Wisdom: Where to Begin?

Introduction:

· Straw poll

PROVERBS 1:1-7 SERVE AS THE PREAMBLE TO THE BOOK. LET’S LOOK AT WHAT IT SHOWS US ABOUT THE PURPOSE, THE NATURE, AND THE THEME OF WISDOM.

I) What is the Purpose of Wisdom?

A. the Purpose of Wisdom is to Shape God’s Kingdom

i. The Royal View of Proverbs: (vs. 1)

1. The Proverbs were written by royalty for God’s people

2. “Rule of a king” vs. “the rule of the Law” – one person shaped the people

ii. The Scope of Wisdom

1. “God’s kingdom” is shaped by wisdom: God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule

2. “Wisdom is godliness in working clothes”

3. EXAMPLE: Interviews @ Cross Hill, ethical dilemmas

B. The Purpose of Wisdom is to Form the Character of God’s People

i. Proverbs are formative: (vv. 2, 5)

1. The words “know, understand, discipline” suggest character formation

2. We need to be formed, corrected, shaped – people to challenge us, teach

ii. The Wise, the simple, and the foolish: Will we listen? (vs. 4, 5, 7)

1. A simple person: unformed, but willing to listen; a fool despises wisdom

2. A wise person: hears, understands. (vs. 5)

LET’S DIG A LITTLE DEEPER INTO JUST WHAT WISDOM IS.

II) What is the Nature of Wisdom?

A. Wisdom is Knowledge Applied

i. Wisdom: Knowledge? (see vs. 4, 7)

1. Some people are idealists who don’t know exactly how the world works

2. Some people know how the world works…but can’t “execute” (hold job, relationships etc)

ii. Wisdom = Knowledge & Will

1. Wisdom recognizes the “creation” as it is – and as it is fallen

2. Wisdom brings life in line with how the world IS

B. Wisdom is Morality Applied

i. Wisdom is tied to morality (vs. 3)

1. Righteousness, justice, & Equity: learning to apply a moral standard

2. EXAMPLE: Job was known as a “righteous man”

ii. A warning: Foolishness is a lack of moral compass

1. “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes” – a refrain of folly

2. Rejecting righteousness IS foolishness…and disastrous (family? Community? Society?)

THAT BRINGS US THEN TO THE MAIN IDEA IN THE BOOK – THE THEME OF WISDOM.

III) What is the Theme of Wisdom?

A. Wisdom Begins with a Fear of the Lord (vs. 7)

i. The motto of the book

1. True wisdom is tied to our relationship with God

2. A life meant to flourish and prosper is a life lived in relationship with God

ii. True wisdom = Fear of the Lord

1. Reverence, fear, wonder, awe…

2. EXAMPLE: Grand Canyon àBrings your life under him

B. Wisdom Finds its Fulfillment In Christ

i. Jesus is wisdom incarnate who calls us into relationship with Himself

1. Who would govern God’s people? A wise king! (see Jer. 23:5)

2. Jesus IS wisdom: he calls us into relationship with himself (1 Cor 1:30)

3. EXAMPLE:

ii. Jesus dwells within us to be the infinite wisdom we need

1. Not only this, but Jesus rules in us, shaping and forming us

2. EXAMPLE:

Transition:

Conclusion

Jesus, Wisdom from God, nourishing us at the Lord’s Table!