Posted by Robert Richardson in Get Wisdom
Introduction
The importance of identifying the type of literature the proverbs are. Proverbs along with Job and Ecclesiastes are referred to a wisdom literature.
Wisdom literature uses an element of poetry, not to predict future events as the prophets do, but to reveal observations these sages made regarding the world they saw in regard to human nature and living a life pleasing God. The observations made and penned by these writers were under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Therefore infallible in their Divine intention. Through these sages God has revealed these general and very applicable principles. Our responsibility is to get it as His Children.
Most of this collection of proverbs is both penned and gathered by Solomon. 2 Chapters have been clearly attributed to others 30 to Agur and 31 to Lemuel.
Solomon’s Wisdom, a gift from God, is unmatched by any mere human in the history of the world. The Holy Spirit has seen fit to describe him.
1 Kings 4:29-34 (ESV)
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, [30] so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. [31] For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. [32] He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. [33] He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. [34] And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
However no matter how great this description of Solomon and His Wisdom. We must understand this is not mere human wisdom. This is the revelation of the wisdom of God. So Get Wisdom.
After this brief introduction, there is no better place to go than to Proverbs itself to get the purpose for this book.
Proverbs 1:1-7 (ESV)
The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
The King who asked and received.
1kings 3:7-14
Means and ends – to instruct God’s people through all generations.
Ultimately the title “Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel” Is Christ. To reveal something about our great Savior and our relationship to Him.
[2] To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
God is here teaching us wisdom through His Word by the work of the Holy Spirit. God has called me to teach you wisdom, (teaching the proverbs – Instruction) I will teach this wisdom to my family, my wife my sons my daughter. You will teach this wisdom to your family. We will teach this wisdom of God to those around us in our culture. Through this study may God make us Sages in the years to come. As we learn seek God gain insight, may God bring people to us in our individual lives, He did to Solomon, that we might reveal to them the wisdom of God.
Ethics:
Politics:
Economics:
But most importantly the wisdom in these verse is to bring us to a deeper and richer relationship with God and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent. This wisdom is to exceed that of natural man. The wisdom of God clearly makes distinctions between light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error.
[3] to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
We are to learn wisdom based on a Biblical understanding of God’s Character.
How are we sinful people to know righteousness?
How are we to relate to one another?
How are we cloudy headed people to know Justice?
How are we to make judgments regarding each other?
How are we, who are prone to cheat, to know equity?
How are we to deal even handedly with our neighbor?
This wisdom friends is spiritual, based on our relationship with God, worked out in our dealing with each other.
See why we need to get wisdom
[4] to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
Getting wisdom for us and our young is to gain knowledge with a God honoring purpose. We can be sure to gain knowledge in itself lacks direction and may lead to great danger.
Prudence is restraint of our entire being governed and disciplined by Godly or Biblical reason. This is to live according to a Biblical worldview. Not Just have but live and teach our younglings to do the same.
[5] Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
The wise
Will hear, to hear: is to pay very close attention with the intent of where and how to apply these principals being taught.
If we hear in this sense what will happen? Increase in learning, gain understanding, follow wise council or obtain guidance.
Listen, these proverbs are to be thought through, but not thought by itself, they are to be worked through.
What could be the outcome of such applied knowledge?
Listen to Gill; Moreover, a man that thoroughly understands the things contained in this book is fit to be a counsellor of others in things human and divine; in things moral, civil, and spiritual: he is fit to be in the cabinet council of princes, to be a counsellor of kings; yea, to have the reins of government in his hands. “He shall possess government”; so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions: or, “he shall possess the helm” F12; sit as a pilot there, as the word may signify, and steer the ship aright in which he is; whether it be his family, or the church of God, or a city or corporation, or a kingdom: this book, rightly understood by him, will furnish him with rules to do all things well and wisely.
[6] to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
To rightly study and interpret proverbs, these sayings, these words of the wise. I’m sure at times will be difficult. I may at times err in my understanding of proverb, let’s pray against it. I will be diligent in prayer and study to rightly divide the word of truth. It is a spiritual matter, surly spiritual warfare will be involved and intense. Be prepared and pray that being spiritual God will grant discernment.
The richness of the proverbs will come through as they have given us a glimpse in this introduction. The sum of it is given in verse 7.
[7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
This is the beginning, in order to get wisdom, fear must reign.
