Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Automaker Henry Ford asked electrical genius Charlie Steinmetz to build the generators for his factory.

One day the generators ground to a halt, and the repairmen couldn't find the problem.

So Ford called Steinmetz, who tinkered with the machines for a few hours and then threw the switch.

The generators whirred to life--but Ford got a bill for $10,000 from Steinmetz.

Flabbergasted, the rather tightfisted car maker inquired why the bill was so high.

Steinmetz's reply: For tinkering with the generators, $10.

For knowing where to tinker, $9,990.

Ford paid the bill.

Hebrew words don’t always equal English words but look at 2 main ways wisdom is used in English.

Weak – prudence, good judgment.

‘Wise’ – it was wise to buy that car – no deep understanding of life is required.

Stronger – uses an array of qualities and powers – unusual trait of character or intellect.

A quality of character – both the knowledge of right and the will to pursue it.

John Phillips

“The book of Proverbs then is not simply a collection of bits of human wisdom.

It contains God's rules."

GIVES THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF RIGHT BEHAVIOR

vv.

1-3.

To Gather the Right Knowledge

v. 2a

To know (in learning) – to possess knowledge / learn it

by an active relationship between the believer and wisdom,

Wisdom

** Wisdom –all-purpose word; from technical skills to the ability to see the real issues of life.

One who can make decisions and manage people wisely.

always positive.

Vine, “Hokmah [wisdom] is the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time.

The consistency of making the right choice is an indication of maturity and development.”

Spurgeon - Wisdom is the right use of knowledge.

To know is not to be wise.

Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it.

There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool.

But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

** Expertise, the man who is an expert or wise man.

The word most often used in proverbs.

** A high degree of knowledge or skill.

Combines broad faculty (reason, discernment, cleverness) with knowledge (communicable information, known and learned).

Gaining knowledge increases intelligence here.

** Nearest English is expertise.

Being an expert in right living and character!

** Areas of expertise include: a) Craftsmanship/skill; b) Knowledge through the study of written materials – learning; c) Understanding the implication of situations, interpret signs and texts; d) Skill in devising strategies and plans – cunning; e) Good judgment; f) Knowledge of right living.

Wisdom (hokmah) – the message of the instruction, the teachings themselves.

“It is better to get wisdom than gold.

Gold is another's, wisdom is our own; gold is for the body and time, wisdom for the soul and eternity.

- Matthew Henry

Instruction

3:11

Instruction – the idea of discipline; correction, instruction, doctrine.

Kidner, “a reminder that wisdom is not to be had through extramural [outer] study: it is for disciples only.”

Chastisement, punishment, correction, discipline, self-control – a bond, restraint; correction which results in education.

3:11.

Is. 53:5

Vine, “how to live correctly in the fear of the Lord, so that the wise man leans his lesson before temptation and testing” 24:32.

Training for life.

** Discipline, correction, education.

The teaching of the avoidance of faults or lesson to correct a fault to bring about moral character.

** Given by a superior to an inferior who is morally obligated to listen and learn – implies correction and discipline.

** Punishment in 22:15 and 23:13.

A verbal lesson that gives chastisement; a verbal reprimand, warning.

** Wisdom is best learned at home – the Bible says that we are to be simple concerning that which is evil – but we should be wise in the Scriptures – teach your children the Bible and they will have all they need.

To Develop a Proper Understanding

v. 2b

Understanding – ability to discern between right and wrong – moral nature of wisdom

Discern, make a distinction.

I Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Insight, prudence, intelligence; skill.

Not on our own.

3:5.

An understanding resulting from comparative study

Binah (998), mebin (995) – understanding in v. 2.

So discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth.

The discerning person is the one who draws a clear contrast between truth and error.

Discernment is black-and-white thinking—the conscious refusal to color every issue in shades of gray.

No one can be truly discerning without developing skill in separating divine truth from error

Ortlund explains

You know how a client would walk into Holmes’s apartment at 221B Baker Street and Sherlock Holmes could take one look and know nineteen things about him, and it was always “Elementary, my dear Watson.”

Dr. Watson saw the same person, but not with the same insight.

This word “insight” means that the non-obvious can become obvious to you.

The immature might not see what you see.

They might even misunderstand you.

This happens often between parents and children.

But, parents, it is your role to be the Sherlock Holmes of your family.

Don’t surrender that to your kids.

They don’t have enough insight yet.

They need yours.

** So many people today just accept what they’re told, they don’t have any insight.

To Receive the Instruction of Wisdom

v. 3.

To receive the instruction of wisdom – take it to heart, absorb it and change one’s ways

means to take, grasp, acquire something worth having…This implies we must be ready, willing and able (enabled by the Spirit), to grasp God's Word

Wisdom – insight – genuine understanding – to look upon; perception of God’s will, wise, learned.

** Justice – right behavior in word and deed

** Judgment – right and just condition – society obliged to perform in a right state of affairs – favorable verdict

** Equity – straight, level - honesty, fair dealings.

Wisdom – sakal – 7919 – wise dealings; circumspect and prudent; knowing the reason for something.

** Discretion, good sense

** Regard (3:4); insight; the ability to grasp the meanings or implications of a situation or message; the ability to understand practical matters and interpersonal relations and make beneficial decisions.

** Gives patience 19:11; avoids social conflict – involves prudence and self-control.

GIVES THE ABILITY TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS

vv.

4-6.

Equipping the Young Man