Walking Wisely Proverbs 1:7-2:19

Ephesians 5:17 “ So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.” NLT

Different types of proverbs Contrasting proverbs: they use the word but to set up a comparison. “The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame (3:35).” Cause/Effect proverbs: they use the words then or for to show the cause-and effect relationship of actions and reactions. “Honor the Lord with your wealth…Then he will fill your barns with grain” (3:9- 10). Numerical proverbs: they make a statement, then itemize a list. “There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue…” (6:16-19) Comparative proverbs: they use the word better to suggest something…better! “It is better to have little with fear for the Lord than to have great treasure with turmoil” (15:16).

Reoccurring Theme – Reality of Wisdom Nelson’s New Illustrative Bible Dictionary: “ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 28:26: “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.” We need wisdom today. Proverbs 1:5 “Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.” People of God should never stop learning, never stop gaining valuable knowledge and wisdom.

Why do we need Godly Wisdom? For daily decision making ◦ “Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.” – 2:3 From going down the wrong road ◦ “Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.” – 2:12-15 From being reckless sexually ◦ Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life. For enjoying a satisfying life. ◦ “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” 1:7

We attain wisdom by asking for it! “If you need wisdom---if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” - James 1:5 How does He give it? ◦ He’s presses something upon the heart – lines up with Scripture ◦ He also shows wisdom through the words of a trusted friend. ◦ He gives wisdom by applying His word. ◦ He shows wisdom by learning from life.

I think what all of this boils down to is who do you want to be your Master? And which road you want to travel. Both wisdom and folly are calling out to you! The road of folly seems so much bigger and appealing that the road of wisdom. But which one promises you life?