Title:  Character sketches in Proverbs

Characteristics of Wisdom

by Thom Bacon

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Prov 1:7a)

Discipline - Instruction as a means of training with strong accountability. (Prov 1:2-3)

A.  Wisdom comes through confrontation (Prov 27:5-6, 17)

B.  Wisdom comes through making mistakes (Prov 26:11)

C.  Wisdom comes through God allowed suffering (Ps 119:71)

Discretion - To plan and live strategically.  (Prov 1:4; 22:3)

Learning - Proverbs calls those who would be wise to add to their learning.  (Prov 1:5)

Discernment - The ability to notice distinctions and shades of differences.  (Prov 1:2)

Characteristics of Foolishness

The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  (Ps 14:1)

5 Types of Foolishness:

A.  The Simple (Prov 1:22 & 21:24)

B.  The Mocker (Prov 1:22; 21:24)

C.  The Obstinate (Prov 1:22; 26:12; 22:15) 

D.  The Sluggard (Prov 6:6-11 & John 5:17)

E.  The Troublemaker (Prov 6:12-14; 19:11; Matt 5:9; Prov 15:1; 6:15; 6:16, 19)