Not fear in general, but fear specific. Over and over throughout scripture God instructs us, “Do not Fear” “Do not Fear” “Do not Fear” “Do not Fear”. “Fear Not” “Fear Not” “Fear Not” “Fear Not”.
The reason is this, there is only One to properly Fear. And when He is rightly recognized and responded to you have nothing else in the universe to fear. Therefore wisdom has begun in the fear of the Lord.
So the question, what is it to fear the Lord?
It is to recognize that you do not have the capacity to approach Him in your naked condition. Your right response is to look to Him for the way of approaching the Holy God. When we do we find mercy Because we discover He has made a way to obtain grace, acceptance in the righteousness of Christ alone.
On the contrary look at the fool;
Despises wisdom: there is no fear of the Lord before their eyes.
Attempting to approach a Holy God on their own terms, rejecting His instruction is sure destruction.
The wisdom that connects last weeks study to this week is as simple as the connection between 7and 8. The If then principal.
[7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:8-19 (ESV)
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
[9] for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
This reminds me of the fifth commandment, what is it?
Exodus 20:12 (ESV)
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
This response to your parents honoring, hearing, listening, is your response to the maker of the Law, the Author of wisdom. The All Wise Ancient of Days Jehovah
Pay close attention to your father’s instruction
Remember/ do not forget your mother’s teaching
The wisdom come down from heaven through the lips of your parents will be a beautiful addition to your character. This kind of Character is attractive. Get Wisdom
We would do well not only to listen in but to listen with the intent of applying these principles in the following verses.
From The mouth of a King to His prince
From a queen to her princess
[10] My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
First the proverb gives the instruction,
“sinners entice you, do not consent.
Oh how easy it is to be enticed.
What is another word for enticed?
What is the wise response to temptation?
Do not consent, do not break under the pressure. Remove yourselves from these dangerous positions.
We would admit there is something enticing about a rebel, about a person who seems to do thing his own way, bucking the system, opposing authority. The lady that is attracted to that bad boy, the man that is attracted to the bad girl. On the surface, and what attracts us, the rebel seems to get what he wants, without the due consequences.
Wisdom recognizes the folly of rebellion. Listen to the king describe these type of influencers.
[11] If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
let us ambush the innocent without reason;
[12] like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
[13] we shall find all precious goods,
we shall fill our houses with plunder;
[14] throw in your lot among us;
we will all have one purse”—
This description speaks of the brutality the wicked are willing to participate in so that they can gain belongings of an innocent victim.
What an incredible warning. Think for a minute about the character of the one who would say “Come with us” attempting to include you in some wicked pursuit. The premeditated harm that he desires to inflict on the innocent. Why would you think that ultimately in some way, probably when you least he would do the same to you. Or why should he not think that because you willingly engaged with him in such crimes that you would not commit the same treachery against him
Getting wisdom is this;
[15] my son, do not walk in the way with them;
hold back your foot from their paths,
[16] for their feet run to evil,
and they make haste to shed blood.
Why must we watch our walk?
The reason for such proverbs, in the providence of God, is that we are prone, indeed we have a bent, toward walking in the way of the wicked. I’m speaking to us as believers. Being born again does not eradicate our sinful nature. It regenerates, makes alive our spiritual nature. Which nature fights to please God by obedience out of Love.
The Holy Spirit in His description of the nature of fallen mankind, chooses this proverb for the 3rd chapter of the epistle to Romans.
Listen;
Romans 3:9-18 (ESV)
What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin, [10] as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
[11] no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
[12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
[13] “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
[14] “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
[15] “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
[16] in their paths are ruin and misery,
[17] and the way of peace they have not known.”
[18] “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Wisdom gets this, Our feet dead set on the path of destruction taking whatever and whoever we could drag along with us. Because there was no fear of God before our eyes. Then God by grace changed the disposition of our hearts from hearts that were set like flint against Him, to hearts that are now pressing into the Kingdom of God. Little by little our feet are learning to follow suit. It is wisdom energized by the fear of the Lord that is teaching us to walk as the proverb prescribes.
This same Biblical exhortation is also beautifully given to us in Psalm 1. repentance from Romans 3 to Psalm 1
Psalm 1:1-6 (ESV)
Book one
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
[2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
[3] He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
[4] The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
[5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
[6] for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
This is the way the righteous walk, the Spirit also says
“ The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
[24] though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.”
