Overview of Proverbs: 10-20 Pt. 2

Introduction: Last Sunday we started a new series from the book of Proverbs. We looked at the first section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9) and today we will look at the second section (chapters 10-20. I’ll stop at the end of Proverbs 20, but this second collection of Solomon’s Proverbs goes to chapter 22:16). And in that complete section there are a total of 375 wise sayings, and they are in parallel form. In this message we will be covering 328 of Solomon’s Proverbs.

   Note: In Hebrew, the numerical value of the letters in the name Solomon(שְׁלֹמֹה) adds up to exactly 375 — shin (300) + lamed (30) + mem (40) + heh (5). Scholars believe the collection was intentionally shaped to match his name. It is his signature embedded in the structure of the text.

   I also want to remind us that Proverbs is all about gaining wisdom, and wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view. Wisdom is learning the skill to live a successful life.

    Here is another bit of trivia as we walk through this second section of Proverbs. Speech(the words we speak) dominates chapters 10-20. What we say has a lot to do with wisdom. We need to use our words very carefully.

   Now, with an open Bible, a pen or pencil, and the sermon guide let's get into our overview of Chapters 10-20. Here is where we will be going in the future.

Proverbs 10 — Wisdom Shines – 10:1–32

   Proverbs 10 begins what is called two-line antithetical parallelism. What in the world is that? It is where the first line of the Proverb states a truth and the second line contrasts it with the word, “but.” You’ll see this in just about every verse.

   Next, the words “righteous” and “wicked” appear as a pair in almost every verse in this chapter – 20 plus times. It is as if these Proverbs are essentially sorting life into one of two columns: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.

  Let's look at a few of Solomon’s Proverbs found in this chapter:

· 10:1 – A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

· 10:9 – He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.

· 10:11 – The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

· 10:27 – The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.

· 10:31 – The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

   Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “More than 30 times Proverbs addresses speech and for a good reason. Your tongue will either build your life or destroy it. There is no middle ground.”

   I think there are some present today that need to pause right here and do an assessment on how they have been using their tongue.

   When wisdom is lived out, it shines like a spotlight. It’s bright.

Proverbs 11 — Wisdom Applied – 11:1–31

   Proverbs 11 gives us a picture of the way of the righteous, or what I call, a righteous community. In these verses we have what an upright community looks like when wisdom is applied:

· 11:1 – Honest scales – this means honest dealings with one another.

· 11:3 – Integrity lived out.

· 11:9-13 – Righteous people have a major influence.

· 11:14 – They understand the need for wise counsel.

· 11:15-21 – Kindness prevails.

· 11:22-23 – Morals are essential.

· 11:24-29 – Stewardship & generosity are shared.

Generosity will be rewarded.

· 11:30 – Spiritual reproduction is happening.

The soul winner is wise – Crowd heaven.

   This chapter closes by telling us that God will reward the righteous and bring judgment on the ungodly and sinner. Look at verse 31,

     If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, How much more the ungodly and the sinner.

Proverbs 12 — Wisdom Probes – 12:1–28

   Have you ever had someone ask you so many questions that you looked at them and asked, “Why the third degree?” Well, Proverbs 12 provides us with Proverbs that if turned into questions may be considered the third degree.

  I also call this chapter: A Spiritual Checkup with Dr. Solomon.

· 12:1 – Do I love instruction?

· 12:2 – Am I a good man?

· 12:4 – Am I an excellent wife to my husband?

· 12:10 – Do I take care of my animals?

· 12:11 – Am I a diligent worker?

· 12:12-14 – Do I speak the truth?

· 12:15 – Do I receive counsel?

· 12:17 – Do I speak truth?

   One author penned, “We tell the truth because lying is tiring, and telling the truth is so restful.”

· 12:18 – Do I use my tongue to promote health?

· 12:20 – Do I seek to bring peace?

· 12:25 – Do I know how to be depression-free?

· 12:26 – Am I cautious about the friends I choose?

   Now, consider how this chapter concludes. We read in verse 28,

   In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death.

   Perhaps you need to make an appointment with Dr. Solomon. This is a chapter for serious self-examination. The point that I believe that is being driven home is this: Is wisdom a part of my everyday life?

Proverbs 13 — Wisdom Builds – 13:1–25

   Proverbs 13 is divided into two sections. The first half of the chapter is what I call the practical section (13:1-12). I also call this the “Bee” section. The second half (13:13-25) is what I call God’s Building Blocks.

