The Wisdom of Proverbs

The Pursuit of Wisdom
The Wisdom of Proverbs

I. Introduction

A. Proverbs 1:1-7 (NLT) ¹These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. ²Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. ³Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. ⁴These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. ⁵Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance ⁶by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. ⁷Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

1. Biblical wisdom is the ability to discern—in my actual life—what is the God-honoring, course of action to take!

2. Folly is rebellion against .

B. Proverbs 11:22 (NLT) A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

C. There are 3 kinds of statements in Scripture.

1.

2.

3. Proverbs

a. A Proverb is a catchy description about the way things “” are.

D. Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

E. Proverbs 24:27 (NLT) Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.

F. Proverbs 26:4-5 (NLT) ⁴Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. ⁵Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

1. Benefiting from Proverbs requires using them with .

2. We need to realize, among other things, sin is . It’s foolishness.

3. God forbids sin because it’s inevitably !

G. Proverbs 10:19 (NAS) When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

1. The spiritual discipline of

H. Proverbs 10:25 (NLT) When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.

I. Proverbs 12:1 (NAS) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

1. Whenever God sends any kind of discipline our way—even through imperfect vessels—it’s always because He !

J. Proverbs 27:15 (NLT) A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.

K. Proverbs 19:17 (NAS) One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.

L. Colossians 2:3 (NLT) In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1. Ultimately, is our as we enroll in “God’s School of Wisdom” together!

II. Conclusion