Not So with the wicked, not so!
the way of the wicked will perish.
[17] For in vain is a net spread
in the sight of any bird,
[18] but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
they set an ambush for their own lives.
[19] Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors.
Even the foul of the air instinctively will not step into a trap that is in his plain sight.
But the lack of wisdom In the wicked is evident. Even though his actions lead undoubtedly to destruction his feet follow head long to everlasting torment in hell. It is this willingness to stoop to the depths of a mans depravity that will ultimately kill a man.
So we are exhorted to choose this day.
Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV)
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. [15] And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Are you able to choose the Lord praise Him for the Grace
If you are not able plead with Him to make you able by Grace.
Proverbs 1:20-33 (ESV)
[20] Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the markets she raises her voice;
[21] at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
[22] How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
[23] If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
The preaching of Wisdom – Personification
Wisdom Confronting the simple
Wisdom Confronting the scoffer
Responding to the preaching of wisdom
[24] Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
[25] because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
[26] I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
[27] when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
Danger of hardening against wise council
Extended Hand of mercy
Reproof is good from God
Sometimes God’s not so nice Ps 2:4, 3713
Reject God’s counsel you reject His protection and even incur the very hand of God’s judgment
[28] Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
The danger of failing to repent today.
Do not harden yourself against God today.
Tomorrow may be to late.
[29] Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
[30] would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
[31] therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
Rejecting the wisdom of God leaves you with
Your own wisdom which makes you foolish.
Foolishness is seen in the consequences of your own decision
[32] For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
[33] but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
There is a way that seems right to a man, it leads to death, sudden unexpected destruction
Receiving wisdom prepares a person for what ever may come their way.
Proverbs 2
Proverbs 2:1-22 (ESV)
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
[2] making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
[3] yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
[4] if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
[5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
The Value of wise parenting
The value of words
The value of God’s word
Putting forth the effort to gain wisdom
O sirs, should we lose the light of our eyes and the use of our limbs, yet were it better to enter into life blind and lame, than having those eyes and limbs to be cast into hell fire. “Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life;” and if he would give all that for his temporal life, oh! how much more costly is the spiritual life, and how cheap were the price if he could give a thousand martyrdoms to redeem his soul. But nothing of this kind is asked; the gospel presents freely to every needy soul just that which he requires. It cries — “He that hath no money, let him come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” O my dear hearers, if you have refused the invitation of Christ’s gospel, well may you tremble at the thought, that the Queen of Sheba shall rise up in judgment against you.”
[6] For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
[7] he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
[8] guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
From the Lord
Contained In the word of God is knowledge and understanding
For His righteous ones, those standing in the righteousness of Christ.
You know the scriptures provide assurance for your soul in Christ,
There you find wisdom!
It seem He is just ready to abundantly pour it into your life.
What else verse 7? Protection/a shield for the followers of Christ
Guarding your path in Him, His people
When we understand that this is how He directs our path, His wisdom being infused in us, as we learn, that yes God’s view is the world view I must have, and live according to, as it’s revealed in the Scriptures, the epitome of which is found right here in the proverbs.
We could even say since the Lord gives wisdom to His people, here’s how we’re to live.
Here we recognize the responsibility we have as God’s people.
[9] Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
[10] for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
[11] discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you,
[12] delivering you from the way of evil,
from men of perverted speech,
[13] who forsake the paths of uprightness
to walk in the ways of darkness,
[14] who rejoice in doing evil
and delight in the perverseness of evil,
[15] men whose paths are crooked,
and who are devious in their ways.
When we understand the fear of the Lord, that is when we learn He is to be properly approached and regarded as Holy.
The benefits He respond with are wonderful.
To understand righteousness and Justice and Equity, every good path.
If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, what follows?
A more abundant Wisdom/knowledge
A more careful Discretion/understanding
What will this benefit provide?
A way of escape/ deliverance from evil! You going to know son when it’s time to go. You will discern your surroundings and know your better off somewhere else.
Discretion and understanding will cause you to remember this way of evil.
On this way there are men with wicked speech,
forsake the paths of uprightness
walk in the ways of darkness,
rejoice in doing evil
delight in the perverseness of evil,
paths are crooked,
devious in their ways.
