world to glorify God and serve others.
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