8-18-24 Sermon "Follow Wisdom" - 16 Minutes

Proverbs 9:1-6

This morning I'll be reading Proverbs chapter 9 verses 1 through 6. And I'll be reading from the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Proverbs 9:1-6 Even though we are only looking at verses 1-6,,, verses 1–9,,, teaches that there are two paths: one that is right and leads to life,,, and one that is wrong and leads to death. Proverbs 9:1–6 (HCSB) — 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her female servants; she calls out from the highest points of the city: 4 “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says, 5 “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. The word of God for the people of God,,, thanks be to God! God bless the reading and the hearing of your word this morning. Let us pray: Dear Lord,,, as we begin this morning,,, with everyone here today and all that are listening and watching by video,,, we ask that you open our ears to hear and our hearts and minds to receive the message that you have for us today,,, In Jesus' name I pray,,, Amen. ___________________________________ Last Sunday we looked at 1 Kings 19:4-8,,, and we learned that through everything that Elijah went through,,, we can use them as a "reminder" of the way that God looks out for us all of the time,,, even when we don't trust Him the way that we should. Elijah,,, just a few days before this,,, has defeated the prophets of baal,,, he's put them all to death,,, his prayers have brought forth the rain,,, and he has outran a chariot,,, all through the strength and power of God. He knows that baal is useless against his,,, and our,,, God! Yet,,, here he is,,, hiding,,, wishing that he was dead,,, feeling alone and defeated,,, worthless! He's allowed earthly thoughts to get the best of him. He knows how treacherous Jezebel can be,,, and that thought consumes him. You would think that he would remember what he has accomplished with God's help,,, but he doesn't! But notice what God does for him. God provides rest,,, food,,, and water,,, then more rest,,, food,,, and water,,, as He prepares Elijah for the journey ahead of him. When we allow ourselves to be distracted by worldly things,,, we lose sight of our strength and power! Just like Elijah did here,,, we can make the same mistake. And when that happens,,, we can learn from this and see that even when we forget about God,,, God doesn't forget about us! Just as He didn't allow Elijah to continue in weakness and doubts,,, He won't allow us to continue in that condition either. We just need to spend time resting in God's presence,,, taking in His food and water,,, as we allow ourselves to be strengthened by Him again. Allowing us to continue the job that God has for us to do. We must be aware that we can get tired,,, distracted,,, confused,,, feel useless,,, like what we are doing doesn't matter,,, whatever feeling you want to inject here,,, or whatever feeling that I didn't mention that you might be feeling,,, anything that might be keeping you from feeling God's presence,,, and use these words to help us remember that God will help us to return to Him! Just as He helped Elijah to get his strength back,,, God will help you too,,, if you just take the time,,, to rest in His presence,,, take in His words to give you the strength and nourishment that you need,,, so that you can continue,,, in whatever journey God has,,, for you to complete! We can't travel alone,,, we need God's help every step of the way,,, don't allow discouragement to stop you! Take the time,,, to allow God to fill you with His strength and power,,, through the quiet time,,, that you truly need,,, each and every day,,, but especially when you have allowed the world and worldly problems,,, to come between you and God. We see that Elijah,,, with all of the mighty acts that he seen God perform,,, still needed this reminder! Make sure that you remember this as well! And allow God to fill you,,, with His strength and power,,, again! This morning we will look at these verses in Proverbs,,, and see how they will help us,,, in our walk with God this week. ___________________________________ Verse 1 said: 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. In Proverbs wisdom is frequently pictured,,, as a dignified lady. In verses 1-6,,, she is a builder and a homemaker,,, preparing a banquet for those lacking wisdom. A feast is especially appropriate as a picture of the joy,,, fellowship,,, and satisfaction,,, which she provides for her guests. In this verse,,, she has built her house,,, and carved out her seven pillars. Various interpretations have been given for the seven pillars. Some commentators refer us to Isaiah 11:2,,, the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit which rested on the Messiah; - - but actually only six are clearly listed. An alternative interpretation is found in James 3:17,,, where the wisdom from above,,, is described as (1) pure,,, (2) peaceable,,, (3) gentle,,, (4) willing to yield,,, (5) full of mercy and good fruits,,, (6) without partiality and (7) without hypocrisy. Another point to bring to your attention,,, is the fact that wisdom is presented as industrious and hard working. In contrast,,, folly merely sits at the door of her house (vv. 13–14). ___________________________________ Verse 2 said: 2 She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. In preparation for the feast,,, she has slaughtered her animals,,, and prepared them.

