How to Live a Blessed Life!

Introduction|

Attention:

Let me ask you a simple question: why do people search for joy and happiness?

Background:

Solomon, as he is helping his son to understand the importance of wisdom, seeks to answer this tough question.

Need Element:

Donna Levi, in an article on the HuffPost, writes: “Why is it that all we really want and search for in life is happiness, and at the very same time, it is the one thing that eludes us the most?” She goes on to write: “Joy in most people's minds is synonymous with pleasure. However, joy is not pleasure. Pleasure is a rather short-term, short-lived emotion; it appears in flashes, coming and going fairly quickly. Joy cannot be bought or sought externally and does not give instant gratification.” For the Christian, we understand that Christ is the source of true joy! In our time together this evening, I want to show you from God’s word how you can experience a blessed/happy life.  

Textual Idea:

Solomon reminds his son that God’s wisdom leads to a blessed life.

Big Idea:

The wisdom of God enables us to experience a blessed life! 

Interrogative:

How does Wisdom enable us to experience a blessed life? 

Outline|

I. The benefits of wisdom enable us to experience a blessed life (vv. 13-18)

Explanation:

As we continue to examine Solomon’s advice to his son, we notice that he begins to describe the immense value and gain of wisdom. Solomon says: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (). The word happy describes a state of joyful, happy, or fortunate based upon favorable circumstance. Another way to translate this word is blessed (ESV, NASB, NIV, NET). This state of blessedness stems from finding wisdom and gaining understanding. First, the immense value of wisdom allows us to experience joyfulness and happiness in life (vv. 14-15).

Solomon reminds his son of the value of wisdom: "the merchandise (gain) of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her” (). Wisdom is more valuable than the most precious substances on earth (e.g., silver, gold, rubies).

Secondly, the immense gain of wisdom allows us to experience joyfulness and happiness in life (vv. 16-18).

Solomon says: “Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her” (). We notice three areas of immense gain: 1) physical gain—length of days, riches, and honor; 2) emotional gain—pleasantness and peacefulness; and 3) eternal gain—a tree of life. The tree of life is “a traditional image referring to health and long life.” It seems to be a reference to the promised eternal life that enables one to escape the curse of death.

and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her” (). We notice three areas of immense gain: 1) physical gain—length of days, riches, and honor; 2) emotional gain—pleasantness and peacefulness; and 3) eternal gain—a tree of life. The tree of life is “a traditional image referring to health and long life.” It seems to be a reference to the promised eternal life that enables one to escape the curse of death.

Illustration:

In May of 2012, a 32-carat Burmese ruby and diamond ring—that was part of the collection of Lily Safra, one of the richest women in the world—was sold at an auction. The pre-auction estimate for sale was $3–5 million, but the final sale price ended up at $6.7 million. It is believed to be the most expensive ruby ever sold. As valuable as rubies are, the Bible tells us that wisdom is far better and more valuable. No earthly treasure can compare to wisdom because nothing else offers the same protection, benefits, and blessings that wisdom does.

Argumentation:

Why can we experience the immense value and gain of wisdom? 

We gain wisdom: 1) by asking God for wisdom (); 2) by fearing the Lord (); 3) by obeying the Word (); and 4) by believing in the gospel () 

Application:

We need to seek after wisdom more than earthly possessions. Our goal in life ought to be to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (). Since God is the author of wisdom, we need to seek after the Lord. The Psalmist encourages us to: “Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore” (). Wisdom enables us to experience a blessed life because it provides a spiritual gain in life!   

II. The power of wisdom enables us to experience a blessed life (vv. 19-20)

Explanation:

Next, we notice that Solomon uses the creation narrative to describe the immense power of wisdom. Solomon says: “The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew” (). The power of God’s infinite wisdom was displayed in the creation of the world.

Illustration:

Daily, we are surrendered by computer software and programs. On average, it takes several months to design and develop a computer software program. This process takes an understanding of the overall goal and a knowledge of how to write the codes to make the software operate correctly. Without understanding, knowledge, and wisdom, a programmer/developer wouldn’t be able to design and develop computer software. Now, when you consider the creation narrative, you discover the power of God’s infinite wisdom as he speaks the world into existence with order and design.   

