Wednesday, July 31, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 3:13-24 (4)”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To Wisdom & Understanding:  Prov 3:21-24

21) My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22) So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23) Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24) When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

 

INTRODUCTION:

We now continue by looking at several proverbs that address the proper relationship we should have towards the blessings of wisdom and understanding.  In this section we will be looking at the confidence that is gained through wisdom and understanding.

 

 

EXPOSITION:

 

21) My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

Living a confident life of wisdom and understanding begins by:

1.  Constant acknowledgment and consideration of the principles of wisdom and understanding and the authority they hold over us.

2.  Safeguarding wisdom and discretion by holding their principles close to our heart (desires) and mind (thoughts) and conduct (actions).

(note: Wisdom is the application of God’s truths to our actions and lifestyles.  Discretion is applying God’s truths to our future plans and goals)

 

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

 

 

22) So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

The results of retaining wisdom, understanding and discretion are:

1.  eternal life with God which results in purpose and meaning to our physical existence on earth.  Much like a healthy body which provides and enhances strength, motivation and composure.

2.  an appealing appearance to others through a display of the fruits of the Spirit (kindness, graciousness, generosity and dependability etc).   Much like a necklace which beautifies our appearance.

 

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.   Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:  So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.   (Proverbs 3:1-4)

 

 

23) Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

When we possess the certainty of eternal life, along with living a physical life of purpose and of benefit to others, we can confidently expect to enjoy spiritual security and physical safety.  A wise life is proof of our spiritual security in Christ and will help us to avoid many pitfalls and troubles in this life that lead to physical harm and unrest.

 

The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.   (Psalms 37:23-24)

 

 

24) When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet

Living a wise life also leads to a clear conscience before God and man.  This, in turn, results in a confident and peaceful earthly existence, knowing we are right with both God and those with whom we have come into contact. 

 

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:8)

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

The experience of confidence in this physical life is a wonderful blessing given by Almighty God.  Just stop and think about what a gift it is to know our eternity is secure in Him, our time of life on earth has meaning and lasting value, and our actions are advantageous to others. 

 

These are just a few of the blessings that result from retaining wisdom, understanding and discretion in our lives. May we all keep these Godly principles in our hearts, minds and actions, and enjoy the fruit of confidence and security that result from them.   

 

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

 

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

 




Tuesday, July 30, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 3:13-24 (3)”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To Wisdom & Understanding:  Prov 3:19-20

19) The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

20) By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

We now continue by looking at several proverbs that address the proper relationship we should have towards the blessings of wisdom and understanding.  In this section we will be looking at the author of all wisdom.

 

 

EXPOSITION:

 

19) The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

Solomon now gives us proof-positive that our Lord is the Originator of all wisdom.  His proof for us is founded in nature, which is the indisputable witness of God as the ultimate Source of all wisdom.  Solomon, through divine inspiration, proves this truth through three examples of God’s interaction with nature around us…

1.  The creation and preservation of the earth.  God set in place all the elements of nature causing them to exist and work together harmoniously.

2.  The creation and preservation of the heavens.  God set up, ordered, and aligned the heavens so that they would exist and be maintained under His guiding hand.

 

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

 (Jeremiah 51:15)

 

Both the existence and upholding of the earth and the heavens is proof of His great wisdom and understanding.

 

 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all:… “(Psalms 104:24)

 

 

20) By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

3.   The great flood during Noah’s day.  The Lord caused the fountains of the earth to bring forth water and the clouds to send forth rain for the first time in history.  Both of these worked in unity to bring about His desired goal… the overflowing of the world by water.

 

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.  (Genesis 7:11)

 

 

 

SUMMARY:

Let’s never take nature for granted.  It is a living witness of the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of its Creator.  As we look at His wonderful interaction with His creation, let’s always keep in mind that it was through His great wisdom that these all came into existence.  And it is through this same wisdom that they continue to be maintained and used by Him for His glory. 

 

The Possessor of this great creative, maintaining wisdom is now offering His wisdom to us.  By His grace, as we search His Word, we can receive that wisdom, and in doing so, we will enhance both our physical and spiritual life. 

 

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

 

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

 




Monday, July 29, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 3:13-24 (2)”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To Wisdom & Understanding:  Prov 3:15-18

15) She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16) Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

17) Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.

18) She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

 

INTRODUCTION:

We now continue by looking at several proverbs that address the proper relationship we should have towards the blessings of wisdom and understanding.

 

EXPOSITION:

15) She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Wisdom is, once again, pictured as a woman.  In the courrent context this is because of a woman’s great value, honorable nature and peaceful demeanor.  In this example we can see the great value given to women by the Word of God. 

 

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.   (Proverbs 31:10)

 

Here, we are told that wisdom:

1. is worth much more than perfectly round, treasured gems.

2. is on a higher level than anything this earth can offer.

Why is wisdom described as being of such great value?   It is because of the vast multitude of benefits that she offers to anyone who will receive and apply her teachings.   

 

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.   (Proverbs 20:15)

 

 

16) Length of days [is] in her right hand; [and] in her left hand riches and honour.

The benefits of wisdom include:

1. long life

2. spiritual and physical wealth

3. influence and esteem

 

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.   (1 Timothy 4:8)

 

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;  And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.  (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)

 

 

17) Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, and all her paths [are] peace.

4.  beautifies and graces lifestyles

5.  unity, peace and harmony

 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

 

18) She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

6.  gives eternal life when embraced and held tightly

7.  happiness when obtained and followed closely

 

A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life:…” (Proverbs 15:4)

 

 

SUMMARY:

What should the relationship be between a Christian and wisdom?  Wisdom should be highly valued due to the many eternal, and temporal, blessings that she brings into the lives of those who embrace her.  Do we find ourselves devaluing, or taking for granted God’s wisdom?  If so, let’s stop and count the many wonderful blessings that flow from her teachings. 

 

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

 

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

 




Sunday, July 28, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 3:13-24 (1)”


He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 

Proverbs Concerning: Our Relationship To Wisdom & Understanding:  Prov 3:13-14 

13) Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

14) For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

We now continue by looking at several proverbs that address the proper relationship we should have towards the blessings of wisdom and understanding.

 

EXPOSITION:

13) Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Keep in mind..

1.  Wisdom is the exercised when God’s Word is applied to our day to day life.

2.  Understanding is discernment and insight into the principles of God’s Word.

 

In this text, the Hebrew word translated “happy” means “to be blessed”.  This explains why those who possess wisdom and  understanding are happy people… they have received these two wonderful, undeserved blessings from Almighty God.     

 

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:  [There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:  Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.  Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.  The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.  Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.   (Ecclesiastes 9:13-18)

 

 

14) For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

The great value of the blessings of wisdom and understanding are addressed in this proverb.  Their value is ….

1.  greater than the profits made from the selling of fine silver.

2.  greater than the revenue received from the sale of fine gold.

 

But where shall wisdom be found? and where [is] the place of understanding?   Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.  The depth saith, It [is] not in me: and the sea saith, [It is] not with me.  It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof.  It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.  The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it [shall not be for] jewels of fine gold.  No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies.  The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.  (Job 28:12-19)

 

 

SUMMARY:

We should highly value the precious gifts of wisdom and understanding.   They are undeserved blessings that enable us to live lives pleasing to our Lord.  Their value to us cannot be overestimated.  Let us all live happy lives in appreciation for these wonderful blessings that God Almighty has given to us.  

 

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

 

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.