McGuffey 2nd Reader Unit 7: Diligence and Commitment
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Proverbs 3:3
Proverbs 3:3
These lessons are not for speed reading, but is for meditating on, sentence by sentence. Students will gain an understanding of and a deeper appreciation for the proverbs contained in the Bible. Talk about each proverb and figure out its meaning. Before reading these lessons, view this video about the book of Proverbs
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Additional information about the Book of Proverbs.
The Hebrew word for proverb is mashal, a similitude or parable but the book contains many maxims and sayings. Some do not fall in that category. There is much in the book of Proverbs that does not rise above worldly wisdom, but there is a feeling throughout that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) The Book of Proverbs can be divided into four sections.
The Hebrew word for proverb is mashal, a similitude or parable but the book contains many maxims and sayings. Some do not fall in that category. There is much in the book of Proverbs that does not rise above worldly wisdom, but there is a feeling throughout that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) The Book of Proverbs can be divided into four sections.
- Proverbs 1-9: The most poetic and contains an exposition of true wisdom
- Proverbs 10-24: A collection of proverbs and sentences about the right and wrong way of living
- Proverbs 25-29: Proverbs of Solomon that the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah copied out
- Proverbs 30-31: The "burden" of Agur and Lemuel, including a picture of the ideal wife.
After completing the activities for Lessons 22-24, complete a Create and Share project: The following ideas may be considered:
- A proverb is a simple statement of wisdom or advice. Create some proverbs of your own. Use samples in Lesson XXII and XXIV as an example for sentence structure. Students, with their parents and mentors, may determine the length of the proverb. Write the proverbs in your best cursive and share with a friend or family member.
- Draw something that represents the meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6. For example, you could draw a diagram or a picture with short, catchy phrase. Show your drawing to your family and see if they understand the meaning; then read the proverb and explain the meaning to them.
Lesson XXII: Before reading Lesson XXII, discuss the meaning of the following words:· slovenliness: untidy, especially in personal experience; · skulks: keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive; · abhorrence: a feeling of repulsion, disgusted loathing; loathes: feel intense dislike or disgust for. impiety: lack of reverence, especially for a god. · Read the lesson and discuss the questions at the end.
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Lesson XXIII: Before reading Lesson XXIII, discuss the meaning of the words:· accounts—a record of financial expenses; employed—give work to someone and pay for them; industrious—diligent, hard-working. Read the lesson out loud and discuss the questions at the end. Why was the boy happy? (He worked hard, was grateful for what he had, was not envious of others, had good hopes for the future, etc.). Can anyone, rich or poor, find happiness in such ways?
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Lesson XXIV: Lesson XXIV is another selection written in the style of proverbs. Study it slowly, paragraph by paragraph, and discuss the meanings. Before reading this selection, discuss the meaning of the following words. candor—the quality of being open and honest in expression; piety—the quality of being religious or reverent; pious—devoutly religious; satchel—a bag carried on the shoulder by a long strap and typically closed by a flap. Read the lesson and discuss the questions at the end.
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