Sensibleness in one’s approach to life

Introduction:

We are going to circle one word used three times. Let’s see if we know how to use it in a sentence. 3 volunteers.

What is the word or words we have used to replace it in common speech?

Common sense.

Proverbs 8:12 (AV)

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

Wisdom urges the simple to gain prudence a sensibleness in one’s approach to life.

Proverbs 8:5 (AV)

5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

1 Samuel 16:18 (AV)

18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

Proverbs 14:8 (AV)

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Proverbs 14:15 (AV)

15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Proverbs 14:18 (AV)

18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Prudent: (1) acting with or showing care and thought for the future, (2) a sensibleness in one’s approach to life.

Prudent in deed

Proverbs 14:1–3 (AV)

1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

A. We must take responsibility for what has been given to us.

1.Contrast of two women

a. A woman of wisdom builds up her household

b. A woman of folly lives in such a way that her household is neglected

c. What are the areas in which you have been given to care?

d. Attitude toward God shows up in our behavior. 2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

2. Work should not be avoided or idolized.

a. We should think about about it in regard to stewardship not identity.

b. We should see the blessing of it and not the burden.

B. Busy is not the same as effective

1. Both women are busy in the story but having different effects

2. Busyness can rob us of joy and cause us to believe there is no profit to work.

Busyness is often the result of working with a wrong motivation.

4. We are beset with many manifestations of pride.

People-pleasing,

pats on the back,

performance evaluations,

possessions,

proving myself,

pity,

poor planning,

power,

perfectionism,

position,

prestige,

posting.

C. Hard work pays off.

Proverbs 14:23 (AV)

23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

Diligent hand makes rich. 10:4

Proverbs 10:4 (AV)

4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Till land be satisfied bread. 12:11

Proverbs 12:11 (AV)

11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

The lazy will always be indebted to others 12:24

Proverbs 12:24 (AV)

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

d. Work was present even before the fall

Genesis 2:19 (AV)

19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

When Stephanie was yelling having a baby

Genesis 3:19 (AV)

19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

We are not told to avoid the difficulty of work but to embrace it. Someday the antidote for the cursed world will return. We will rest in the Ruler of Rest.

e. Attitude toward God will show itself in our attitude toward work

A person’s attitude toward the Lord—either fearing Him or despising Him—shows up in his behavior.

Proverbs 14:2 (AV)

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

Prudent in planning

Proverbs 14:4 (AV)

4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

Listened to some sermons and this is where I am supposed to challenge you to take care of this building because the work here is important.

A. Those who plan well can expect abundance.

Many people do not make the great effort because they do not want to deal with the great mess. - Clarence Sexton

We have to look at a balance or a completeness on this matter.

B. Farmers must be more than busy they must be effective.

It is the reason an ox is used as opposed to just running in the field themselves.

Proverbs 21:5 (AV)

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Farming takes wisdom. Watermelon patch in KY. Pray for rain.

C. Farmer must be diligent

2 Timothy 2:6–7 (AV)

6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Stephanie loves minimalism. Simplicity. I didn’t realize how much work it takes to be simple. unfinished walls now that is simple

1. diligent soldier gains the approval of his commanding officer

2. a diligent athlete wins the victory

3. a diligent farmer wins the first … share of the crops.

D. We are Farmers (jingle)

1 Corinthians 3:6 (AV)

6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

E. Farmers must trust God to do what only He can do but ask him to give us strength to do all we can.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (AV)

4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

We are the body of Christ. We are to be doing what Christ would be doing in our community.

Often tell the new OGTC students to get a farm. An area of ministry that they can think about as they drive. Ask God for wisdom. (be in charge of the plant outfront) -

Wanted to plant a tree in the yard but I haven’t had time and that is a message in of itself

Prudent in speech

A. Speaking brings danger or protection.

Proverbs 14:3 (AV)

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

B. Our speech is a sign of our fear or lack of fear of God.

Speaking truth is a sign or wisdom.

Speaking lies is a sign of foolishness (saying there is no God)

Proverbs 14:5–7 (AV)

5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

B. The prudent can assess correctly the great issue of life and death, whereas fools only think they can

Wisdom gives understanding of the path. Others have to fake it

Proverbs 14:8 (AV)

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Yeah, yeah I know where I am going just a little further.

2. Fools mock sin because they have no real understanding so they do not understand our purpose in being created.

Proverbs 14:9 (AV)

9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

3. Our words and the words or others may not reflect our heart and motives.

Proverbs 14:10 (AV)

10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

Proverbs 14:13 (AV)

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

4. Fools try to convince themselves and others they are right.

Proverbs 14:14 (AV)

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Back to farming. You reap what you sow. Galatians 6:7

Proverbs 14:12 (AV)

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

5. Proper speech comes from proper listening.

Proverbs 14:15 (AV)

15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Prudent receive a crown

A. Riches promised to the wise.

Proverbs 14:24 (AV)

24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

1. Hard to understand

You may not think you have riches as some one define it.

Proverbs 15:6 (AV)

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Here are some promises. Our riches can be seen in our homes. It can heard as laughter around a table. It can be experienced in those moments with God in His Word.

Proverbs 22:4 (AV)

4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Riches aren’t the things we buy but the thins in our lives produced by humility and the fear of the Lord.

B. Foolish are bear a label attesting to that they are spiritual bankrupt

Proverbs 14:24 (AV)

24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

C. Fear of the Lord is the deciding factor in life.

Proverbs 14:27 (AV)

27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

D. Likewise, the only true security for a nation, a church, or a family is righteousness

Proverbs 14:34 (AV)

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Prudence tells us that we need one another.

Proverbs 14:28 (AV)

28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

Prudence tells us to be patient.

Proverbs 14:29 (AV)

29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Prudence protects our physical heath

Proverbs 14:30 (AV)

30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Prudence says caring for the oppressed honors God.

Proverbs 14:31 (AV)

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Righteousness among a group of people has a beneficial effect

Proverbs 14:34 (AV)

34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Conclusion:

Could you imagine living in a country that lived according to these principles?

You can live in a home where this is the standard?

You can be part of a church that is exalted by righteousness.

A king is pleased when his servants are prudent.

Proverbs 14:35 (AV)

35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.