The wisdom God gives is light, walking in the light, exposes wicked deeds in our own lives and in the lives of others. This light is not to be Hidden and it cannot be extinguished. Jesus Christ is of course the light of the World. When we talk about wisdom of God it is embodied and indeed attributed to the 2nd person of the Trinity. Watch Him, stick close to Him.
Delivered from The way that leads to death
[16] So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words,
[17] who forsakes the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God;
[18] for her house sinks down to death,
and her paths to the departed;
[19] none who go to her come back,
nor do they regain the paths of life.
We can be sure, the one who watches, and sticks close to Jesus Christ, the one who get’s wisdom will experience this deliverance.
The forbidden woman
Let’s examine her for a minute, for you ladies, examine him, the forbidden man.
What makes her forbidden?
This description of her smooth words. These words are tricky. Understood with the nature of men.
Predator / victim dynamic
Notice the importance of this protection wisdom provides.
These tempting and deadly words the adulteress uses so often will entice a man young and old.
Again as we noticed in previous verses regarding being led astray by the wicked. Getting wisdom will give you the scruples to skedaddle.
The knowledge to run as did the Godly Joseph in potifers house.
The mention of her adulterous acts are to be descriptive and telling of her nature.
“Forsakes the companion of her youth”
Both her “professed commitment” and her “lipped love” manifest as actual betrayal. The clerity wisdom provides is as if, thick scales are pulled from the eyes and behind seduction is the ugly destructive gaping mouth of hell waiting to swallow in everlasting destruction anyone who would enter into her.
The question Why is this path after the adulterous woman so destructive? How bad could the consequences on this plain be? is answered.
You tell me!
It’s not altogether that she has forsaken her husband, as awful as that is. But it is summed up in the next statement.
“She forgets the covenant of her God”
The Marriage covenant stems from the covenant of creation. The creation covenant is not as the covenants throughout redemptive history between God and His chosen people, but between Him and His creatures. Therefore since He established marriage in creation every marriage is held accountable by God.
Therefore the act of infidelity yes will plunge a household into ruin and despair affecting possibly generations no doubt, but the greatest offence is rebellion against the covenant Creator. It is indeed adultery against God, unfaithfulness against the faithful. The weight of such an offense is absolutely crushing, without recovery, damnable leading the way not to suffering on this plain only, but everlasting torment.
[17] who forsakes the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God;
[18] for her house sinks down to death,
and her paths to the departed;
[19] none who go to her come back,
nor do they regain the paths of life.
The Gospel
The way of our Lord is not Just to deliver from such danger, such despair. But to deliver to safety and abundant life That treasure which is Him.
So magnificently taught by the Apostle Peter;
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Delivered to The way of life
[20] So you will walk in the way of the good
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
[21] For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it,
[22] but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.
The way of the Good
Keep to the paths of the righteous
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. [14] For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Luke 13:24 (ESV)
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
[21] For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it,
For Covenant Israel the promise Land. To the New covenant community every promise in Christ.
Oh how rich are the benefits from One Who is incomparably valuable.
Eph. 2 Exceedingly more than I can imagine!
The alternative, the woe of the curse
Proverbs 3:1-35 (ESV)
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
[2] for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
[3] Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
[4] So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
The importance of instruction, teaching (Heb. Torah).
Commandments – What do you think is the substance if this instruction, teaching, commandments.
Really the familiarity of these phases and those that follow hint to us…. “The Law of God”
Now think with me, what is the Law of God in relation to His people?
It is God’s self revelation, Special revelation, The revelation of His Character.
Let’s describe His Character just from what is revealed By His Law. Though we will not limit our understanding as those who have experienced His Grace. However we do have this illustration.
This emphatic “Do not forget”, “Let your heart keep” Again the proverb teaches nus something of the value of this instruction. Remember Psalm 119:11 Thy Word have I Hid In Mine Heart that I might not sin against Thee. This is to be cultivated and cared for like the most valuable treasure.
“Do not forget”, “Let your heart keep”
Another clue to the weight of this wisdom in the phrase
[2] for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
In the Decalogue, (Where would we find it?) Ex 20
Familiar is, Exodus 20:12 (ESV)
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Also,
Exodus 20:5-6 (ESV)
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
His Law was to remind them of His Love, which made them a special, peculiar people! Emphasis!
