Introduction to Proverbs

In the 1800s, Japanese bakers created a clever new kind of cookie. What made them unique was not their flavor but the slip of paper baked inside that contained a short piece of wisdom or advice. The cookies were a huge hit. Today, more than three billion of these cookies are produced each year, each one offering a small piece of advice (see “The Surprising Origins of the Fortune Cookie,” History.com).

These cookies are one of many sources of advice in the world today. But not all advice or wisdom is equal.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

As you seek inspiration to gain the wisdom you need in your lives, I invite you to look unto the Savior. (“Receiving Revelation—Recent Messages from Prophets, Apostles, and Other Church Leaders” [digital-only article], Liahona, June 2023, Gospel Library)

The book of Proverbs is a collection of poetic wisdom written to the Israelites. Some passages in Proverbs are attributed to King Solomon (see Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1; see also 1 Kings 4:32), while other authors are unknown. As you study Proverbs, pay attention to how the Holy Ghost testifies of truth as you identify direction the Lord would like you to apply to your life.

Read Proverbs 1:1–7, looking for some of the purposes of the proverbs. (Note: “the fear of the Lord” [verse 7] refers to feeling and showing reverence and respect toward Him.) Mark what you find. Then read Proverbs 2:6–9. Pay attention to things you learn about the Lord. (Note: A buckler is a portable shield.)

Create a note next to verse 6 with the following truth: the Lord gives us wisdom to help us follow His path. Include in your note your response to one of the following questions:

• How has following the Lord’s wise counsel helped you?

• What difference do you think following God’s wisdom better would make in your life?

President David O. McKay (1873–1970) explained:

Gaining knowledge is one thing, and applying it [is] quite another. Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. (in Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 93)

Below is a list of passages from Proverbs. Each teaches unique truths about how to become like Jesus Christ. Using the suggested tags next to each passage, choose four or more passages you think would be useful to you. Then study and tag the passages you select.

• Proverbs 4:14–15 (friends, influence)

• Proverbs 4:26 (pondering, goals)

• Proverbs 6:23 (commandments, chastisement)

• Proverbs 11:17 (mercy, kindness)

• Proverbs 15:1 (anger, yelling)

• Proverbs 28:13 (confession, repentance)

• Proverbs 29:18 (happiness, vision)

• Proverbs 30:5 (scriptures, trusting God)

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

How can Proverbs help me become more like Jesus Christ?

Imagine you were asked to create a visual that uses one of the Proverbs passages to help teenagers become more like the Savior. Select a Proverb and create a poster like one you might find in the For the Strength of Youth magazine. Use the Proverbs passages from the list above if you aren’t sure where to start. Your visual could contain the following:

1. A simple illustration—something creative that could grab a teenager’s attention

2. The Proverb’s reference and the truth it teaches

3. An explanation of how the verse from Proverbs could help a teenager follow the Savior’s example or become more like Him

Share your visual with a family member, with a friend, or on social media.

Option B

What is wisdom?

Create a mind map in your notebook similar to the one shown above. Write the word Wisdom in the center of the map. The lines and boxes help you connect similar ideas. Use your scripture study tools to find scriptures that can help you better understand the Lord’s teachings about wisdom. You could use the following verses to get started or search “wisdom” in Gospel Library.

• Luke 2:52

• James 1:5

• Mosiah 4:9

• Alma 37:35

• Doctrine and Covenants 10:43

Fill in your mind map with what you learn from your study about wisdom.

Now What?

Pause and reflect on impressions you might have had throughout the lesson today. Then answer one or more of the following questions in your notebook:

• How have the truths you studied today affected your desire to follow the Lord?

• What have you felt impressed to do to become more like the Savior?

Lesson Purpose: To help you identify truths that can help you follow the Lord’s path.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• The visual or mind map you created.

• How the truths you studied affected your desire to follow God.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?