She has mixed her wine,,, and sometimes spices were added to wine to improve its taste,,, so maybe that was what was meant here.

My commentary used Song of Songs 8:2 as an example.

Another mentions that undiluted wine was considered distasteful by the Jews,,, and the wine for the Passover consisted of three parts water and one part wine.

But either way,,, her table is set and ready for her guest.

So we can see that the banquet of wisdom is far more appealing than the water and bread offered by folly,,, as seen in (Proverbs 9:17). ___________________________________ Verse 3 said: 3 She has sent out her female servants; she calls out from the highest points of the city: Having prepared the meal,,, the gracious hostess sent out her maids to invite people to attend the banquet.

This can remind us of the invitation that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 22:2–3,,, that says:

"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent out his slaves to summon those invited to the banquet, but they didn’t want to come.”

So many times,,, God will have the banquet prepared,,, but everyone is busy,,, or just don't want to attend at this time.

Here,,, wisdom has prepared the table,,, and invites all that are interested,,, to come.

And they call from the highest point of the city,,, this was an elevated spot where many would hear the invitation being called out.

“Madam Folly” also called from such a high point as seen in 9:14. ___________________________________ Verses 4-6 said: 4 “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says, 5 “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. Those invited to Wisdom’s fare were the inexperienced,,,, they could be called the simple,,, “naive,,, or gullible,,, as well as those who lack judgment (see comments on 6:32).

Those most needing her attention,,, were invited to be Wisdom’s guests.

They were to come and eat and drink,,, in other words,,, people without wisdom should acquire it and benefit from it.

The King James Version in verse 4 says: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither:

They were to leave their simple ways.

This could mean “simple ones.”

But the second part of the verse which invites the guests to walk in the way of understanding suggests that “simple ways,”,,, referring to the habits of the naïve,,, is preferable.

As already stated (3:18; 4:4; 7:2) the result of wisdom is life (you will live; cf. 9:11; 19:23).

So,,, the actual words of the invitation are given.

It's issued to the simple,,, that is,,, to impressionable people,,, those who are prone to go astray and therefore need help and guidance.

It is not issued to the wise,,, because they are,,, or should be,,, already inside the palace.

The menu includes the finest foods and the most exquisite wine,,, mixed by Wisdom herself.

Those who come,,, are expected to part company with foolishness,,, and show that a moral change has taken place in their own lives. ___________________________________ The book of Proverbs,,, are intended to point us in the right direction.

Solomon wrote these sayings down so that we understand,,, that we need to seek wisdom,,, get wisdom,,, and understand wisdom.

Proverbs also tells us—and repeats it— that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10).

As a result of these words,,, they can guide us to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

___________________________________ We do that by following the words of the wise.

And they will always lead us to Christ!

And once we find Him,,, we should stay with Him,,, and use that knowledge and relationship to stay on the correct path,,, the path that leads to life,,, life of abundance,,, a life that last forever!

And it's always much easier to do so when we heed the words of wisdom,,, and ignore the words of folly!

The invitation is there,,, but we are still expected to take that final step and enter inside.

Be sure that you make the right choice,,, simply because there will be a life changing decision made at that time,,, and,,, you never know if it could be the last chance that you have to make that decision!

So always be sure,,, exactly where you are going,,, and who is guiding you,,, along the way!

Be sure that you heed these words of Solomon,,, and always “follow wisdom”,,, and not folly!

___________________________________ If you feel like you aren't experiencing God's wisdom in the correct way,,,

Let me remind you that Jesus,,, and his wisdom,,, is always available,,, but you have to make that choice.

It will not be forced on you,,, that is something that you must decide to do.

If you have never made the commitment to allow Jesus to be your Personal Savior,,, please make that decision today.

We aren't promised tomorrow,,, so the choice must be made today.

We don't know the hour or the day when Jesus comes back nor do we know if we will be called home,,, we are just told to be ready.

And to be ready,,, you must have made the decision to follow Jesus,,, be sure that you have made that decision today!

___________________________________ So as we sing our final hymn,,, let me remind you that the alter is always open,,,

If you feel God speaking to you,,, don't hesitate to come,,, maybe you just have questions,,, God will answer,,, you just have to ask Him,,, whatever the need may be,,,

As we sing the final hymn,,, come if needed!

___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Hymn: 337 - Oakdale Hymn: 337 - Seminary Benediction -----------------------------------------------------------