Another central aspect of their Worship from the Torah in addition to the Decalogue, Is alluded to,
the Shema! Become familiar with it.
[3] Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Where might we find that in the Torah. Deut. 6
Now remember This is wisdom we’re receiving here from God, Himself.
Wisdom is not gaining mere knowledge right? What is the difference?
Learning, listening, gaining knowledge, receiving instruction, when it comes from the Lips of the Almighty; getting wisdom means that we are to participate, receiving instruction and always being mindful of it’s application and ready in haste to respond appropriately.
[4] So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
This is the General benefit of an appropriate response to Godly wisdom.
[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
[6] In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
[7] Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
[8] It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
[9] Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
[10] then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Now for the immediate instruction from the wise to the pupil. We must be eager students here. Here we have the familiar, but no mater how familiar we become to Prov. 3:5-6, I do not think a lover of Jesus Christ could ever lighten the meaning and effect of this passage applied.
First of all there is something of His Character revealed here also. Trust in the Lord! He is trust worthy! (comment). Worship is the proper description of this response. To trust in the Lord is yet another act of Worship! In other words Devote everything you are to The center, Jesus Christ.
Your whole value system becomes sanctified, if you will, when Jesus Christ is the focal point of your entire being. That little phrase “with all your heart” has massive implications. It changes everything, every detail in your life becomes affected as you bring your entire life and affections under His Lordship.
Listen to the implications revealed in the Wisdom of God.
[6] In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
What are the effects? Exhaustive, nothing untouched, nothing unchanged by His Majesty.
What has changed?
do not lean on your own understanding.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
The value of your own understanding!
What is the means to this kind of change? What is the means to wisdom? The fear of the Lord! Therefore in wisdom the Chisl of God, the Lover of Christ will turn away from evil to Him Who is exceedingly more valuable than anything else in the universe!
Read these verses as general blessing for those who fear Him.
[8] It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
[9] Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
[10] then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
These last 2 verses we must pay close attention to. This is where the rubber meets the road. These are some of the most practical instructions in the proverbs, in order to get wisdom..
[11] My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
[12] for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
If we would only respond appropriately to the hand of God in our lives.
He will discipline us. How should we respond?
He is the consistent Parent. Do you see it? How do you respond?
My friends does this verse 12 reveal something about His Character? How will you respond?
God is Wisdom / Wisdom is not God
Proverbs 3:13-18
[13] Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
[14] for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
[15] She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
[16] Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
[17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
[18] She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.
Personification of Wisdom – importance of recognizing this literary form.
*How valuable and in what application do you find wisdom?
*How will we attain wisdom?
*Talk about the description in contrast to precious material and the benefit thereof?
When you get it don’t let go!
[19] The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
by understanding he established the heavens;
[20] by his knowledge the deeps broke open,
and the clouds drop down the dew.
What place does divine wisdom play on creation and sustenance?
The wisdom of God is eternal, is an attribute of God and according to scripture employed in (more accurately is) the plan of God prior to creation and in the immediate sustaining of creation.
How can we see divine wisdom practically in the will of God?
This attribute reveals so powerfully the Son of God in His Acts of creation and sustentation!
1. God’s wisdom revealed in Christ
Ephes. 3:8-13 (ESV)
To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, [10] so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. [11] This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, [12] in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. [13] So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
2. The wisdom of the efficient cause and sustainer Jesus Christ
Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV)
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
3. Jesus is wisdom
John 1:1-3 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. The divine power to create and sustain is found in Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 10:12 (ESV)
It is he who made the earth by his power,
who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
Col. 1:16 (ESV)
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Hebrews 1:10 (ESV)
And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
So when the proverb writer implores his son;
[21] My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
Recognizing that this is no mere human understanding he / we are to keep in our sight, but the very attribute, the very power of God’s wisdom that he must cling to. It is Divine wisdom Revealed most efficiently/perfectly in Jesus Christ, That you and I must cling to and not loosen our grip for a moment!
Wisdom and discretion
[22] and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
[23] Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
[24] If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
The beauty, The security, The assurance
[25] Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
[26] for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.
Isaiah 43
In light of who God is; and how He has, in covenant, called us His people, delivered and sustains us, for His great name’s sake, listen get wisdom, attain this knowledge with the intent to apply, as an appropriate response to our God and our neighbor!
