Untitled Sermon (28)

Title: Building a House of Wisdom: A Study on Proverbs Chapter 4

Introduction-

-Paul Long

I. Laying the Foundation: The Importance of Wisdom (Verses 1-4)

Verses: Proverbs 4:1-4

(1) “Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, (2) For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction. (3) When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, (4) Then he taught me and said to me,‘Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live.’ Explanation:

Laying the Foundation: This passage emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong foundation by receiving and valuing parental instruction. Key Points:

Instruction as a Foundation: Wisdom begins with accepting guidance and teaching. Generational Wisdom: The father’s wisdom passed down is like laying down a solid concrete foundation for the house of life. Application:

II. Erecting the Framework: Wisdom’s Directives (Verses 5-9)

Verses: Proverbs 4:5-9

(5) “Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. (6) Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. (7) The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. (8) Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. (9) She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” Explanation:

Erecting the Framework: This section provides key instructions and characteristics of wisdom. Just as a framework holds a house together, these verses highlight wisdom as essential for a strong life structure. Key Points:

Acquisition of Wisdom: Emphasis on the active pursuit of wisdom. Rewards of Wisdom: Wisdom is portrayed as a protective guardian, symbolizing the framework that shapes and protects the house. Application:

III. Building the Walls: Heeding Instruction and Avoiding Wicked Paths (Verses 10-19)

Verses: Proverbs 4:10-19

(10) “Hear, my son, and accept my sayingsAnd the years of your life will be many. (11) I have directed you in the way of wisdom;I have led you in upright paths. (12) When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;And if you run, you will not stumble.

(13) Take hold of instruction; do not let go.Guard her, for she is your life.

(14) Do not enter the path of the wickedAnd do not proceed in the way of evil men. (15) Avoid it, do not pass by it;Turn away from it and pass on. (16) For they cannot sleep unless they do evil;And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. (17) For they eat the bread of wickednessAnd drink the wine of violence. (18) But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. (19) The way of the wicked is like darkness;They do not know over what they stumble.” Explanation:

Building the Walls: Just as walls define the boundaries of a house, this passage contrasts the boundaries set by wisdom versus the destructive boundaries of wickedness. Key Points:

Set Boundaries: “Do not enter the path of the wicked.” Light vs. Darkness: The righteous path is illuminated like a well-built house that welcomes the light; wickedness, however, is akin to stumbling in a poorly constructed structure. Application:

IV. Roofing and Protection: Guarding Your Heart (Verses 20-23)

Verses: Proverbs 4:20-23

(20) “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. (21) Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. (22) For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body. (23) Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Explanation:

Roofing and Protection: The heart is like the roof of the house, providing protection and shelter for everything inside. Key Points:

Guarding the Heart: Just as a roof protects a house from external elements, guarding your heart ensures the purity of wisdom’s influence on your life. Heart as a Source: The heart’s condition determines the quality of life, similar to how a roof’s state impacts the house’s integrity. Application:

How diligently are you guarding your heart? Are there "leaks" in your spiritual roof that need repair?

V. Setting the Windows and Doors: Controlling Inputs and Outputs (Verses 24-27)

1. Verses: Proverbs 4:24-27

o (24) “Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.

o (25) Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

o (26) Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.

o (27) Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.”

2. Explanation:

o Setting the Windows and Doors: Just as windows and doors control what enters and exits the house, these verses guide us on how to control our words, focus, and actions.

o Key Points:

§ Mouth (Doors): Watch what comes out of your mouth.

§ Eyes and Feet (Windows): Direct your focus on what is right and true; ensure your actions align with the path of wisdom.

3. Application:

o Are you mindful of what you allow into your life through words, thoughts, and actions? Make an assessment of the windows and doors of your spiritual house.