Proverbs 1.1-7
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I love Wisdumb, There are many that say they are wise and yet…
I love Wisdumb, There are many that say they are wise and yet…
One Houston Chronicle article gave the hard hitting headline…
Texans support the death penalty, but only for the guilty.
Another texas paper announces…
Survey finds fewer dear, after hunt.
A headline out of Baltimore…
USPS Program Helps “Stamp out Literacy”
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
At the core of this amazing and curious book we find this exclamation. Wisdom is better.
It is here that we find the place of the Book of Proverbs in overall Scripture, a treasury of timeless wisdom and practical guidance that transcends the ages. Nestled within the rich tapestry of the Bible, Proverbs stands as a beacon of light, offering insight into the complexities of human life and the pursuit of true wisdom.
In the book of Genesis we see the creation of all that is: visible and invisible. We know that God created it all and in seven days he spoke and creation happened.
He created man and placed him in the middle of a perfect garden.
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
It is here that man was placed in a beautiful environment that ran in perfect obedience to the wisdom and design of God’s wisdom. God would bring a mate for Adam and there these two lived in harmony. Every part and piece from the animal, plant and human all worked in concert to God’s holy, beautiful, and perfect plan.
This harmony was lost in the fall. Man’s sin brings all of us to the devastation and pain of sin. Proverbs calls this foolishness. This is the willful disregard of God’s wisdom and a choice to follow ones own plan.
Proverbs 1.25-30
But ye have set at nought all my counsel,
And would none of my reproof:
I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your fear cometh;
When your fear cometh as desolation,
And your destruction cometh as a whirlwind;
When distress and anguish cometh upon you.
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer;
They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
For that they hated knowledge,
And did not choose the fear of the Lord:
They would none of my counsel:
They despised all my reproof.
Since the fall man has had this foolishness knit so closely that it is our first nature.
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child;
But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
At the introduction of sin man was separated from that perfect environment where the will of God reigned. But Solomon introduces a life that is marked but what he calls wisdom.
WISDOM IS: the life that comes from those that know God and live out his will in their day to day lives. To Solomon the will of God is not so much a destination (as in I want to marry God’s will; find God’s will; or have God’s will.) It is a yeildedness to the way of God and obedience to plan of God, and a surrender to represent God in our daily lives.
Instead of chasing after wealth, that leads man to abuse, using others, and monopolizing situations for gain, Solomon sees a man of wisdom as one that seeks first to act as God would with his resources.
Instead of using a woman or man for sexual gratification he sees the wisdom of God as someone who shows integrity, kindness, and loyalty as a the hallmark of their relationships.
Instead of being greedy for power Wisdom is demonstrated in a care for the downtrodden, and the weak.
You say that sounds backwards from the world I see out here. Right which is why Jesus a man full of wisdom who said, the first are last and the last is first. Many of us are familiar with these words from Mt 20:16, but you may not be familiar how Jesus opens this sermon. In verse 1 Jesus opens with, “For the kingdom of heaven is like…” In other words when God is in control and the will of God is first on the heart of his people it looks like this.
This was common for the teachings of Jesus to center on this idea of our world as being a place for God’s wisdom to shine…
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
This is the point of Wisdom. God’s will lived in our daily broken, sinful, foolish world.
Within its pages, you'll find practical advice on a myriad of topics: from the importance of integrity and humility to the dangers of pride and folly; from the rewards of diligence and honesty to the perils of laziness and deceit.
So the wisdom, offered through the knowledge and understanding hangs on the readers willingness to Fear the Lord…
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
You see Adam and Even woke up everyday yeilded to the beautiful plan and work of Garden. Each day was lived like the same. Holy, set apart and peaceful. Man and woman in concert. NO division no submission, no rule over or desire to usurp. Perfect harmony.
They did this everyday until they didn’t. They both man and woman stopped loving God’s design and desired to be “wise”.
They shook off the wisdom of God for their choice in the moment. So you and I now choose moment by moment to put the wisdom of God first. We can have the blessing of God now but only if we will surrender backwards. Yeilding the control of this life ignoring the wisdom of fallen man to accept the wisdom of a holy God.
Because of this wisdom is not a guidebook for a better life; it's a profound reflection on the nature of wisdom itself. It invites us to ponder the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, to recognize that true understanding comes from a reverent awe of God and a humble submission to His will.
So as we read through this book let us determine to heed the counsel of verse 5, increase in our learning, and attain to its wise counsel.
The Book of Proverbs is traditionally divided into several main sections:
1. Prologue (Proverbs 1:1–7): This section introduces the purpose and theme of the book. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in life, as well as the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom.
2. The Proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs 1:8–9:18): These chapters contain a collection of individual proverbs, many of which are attributed to King Solomon. They cover a wide range of topics, including wisdom, discipline, integrity, and the consequences of both wise and foolish behavior.
Most importantly they introduce us the person of Wisdom. Who we will consider shortly.
3. The Words of the Wise (Proverbs 10:1–22:16): This section features additional proverbs attributed to various wise individuals, not exclusively Solomon. These proverbs continue to explore themes of wisdom, righteousness, and the practical implications of living according to God's principles.
4. The Sayings of Agur (Proverbs 30): Agur is introduced as the author of this section, which contains a collection of concise sayings and observations about life and wisdom. Agur's words offer further insight into the pursuit of wisdom and the mysteries of the natural world.