This is primarily a response to Jesus
Secondarily to our neighbors
[27] Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
[28] Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
[29] Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
who dwells trustingly beside you.
[30] Do not contend with a man for no reason,
when he has done you no harm.
[31] Do not envy a man of violence
and do not choose any of his ways,
we need wisdom because we need to see things the way the Lord sees things!
[32] for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.
[33] The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
[34] Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
[35] The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.
Proverbs 4:1-27 (ESV)
It wise to listen to wisdom
Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
[2] for I give you good precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
If you listen you’ll you will teach wisdom to your son
[3] When I was a son with my father,
tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
[4] he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
keep my commandments, and live.
[5] Get wisdom; get insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
[6] Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
love her, and she will guard you.
Get Wisdom
[7] The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
[8] Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
[9] She will place on your head a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
The assurance gained by wisdom
[10] Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
[11] I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
[12] When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
[13] Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
Warning against the depravity of the wicked
[14] Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
[15] Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
[16] For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
[17] For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
Notice the consistency in which this father instructs his boy.
His words are not minced, his description of the wicked is consistent with the last lesson on the wicked he taught his son. (1:10-19, 2:9-15,)
He doesn’t expound on the evil nature of man one day, then in the next session call that same nature good. What gives away the depraved nature is when we call evil good and good evil. Heaven help us in our consistency, with our children, each other and especially in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Depravity is described by darkness.
Post Tenebrous Lux
After Darkness Light
[18] But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
[19] The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
Wisdom gained from experience and passed on to experience
[20] My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
[21] Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
[22] For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
Son, in light of what I have consistently taught you. I have had experience and you’ve seen it yourself, what I have taught is consistent with reality. The reason my words are so important, they are the words of God. I am revealing to you the wisdom of God. The only consistent worldview. Consistent because He is God, he knows the world, good and evil. He knows the depravity of man, and the change that is wrought by those who get wisdom.
So son pay close attention to my words, keep them close for their value, their instruction brings life;
The instruction I would like to focus on tonight
[23] Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Watch it close;
Keep your;
Mind from vanity, understanding from error, will from perverseness, Conscience clear of guilt, affections from being inordinate and set on evil objects, thoughts from being employed by bad subjects, the whole from falling into the hands of Satan.
Why such close attention?
By nature our hearts are exceedingly wicked. As the Holy Spirit says;
Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Luke 21:34 (ESV)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
Matthew 15:18-19 (ESV)
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. [19] For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
What is necessary is regeneration
A New heart a heart of flesh.
If you’ve been born again, getting wisdom means you guard your heart keep a close watch, examine it closely. Do not let up even for a minute. It is that important.
How can we keep such close watch?
“it is to be kept by all manner of means that can be thought of, by prayer, hearing, reading, meditation; and, above all, by applying to Christ for his grace and Spirit to sanctify, preserve, and keep it. Or, “above all keeping, keep thine heart” (Gill)
It is the New heart that can Love the Lord entirely.
Guard the heart because out of it the mouth speaks, Jesus said.
Therefore, if the heart is kept under strict watch, then verse 24 is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit.
[24] Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.
Think of the damage done by the tongue. James 3
Bless God and your brothers by what comes out of your mouth
Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
The Guarded heart will determine what you look at and how you look at it.
[25] Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.
Matthew 5:28 (ESV)
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Our eyes must be set on the path lit by the Word of God!
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Nun
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Our eyes must be on Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
That is not cleche’ it is wisdom to see the way Jesus Saw,
[26] Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
Judge therefore according to the word of God
Phil 4:1-9
[27] Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Luke 9:62 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 5:1-23 (ESV)
My son, be attentive to my wisdom;
incline your ear to my understanding,
[2] that you may keep discretion,
and your lips may guard knowledge.
Again we begin with this focus on attention; teacher to pupil; father to son; parent to children; ultimately from God to His people.
While we remember this to be the writers wisdom; perhaps the wisdom of Solomon, we must also and appropriately remember that the reason we have proverbs chapter 5 in the Bible is not because Solomon said it or collected it. But rather, we have this Proverb recorded in Sacred Scripture because it is the Very Word of God, the wisdom of God.
Therefore need I say more “be Attentive, pay attention”
The writer; come close follow my logic, I’m going to lay this out for you very clearly don’t miss it, this is for your benefit, protection and godliness. This will help you talk the talk and walk the walk, it will guard you from hypocrisy.
