- Proverbs are concise, memorable statements of truth learned over extended human experience.

- Proverbs are generalized statements intended to give advice rather than to establish rigid codes by which God works.

- Proverbs teach probable truth, not absolute truth. They are principles, not promises.

1. Live like you are dying...because you are (7:1-4)

A. Allow sorrow to focus us on the important things in life so we do not waste time on the irrelevant.

2. Accept some advice...you're going to need it (7:5-6)

A. Learn to doubt our own infallibility so we can learn from the mistakes of others.

3. Run the marathon of integrity...not the sprint for accomplishments (7:7-9)

A. Doing the right things the wrong way may allow us to finish the race, but not as champions.

4. Do not long for the "Good Old Days"...there were none (7:10)

A. Live where we are; don't waste the present pining for the past.

5. Justice delayed is not justice denied...it is grace applied (8:10-13)

A. Have faith that justice is on the way and be thankful for God's delay.

- The natural reaction to living by these proverbs is that our lives will likely be more fulfilling.

- The supernatural result of living by these proverbs is a guarantee that we will become more like Christ throughout our lives.