Prov 3:1-12

Overview of the "wisdom" genre:

Recap last week and Wisdom

Wisdom Literature introduced (What it is and isn’t)

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Deed-Destiny Connection

(1-2) Wisdom Builds the Future

Wise and Foolish Builders ("…like the wise / foolish man…")

- illus.:  Matthew 7:24–27 ““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.””

(3-10) Wisdom Guides the Present (Redeems Self-Interest: Christian Hedonism)

Matthew 7:28 “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,”

“Authority” - Shrewd (also in Gen 3 “the serpent is”)

Bind (steadfast love and faithfulness) Affections

Trust (with all your heart) Decision

Honor (with your wealth) finances

(11-12) Wisdom corrects the past

James 1:2–4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Hebrews 12:5–6 “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.””

Conclusion

Wisdom of God satsifies his love and holiness both for us in salvation through Christ

Romans 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”

- The Xian faith / life is NOT about merely being…

- nice (etiquette, decorum) Generally good citizens,

- noble (ethics, duty) somewhat

- knowledgeable (education, doctrine)

- navigating the world in a life-give way (a way that leads to life)

- illus.:  Mt. 7.24-27 ("…like the wise / foolish man…") Shrewd (also in Gen 3 “the serpent is”)

Matthew 7:28 “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,”

Authority -

- KEY:  in Xianity, "what to do" (ethics) is based on "what'll come true" (eschatology)

Solomon is the authro

Negotiation with the future, with your future self

An appeal to redeem self-interest, “hey this is whats best for you. If you want whats best for you, go the way of Wisdom”

- this is how wisdom operates

- an appeal to "redeemed" self-interest

- sin reduces us to fools (not just failures), severing the deed-destiny connection (From Bruce Waltke), but salvaiton rescues us from folly, restores us to wisdom, that actually obedience is better

Connection to the Ecclesiastes, experimenting

Ecclesiastes is exploring the limits of wisdom, Hollywood

- salvation restores us to wisdom, "sowing up" or "stitching" that connection

-Sin makes you think badly, you suck at

- vv. 1-12, true to this deed-destiny connection, alternate between deed and destiny, between a condition and a consequence:

Verses

Condition

Consequence

1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity

3-4

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight

7-8

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones

9-10

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11-12

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,

because the LORD disciplines those he loves,

as a father the son he delights in

Remember what you've received (vv. 1-2)

- result:  a better future

- assumed problem:  we're forgetful

Resolve to be reliable (vv. 3-4): 

- result:  greater favor before God and man

- assumed problem:  we're fickle, fair-weathered

Rely on what He's revealed (vv. 5-8)

- result:  without regrets

- assumed problem:  we're foolish

Relinquish / release / render your resources (vv. 9-10)

- result:  more in reserve

- assumed problem:  we're tight-fisted

Receive rebuke (vv. 11-12)

- result:  ready for life

- assumed problem:  we're infantile; not fully formed

Christology:  an obedient Son

- Deut. 8 (i) connected to Prov. 3.1-12 and (2) quoted in Mt. 4 (temptations)