Answers for a study in the book of Proverbs 26-29, and Ephesians Chapter 5

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“Answers For A Study in the Book of Proverbs and Ephesians” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “apologetics” posts on the weekend where the original questions can be found at the bottom of the study, and then answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research, and then check your answers. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper for discussion if you’d like.

Note: The answers will focus on what the text of the Bible says, and commentaries and speculative answers will be noted as such. There are many scholarly commentaries out there but it will be important, as students of the Bible, to keep the text of the Bible as our first source. Commentaries can be used, keeping in mind that they are human thoughts about God’s Word. Scripture references here are taken from the NASB, unless otherwise noted.

The Goal for the notes, questions and answers: Share and reuse to lead your own Bible study!

Bible Study

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

NOTE: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions. Cite your sources to share with your group.

Daily Devotional:

This week do Proverbs chapters 26-29 (4 chapters only this week), note any questions you may have, or anything that stands out to you as a life application.

1. From your daily devotional reading in the book of Proverbs 26-29, discuss the following:

a. What do the proverbs have to say about a lazy person (a sluggard) and a diligent person, and the potential consequences of each?

Lazy (sluggard) vs. Diligent person:

“The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!” As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer.”  Proverbs 26:13-16

“He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.”  Proverbs 28:19

  • The Proverbs show us that laziness can bring a person to poverty and ill health, whereas diligence can bring a person to a successful life and accomplishment of goals.

b. What do the proverbs have to say about the characteristics of a foolish (wicked) ruler versus a wise ruler?

Foolish (wicked) ruler vs. Wise ruler:

“When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.”  Proverbs 28:12

“Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.”  Proverbs 28:15-16

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.”  Proverbs 29:2

“The king gives stability to the land by justice,  but a man who takes bribes overthrows it.” Proverbs 29:4

“If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, all his ministers become wicked.”  Proverbs 29:12

“If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever.”  Proverbs 29:14

Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord. An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.”  Proverbs 29:26-27

  • The Proverbs teach that a foolish (wicked) ruler will be hated and feared by the people, and not in favor with God; whereas a wise ruler is righteous in their judgments, and will be in favor with God, but not by the wicked.
  • The most important thing to note is that the Proverbs teach that justice, and rulership, will ultimately come from the LORD.

c. How do people respond to the leadership of a fool (wicked person) versus a wise person?

  • In principle, the Proverbs teach that people will love the righteousness and truthfulness of a wise leader; but a foolish (wicked) leader will be despised by the people because he is not just nor truthful, is willing to take bribes, and the people will ultimately fear him.
  • We can take note, however, that deception from the evil one will often mask true wisdom and righteousness in leaders, so we must be wise and discerning in our choice of leaders when possible.
  • We must pray for our leaders, not only in government, but in all areas of our lives; and if we ourselves lead others, we must pray for God’s wisdom, and not our own, to be our guide through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of Jesus and the truths of Scripture.

d. What other things stood out in your reading of Proverbs this week?

Answers will vary…

  • An important point in these Proverbs continues to be the importance of wisdom and truth, not only in leadership, but in every person’s character.
  • Praying for wisdom should be a primary prayer request, because wisdom comes from God, and wisdom will bring about proper discernment in every situation.

Bible study: Read Ephesians chapter 5, then to the best of your ability, answer these questions:

2. Re-read Ephesians chapter 5:1-33 with your table group. In this chapter Paul teaches Christians to be imitators of God, and to live as the “bride of Christ.” From verses 1-21:

a. How should Christians be imitators of God?

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”  Ephesians 5:1-21

As Christians we should be imitators of God…

  • just as children would imitate their parents when they are young.
  • by walking in love, just as Jesus did by showing the greatest love of all, by giving His life for us.
  • by walking as children of the Light (God) because Light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.
  • by not being deceived by empty words (coming from the world), but by be discerning of truth, righteousness and justice.
  • by trying to learn what is pleasing to the LORD, and by not participating in the unfruitful deeds of darkness (instead we should expose those deeds).
  • by not desiring foolishness, but desiring to understand the will of the LORD.
  • by being careful how we walk, not as unwise but wise, making the most of our time for the LORD.
  • by being filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs always giving thanks for all things in the name of Jesus (in other words, we should be focusing on the things of God and not the things of the world when we are with others, unless it is about how we should honor God in these things).
  • by being subject to one another in the fear of Christ (not afraid, but reverent in how we conduct ourselves towards one another, knowing Jesus is with us at all times).

b. Make a list of the things that Christians should not be doing? Why is it important to avoid these things?

As Christians we should…

  • Not have immorality or any impurity or any greed even named among us.
  • Not have filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting among us.
  • Not be immoral, impure, covetous, or idolatrous.
  • Not be deceived, be disobedient or be partakers with those who do these things.
  • Not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them.
  • Not be unwise nor foolish.
  • Not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation.

It is important for Christian to avoid these things because 1) we are representatives for Jesus to the world, 2) it dishonors God, and 3) many of these things lead to far worse activities because where our mind and mouth dwells, so our heart and desires will dwell.

From verses 22-33:

c. How should a Christian wife treat her husband, and what would that look like?

 “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:22

 “But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:24

“the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.”  Ephesians 5:33b

  • These are the main verses in this passage that speak to how a wife should treat her husband, and it seems that the principle here speaks to the way she should see her husband as the head of the household, as a leader in the family and as some she respects.
  • Some have made this to be more of a master-slave relationship, but that is not what it says, in fact there is more in this passage on how a husband should treat his wife, then there is the wife’s treatment of the husband.
  • The important point here seems to be about the roles played in the relationship, not the worth of one over the other, and most importantly this should never include space for abuse or dictatorship on either one’s part.

d. How is a Christian husband compared to Christ in the treatment of his wife, and what would that look like?

“For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,  because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.  Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself,”   Ephesians 5:23-33a

  • There is so much more instruction for the role of the husband here, and it includes:
    • Head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church
    • Loving your wife, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself up for her
    • Loving your wife as your own body; cherishing her just as Christ also does the church
  • In verse 31 Paul repeats what is taught in Genesis 2:24 when God created Adam and Eve
  • Paul compares the husband-wife relationship to the relationship Christ Jesus has with all believers (the church), and in this sense, the relationship should be a practice in love and perfection, desiring to be like Jesus in all ways.
  • Again, worth saying, the important point here seems to be about the roles played in the relationship, not the worth of one over the other, and most importantly this should never include space for abuse or dictatorship on either one’s part.

3.  Going Deeper: In light of culture and the varying views of marriage, how should Christians model God’s idea of marriage? What about situations of infidelity and abuse?

  • Christians have several places in Scripture to look at for a model of marriage, this is one of them, and is probably the most comprehensive and simple to follow.
  • If a Christian marriage is modeled after Jesus, and His love and relationship with us as believers, there would never be a time that one would have to worry about things like abuse, infidelity or inequality in human worth and dignity.
  • The role of the husband and wife differ, but the respect, love and treatment of each other is equal in that we are all created in the image of God, and are expected to model His Son Jesus in every relationship that we have, because we are all His children.
  • Finally, there is never a time where abuse or infidelity is to be acceptable, or ignored. It is to be addressed and if necessary, the marriage can be severed. However, it is important to get advice and counseling from trusted and mature Christians (more than one if possible) before taking final action .

4.  Memory Verses: Recite with your table group 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 12:2 and Colossians 1:16-17

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12:2 (NASB)

 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:16-17 (NASB)

Please continue to join us as we read and study Proverbs and Ephesians as part of our Christian Apologetics’ class each week!

Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study questions are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) are posted mid-week.

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15

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