The Ways of Wisdom – January 8, 2017

Proverbs 3 – Part 1

3:1-6

Introduction

: I choose to begin the new year with a series of teachings from the proverbs and specifically proverbs chapter 3.

Context

: As a whole, the

Proverbs

are given to us as short and important little teachings that are designed to direct and instruct us in our ways of believing, acting, and understanding.

Hebrew word for ‘proverbs’ is

mashal

= proverb, parable, maxim, adage: a simile or allegory; an object lesson or illustration. The noun comes from the verb

mashal

which means to ‘compare; to be similar.’

So proverbs are not so much promises but short statements of general truths.

We are told/instructed immediately as to why Solomon’s spirit-given inspiration are important.

Proverbs 1:2-7,

“Their purpose is to teach people wisdom,” for “fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge…”

Proverbs 3 is a summary or right human behavior toward God and then toward other people.

Proverbs 3 (like 7 & 8) is composed of three parts: (1) an instruction on the “fear of the Lord” (vv.1-12); (

half of these verses I will look at this morning);

(2) a blessing that praises Wisdom’s benefits and role in Creation (vv.13-20); and (3) an instruction on relations with other people (vv.21-35).

Transition

: So, let me dive into Proverbs 3:1-6.

Proverbs 3 actually opens with a negative!

It is an admonition to keep (one’s) parents “instruction” and “commandments.”

Aside from this text we know that “honoring,” “obeying” one’s parents is the first commandment with a promise. Exodus 5:12, “

Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you

.”

Honor

kabad

= to be heavy, weighty

3:1, “Never Forget” “keep (store) in your heart” – In the sense of living out what is learned.

So, I will call my above first point,

“Pay & Pursue.”

Pay attention and follow that which you know is necessary and essential.

Transition

: After this general word of wisdom to pay and pursue, we are given two specific areas for our focus.

3:3 in the NLT says, “

Never let

loyalty

and

kindness

leave you

.”

Depending on what version your reading, the words might be different in English so let me refer both to the original Hebrew which are

Let not

chasad

, (reproach = good name, without fault and kindness) and

emeth

(firmness, faithfulness, truth) leave you.

We are to “

tie them

” or bind them “

around our neck

” and “

write them deep within your heart

.”

 

In ancient Israel, as in Orthodox Judaism today, amulets with sacred writing were bound around the neck, thus close to the heart, as spiritual reminders.

“On the tablet of your heart” is also metaphorical for memory at the deepest level of one’s being.

What penetrates to the depths of the heart determines one’s very character and nature!”

This second of my main points I will call “

Paste (Profoundly)

So, we have as widom instructions “Pay Attention & Pursue” and now “Paste (Profoundly).

Question

: The result (of paying attention and pasting)?

3:4, “

Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation

.” (NLT)

Transition

:

These first two points are foundational!

Once this is established, instructions are given.

Instruction # 1

– “Trust in the Lord”

 

Hebrew

Trust

= To be safe, careless

 

Instruction # 2

– “Do not depend upon your own understanding.”

Hebrew

– Lean

= support yourself

 

Instruction # 3

– “Seek his will in all you do.”

 

Instruction # 4

– “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.”

Impressed =

wise

 

Instruction # 5

– “(Instead) Fear the Lord”

Fear

= Revere

 

Conclusion

: Where does wisdom begin and end? According to the Word in Proverbs is comes as a “result of listening and applying will and ways of God’s instruction

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

But the Greatest of these is... (1)

But The Greatest of These

1 Corinthians 13 Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers. When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations: •         Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc. •        Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana Ross…

Champions!

Champions

1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…

F (1)

Flood or The Blood

Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ  Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…

GOD

God In The House

NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.  The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…

But Others (1)

But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail

Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…

Hebrews 11

Presence and Activity of Faith

Hebrews 11:1-2, 33-35 Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it…

Getting Rid of Stuff

Getting Rid of Stuff

Introduction: ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by…

It’s All Good! (1)

It’s All Good

Romans 8:31-39 Introduction: Last Sunday we gathered around this altar as we called on Immanuel. 8:31, ‘What can we say about such wonderful things as these? God works all things together for good—both His good and our good. As God is glorified, His people benefit. In Romans 8, Paul contrasts a life lived in selfish…

God-with-us

Christmas Presence

Matthew 1:18-24Introduction: Emmanuel – God with Us Jesus = ‘for he will save his people from their sins.’ List / describe some of the diverse people whom He saved: Application: What Jesus’ presence can do? Inner peace: Experiencing Jesus’ presence can bring a deep sense of calm and serenity even amidst turmoil. Healing power: Believers…