Wednesday, September 18, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 8:1-4”


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

Wisdom’s Appeal: Her Public Declaration: Prov 8:1-4
1) Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2) She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3) She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4) Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice [is] to the sons of man.


INTRODUCTION:

In chapter 8, Solomon gives us Proverbs concerning the appeal that wisdom makes to us all, to hear, believe, and apply her truths to our lives….  Please keep in mind, wisdom is the application of God’s Word to the life.  What a blessing it is to learn of the importance of God’s Word and be taught how to apply the truths of the Word to our lives in a practical way.

EXPOSITION:

1) Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
Solomon describes wisdom’s appeal by using the picture of a woman declaring publically her desire for others to come unto her and follow her teachings….
Wisdom’s appeal is pictured as being:
1. a cry – wisdom issues a personal invitation for others to come unto her and follow her teachings.  The “cry” being described especially implies a calling out to one who is known, implying a concern, love and personal relationship with the one who is invited.
2. a voice “put forth” – this voice is a gift that is given to those invited.  The invitation to approach and follow wisdom should be seen as a blessing and privilege, not a drudgery and heavy burden.
Wisdom’s invitation is given out of love, meant to benefit the invited.  It should be received with great pleasure and joy knowing it will lead to blessings.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.  Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.”   (Isaiah 55:1-3)


2) She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.  3) She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
She positions herself where she can be easily heard by the invited:
1.  she stands above the crowds inviting them much like an orator taught from an elevated platform.
2.  she stands beside the well-traveled paths where the invited are known to travel.
She is making it as easy as possible for those who desire to come to her.
3.  she stands at the gates where the courts of judgment were held, inviting all the parties of the court (the judges, the wise men of the city, the accused and the accusers.)
4.  she stands at the entryway of the city seeking to appeal to those who have just entered seeking rest from a far journey and labors in the fields.
5.  She stands at the doorways of the homes, going from door to door making certain her invitation has reached out to everyone.

“The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.  Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”   (John 18:19-20)


4) Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice [is] to the sons of man.
Wisdom calls out to:
1.  those who are male in gender (in those days the exclusive authority holders of the family and government and places of worship)
2.  mankind in general, both male and female.
She is inviting all to come unto her to attain and apply the wisdom of God. 

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:  Both low and high, rich and poor, together.  My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding.  I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.´  (Psalms 49:1-4)


SUMMARY:

Wisdom is a much needed commodity in every segment of every society on earth, both past and present.  If all mankind turned to wisdom, living their lives according to her teachings, this world would be a far better place.  Let us all seek to accept her invitation, learn of her teachings and live lifestyles of obedience to the Word.

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”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org



Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)