Character Counts

Introduction:

· in pursuit of lost treasure

· A theme in Proverbs: Wisdom is worth pursuing like gold or silver

IT TURNS OUT THAT WHAT GOD IS MOST INTERESTED IN IS OUR CHARACTER. SO LET’S LOOK AT WHAT PEOPLE OF CHARACTER DO,

I) God Invites us to Seek Wisdom

A. We are to treasure wisdom

i. We pursue what we treasure (vv. 3-4)

1. We will sacrifice, suffer, serve that what has value to us

2. You’ll drive back and forth to school, study late, etc. for a degree

ii. As new creations in Christ, we learn to hunger after what matters to Jesus

1. “Dad, we can always tell when you’re getting to the end of a sermon…”

2. The Gospel: As new creations in Christ God changes what we treasure

B. When We Treasure Wisdom, We Pursue it

i. Wisdom is absorbed into our inmost parts (vv. 1, 2, 10)

1. The emphasis on “heart” is not emotion, but about our inner being

2. Wisdom: Absorbing God’s Word into our core heart so we live differently

ii. Wisdom is something we are called to pursue

1. But note: Wisdom is actively (not passively) pursued! (vv. 1, 2, 3, 4)

2. Meditating on God’s word; listening to those who are wise

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE SEEK IT?

II) God Rewards those Who Seek Wisdom

A. When we seek wisdom, we learn a fear of the Lord (vs. 5-8)

i. God reveals Wisdom to those who seek it

1. For those in Christ, God gives the infinite gift of divine wisdom! (vs. 6)

2. Therefore: if you desire wisdom, begin by asking (see James 1:5)

James 1:5 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

ii. God gives a fear o the Lord to begin wisdom (vs. 5)

1. Wisdom & fear of God: Wisdom isn’t having all the answers, but humility

2. EXAMPLE: Job (and us: Why ME? Why is the world unjust? Etc.)

B. When we seek wisdom we understand righteousness, justice, equity (vv. 9-11)

i. Wise people honor moral fabric of the world

1. EXAMPLE: Mad Man Mike Hughes & the laws of Physics

2. Theft… dishonesty…sexual infidelity…violate these, to our peril

ii. Wise people find shelter in righteousness (vv. 7, 11)

1. God gives the wise shelter: by being a shield, by providing righteousness

2. EXAMPLE: Righteousness of a healthy lifestyle àhealth, well-being

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF SEEKING SEEKING WISDOM?

III) What are the Benefits of Seeking Wisdom?

A. The Two Voices that Speak To Us (vv. 12-19)

i. The voices of “perverse men” mislead us (VV. 12-15)

1. The first of two voices: men who “pervert” truth – like gaslighting

2. EXAMPLE: those who try to make us question right/wrong

ii. The voices of seductive women entice us (vv. 16-19)

1. The second of two voices: An enticing temptress who flatters us

2. EXAMPLE: voices that pass off evil as, exciting, and attractive

B. The Voice of Wisdom

i. Wise people forsake the path of the evil ones

1. Because wise people have a character shaped by Christ, they will avoid it

2. Jesus says: “My sheep know my voice”

Transition:

Conclusion

“I gotta see about a girl.” Do we treasure the wisdom of Jesus enough to forsake the way of the world so that we may submit to the wisdom of Christ?