How might the book of Proverbs be useful in training young people?

[Austin]

I really enjoyed how, during the end of the lecture, Dr. Stuart reigns in the focus of specific ways Proverbs can practically be taught and used when training up our young people! He gives the suggestion of choosing one to read at the dinner table with your children and then having a discussion about its meaning. With having two teenage boys, I understand well that at the dinner table, they will not offer too much explanation about how their days have been going. But doing this together as a family is a great way to have a meaningful conversation starter and could easily open doors to discussion about their lives. Additionally, I agree that using them specifically with youth group should be happening much more frequently. The aspect that reading Proverbs is like figuring out a puzzle appeals to young people. Because of the way the book is constructed, these proverbs are provided in short, small chunks that are more easily digested and implemented by not only young people but people of all ages!

[Austin]

Like the book of Proverbs says right at the beginning, in chapter 1:
“Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”

It’s written to meet the needs of people throughout all stages of lives- from childhood on. What better book to teach young people how to gain Wisdom! Proverbs addresses so many different issues that young people deal with- peer pressure, making decisions, finances, sex, and how to be successful.