Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Proverbs on Guidance Selected Proverbs The immediate future is uncertain to us, but that should not be a cause of trouble, confusion or worry Because of uncertainty, people pursue mystical methods of knowing God’s will Any mystical action by God will be in agreement with His Word

Proverbs on Guidance Selected Proverbs The actual source of trouble, confusion or worry is a lack of trust of God God purpose for your life is holiness and His glory, your happiness & success are incidental

The Need for Wisdom A purpose of Proverbs is to enable people to know and follow God’s will. Proverbs 22:17–21 Following wisdom brings God’s blessings - Proverbs 3:16–18; 8:12-21, 32-36; 4:5-9 Wisdom brings protection - Proverbs 24:13–14; 2:12. Neglecting it is dangerous - Proverbs 8:36; 16:22; 21:16

The Need for Wisdom Wisdom is crucial in being able to discern the will and guidance of the Lord True wisdom submits human will & understanding to God’s will and revelation to achieve a moral life The licentious & the legalist neglect wisdom for manipulating God’s commands to their own advantage

The Fear of the Lord The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 9:10; 1:7; 15:33; 8:13 The fear of the Lord and wisdom are tied together - Proverbs 2:5-6. Fools reject both - Prov. 1:7, 29 The fear of the Lord brings multiple blessings - Proverbs 10:27, 14:26-27; 19:23, 22:4, 16:6

The Fear of the Lord The fear of the Lord includes terror as the Sovereign Creator & Judge - Hebrews 10:31, 12:29 God has provided a means to be forgiven and made righteous before Him through Jesus Christ The fear of the Lord for those redeemed by Christ is respect for God as Creator, Savior and Father

The Necessity of Humility Proverbs 15:33, 11:22, James 4:6 Pride is foolish for it rejects wisdom, instruction & salvation - Proverbs 16:18, 28:26; 16:25 Humility & the fear of the Lord bring riches, honor and life - Proverbs 22:4

The Necessity of Righteousness God only listens to the prayer of the righteous - Prov. 15:8, 29, Isa. 1:15, Ps. 66:18, Jn. 9:31; James 4:3 Righteousness and wisdom go together - Proverbs 4:10-27, 21:21; 20:7 Those not pursing righteousness can’t recognize God’s guidance for they are going the wrong direction

Learning from Parents Learning about God and His will begins with parents loving Him and diligently teaching their children Proverbs 1:8, 3:1; 4:1; 23:22-23, etc. Parents teaching must include both the good to be done and the evil to be avoided - Prov. 13:1; 15:5

Learning through Observation Every individual is also to learn the word of God for themself - Proverbs 16:20, 13:13, 19:16 Proverbs lists out both the virtues God approves and the vices He abhors

Learning through Observation You can learn much by observing God’s dealings with people around you - Proverbs 22:3; 24:30-34 Lessons about how God want you to behave can be learned from nature - Proverbs 6:6-8

Getting Counsel The first difficulty in discerning the Lord’s leading is our own ignorance The second difficult in discerning the Lord’s leading is our bent toward sin and selfishness The first and foremost counsel to receive is God’s - Prov. 19:21; 21:30

Getting Counsel The wise seek counsel - Proverbs 1:5; 9:9; 12:15; 19:20; 15:22; 11:14 The wise seek counsel from the godly, the foolish do not - Proverbs 12:26; 13:20; 27:9; 27:17

Getting Counsel Godly counsel includes discipline, rebuke and even chastening - Proverbs 15:32; 12:1; 13:1 The scoffer rejects reproof and will go astray and be broken - Proverbs 15:12; 10:17; 29:1

Trust in the Lord The ability to be guided by God will come down to your ability to trust Him - Proverbs 3:5–8 To trust the Lord is to actively walk with God, humbly doing what is right & leaving the results to Him

Trust in the Lord God makes your path straight and grants your desires only as your goals/desires match His goals/will If you belong to God, expect Him to lovingly reprove you – Prov. 3:11-12, 16:2 God is sovereign - a terror to the unrighteous and a blessing to the redeemed

God’s will is not hidden and His leading is not bound in mystery – seek His word and true wisdom

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