2. Wisdom in Our Relationship with God

3. Introduction In life we have many relationships –God has given us wisdom for how to have good relationships and avoid mistakes In marriage In raising a family In friendships In business –Now we add the most important of our relationships – our relationship with God And God has wisdom for us on how we can have a good relationship with Him and avoid mistakes

4. Fear the Lord Prov 1:7 – the beginning of wisdom –If you don’t fear the Lord, then you won’t listen to any of God’s instructions Prov 10:27 – prolongs life – How? –Prov 16:6 – by keeping away from evil –Prov 19:23 – by keeping untouched by evil –Ungodly behavior often shortens life: Drugs, alcohol, disease, violence Guilt from sin increases stress –Those who fear the Lord will be spared all of these things

5. Fear the Lord Prov 22:4 – increases the quality of life –Prov 14:26-27 Confidence in one’s actions A place of refuge in times of trouble A source of life, forgiveness, peace, and joy Avoid the mistakes that make life miserable for so many Christians must fear the Lord –Mt 10:28 –Acts 10:34-35

6. Avoid Abominations Abomination means “worthy of or causing loathing or hatred” –Wisdom understands that There are some things which God hates with a loathing or disgust If one wants to please God, then one must avoid such abominations How can we know what God considers abominations? –He tells us!

7. Abominations to Avoid Prov 6:16-19 –Pride –Lying –Murder –A heart that devises wicked plans –Those quick to do evil –Injustice (perjurers) –Spreading strife, discord

8. Other Abominations to Avoid Prov 11:1 –Dishonesty, cheating, stealing Prov 16:12 –Wickedness by those in authority Government officials Teachers Prov 15:8 –The worship of the wicked Prov 28:9 –The prayers of the disobedient

9. The intertwining of all relationships We’ve looked at our relationships separately –Family, social, business, spiritual –But really all those relationships are tied together Prov 21:3 – we can’t have a good relationship with God without good relationships with others

10. The intertwining of all relationships Our relationship to the poor –Prov 14:31 – affects our relationship to God –Prov 17:5 – can set us against God –Prov 22:22-23 – can set God against us –Prov 19:17 – can cause us to be blessed Our relationship to widows and orphans –Prov 15:25 – God is concerned about widows –Prov 23:10-11 – God defends the orphans

11. The intertwining of all relationships Our relationship to our enemies –Prov 24:17-18 Do not rejoice over an enemy’s misfortune or displease God –Prov 25:21-22 Show kindness to enemies and be rewarded by God

12. Conclusion What wisdom can we get from Proverbs? –Start with a fear of the Lord (obey His words) –Avoid abominations to the Lord –Learn to treat all relationships in accordance with His words And we’ll know we are on the right path A final promise and a final warning –Promise: Prov 16:20 –Warning: Prov 30:5-6