Lesson 1 for January 3, 2015

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.” (Proverbs 1:1) “The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal.” (Proverbs 30:1) “The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1) Most part of Proverbs was written by King Solomon during the first years of his reign. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:5-14). Some of the Proverbs where gathered together during Hezekiah’s reign (Proverbs 25:1). All those sayings—including Agur’s and Lemuel’s ones—where inspired by the Holy Spirit. They were preserved so we can learn from them.

According to Proverbs 1:2-6, why is wisdom useful?

Which is the beginning or foundation of wisdom? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) Fearing God involves:  To be afraid of saddening Him.  To respect Him and His will. Making decisions according to His Word.  To love Him and to obey Him.  To be conscious of His personal presence at all times and everywhere.

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9) Head and neck represent the personality. The wise mold their personality by listening to the advice of their parents. That way they walk away from the path of the foolish who disregard advice and follow their own hearts. The feet in verses represent that. The parents are responsible for educating their children for eternity. That is a sacred task. The time we spent with our children is much more valuable than the time we spent with our businesses. Education is more important than material riches.

“The great work of parents and teachers is character building—seeking to restore the image of Christ in those placed under their care. A knowledge of the sciences sinks into insignificance beside this great aim; but all true education may be made to help in the development of a righteous character. The formation of character is the work of a lifetime, and it is for eternity. If all could realize this, and would awake to the fact that we are individually deciding our own destiny and the destinies of our children for eternal life or eternal ruin, what a change would take place! How differently would our probationary time be occupied, and with what noble characters would our world be filled!” E.G.W. (Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students; section 2, cp. 8, pg. 61)

“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22-23 NIV) Those who don’t hear her call (Proverbs 1:28-32) “…they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.” “…they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.” Those who hear her call (Proverbs 1:33) “…[they] will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” If we reject divine wisdom, then we’ll only have our own or someone else’s lies.

A.HOW TO FIND WISDOM: 1.Listening (v. 1-2) 2.Requesting (v. 3) 3.Searching (v. 4) B.GETTING WISDOM: 1.God gives her to those who seek her (v. 5-6) 2.We are protected (v. 7-8) 3.We understand justice (v. 9) C.BENEFITS OF WISDOM: 1.She gives us discretion and understanding (v ) 2.She delivers us from the way of evil (v ) 3.She delivers us from the immoral woman (v ) D.OUR FUTURE: 1.Walking in goodness (v. 20) 2.Dwelling in the New Earth (v. 21) 3.Avoiding eternal death (v. 22)

Keeping God’s law which is written in our hearts (v. 1-2) Truly living love and truth; both in an outer (“bind them around your neck”) and an inner way (“on the tablet of your heart”) (v. 3-4) Trusting God and testifying to Him (v. 5-6) Depending on His wisdom alone. Keeping way ourselves from evil (v. 7) “And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:4) Receiving the gift of wisdom involves:

PRESENT BLESSINGS Physical health. Material abundance. Length of days, riches and honor. Peace. Tree of life: life and grace for the soul. Walking safely and not being afraid. Close communion with God. FUTURE BLESSINGS An eternal dwelling place. Being exalted by God’s grace. Inheriting glory. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” because “the wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools.” (Proverbs 3:5, 35)

“In His word the Lord enumerates the gifts and graces that are indispensable for all who connect with His work. He does not teach us to ignore learning or despise education; for when controlled by the love and fear of God, intellectual culture is a blessing; yet this is not presented as the most important qualification for the service of God. Jesus passed by the wise men of His time, the men of education and position, because they were so proud and self-sufficient in their boasted superiority that they could not sympathize with suffering humanity and become colaborers with the Man of Nazareth… The attributes of the character of Christ can be imparted to those only who distrust themselves. The highest scientific education cannot in itself develop a Christlike character. The fruits of true wisdom come from Christ alone.” E.G.W. (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, cp. 10, pg. 259)