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 sources1) 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)