Proverbs 1 (2)
Fools Gold • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 3 viewsNotes
Transcript
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:
1. **Cultural 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.
2. **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.
3. **Instruction and Guidance:** Throughout Proverbs, Woman Wisdom calls out to those who are willing to listen, offering instruction, guidance, and correction. She stands at the city gates, in the public squares, and at the crossroads, beckoning all who pass by to heed her voice. Her teachings cover a wide range of topics, from moral virtues to practical life skills, emphasizing the holistic nature of wisdom and its relevance to every aspect of life.
4. **Contrast with Woman Folly:** Alongside Woman Wisdom, Proverbs also introduces Woman Folly, her counterpart who represents foolishness, folly, and the allure of temptation. The contrast between these two figures serves to highlight the consequences of following either path: the path of wisdom leads to life and blessing, while the path of folly leads to destruction and ruin.
5. **Empowerment of Women:** Despite the patriarchal context of ancient Israel, the portrayal of Woman Wisdom in Proverbs carries a subtle message of empowerment for women. By depicting wisdom as a woman who holds authority and respect, Proverbs challenges traditional gender roles and affirms the value of women's voices and contributions to society.
In summary, the importance of Woman Wisdom in Proverbs lies in its portrayal of divine wisdom as a nurturing and instructive force, its contrast with the folly of temptation, and its subtle message of empowerment for women. Through this powerful metaphor, Proverbs invites readers to embrace the wisdom of God and to walk in the path of righteousness and understanding.
The association between Woman Wisdom in the book of Proverbs and the beautiful creation and hopes for the Garden of Eden lies in the shared themes of wisdom, harmony, and flourishing life.
1. **Wisdom as a Divine Blueprint:** In the Garden of Eden, God's intention was for humanity to live in harmony with Him and with creation. This harmony was predicated on the pursuit of wisdom, which encompasses knowledge, understanding, and obedience to God's will. Similarly, Woman Wisdom in Proverbs embodies the divine blueprint for living wisely and righteously, offering guidance and instruction for flourishing life.
2. **Harmony and Wholeness:** The Garden of Eden is depicted as a place of perfect harmony and wholeness, where humanity lived in communion with God and with each other. Likewise, the teachings of Woman Wisdom in Proverbs promote harmony and wholeness in all aspects of life—spiritual, moral, relational, and practical. Through wisdom, individuals are encouraged to seek peace, pursue justice, and cultivate healthy relationships with God and with others.
3. **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.
4. **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.
In summary, the association between Woman Wisdom and the Garden of Eden in the book of Proverbs highlights the shared themes of wisdom, harmony, and flourishing life. Through the teachings of Woman Wisdom, individuals are invited to embrace the divine blueprint for living wisely and righteously, thereby experiencing the hope for restoration and redemption that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
In Proverbs chapter 1, verses 1-7, the pursuit of wisdom is presented as foundational to a young person's identity, belonging, and purpose. Let's break down how these elements are illustrated:
1. **Identity:**
- 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.
- Verse 5 emphasizes the purpose of Proverbs: "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance." 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.
2. **Belonging:**
- Verse 7 declares, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse sets the tone for the entire book, emphasizing the importance of reverence for God as the foundation of wisdom. Belonging, then, is found in aligning oneself with God's ways and submitting to His instruction.
3. **Purpose:**
- Verse 6 states, "For understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise." This verse highlights the purpose of Proverbs: to impart understanding and discernment through the wisdom of God. By seeking wisdom, young people can discover their purpose and calling, learning to navigate the complexities of life with clarity and insight.
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.
Certainly! Here are four possible ties between Proverbs 1 and the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
1. **The Call to Repentance and Faith:**
- Proverbs 1:23 declares, "Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings." This call to repentance aligns with the central message of the Gospel, where Jesus calls people to turn away from sin and to trust in Him for forgiveness and salvation (Mark 1:15).
2. **The Wisdom of God Revealed in Christ:**
- Proverbs 1:20 personifies wisdom as calling out in the streets, raising her voice in the public squares. This imagery finds resonance in the Gospel narratives where Jesus, the embodiment of God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24), teaches and proclaims the Kingdom of God in public settings, inviting all to hear and follow Him.
3. **The Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom:**
- Proverbs 1:7 famously states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This concept of the fear of the Lord, which denotes reverence, awe, and submission to God, finds fulfillment in the Gospel message, where Jesus teaches that loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).
4. **The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom:**
- Proverbs 1:31 warns, "They will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes." Similarly, the Gospel presents the consequences of rejecting Christ and His teachings as separation from God and the judgment of sin (John 3:36, Revelation 20:11-15). Conversely, those who accept Christ receive eternal life and fellowship with God (John 3:16-17).
These ties illustrate how the themes and teachings of Proverbs 1 find resonance and fulfillment in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of repentance, the wisdom of God revealed in Christ, the fear of the Lord, and the consequences of rejecting wisdom.