Proverbs (6)

Introduction: There was once a wealthy man named Job. We was a righteous, God fearing man, blameless before God. On one particular occasion, God had a conversation with the Adversary where Job’s character was brought to attention. God suggested that the devil consider him as an upright candidate for trouble. Sure enough, the devil came against Job. Eventually Job lost all of his possessions and family except for a foolish wife and three accusing friends. While covering himself in ashes and scrapping the boils from his skin Job was finally left to a conversation between he and His Creator. It was then He discovered how trustworthy and wise His God really was. Job died an old man full of wisdom and wealthier than he had ever been.

Transition: At this point in our series through the book of Proverbs we might begin asking, “How do we actually gain wisdom?” We know the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord, so how are we to grow and learn the fear of the Lord? How do we increase in wisdom?

Transition: Today passage from Proverbs 3:11-20 will answer that very question. I’ve entitled today’s message Wisdom's’ Reproof. Turn to the text and follow along as we read aloud God’s Word.

Main Point: We grow in wisdom by cherishing the loving discipline of the Lord. What needs to change in us in order to cherish God’s discipline?

We grow in wisdom by cherishing loving discipline.

Three observations needed in order to cherish God’s loving discipline.

The purpose of wisdom.

The purpose of wisdom… God’s love.

Notice again verses 11 and 12.

These verses are a reminder of what God told the nation of Israel in Deut 8:1-6

Deuteronomy 8:1–6 ESV

“The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him.

Transition: God’s love is the purpose behind His disciple.

The product of wisdom.

2. The product of wisdom… God’s blessing (13-18)

We have good reason to cherish and celebrate the discipline of the Lord because it is a blessing. Notice a few of the blessings mentioned in verses 13-18…

I read a quote posted by Timothy Keller this week. It said, “It often takes an experience of crippling weakness for us to finally discover God’s blessing. That is why so many of the most God-blessed people limp as they dance for joy.”

The proof of wisdom.

3. The proof of wisdom... God’s work. (19-20)

He used wisdom to create. (19)

This is the same reminder given to Job in Job 38:4

Job 38:4 ESV

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

He used wisdom to preserve and punish. (20)

This is a reference to God’s dealing with his creation during the time of Noah. Genesis 7:11-12.

Genesis 7:11–12 ESV

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights.

Point: The way God used wisdom, and understanding to create all things. And the way He used His knowledge to preserve righteous Noah and His family and punish the rest of the earth proves that He He trustworthy to reprove those who belong to Him. God has a perfect track record for knowing exactly how to correct His own and we need never doubt His sovereign ability to do so.

The reason this point is so significant is because the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of God is certain. Which means He has perfect clarity on all matters. This was true in Creation, during the time of Noah, during the time of Abraham, Moses, David, and as we see here Solomon. And He remains clear in His distribution of His perfect wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. We on the other hand are continually growing in these ways. Especially for those who are in Christ, we are adding to our faith all of these areas in which God is perfect. This gives us great courage and confidence during days and times that seem very uncertain. We may be looking for some solid footing, some clear direction, or authoritative standard for finances, relationships, education, marriage, parenting, politics, employment, and etc. The proof of God’s working out of His wisdom, understanding, and knowledge helps us realize that when we fear Him we can expect to discover all the truth that we need in every area of life.

Transition: Where should this attitude of cherishing the loving discipline of the Lord show up in our lives? How does this truth change us?

How should this truth change us?

Our conversion. If this is how the Lord treats His kids, I’d hate to see how He treats His enemies.

As a former enemy of God I can attest to the fact that God treats His enemies fairly and justly. The reality is that we all were or remain enemies of God.

According to Romans 5:6-11

Romans 5:6–11 ESV

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Transition: This leads to another point of application.

Our Correction. There is a difference between condemnation and correction.

Romans 8:1 tells us there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

However, Jesus tells us in John 3:18 that...

John 3:18 ESV

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Point: For those who belong to Christ we need never fear the punishment of God. We need never suffer from any kind of temptation to think that God is against us, or condemning us. Those who are His adopted elect will never come under the wrath of God. Because, that wrath has been poured out on our Savior, Jesus Christ. However, we can expect that the Lord will correct us. We should cherish the fact that He will discipline us and train us in the wisdom of His Word.

Revelation 3:19 tells us that...

Revelation 3:19 ESV

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Transition: I’d encourage and challenge you o read through the Bible and be reminded of the multitudes of examples of how the Lord has used suffering, pain, and problems to reprove those who belong to Him.

Our Communion.

One of the ways Jesus has blessed us with the wisdom of reproof is through regular participation in the Lord’s table. Communion is a means of being reminded of the great grace of God and having Him examine our hearts so that we might confess sin, repent or sin and celebrate His presence through the symbolism of His body and blood.

Listen to God’s word from Hebrews 12:1-11

Closing: Consider these truths as we enjoy a time of the Lord’s examination and preparation for taking the Lord’s supper. Pray and lead through taking of the elements.