4 Little Lessons On Wisdom

4 ‘Little’ Lessons on Wisdom

Text: Proverbs 30:24-28

Thesis: To note some wise lessons from animals for us today.

Introduction:

(1)   Do you ever watch ‘The Discovery Channel’ or ‘Animal Planet?’

(2)   If so, I’m sure that you are amazed at the various animals in the world and the various functions that they perform, which, by the way, argues for a Designer.

(3)   Today, I would like for us to look at 4 various animals that are mentioned in the Bible in order to learn some lessons from them that should impact our lives even today.

(4)   “The animals are small and unimportant, but they are praised for a wisdom that enables them to achieve unexpected success” (Murphy 236).

Discussion:

I.                   Lesson #1: Get ready for the future!

A.    Consider the ants:

1.      “They know the time of their opportunity and make the most of it through diligent effort” (Seals 132).

2.      They prepare for the winter during the summer.

3.      This requires forethought and organization.

B.     How and for what should we prepare?

1.      The what = Eternity

2.      The how = Christ

II.                Lesson #2: Know where to run for safety!

A.    Consider the rock badgers:

1.      Note: The NIV has ‘coneys’ in verse 26.  Some commentators suggest that these animals are “the ‘rock hyraxes’ that still live among the high rocks in the region from the Dead Sea to Mount Hermon” (Morris 174). Others suggest that the animal may now be extinct.

2.      “Knowing their frailty, they did not trust in their own strength, but fled to a strong place of refuge when danger arose” (Seals 132).

B.     Where should we find refuge?

1.      God is our refuge -  Psa. 46:1-7:

1 God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

2.      Wise vs. Foolish Man (cf. Matt. 7:24-27) – A solid foundation

3.      Psa. 23:4 – No fear because God is with us!

III.             Lesson #3: Much can be done by working together!

A.    Consider the locusts:

1.      “Though small and weak, they accomplish wonderful things in the world of nature by working together in unity” (Seals 132).

2.      They can wipe out crops, like an army (cf. Joel 2:4-9).

B.     Imagine what the church could accomplish by working together.

1.      Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-21).

2.      Unity is achieved by being of the same mind (1 Cor. 1:10).

a.       This doesn’t mean that a person must agree on everything.

b.      This does mean that a person is united on a common foundation (cf. Eph. 4:1-6).

c.       In differences of opinion, one must have a spirit of love and cooperation.

3.      “United we stand, divided we fall.”

IV.             Lesson #4: Persistence pays off!

A.    Consider the spider:

1.      Note: Most modern translations have ‘lizard’ in v. 28.

2.      “By determination and continued effort, this agile and clever little animal finds his way into the palaces of Eastern monarchs” (Seals 133).

3.      “The success of persistency is commended” (Smith 677).

B.     What is the pay off for being persistent as a Christian?

1.      1 Cor. 15:58 – Labor is not in vain

2.      Rev. 2:10 – Crown of life

Conclusion:

(1)   We can learn a lot in the world of nature.

(2)   Imagine how much better our lives would be if we would implement these 4 wise lessons.