Ok, so with this kind of beginning as in other chapters, does it sound like we are going to study some practical wisdom?
Do you think this will be extremely beneficial to you?
OK let’s get to work here.
First we have this description of the forbidden woman. We have already, touched on the “grave” danger of this woman. In what chapter?
In Chapter two the proverb touched on it,
Proverbs 2:16-19 (ESV)
So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words,
[17] who forsakes the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God;
[18] for her house sinks down to death,
and her paths to the departed;
[19] none who go to her come back,
nor do they regain the paths of life
here there is greater detail so here we will follow suit and pay greater attention.
[3] For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil,
[4] but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
sharp as a two-edged sword.
[5] Her feet go down to death;
her steps follow the path to Sheol;
[6] she does not ponder the path of life;
her ways wander, and she does not know it.
Sweet – her promise is a great deal of pleasure in her embraces Her lips are inviting and forbidden sensuality draws the straying heart.
Smooth – Instead of slick Willie, here we have slick Nellie. Speech that is able to slip past or through the lightly guarded, porous heart. When in mingles with his blood and pulls him to her.
It is no wonder the weak and unguarded man is enticed, entangled and encaged by the sweet and smooth bait of her lips!
However, everyone who falls prey will see the scene change rapidly and dramatically. Once inside the cage, what is the experience, beginning with verse 4?
Bitter – sweetness is revealed ultimately as a lie (ant bait)
Inescapable bitterness becomes the reality!
Describe experiences of bitterness you know. Have you found relief?
The proverbial description of bitterness acquainted with the forbidden woman in inescapable. Only miraculous deliverance by Christ alone.
Eccles. 7:25-26 (ESV)
I turned my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness that is madness. [26] And I find something more bitter than death: the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her.
The bitter experience of being captured by an adulterous woman is worse than death.
Sharp – think again about the descriptively slick words of the wicked woman as like the fingers of an unknown tumor would work through the brain mass, her words work their way through the heart of the unscrupulous man. At her most opportune time these fingers that messaged the heart to draw it into the trap once inside turn to blades and shred not only his heart but everything that it and he was attached to.
Where is this adulterous woman headed?
[5] Her feet go down to death;
her steps follow the path to Sheol;
Such a destroyer is deserving of death, judgment will certainly come. I will repay Vengeance is mine saith the Lord
Down to death
The path to sheol
There is no doubt where she is headed.
What about him? What about the man who was inticed? Is he guiltless? Is the condition he finds himself in his fault? Of course it is!
James 1:14-15 (ESV)
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Here then is the warning that wisdom provides if you engage a wicked woman in sexual pleasure your end will be the same as hers.
Where Does this Adulterous woman lead?
Down to death
The path of sheol
Or, “her steps support hell” keep it up, and fill it with inhabitants; millions are carried into it by her means: or, reach unto hell; she stops not till she comes there, and her followers with her. (Gill)
Not only is there no concern for the path of life
But she couldn’t find it if she wanted to
Lost is the descriptive word, destruction is the road she travels.
Continuing with this detailed description of the adulterous woman and the danger she invites.
Proverbs 5:7-14
[7] And now, O sons, listen to me,
and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
Come a little closer than verse 1
Stick close to me, close to what my teaching.
After such a description of the damnation this woman leads to, this is the ideal response.
To you in application their should be a scooting closer, moving in closer and with a greater degree of attention to the source of wisdom that will deliver you from such everlasting destruction.
Listen to Solomon, draw near to Christ, get wisdom as delivered by the Spirit of God.
Look at the way wisdom protects.
[8] Keep your way far from her,
and do not go near the door of her house,
What is the temptation implied here?
Don’t drive by her house!
Don’t stop by just to see how she’s doing!
Don’t observe from a distance, just because you’re curious!
Don’t call just to make sure she’s alright!
Listen! Death! Death! Death! We really need to get wisdom death is the alternative!
Consequences
[9] lest you give your honor to others
and your years to the merciless,
[10] lest strangers take their fill of your strength,
and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,
What does a man have the he can be stripped of as a consequence of such an action, Binding yourself to an adulterous, a wicked woman?
For a moment think of what you value most….
Christ, salvation, wife, family, children, job, business, honor…..
