Prov 1:1-7 & 9:1-18Pp. 583, 590

July 19, 2009

Wisdom in Proverbs

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’)

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

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

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

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

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

Gaining WisdomProverbs 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

Gaining Wisdom: A CallLet 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…