Saturday, December 14, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 15:18-21


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

The Anatomy Of The Wise: The Mind (Part 1): Proverbs 15:18-21
18) A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.
19) The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.
20) A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21) Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

Solomon now begins to share with us proverbs concerning the mind of a wise man.  Solomon’s main emphasis will be a wise man’s consideration of the results of his actions…

EXPOSITION:
18) A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.
1.  A man with poisonous heat of anger within him will begin, and sustain, quarreling.
2.  A man that is slow to allow the heat of anger to build up with in him is able to quench the arguing that takes place around him.

A wise man will consider the effect of uncontrolled anger on himself and those around him.

Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.   (James 3:13-16)


19) The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain.
1.  A lazy, unproductive man is following a path that will lead to thorns, pain and eventual defeat.
2.  The path of the righteous is unmistakable, easily followed and its blessed end clearly seen.

A wise man will consider the lifestyle path that he is walking realizing that the path of righteousness can be clearly seen and clearly reveals his destiny.

What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.  (Psalms 25:12)


20) A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
1.  The wise man will see that his actions will bring joy to those who love and desire the best for his life.
2.  The foolish man will disregard the wishes of those who love and care for him.

A wise man takes into account the counsel and teachings of those who love and care for him.

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God [am] holy.  Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I [am] the LORD your God.   (Leviticus 19:2-3)



21) Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
1.  For someone who does not possess wisdom, their desires will be based upon their sinful flesh.  This will result in them finding joy and contentment in the foolish things of this world.
2.  For someone who possesses an understanding of what is really important and beneficial, they will see the need to live their lives in alignment with the laws of God.

A wise man will see the lasting benefits of following the Lord with a dedicated heart and life.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. (Ephesians 5:15-17)


SUMMARY:

The mind of a wise man is always looking ahead trying to discern the end results of his actions upon himself and those around him.  Another way to put this is “A wise man thinks before he acts”.  A simple as this may seem, how many of us actually put this into practice in our lives?

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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