He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
The Benefits Of Possessing Wisdom - (1) The
Lord’s Blessings: Prov 2:5-9
5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD,
and find the knowledge of God.
6) For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.
7) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk
uprightly.
8) He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth
the way of his saints.
9) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and
judgment, and equity; [yea], every
good path.
INTRODUCTION:
For the remaining
portions of this chapter, Solomon will be reminding us of the many benefits
that are had by those who possess (and apply) the wisdom of God to their lives….
1. The Lord’s blessings –
vs 5-9
2. The Lord’s
intervention and protection– vs 10-11
3. Keeping us from evil
influences of the world – vs 12-19
4. Success in spiritual
service – vs 20-22
EXPOSITION:
5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the
knowledge of God.
In
verses 1-4, we saw that the need to value God’s wisdom and seek it as choice
treasure was being emphasized. Solomon
continues by explaining some of the results of the diligent seeking of wisdom.
1. A greater understanding of the need to honor,
reverence and seek to follow His voice in our lives.
2.
This greater fear of the Lord is cultivated by a greater understanding of His
attributes (strength, wisdom, presence, justice, grace and love) and His works
on our behalf (sending His Son, giving us His Word, etc etc). It is only through these that we will develop
a greater appreciation for Him and an acknowledgement to submit ourselves to
Him.
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of him: The eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:17-18)
6) For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.
Solomon
gives the reminder that Jehovah is the ultimate source for …
1.
wisdom – application of truths of God to our everyday lives
2.
knowledge – the truths of God revealed in His Word
3.
understanding – the ability to discern the various aspects of His truths.
It
is through the gracious giving of all three of these that life can be lived in
a way that is pleasing in the eyes of God.
“Thou through thy commandments hast made me
wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me.” (Psalms 119:98)
7) He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
1. The Lord graciously reserves and safe guards
His most important and relevant wisdom for His people.
2.
It is then through His wisdom, that He becomes a protection and support for His
people.
“Thou through thy commandments hast made me
wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me.” (Psalms 119:98)
8) He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his
saints.
1. The Lord prepares and maintains the path that
promotes proper decision making for His people.
2. He places a hedge about the path upon which
His people travel as they make their way in the midst of a fallen world.
“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. I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous
forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. [He is] ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed [is] blessed. Depart from evil, and do
good; and dwell for evermore. For the LORD loveth
judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the
seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalms 37:23-28)
9) Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity;
[yea], every good path.
Through
His intervention, the Lord gives His people insight into…
1.
righteousness – following His desires concerning specific issues
2.
judgment – proper decision making
3.
equity – fairness, even handedness to others
4.
every good path – lifestyles that are pleasing to God.
“I will instruct thee and
teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
(Psalms 32:8)
SUMMARY:
Many
great blessings can be secured for God’s people if they only look to Him and
seek His wisdom that He has freely made accessible to each one of 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”.
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