These are the wise sayings of Solomon...
A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.
there's something here also for seasoned men and women,
still a thing or two for the experienced to learn...
(Proverbs 1:1-5, The Message)

Pastor Rick's new Sunday morning sermon series focuses on
a book of the Bible that deserves a closer look than we Christians
usually give it. Proverbs is chock full of compact but powerful
messages, making this a sermon series that deserves a little
homework! There are a lot of ways to delve deeper into
Solomon's sayings:

1. There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs - perfect
for a month-long daily devotional reading.

2. Or do this as a month-long devotional project with your
family. If you have children or teens, use an easy-to-understand
version (The Message, The Living Bible, etc.), and encourage
discussion following the reading. Give out challenges to
research": What six things does God hate? Name four things
that are small but extremely wise...

3. Do a topical study (a good concordance is helpful) on one of
the themes of Proverbs, such as:
wisdom vs. foolishness
purity and self-discipline vs. immorality
laziness vs. diligence
pride vs. humility
honesty vs. deceit
control of the tongue
parental responsibility
and, of course, the virtues of a good wife!

4. When the Spirit impresses a particular proverb on you,
stop there! Copy it onto an index card or piece of paer and
put it where you can refer to it frequently throughout the
day. Memorize it. Prayerfully meditate on it. What is
God saying to you? How can you cooperate?

Here's our opportunity to read and heed Solomon's
inspired "manual for living." A word to the wise
is sufficient...