Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher Jim Rickard Thursday, August 9, 2012

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.— Amen.

Introduction to the Book of Proverbs Part 3 Verses 5-7

Proverbs gives all the benefit of Solomon’s wisdom so that we learn how to live lives which are pleasing to God.

To gain max. understanding of this wisdom we must:

To gain max. understanding of this wisdom we must: 1. Be willing to submit to the rigors of wisdom.

2. Become proficient at interpreting the vehicle through which wisdom is conveyed.

3. Subscribe to the moral code of righteousness.

3. Subscribe to the moral code of righteousness. 4. Qualify by being interested in moving from immaturity to maturity.

Vs. 5: “Hear, increase in, and acquire (purchase) guidance / direction.

Those who “hear” will strengthen their ability to understand and use proverbs and find that they have gained counselors who will guide their decisions.

On the other hand, Prov 19:27, “Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Cf. Mark 12:28-29

Central to Prov 2:1-10, 1) A trained ear. 2) A heart inclined toward instruction. Cf. Deut 6:4–9; Prov 22:17–21

The wise willingly acquire counsel from others by listening to what they have to say, compared to the fool who only listens to himself.

Vs. 6 To understand a “figure.” MELITSAH - “a satire, mocking poem, or dark sayings.”

Hab 2:6, “Will not all of these take up a taunt-song (Proverb) against him, even mockery (MELITSAH) and insinuations against him…”

The one who listens to instruction and acquires good counsel is able to have insight into the various literary forms of wisdom and their meanings.

1 Cor 2:9-10, “But just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”

Some Proverbs are easy to understand, Prov 10:1, others are more difficult Prov 18:1, and some are intentionally enigmatic Prov 30:18f.

Prov 10:1, “A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother.”

Prov 18:1, “He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.”

Conclusion of the Introduction of Proverbs Vs. 7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

This verse contains both warning and promise. 1. It warns against approaching or using this book with an improper attitude.

In contrast fools despise wisdom and discipline, cf. 2a, preferring to go their own way, cf. Prov 15:33; 29:1.

Prov 15:33, “The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.”

Prov 29:1, “A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.”

Prov 16:25, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

2. The Promise is for those who do apply humble obedience to these Proverbs; they will gain much knowledge. Prov 3:5f

Job 28:28, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Psa 111:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.”

Eccl 12:13, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”

“Fools despise wisdom and instruction”, also fits with the sense of priority. Those who lack fear of God are ignorant of the ABC’s of wisdom.

Having childlike fear is wisdom, security and happiness! It’s the very heart, germ, or choice ingredient of wisdom. One cannot be wise and fail to fear God.

Grace Fellowship Church Thursday, August 9, 2012 Tape # Introduction to Proverbs, Part 3 The Fear of the Lord Leads to Wisdom Proverbs 1:5-7; 15:33; 19:27; Mark 12:28; 1 Cor 2:9-10 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2012