Word Studies: Proverbs

Class: Proverbs

Week #17: January 23-27
Professor: Pastor Steve Faulkner

Assignments: Read the entire book of Proverbs in English one time outside of class during the course of the week. Carefully read the introduction to Proverbs provided in the course syllabus and be prepared to interact with its contents each day. Prepare a brief outline of a Bible study or Sunday School lesson.

Pastor Faulkner received his BA from Tennessee Temple University and his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has ministered as Youth Pastor, Police Department Chaplain, and Pastor in the US and Canada. Currently he serves as Pastor of Emmanuel Bible Church in Simcoe, ON.


The book of Proverbs is just what the title is: a book of proverbs. Dictionary.com defines a proverb as a wise saying or precept. Therefore, the book of Proverbs is a book of wise sayings or precepts. However, it is not man's wisdom but God's wisdom written in the thirty one chapters. Pastor Faulkner defines wisdom as "skill in righteous living." He brings the students through the book of Proverbs and outlines each section. His purpose in teaching the book is to help each student understand Proverbs and how to apply it into every day life.

"I learned many things about the different proverbs. He helped me understand and apply the scripture to my life."
- Kassey, Goulais River

"It was applicable to every day life."
- Nick, Elmira

"Pastor Faulkner focused on many different types of proverbs and also gave us techniques on how to interpret each type."
- Rachel, Collingwood

One must understand that the proverbs are not promises but principles to live by. However, if a believer chooses to live by God's wisdom rather than his own, the believer will experience radical change. How does one live by God's wisdom? It all starts with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10) The following verse explains why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

"The fear of the LORD tendeth to life:

and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil."

- Proverbs 19:23

BW