He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Purpose Behind Proverbs: Prov 1:2-4
2) To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the
words of understanding;
3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and
judgment, and equity;
4) To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man
knowledge and discretion.
INTRODUCTION:
After identifying himself
as the author of Proverbs, Solomon now continues by explaining the motivation
for his writing of the book of Proverbs.
EXPOSITION:
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
Solomon
desired to impart to the readers of Proverbs the three basic elements needed to
live out the principles of God’s Word in our lives, as we seek to live for Him….
1.
Instruction – warnings. We will be
instructed of God’s Word that encourages the avoidance of sin for our lives. This gives us knowledge of the truth
2.
Understanding – discernment. Once
instructed, we will receive insight into purpose for our opposition to sin. This gives us a reason to follow the truth
3.
Wisdom – skillful. Our last step to
application of the Word to our lives involves choosing to apply these truths to
our walk of life. This is leading a
lifestyle that follows the truth
These
three can easily be pictured by a driver who approaches a stop sign….
He
knows there is a law that says he must stop at the sign; this is instruction.
He
is aware that stopping at the sign will avoid a collision with opposing
traffic; this is understanding.
He
puts on the brakes and stops; this is wisdom.
All
scripture [is] given by inspiration
of God, and [is] profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2Tim 3:16-17)
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and
equity;
Solomon
also was motivated to give teachings that address our relations with others…
1.
Wisdom - educate – to teach others
through our words and life. This is setting the proper example.
2.
Justice – impartial – to treat others
without prejudice, partiality or a judgmental spirit. This is possessing a right attitude.
3.
Judgment – fair verdict – to treat others fairly, give reasonable payment, to
not defraud. This is being honest.
4.
Equity – agreeable – to have agreeable spirit, to avoid quarrelling, to be
humble. This is being selfless.
Therefore
all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matt 7:12)
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man
knowledge and discretion.
Other
benefits from the study of these proverbs are
1. to impart to the simple (naïve) knowledge of the subtlety (deceitful ways) of the world. This is
to avoid mistreatment at the hands of the world.
2. to impart to the young man (child and adolescent)
knowledge (truth) and discretion (to think in advance) This is the ability to recognize the future results of choices and
actions.
Young
men likewise exhort to be sober minded. (Titus 2:6)
SUMMARY:
In Proverbs, we are
given Divine guidance that develops our relationship with God and others while
producing spiritual maturity in His people.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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