Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Who is Wisdom, the character (also called "Lady Wisdom")? Why is it said that she existed before the world was created, and how is God's creation of the world a manifestation of Wisdom?
- What, broadly, are the characteristics of the wise person and the fool? What makes them what they are?
- What role does God play in obtaining wisdom, according to Proverbs? Why is "the fear of Lord the beginning of wisdom"?
- What is the Book of Proverbs' position on women and their role in society?
- In what ways does the Book of Proverbs contrast the "capable wife" and the adulteress? What do these opposite depictions of women symbolize or indicate?
- The Book of Proverbs says that, ultimately, the wise and righteous are rewarded and the wicked and foolish are punished (eventually). Do you agree with this? Is it always the case?
- What do you think about Proverbs' position on corporal punishment?
- How does the Book of Proverbs view the role of the ruler in society? Does it have anything critical to say about kingly power, in addition to the good things it says?
- Is there any greater point to all of the repeated proverbs in Proverbs? Do you think the repetitions were intentional or accidental?
- Do certain Proverbs seem more profound, or seem to contain more wisdom than others? Which ones?
- What do you make of some of the apparent contradictions in Proverbs—about bribery and honesty, for example, or the conflict between "Answer a fool according to his folly" and "Do not answer a fool according to his folly"? Do these contradictions have a meaning or purpose?
- Also, if you've read Ecclesiastes: what are the ways in which that book provides a view of Wisdom that is rather different from Proverbs?