   The Practical Section:

· 13:1 – Be teachable – heed your father’s instruction.

· 13:2-3 – Be careful.

· 13:4 – Be diligent.

· 13:5-6 – Be upright.

· 13:7 – Be rich (contentment).

· 13:8 – Be aware.

· 13:9 – Be joyful.

· 13:10 – Be humble.

· 13:11 – Be hardworking.

· 13:12 – Be hopeful.

      God’s Building Blocks: For a life lived successfully.

· 13:13 – God’s word – Let Scripture captivate your life.

· 13:14 – Wise laws – Follow God’s Commandments.

· 13:15 – Good understanding.

· 13:16 – Responsible knowledge.

· 13:17 – Ambassador of health.

· 13:18 – Accept rebuke.

· 13:19 – Accomplish projects.

· 13:20 – Walk with wise men.

· 13:21 – Practice righteousness.

· 13:22 – Leave an inheritance - which is a godly legacy.

· 13:23 – Labor diligently.

· 13:24 – Discipline children – a father’s responsibility.

· 13:25 – Eat to satisfy.

   Wisdom helps us build the best life ever. A wise person will receive instruction.

Proverbs 14 — Wisdom Contrasted – 14:1–35

   Proverbs 14 gives us a contrast between the wiseand the foolish person. We are given a very clear picture of what a fool acts like.

· 14:1 – The fool tears down his house.

· 14:2 – The fool has no fear of God.

· 14:3 – The fool has no control over his tongue.

· 14:10 – The fool has allowed bitterness to invade his life.

· 14:16 – The fool is self-confident.

· 14:24 – The fool is full of folly.

· 14:29 – The fool is impulsive.

· 14:33 – The fool speaks whatever is on his heart.

· 14:34 – The fool sins against his nation.

   It has been said that verse 12 provides a good summary verse for the entire chapter:

   “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

   This chapter also provides the antidote to foolishness, which is the same in every chapter: “the fear of the Lord.” We read in 14:26-27,

   26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 15 — Wisdom Speaks – 15:1–33

   Proverbs 15 opens with one of the most practical verses in the entire book:

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

   Once again, we discover that the tongue is the central theme of this chapter — when we use the tongue rightly, it spreads:

· 15:4 – Wholesome words.

· 15:7 – Disperses knowledge.

· 15:13 – Encourages a merry heart.

· 15:16-17 – A countercultural concept - confronts the idea that more money and bigger living equal a better life.

· 15:23 – Speaks at just the right time.

· 15:26 – Shares pleasant words.

· 15:29 – Prays. This is a good use of the tongue.

· 15:31 – Imparts rebuke.

   The chapter closes by reminding us again about the fear of the LORD:

   “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.” (15:33).

   If you don’t have a healthy respectfor God, you never will gain the wisdom you need for living a successful life here on earth. And I would add that your tongue will be the evidence of that.

Proverbs 16 — Wisdom Blesses – 16:1–33

   Proverbs 16 gives us some of the most quoted verses in the entire book:

· 16:3 – “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.”

   Note:The word “commit” means to roll – as in rolling a heavy burden off your shoulders and onto the LORD. It could be read, “Roll your works upon the LORD.”

· 16:7 – “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

· 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

· 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” 

· 16:24 – “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” 

· 16:32 – “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Self-mastery is greater than military conquest.

   This chapter reminds us that God is sovereign over the details of our daily lives. Notice how many times that “LORD” is used in verses 1-11 (9 times).

   This has been called “the sovereignty streak.” And the point is that God is SOVEREIGN over our lives.

Proverbs 17 — Wisdom Statements – 17:1–28

   Proverbs 17 once again picks up on the incredible power of the tongue. The human tongue can be used for good, but it can also be very destructive. Here are some of the things we learn from this chapter:

· 17:1 – Watch out for strife within the home.

· 17:4 – False lips and a spiteful tongue.

· 17:7 – Contrasting excellent speech and lying lips.

· 17:9 – Repeating a matter separates friends.

· 17:14 – Stop contention before a quarrel starts.

· 17:20 – A perverse tongue falls into evil.

· 17:27 – A man of knowledge uses few words.

· 17:28 – A fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.

   As I have already mentioned, the book of Proverbs has a lot to say about the tongue.

Proverbs 18 — Wisdom Decisions – 18:1–24

   In this chapter we see two ways to live life. You can live your life:

· 18:1 – In isolation.

