"The Kings Favor is Worth Cultivating"
INTRODUCTION
This Proverbs miniseries introduces a biblical view of relationships. We will focus on topics such as the formative power of relationships, the nature of friendship, how parents and children should relate to one another, how husbands and wives should relate to one another, and how we should relate to those in authority over us.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Have you ever had a boss who didn't like you? Why do you think that is? On the other hand, have you ever had a boss who seemed to love you? Again, why do you think that is?
BIG IDEA
Proverbs teaches that gaining the favor of those in authority is both possible and beneficial. It is not about flattery or manipulation but about living wisely, speaking righteously, working skillfully, and maintaining integrity. At the same time, Proverbs warns against provoking authority figures and joining in rebellion.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Have you ever had a boss who didn't like you? Why do you think that is? On the other hand, have you ever had a boss who seemed to love you? Again, why do you think that is?
BIG IDEA
Proverbs teaches that gaining the favor of those in authority is both possible and beneficial. It is not about flattery or manipulation but about living wisely, speaking righteously, working skillfully, and maintaining integrity. At the same time, Proverbs warns against provoking authority figures and joining in rebellion.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
READ THE FOLLOWING
Proverbs 14:35 – "A servant who acts wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully."
Proverbs 16:13 – "Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right."
Proverbs 22:11 – "He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend."
Proverbs 22:29 – "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before obscure men."
Proverbs 19:12 – "A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass."
Ephesians 6:5-8 – “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
Proverbs 14:35 – "A servant who acts wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully."
Proverbs 16:13 – "Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right."
Proverbs 22:11 – "He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend."
Proverbs 22:29 – "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before obscure men."
- According to these Proverbs, what characteristics normally tend to give us favor with those in authority over us?
- Which of these characteristics feel like strengths for you? Why? Which of them feel like opportunities for growth?
Proverbs 19:12 – "A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass."
- What is the significance of the author's two metaphors to describe the king’s wrath and favor? What do they mean?
- Have you ever experienced the “wrath” or “favor” of one in authority over you? How?
- The author of Proverbs assumed that we should desire the favor of those in authority over us. Where is the line between pursuing the favor of those in authority over us, on the one hand, and being schmoozy, transactional, or manipulative, on the other hand?
Ephesians 6:5-8 – “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
- How do Paul’s words help us think about pursuing the “king’s favor” in a thoroughly Christian way?
- How does Paul’s exhortation speak to you specifically? What is one area where you sense God is calling you to grow right now in response to these words?