Untitled Sermon

Introduction

You might have seen that a guy that’s pretty popular named Jordan Peterson is partially famous for his book called, “12 Rules for Life” and the sequel (of course, because why not make more money?) called “12 More Rules for Life.”

We love lists of good sayings, right?

I have seen a Facebook post that get recirculated every couple of years that is titled, “Rules to Live By,” and it is filled with good advice and silly advice.

Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.

The man at the BBQ grill is the closest thing to a king.

When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

If you need music on the beach you’re missing the point.

Never turn down a breath mint.

After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.

These are great rules to live by, but the list covers a lot of trivial things. As we focus on our seniors who are graduating today, it’s always a good reminder for all of us to hear some words of wisdom, or rules to live by.

Of course, on the topic of wisdom, there is no one better to ask than King Solomon. So I read through the entire book of Proverbs to try to discover what rules King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, would want us to live by and I narrowed it down to four.

Obviously, we are all thinking a little extra about our seniors today, but these words of wisdom are from God, for all of us, and for every day.

#1) Stop to think. You will not regret it.

One of the greatest life hacks known to man… Be quiet! Learn to think about your responses.

“Better to be quiet and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” - Abraham Lincoln

Proverbs 11:12

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 12:18

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 14:15

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 17:27-28

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28  Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Proverbs 18:13

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 19:11

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

(#2) Strive for peace. It will save you a lot of heartache.

It’s amazing how quickly we can let our hearts get caught up in comparison, greed, jealousy, and gossip. When that happens, we often start fights, make enemies, and perpetuate drama.

God calls us to peace. Mind your business and live faithfully!

Proverbs 3:30

Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses

Proverbs 14:30

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Proverbs 16:7

When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 26:17

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

(#3) Seek wisdom. It leads to the abundant life.

Wisdom is a personified character in Proverbs, because King Solomon finds wisdom to be so vital and believes we should make friends with wisdom!

Seeking wisdom takes humility and patience, because sometimes we don’t want to hear the wise answer.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 19:3

When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.

Proverbs 20:18

Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

Proverbs 24:3-6

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4  by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5  A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, 6  for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

(#4) Surround yourself with good people. They will make you better.

I have had some great friends in my life, but I was not prepared for how close I would be to the people I spent my time with in college. I won softball games with them, barely passed classes with them, and spent hours and hours some nights talking through life, learning from them, and letting them challenge me.

Good, godly friends are a gift from God and they will change your life.

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Conclusion

In all of these “rules,” King Solomon wants us to take note of what truly matters.

Self-control rather than power.

Humility, kindness, and integrity rather than riches.

Peace with God and people rather than social status.

What do all of these rules mean? What’s the point?

Ecclesiastes 12:13

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?