Wisdom Begins With God

Key Scriptures — In Order of Use

Proverbs 9:10 — Anchor verse. Read at top and return in Section 3 and closing.

Proverbs 1:2–3, 7 — Purpose of Proverbs / the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart; he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 4:3–4, 23 — His father taught him / keep your heart with all vigilance.

Proverbs 6:16–19 — Six things the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination.

Proverbs 7:18, 27 — Folly’s invitation / her house is the way to Sheol.

Proverbs 8:4–5 — Wisdom calls to men; O simple ones, learn prudence.

Proverbs 9:10–11 — Fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom / by me your days are multiplied.

Proverbs 10:19; 11:12; 12:18 — Words, restraint, healing tongue.

Proverbs 11:2 — When pride comes, disgrace; with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 — By insolence comes strife; with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 14:12 — There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is death.

Proverbs 15:33 — Fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom; humility before honor.

Proverbs 16:1, 9, 18 — Lord answers the tongue / establishes steps / pride before destruction.

Proverbs 18:10 — The name of the Lord is a strong tower.

James 1:5 — If any lacks wisdom, ask God who gives generously.

Notes

Intro: Name what Proverbs is not — not a self-help manual — before naming what it is. That reframe matters.

Section 3 (Wisdom vs. Folly): The staging of two voices calling simultaneously is the most vivid section in the reading. Let the contrast be felt before explaining it.

Section 4 (Speech): The three speech proverbs in sequence hit the same point from three angles — quantity, restraint, effect. Let them build rather than explaining each one separately.

Section 6 (Sovereignty): Proverbs 16:9 and 16:18 together capture the whole tension of human planning under God’s sovereignty. The strong tower image of 18:10 gives them a place to land.

Closing: James 1:5 is the New Testament bridge. Turn the closing into a direct question — where do you need wisdom right now? Make it personal and specific.