Wisdom Against Foolishness and for Christlikeness

Primary Biblical Texts

1. The Bible (Primary Source)

Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 12:11; 24:30-34 – Core passages for the lesson on work, diligence, and stewardship.

Additional Supporting Scriptures:

• Proverbs 22:29 – "Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure people" (NASB).
• Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (NASB).

Commentaries on Proverbs

• "Proverbs" (The NIV Application Commentary) by Paul Koptak
  Explores the themes of diligence, work ethic, and stewardship in Proverbs, providing cultural and theological insights.
• "Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary" (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary) by Derek Kidner
  Offers detailed analysis of Proverbs' structure and teachings, emphasizing practical wisdom in work and diligence.
• "How to Read Proverbs" by Tremper Longman III
  Discusses the literary and theological aspects of Proverbs and its relevance to daily life, particularly regarding diligence and responsibility.

Books on Old Testament Wisdom Literature

• "Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction" by James L. Crenshaw
  Examines the literary, cultural, and theological dimensions of Proverbs, highlighting its teachings on work and stewardship.
• "The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes" by Derek Kidner
  Analyzes the ethical teachings of Proverbs, including its emphasis on diligence and responsibility.

Study Bibles for Notes and Context

• The ESV Study Bible
  Provides commentary on the cultural significance and practical application of Proverbs' teachings on work and diligence.
• The NIV Study Bible
  Offers insights into the literary structure of Proverbs and its emphasis on hard work and stewardship.

Online Resources

• BibleGateway (www.biblegateway.com)
  Used for referencing the NASB version of Proverbs and exploring cross-references related to work and diligence.
• Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org)
  For Hebrew word studies and deeper analysis of terms like "diligence" (ḥārûṣ) and "sluggard" (ʿāṣēl).
• The Bible Project (www.bibleproject.com)
  Videos and articles explaining Proverbs' themes, with a focus on its teachings on work and stewardship.

Articles and Sermons

• "Wisdom in Work and Diligence" (Desiring God Article) by John Piper
  Reflects on the biblical perspective of work and the importance of diligence in the Christian life.
• Sermons on Proverbs by Tim Keller
  Practical insights on applying Proverbs' teachings on work and diligence in modern contexts.

Theological and Historical Sources

• "An Introduction to the Old Testament" by Tremper Longman III and Raymond B. Dillard
  Provides historical and theological background for understanding Proverbs' wisdom literature.
• "The Ancient Near East" by James B. Pritchard
  Explores the cultural and historical context of Proverbs and its connection to other ancient wisdom traditions.

This list of sources reflects a blend of biblical texts, scholarly commentaries, and practical resources that support the creation of material for Lesson #6 on Wisdom in Work and Diligence. It ensures theological depth and practical relevance in alignment with the series theme.