The Rewards of Wisdom / Part 3, Lesson from the Book of Proverbs

Intro

Text - Prv 3.1-2 Proverbs 3.13-14

Proverbs 3:13–14 NKJV

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.

Proverbs 3:1–2 NKJV

1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

Title - The Rewards of Wisdom

Series - Lessons from the Book of Wisdom, Part 3

Review

Part 2 - The Roadmap to Wisdom

How wisdom is passed from parents, gained by children, and results in wise living

parents must take the role seriously, and be persistent in teaching their kids

children must respect the words of their parents, and learn to seek wisdom from God

the right attitude will lead the child to God who will give wisdom

godly wisdom is the fear of the Lord and separation from evil

This Part

why did Solomon say happy is the man who finds wisdom

what are the benefits/rewards of wisdom

Main Point

Wisdom is very rewarding to those who have it

Wisdom’s rewards are both immediate and lifetime

The rewards of wisdom are immediate

PRov 3.1-12 - wisdom in action and its immediate reward

Favor and high esteem (respect)

Proverbs 3:3–4 NKJV

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

mercy and truth - loyal love and faithfulnes

favor - delight

high esteem - respect

Wisdom is keeping mercy and truth are principles of life

favor and high esteem and the rewards

Guidance in your ways

Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Wisdom is -

truting in the LORD

not leaning on one’s own understanding

acknowledging God in one’s ways

The reward -

God will direct your paths

Health

Proverbs 3:7–8 NKJV

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Wisdom is -

not being wise in one’s own eyes

depart from evil

The reward -

health to the flesh

strength to the bones

Abundance

Proverbs 3:9–10 NKJV

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Wisdom is -

honoring the LORD with one’s possessions

The reward -

full barns

overflowing wats

Correction

Proverbs 23:11–12 NKJV

11 For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you. 12 Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge.

Wisdom is -

accepting the chastening of the LORd

the reward -

Father’s love

correction

The rewards of wisdom are also for a lifetime

Verse 13-24 lists down the rewards of wisdom that will last a lifetime

Happiness

Proverbs 3:13–15 NKJV

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

happiness is the result of wise living

NOT the goal of life - as the world wants us to think

because the proceeds (ROI) of wisdom is higher in value that all material wealth

Happiness is not a “short-time” experience

true happiness is a state/condition that comes as a result of wise living

Length of Days

Proverbs 3:16 NKJV

16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.

long life is not a result of good food eating habit!

long life is the reward of godly wisdom

Riches and honor

the world’s view to becoming rich

you must be aggressive

you must take advantage of people’s weakness

cheating

God’s view

Proverbs 22:4 NKJV

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.

Ways of pleasantness and peace

Proverbs 3:17 NKJV

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

Wisdom is a tree of life

Proverbs 3:18–20 NKJV

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.

by God’s wisdom, the earth was formed and it abides forever

the works of the hands that are guided by wisdom will live on for generations!

A lifetime of security

Proverbs 3:21–24 NKJV

21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

Conclusion

Wisdom is intended for daily living

The psalmist’ counsel -

Psalm 34:11–16 NKJV

11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Peter’s admonition -

1 Peter 3:8–14 NKJV

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”