5. The Words of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1–9): This section contains the words of King Lemuel, which are actually attributed to his mother. It offers advice on leadership, justice, and the qualities of a virtuous king.
6. The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31:10–31): The concluding passage of Proverbs is a famous acrostic poem praising the virtues of a capable and noble woman. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the book, celebrating the importance of wisdom and virtuous living in all aspects of life. It is here we get to imagine what was shadowed before what was the woman wisdom is not a wise woman.
These divisions provide structure to the book and highlight its diverse range of wisdom teachings, offering readers practical insights for living wisely and righteously.
In the Book of Proverbs, the concept of "Woman Wisdom" is a prominent and powerful metaphor that personifies wisdom as a woman. This portrayal is significant for several reasons:
Wisdom in Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wisdom was often personified as a feminine figure. This portrayal was not only a literary device but also reflected societal views on wisdom, which was highly valued yet often associated with feminine characteristics such as nurturing, intuition, and insight.
Wisdom in Symbolism: Woman Wisdom in Proverbs symbolizes the divine wisdom of God Himself. Just as a wise woman imparts knowledge, guidance, and understanding, so too does God's wisdom illuminate the path of righteousness for those who seek it. By personifying wisdom as a woman, Proverbs emphasizes the intimate and nurturing nature of God's wisdom, inviting readers to approach it with humility and receptivity.
The Tree of Life: In the Garden of Eden, the Tree of Life symbolizes eternal life and communion with God. While humanity was barred from the Garden after the Fall, the hope for restoration and reconciliation remains. Woman Wisdom in Proverbs offers a glimpse of this hope by pointing to the path of righteousness and wisdom, which leads to life and blessing. Through the pursuit of wisdom, individuals are invited to partake in the abundant life that God desires for His creation.
Restoration and Redemption: Despite the brokenness and fallenness of the world, the hope for restoration and redemption persists throughout Scripture. Woman Wisdom in Proverbs represents this hope by offering guidance and instruction for righteous living, which is ultimately grounded in God's faithfulness and love. Just as God promised to send a Redeemer to restore humanity's relationship with Him, Woman Wisdom points to the path of redemption and restoration through the pursuit of wisdom and obedience to God's commands.
Understand that Proverbs matters for you and I today because it answers the questions that rest most at the heart of people today. Especially at the heart of young men and women.
Who Am I?: Identity
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
- Verse 1 establishes the authorship of the book as Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. This lineage highlights the importance of heritage and identity, reminding the reader of their connection to a larger story and a legacy of faith.
Understand here this is no small thing to a reader in the OT to underscore the role of Solomon as the Son of David is to point to one who is coming who will take the throne of David.
And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
There was no doubt that Jesus was the Son of David. When the people of the OT heard the name son of David it was a reminder that God is perfectly pleased with this family. It is then we find our first Identity. We are identified first through the person who would come in the name of the LORD. None other than Jesus.
It has been said that placing your faith in Jesus Christ is the NT equivalent of “having the Fear of the Lord.” Why would they say this, because you cannot be obedient to God without believing on his Son.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Today if you don’t know Jesus as your Savior and you are not certain of you eternal salvation I want to introduce to you the very first wise choice you can make. Believe on Jesus for your salvation.
Second,
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Here, wisdom is portrayed as something to be acquired, suggesting that one's identity is not fixed but can be shaped and developed through the pursuit of wisdom.
It is the yeildedness to God’s wisdom that allows me to be formed and shaped into a wise man or wise woman.
"In God's Hands, Character Expands."
You can allow yourself to be defined and characterized by the wisdom that this world brings, but yeildedness to wisdom allows you to develop a life in his image
Where do I fit?: Belonging
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
You see in this passage a clear distinction between two different kinds of people the fool who disregards the harmony of God’s wisdom and instead follows their own wisdom. Or those who are yeilded.
Belonging, then, is found in aligning oneself with God's ways and submitting to His instruction.
Seek opportunities to serve others at work. Whether it's helping a struggling coworker or volunteering for a project, serving others can bring a sense of purpose and belonging.
In your interactions in public spaces, look for ways to show kindness and compassion to strangers. Small acts of kindness, like holding the door open or offering a smile, can help you feel connected to the broader community.
If Sinners Entice thee…
What difference do I make?: Purpose
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,
And chains about thy neck.
You serve a vital purpose in bringing sanity and harmony to lives that hunger for something different than the chaos of sin.
Like water to a fish Foolishness and brokenness, materialism, love of self, and the hatred of others is the atmosphere for the world around you. Each looking for a leg up. You and I are called by the power of Christ to surrender to a place that is like Salt and light. accepting this purpose allows us to fill our environment with a sense of wisdom.
Your life is proof that Wisdom is Calling.
Overall, Proverbs chapter 1 underscores the transformative power of wisdom in shaping a young person's identity, fostering a sense of belonging to God's kingdom, and guiding them towards their purpose in life.
By embracing the wisdom of God, young people can find meaning, direction, and fulfillment as they journey through the various seasons of life.
The Call to Repentance and Faith:
Turn you at my reproof:
Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you,
I will make known my words unto you.
This morning I am talking to people that have never met Christ and see the need for his wisdom. Come and let me show you out of God’s word how you can call on him for salvation.
I am speaking to some today that in your own will you have lived according to your own wisdom. Your family, school, work relationships demonstrate the chaos you contribute to. And you are invited to surrender to his will today.
Come repent of your dependence on self and lean again on his understanding.