· 18:2 – Without understanding.

· 18:3 – In wickedness. 

· 18:6-8 – Always talking.

· 18:9 – Slothful.

· 18:12 – In pride.  

· 18:13 – Not listening.

    That is one way to live your life, but there is a second way you can live your life:

· 18:10 – Staying close to the LORD.  You should really mark this Proverb – it is so good.

· 18:15 – Acquire knowledge.

· 18:16 – Be a giver.

· 18:20-21 – Speak kind words.  

· 18:22 – Find yourself a wife. She is called a “good thing.”

· 18:24 – Be friendly. This is how you obtain friends.

Proverbs 19 — Wisdom Living – 19:1–29

   Proverbs 19 lays out what a godly lifestyle looks like — not as a one-time event, but as a daily way of living.

· 19:1 – Walking in integrity.

· 19:3 – Not making a mess of your life and blaming it on God.

· 19:11 – Being slow to anger.

· 19:14 – Receive the gift of a prudent wife from the Lord.

· 19:17 – Loan to the poor and God will pay you back.

· 19:18 – Correct your son now, while there is still hope.

· 19:20 – Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you will be wise in your later years.

   Wisdom must be lived out on the screen of daily life. It must show up in every area of one’s life.

Proverbs 20 — Wisdom Reminds – 20:1–30

   Proverbs 20 gives us a series of unmistakable warning signs. If I saw a sign that read: Danger High Voltage: Do Not Touch. I wouldn’t touch it. I do not appreciate electrical shocks. I value my life.

   Let’s look at a few of the warning notices provided in this chapter:

· 20:1 – Alcohol.“Wine is a mocker; strong drink is a brawler — whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”

· 20:3 – Strife. It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.

· 20:4 – Laziness. The lazy man will not plow because of winter, and he will beg at harvest with nothing.

· 20:5 – Counsel. Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out.

· 20:7 – Integrity. The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.

· 20:9 – Purity. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?

   That is a small sampling of the many warning signs found in this chapter. The point that is being driven home is to heed them. They are given for the purpose of helping us live a life of wisdom. And what is wisdom? The skill for living life successfully.

Conclusion: We have just walked through 328 of Solomon's Proverbs — and if you felt the weight of them, good. That means they are doing their job.

   Solomon didn't write these proverbs to fill pages. He wrote them because he understood something that many people never figure out: life has a grainto it, the way wood has a grain. You can cut with the grain or against it. Wisdom is learning which direction the grain runs — and then living accordingly.

Wisdom Defined

   We defined wisdom at the very beginning of this series as seeing life from God's point of view. And what we have seen today, chapter after chapter, is that God's point of view covers everything. It covers your words, your work, your wallet, your anger, your relationships, your pride, and your daily decisions. There is no corner of your life that wisdom does not touch.

   And perhaps nothing has come up more repeatedly in chapters 10 through 20 than the power of your tongue. It appeared in chapter after chapter — in chapter 10, in 12, in 15, in 17, in 18. Dr. Jeremiah said it plainly: your tongue will either build your life or destroy it. There is no middle ground.That is not an overstatement. That is Solomon agreeing with him across three thousand years.

Only One Word

   So, let me ask you to do something before you leave today. I want you to think about one word — just one word — from everything we covered. Not a chapter, not a verse, just one word that the Holy Spirit pressed into your heart while we were walking through this material. Maybe it was integrity. Maybe it was humility. Maybe it was generosity, or discipline, or anger, or pride. Whatever that word is — that is likely where wisdom is calling you to grow.

   Remember what we saw in Proverbs 13:20: walk with wise men and you will be wise. You are not meant to walk this road alone. Surroundyourself with people who are living wisely, who fear the Lord, who will speak truth into your life even when it is uncomfortable.

Wisdom is a Choice you Make

   And above all, remember this: wisdom is not a destination you arrive at. It is a direction you choose — every morning, every conversation, every decision. It is the daily practice of asking, what does God think about this? And then having the courage to live accordingly.

   Solomon embedded his very name into the structure of these 375 Proverbs. His signature is woven into the text itself. In the same way, God wants to weave wisdom into the very fabric of your life — not as a subject you study, but as a signature others can readin the way you speak, the way you work, the way you treat people, and the way you walk with Him.

The fear of the LORD is where wisdom begins. And a life built on that foundation — that is a life worth living.