A Believer’s Guide to Wisdom Introducing the Book of Proverbs

Introduction A Christian is to walk with wisdom –Eph 5:15-17 Because time is fleeting Because the days are evil Because we must redeem the time –Too many people fail to use wisdom in their daily lives God has told us that His word contains all we need for every good work –2 Tim 3:16-17 So somewhere we should find advice for how we should live our daily lives

The purpose of Proverbs Prov 1:1-6 –To make a person wise and perceptive –To teach how to act wisely and righteously –To teach how to be fair and just –To give to the... Simple (naïve) – prudence (common sense) Young (inexperienced) – knowledge and discretion (sound advice based on experience) Wise – increased learning Understanding (perceptive) – wise counsel No matter who you are, Proverbs has something for you

What is “wisdom”? "Wisdom...may be defined as a realistic approach to the problems of life..." - 20th Century Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge "Wisdom is INSIGHT into the underlying causes and significance or consequence of things, which INSIGHT enables one to apply to the best end the knowledge which he has." – Homer Hailey For example –You are yelled at by your boss Wisdom is the insight which helps you decide what is the best thing to do

What is the value of wisdom? Proverbs 1-9 is a discourse on the value of wisdom –Prov 3:13-18 – it can produce a prosperous life –Prov 3:21-26 – it can keep you out of trouble What kind of trouble does it help with?

Sample of pitfalls warned against Evil companions – Prov 1:10-19 –They want you to join them in wrongdoing –If you do it will destroy you along with them Immorality – Prov 5:1-14 –An “affair” might seem exciting and harmless –But immorality is a quick way to destroy yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually Laziness – Prov 6:6-11 –It may be enjoyable to do nothing –But laziness is a guarantee of failure

Where is wisdom found? Wisdom usually comes from two sources 1)Years of “trial and error” The disadvantages are... –Wasted time and effort –Having to live with the consequences 2)The proven experience of others The advantages are... –Avoid wasting time and effort on useless pursuits –Freedom from consequences of mistakes –Allows living life to the fullest

What is the value of Proverbs? Contains wisdom that is... –From the wisest man ever (1 Kgs 3:9-12) –Divinely inspired (2 Tim 3:16) –Proven true by generations of believers –Easily remembered (short and to the point) A proverb is “a short sentence based on long experience” – Cervantes Does not mean it is easy to get the wisdom –Prov 2:1-6 Or to apply the wisdom –1 Kgs 11:4-6

Conclusion Hopefully, you can see the benefit in studying Proverbs Let us consider and learn how God wants us to live in this life –Let’s remember to pray for wisdom (Jas 1:5) –And then let’s make sure we live wisely (Jas 1:22)