Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Solutions to Foolishness in Marriage Selected Proverbs The wise desire to build and establish strong homes in which their families will flourish It is an issue of godliness, not intelligence (Proverbs 12:7; 14:11)

Solutions to Foolishness in Marriage Selected Proverbs There are moral components to the ability to perceive and make beneficial decisions To have a strong family, pay attention to Proverbs: Wisdom’s call, Warnings on folly, Friendship

Solutions to Foolishness in Marriage Selected Proverbs The foundation of the home is the marriage Matthew 19 - Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24: Marriage is only between a man and a woman The “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12) cannot justify giving approval to sin

Solutions to Foolishness in Marriage Selected Proverbs Jesus called people to repent and “go and sin no more” Adam was given the “dominion mandate” and Eve was made to correspond to and help him

To Build or Destroy Proverbs 14:1 Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the wise woman that built up her home There are many foolish women (and men) that tear down their homes with their own hands Romans 12:2 is a command and it takes thoughtful action to obey it

To Build or Destroy Proverbs 14:1 Listen carefully to consider where you must change, not find the points of failure of your spouse Single people: Consider these things as cautions for yourself and in considering a potential spouse

To Build or Destroy Proverbs 14:1 The Lord will help you develop virtue as you walk with Him and He forgives sin as you repent

Naive Simple / ignorant – but also open minded without discernment - Proverbs 14:15 Gullibility makes you susceptible to worldly influences and exploitation by the wicked - Prov. 22:3

Naive The Solution: Heed the call of wisdom - become a student of the Bible & seek godly counsel Men must know the Scriptures in order to know where or how to lead a wife in holiness (Eph. 5:23-27) Women must know the Scriptures in order to fulfill their role in helping their husbands

Poor Counsel Do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly - Proverbs 12:5; Psalm 1 You will become like your companions - Proverbs 13:20

Poor Counsel What are the sources of influence on your home life? Parents Peers Writers “Experts” Entertainment

Poor Counsel Do not feed on the foolish advice of the ungodly - actively or passively The Solution: Develop close and intimate friendships with godly people who will give you wise counsel

Proud Pride is at the heart of all foolishness - Proverbs 12:15; 30:12 The proud reject the counsel of the wise to their own destruction - Proverbs 1:25,30;18:2; 14:16; 16:25 They blind themselves to their own sin resulting in their destruction - Proverbs 16:2; 10:23; 14:9; 15:25

Proud The pride of men is usually displayed openly and is obvious The pride of women is usually revealed more subtly The Solution: Proverbs 3:7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Proud Humility is born out of a correct assessment of one’s ability and importance - which all come from God The humble properly fear the Lord and so turn away from evil and search for God’s ways and His will

Foolish Foolishness ranges from being naive to nabal - insensible to God & closed minded The Solution: Learn the fear of the Lord - Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 9:10 Forsake folly and heed wisdom’s call for only with wisdom will you be able to build your home

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