Proverbs 3:1-12 - Wisdom, the way to the good life!

INTRO

Dietrech Bonhoeffer - 1933 Radio Annoucement

The Younger Generation’s Altered View of the Concept of Fuhrerprinzip

“...If the leader tries to become the idol the led are looking for–something the led always hope from their leader–then the image of the leader shifts to one of a mis-leader, then the leader is acting improperly toward the led as well as toward himself. The true leader must always be able to disappoint. This, especially, is part of the leader’s responsibility and objectivity...”

He was denouncing the whole craving of a Strong Leader. But, he was denoucning Hitler - the democratically elected Chancellor of Germany.

He would later try to kill HItler in and subsequently be arrested and hanged in 1945

How did Dietrch Bonhoeffer get it right?

We’d love to think that we’d get it right, that we would have seen what Hitler would do.

Wisdom

Step 1 - What do they need to know

Wisom is a hard concept.

You don’t really know when you are ‘wise’ (its relative).

Wise people are portrayed very differentty in Art and cinema

When we hear wise advice it often doesn’t sound wise at the time.

Wise decisions often stop bad things from happening in future, rather than create instant gratification in the now. It often involves a sacrifice

It’s often hard to know whether your making a wise decision.

“Wisdom is proved right by her actions”

YET

Wisdom is the ONLY way to live a meaningful and fulfilling life

Step 2 - Why do they need to know it

You know this...

We all want to wise.

We all want a meaningful and fulfilling life, we often just fumble it!

Step 3 - Explain & illustrate

Context

The good life is the secone part of each phrase

The way to get it is the first part

What is wisdom?

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.

Wisdom is simply:

Knowing how to live life well.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs ((4) The Third Exhortation (3:1–35))

“Prosperity,” however, should not be taken as a crude financial enticement to righteousness. “Wholesomeness” would in fact be a better translation of šalom here.44 The person with wholesomeness is not necessarily rich but is healthy physically, fiscally, and in relationship with others.

What is does a meaningful life look like?

Proverbs 3:2 (NIV)

for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

prosperity - Wholesomeness or completed

Proverbs 3:4 (NIV)

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:8 (NIV)

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:10 (NIV)

then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

God is out trusted guide. Like Google maps. He knows the terrain and it is by wisdom he has created the world.

Proverbs 3:19–20 NIV

By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

God’s wisdom is suffused into creation and he offers wisdom for us to be able to navigate life

Step 4 - What do you want them to do

Get Wisdom

This requires 3 things

A deep knowledge of God’s Word

Bonhoeffer

Trust in God’s caharacter. Trust is synonmous with wisdom

Engagement in other people’s life

Older people grab younger as we want to see what’s worked

Pragmatic generations because we don’t know what the good life looks like

Prayerful Reflection

Age does not guarantee wisdom

Hiring Experienced people (one years experience 30 times)

Above avergage decision making

Step 5 - Why do you need them to do it

The life you want to look back on with joy, requires you get wisdom

Your worst moments are preceded by your most unwise decision

I don’t know many people that know for certain they are making a wise choice in the moment. But looking back

Step 6 - Memorable saying

If you want a meaningful and fulfilling life, get wisdom!