Wisdom for Relationships, Wealth and Contentment

Primary Biblical Texts

The Bible (Primary Source)

Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-28; 22:1-9; 30:7-9 – Core passages used to explore wealth, generosity, and contentment.

Additional Supporting Scriptures:

• Proverbs 15:16 – "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil."
• Proverbs 23:4-5 – "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; stop dwelling on it."

Commentaries on Proverbs

• "Proverbs" (The NIV Application Commentary) by Paul Koptak
  Provides insights into the themes of honoring God with wealth, the dangers of greed, and the blessings of generosity.
• "Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary" (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary) by Derek Kidner
  Offers detailed analysis of Proverbs' structure and the practical applications of its teachings on money and generosity.
• "How to Read Proverbs" by Tremper Longman III
  Discusses the purpose of Proverbs in teaching practical wisdom for daily life, including money and contentment.

Books on Old Testament Wisdom Literature

• "Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction" by James L. Crenshaw
  Explores the literary and theological dimensions of Proverbs, with emphasis on wealth and stewardship.
• "The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes" by Derek Kidner
  Examines the ethical and practical teachings of Proverbs in the context of ancient wisdom literature.

Study Bibles for Notes and Context

• The ESV Study Bible
  Offers in-depth notes on Proverbs' cultural and theological significance, particularly regarding wealth and stewardship.
• The NIV Study Bible
  Provides insights into the literary structure and practical applications of Proverbs' teachings on money and generosity.

Online Resources

• BibleGateway (www.biblegateway.com)
  For comparing translations and exploring cross-references of Proverbs.
• Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org)
  For studying Hebrew word meanings related to wealth, generosity, and stewardship.
• The Bible Project (www.bibleproject.com)
  Videos and articles explaining the overarching themes of Proverbs, including its wisdom on wealth and contentment.

Articles and Sermons

• "Generosity in Proverbs" (Desiring God Article) by John Piper
  A reflection on the paradox of generosity and its alignment with God's character.
• Sermons on Proverbs by Tim Keller
  Practical insights on applying Proverbs' wisdom to money, generosity, and stewardship in modern life.

Theological and Historical Sources

• "An Introduction to the Old Testament" by Tremper Longman III and Raymond B. Dillard
  Historical and theological background for understanding Proverbs' teachings on wealth and stewardship.
• "The Ancient Near East" by James B. Pritchard
  Explores the cultural and literary context of Proverbs and its relationship to other ancient wisdom traditions.

This list includes biblical texts, scholarly commentaries, and practical resources to support the material created for the lesson on wealth, generosity, and contentment. It ensures a comprehensive understanding of the topic in the spirit of Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life.