2. Prov 1:1-7 & 9:1-18 Pp. 583, 590 July 19, 2009 Wisdom in Proverbs

3. Introduction Purpose of Proverbs given in 1:1-7 – Wisdom, instruction, insight, prudence, knowledge, discretion, guidance Wisdom comes from fear of the Lord Structure of Proverbs: Ch1-9 – discourse/instructions from father to sons Ch10-31 – short, compact sayings (‘proverbs’)

4. Introduction This morning: Reading proverbs (ch10-31) Wisdom in Proverbs (ch1-9) – Defining wisdom & it’s opposite, folly – The nature of wisdom – Becoming wise

5. Reading proverbs Poetry Imagery & Comparisons (similes, metaphors, “better than” phrases) Parallelism: – Second line enhances/focuses the thought in the first line “The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.” 16:13 NLT – Shows opposites “Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways” 14:2

6. Reading proverbs General principles for specific situations; not promises! – Examples: Prov 10:4, 22 Cannot apply all proverbs to all situations – Examples: Prov 26:4, 5 Understand Proverbs in the context of ch1-9 – the choice between Wisdom & Folly

7. Wisdom Not only about intellect Has to do with ethical behaviour Involves: – Knowledge & understanding – Insight – Good sense – Discernment – Prudence – Open to instruction, discipline, correction Immoral, brash, ignorant, stupid The simpleton -Naïve, gullible, immature, inexperienced -Teachable The fool -Obtuse, complacent, lazy, unthinking, senseless -Leading to immorality -Possibly teachable The mocker -Arrogant, prideful, scornful, haughty -Scoffs, mocks instruction; unwilling to learn, change Folly

8. The Nature of Wisdom 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Woman Wisdom calls to us like God does through the prophets – Example: Prov 8:4-6, 9:5-6 and Isaiah 55  Woman Wisdom is a personification of God’s wisdom Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s wisdom – Cf. 1 Cor 1:23-30; Col 1:2-3 Wisdom is relational

9. Gaining Wisdom Proverbs 2 “ 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Effort  Discipline Relationship with God

10. Gaining Wisdom: A Call Let us seek Wisdom together! To the young in faith & life: – Acknowledge your need for council – Step away from autonomous thinking that does only according to your own will and desires – Seek Wisdom from others – Be open to council, instruction, advice To the mature in faith & life: – Ask God to lead you to an intentional relationship – Step away from the notion that your time is exclusively your own – Continue to seek Wisdom and pass it on – Be open to the changes God will make in your own life A challenge to respond to Wisdom’s call…