When we
talk or think about wisdom, we think of the book of Proverbs. It’s packed full of a collection of wise
sayings and good advice. Many of these
proverbs came from the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon. Proverbs was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It speaks of God’s eternal words about
Himself and His will for His people. Chapters
1 and 10 are identified as “Proverbs of Solomon”. Chapter 25 is titled “More Proverbs of
Solomon”.
In this
age of technology, how are you growing in wisdom as a person, family member,
neighbor, co-worker and citizen through greater access to information? Are we better off than the generations of
Solomon?
Proverbs
has sensible and practical answers to all kinds of difficulties. It is the greatest “how to” book ever
written. The promises in the book are
that those who choose wisdom and follow it will be blessed in numerous ways;
long life (9:11); prosperity (2:20-22); joy (3:13-18). Those who reject God
will suffer shame and death (3:35;
10:21). To reject God is to choose
folly over wisdom and separates us from God, His Word, His wisdom and His
blessings.
Proverbs
tell us to seek godly wisdom, fear the Lord, be teachable and don’t be
foolish. This book is a source of
practical wisdom for living a life that pleases God. It covers many topics and addresses every
situation in life. Following these
instructions will result in healthier relationships, honest and productive
business dealings, rewarding community experiences and a moral life. The book’s purpose is to make you wise, but
it must be applied which is centered around the fear of the Lord.
The key
idea is “The
fear of the Lord” and is found 14 times in the book of Proverbs and is
found only 7 times outside of this book.
To fear the Lord doesn’t mean we live being afraid of Him. It means to show reverence, respect and honor
to Him. He is the Creator and we need to
look at Him that way.
Ways to
fear the Lord:
Be
aware of His presence during the day.
Speak to him throughout the day.
Learn
to trust Him daily and don’t be afraid to confess sin and ask God to help you
walk in His peace. He is your refuge.
Value
and respect the Bible. After all it is
God speaking to us. Remember “All Scripture is God-breathed …” (2 Tim. 3:16). Read and know the Bible and commit to
applying what you read.
Worship
God during the day, not just on Sunday.
Let worship permeate your life. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us
kneel before the Lord our Maker” – Ps.
95:6.
Avoid
situations that are not of God. Watch
your actions that may lead you into sinful thinking and actions – bad
relationships, movies and TV shows.
Repent
of any sin. Live a repentant life style
daily. Ask God to create in you a pure
heart and renew a steadfast spirit within you. (Ps. 51:9-10).
Worship
only God. “So
fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Put away forever the idols”. – Joshua 24:14a.
How can
we gain wisdom? We need
to seek wisdom by asking God for it and then trust it, because all wisdom comes
from the Lord.
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and
understanding.” – Prov. 2:6.
Principle: Wisdom comes from living righteously.
Some Key
verses:
Prov. 1:5 - “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the
discerning get guidance.”
Prov. 1:7 - “The fear of
the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
discipline.”
Prov. 4:5 - “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve
from them.”
Prov. 8:13-34 -“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.”
Summary
of Proverbs
Proverbs 1-9 –
Solomon addresses the young. He praises
wisdom. He warns against rejecting
wisdom; he gives the benefits of wisdom; he gives warnings against all folly;
he calls for all people to find wisdom.
Proverbs 10-24 –
These chapters contain advice that applies to those in responsible positions
and covers various topics. Solomon gives
descriptions of wisdom.
Proverbs 25-29 – These
sayings are Hezekiah’s collection of Solomon’s proverbs. Here he gives wisdom to leaders, wisdom in
avoiding court, and wisdom on individual matters.
Proverbs 30 –
These sayings are sayings of Agur. He
declares that every word of God is flawless.
He
talks of man being humble and the purity, strength, and integrity of God’s
Word. He warns of speaking ill of
others. He gives warnings to foolish
generations and mocking. He warns of
wickedness of the adulterous woman. He
mentions 4 small yet wise creatures and gives 4 examples of majesty – ants,
coneys (rabbits), locusts, lizards.
Proverbs 31 –
These are sayings of King Lemuel. He
warns of the danger of sexual immorality and of alcohol. He says we should defend the
defenseless. Prov. 31:10-31 sayings are
on womanhood and Hebrew wisdom. This
chapter illustrates one who has found wisdom.
The woman described in this chapter can also be viewed as the Bride of
Christ (All Christians) and her work in the world.
When you
look at these qualities in chapter 31, do you put yourself down or compare
yourself to others?
How do
you live out the gospel to build up your witness, family, business, community
and church as described in this chapter?
Principle: God gives wisdom to everyone who knows and
trusts Him.
God’s
Spirit, living in all believers, works wisdom in us day by day. His light penetrates every part of life and
transforms. Our Creator God sustains the
universe and gives His people wisdom throughout every age through knowing
Him. If you want wisdom, the book of
Proverbs is the place to access God’s voice.
James
describes the same wisdom from Proverbs that characterizes God’s people. James
3:17 – “But wisdom that comes from heaven is first
of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good
fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Where
do you need wisdom?
What in
your speech or attitude is unwise and dishonors God?
Do you
struggle with a particular sin or try new ways to manage it or bring it under
control on your own?
Will
you take time to confess, repent, and accept God’s forgiveness and ask Him to
change you?
Hope to
see you here for our next study. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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