Whatever these so called valuables are in the mind of the man who engages in sexual immorality with this adulterous woman, the moment the decision is made to enter into such an act, you have dumped all over these precious jewels of life dung, to use a biblical term. Choosing a substance of vile stench over what you claim as valuable.
The truth is, in the heat of the moment you perceive it’s worth it. The lie is maybe I’ll escape the consequences. It’s worth the risk!
Until the years are added upon that risk
What is the experience we go through as we pay consequences?
Guilt, Regret
Maybe you would be willing to share a regret, whether you’ve worked through it or not, recognizing it is a benefit for others in this group to hear and I pray get wisdom, from your experiences.
[11] and at the end of your life you groan,
when your flesh and body are consumed,
The physical effects of an undisciplined life
This groan is a deep gut wrenching grown, certainly one that cannot be accurately expressed by words.
It seems the weight of guilt, regret, physical suffering from life long consequences would be unbearable.
[12] and you say, “How I hated discipline,
and my heart despised reproof!
The danger here, you see, is an everlasting look on the past without a bit of power to do anything to change it.
[13] I did not listen to the voice of my teachers
or incline my ear to my instructors.
Do not allow this to be how you describe yourself as your silver years approach.
[14] I am at the brink of utter ruin
in the assembled congregation.”
What is the indication here?
That, this can take place right in the midst of the people of God.
That means you and I, unless we listen carefully and get wisdom. Respond appropriately to discipline, reproof, listen to our teachers and instructors as they relay to us the wisdom of God we are in danger of not only walking up to her door but crossing her threshold, and we know where that will lead don’t we?
Prov. 5:15-23
[15] Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well.
God has provided plenty
The privilege
Blessing
Responsibility
Paul Newman quote, “why go out for a hamburger when I can stay home and eat steak”
[16] Should your springs be scattered abroad,
streams of water in the streets?
What you have to give
Sexually
Emotionally
Relationally
Is only to be directed toward one, the wife/ husband of your youth. The marriage that took place under heaven “The authority of God”
Don’t give what you got to others.
Practical ways this is to be plated out
Work hard to make each other happy/ by happy I do not mean superficial, fleeting happiness that the world is often chasing after. I’m talking about the happiness, defined as satisfaction, one word “Satisfied”
For the married man/woman, when the opportunity for unfaithfulness presents itself, the satisfied response is “I am a happily married man/woman” Throw in there “with children” if necessary.
Be satisfied
Married or not. The right response is the same.
Married – Satisfied in Christ
Single – Satisfied in Christ
[17] Let them be for yourself alone,
and not for strangers with you.
Understand this, she’s yours no one else’s. God forbid that anyone else would have her. God for bid.
If it happens whether sexual impurity/unfaithfulness here, or really anything else that would step between you and the wife of your youth.
Be jealous for her/Him, in holiness, that means after the manor that God is jealous for His people, that Christ is jealous for His Church.
Practically, no matter what, this is the most important relationship you have Under God, in Christ.
Fight for her, live for her, die for her…..! Give up, what ever is necessary to win her, or pursue her! The covenant established before God, in your marriage is that important!
I want to share with you a lengthy and graphic example of the way God does this with His people.
In application, if you would remember the sinful state in which God found you, the mercy He has shown to make you His, the forgiveness for repeated offences He has provided.
I believe you will respond appropriately to this one who has shown His love for you by the death of His Son.
Why has He done this? Because He made a covenant and He will keep it.
Ezekiel 16:4-10; 13-16; 32-33; 59-60; 62-63;
Ephesians 5:25-27
God forbid we go through wife or husband what He went through with us.
But how do you respond to Him for the mercy He’s shown you? It should be with loving faithfulness.
Adultery prevention tactics
[18] Let your fountain be blessed,
and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
Love her, Make her happy, respect her in every way, provide for her and her children.
Great reason for rejoicing, you will rejoice, be happy, be satisfied
Listen to this description. This is how you are to see your wife.
This is how you are to respond to her.
[19] a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;
be intoxicated always in her love.
The freedom
The satisfaction
The enjoyment
The holy intoxication
It doesn’t get better than this
There are lies out their
So Solomon asks His son
[20] Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman
and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
[21] For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord,
and he ponders all his paths.
[22] The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
[23] He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.
Remember our previous studies, where does she lead?
Paul Newman quote, “why go out for a hamburger when I can stay home and eat steak”
Burger King the other day