Argumentation:

How does the universe reveal God’s wisdom? 

When you consider the animal kingdom, you discover the wisdom of an infinite creator. Animals in the arctic circle were created with the ability to keep warm under the harshest winter conditions. Animals in Africa were created with the ability to withstand high heat and cold nights. You notice that God created them with a sense of seasons and danger. When you examine the human body, you see the infinite wisdom of God displayed for the masses. From the intricate details of the human eye to the capability of the human mind, we notice the infinite wisdom of God revealed in the human body. When you study the universe, you see the infinite wisdom of God displayed for humanity. The expanse of the universe is unfathomable, yet it manifests a vivid sense of order and beauty. The location of the earth in proximity to the Sun to sustain life, suggests intelligent design. The creation narrative displays the unfathomable power of God’s wisdom as he speaks the material universe into existence with order and beauty.

Application:

In creation, we gain an understanding of the power of wisdom. As we consider the display of God’s wisdom in creation, it helps us to understand God’s ability to help us make decisions that honor Him. When we submit to Him and His wisdom, it helps us make the right decisions that lead us to a joyful and happy life.

III. The promises of wisdom enable us to experience a blessed life (vv. 21-26)

Explanation:

I want you to notice how Solomon urges his son not to lose sight of sound wisdom and discretion. Solomon says: “My son, let not them (wisdom and discretion) depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they (wisdom and discretion) be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck” (). The terms sound wisdom and discretion suggest the ability to make sound judgments based upon a proper understanding. Wisdom provides us with several promises.

First, we have the promise of provision (vv. 22).

Wisdom will be “life unto your soul and favor to your neck.” One translation says: “ they will refresh your soul” (, NLT). As wisdom refreshes our soul, it becomes evident to others as a neckless around our necks that our personal character has been transformed.

Secondly, we have the promise of protection (vv. 23-24).

The results of wisdom are protection and peace—“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet” ().

Finally, we have the promise of His presence (vv. 25-26).

When wisdom is present, we will not be fearful because of God’s abiding presence. Solomon says: “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken” (). The word confidence suggests a state of confidence that produces hope. In the face of danger, we have the confidence of His provision, protection, and presence. It is the promises of God’s wisdom that enable us to live a blessed life!

Illustration:

When G. Campbell Morgan was a young man, he visited two elderly ladies each week to read the Bible to them. When he read the promise of 28:20, He said, “Isn’t that a wonderful promise?” One of the ladies quickly replied, “Young man, that is not a promise. It is a fact! Wisdom is not only a promise but a fact!

Argumentation:

How do we keep sound wisdom and discretion? 

When we submit ourselves to God’s word, will, and way, we will not allow our eyes to depart from sound wisdom and discretion.

Application:

As we consider this beautiful passage, we are encouraged to stay in God’s wisdom by focusing on sound knowledge and discretion. We discover sound wisdom and prudence by staying in God’s word. We also find prudence and sound judgment by staying in God’s will for our lives.  

Conclusion/Application|

Reiteration:

We have noticed that the benefits, power, and promises of wisdom enable us to experience a blessed life. The blessed life is a life that seeks, submits, and stays close to the Lord.

Action:

encourages us to take three steps to experience the blessed life: 1) we should seek the Lord; 2) we should submit to the Lord; and 3) we should stay close to the Lord. Tonight, God wants us to draw near to Him.

The blessed life is a life submitted to Christ! 

Appeal:

As we close tonight, I want you to examine your heart, soul, and mind. Maybe, you need to seek the Lord’s wisdom tonight for your finances, relationships, job, family, marriage, or friendships. Would you make that decision tonight? Maybe, you need to submit to the Lord’s wisdom for your current circumstances and situation! Would you make the decision tonight to submit your troubles, trials, pains, struggles, and wants to the Lord? However, maybe the Lord spoke to your heart about staying close to him in order to experience the promise of his provision, protection, and presence. If you are a child of the King, you can find security in his presence tonight! If you are facing deep emotional pain, you can find peace in his presence! Would you make the choice tonight to submit yourself to Him?