Friday, October 4, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 9:13-17


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

A Grand Comparison: The Foolish Can Only Harm Those Who Seek Her: Prov 9:13-17
13) A foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing.
14) For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15) To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16) Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17) Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.

INTRODUCTION:
In this set of Proverbs we find the 2nd part of a split comparison that was begun in verses 1-3. In vs 1-3, it was taught that Wisdom only benefits those who follow her teachings…
1. Wisdom provides a place where her students can reside.  Wisdom’s perfect instructions proceed from the Lord and are a firm foundation for the life of God’s people. When God’s people use wisdom as their residence, making wisdom an active part of their lifestyle, they can find peace, safety, security and a fulfilled life of service to Him.
2. Wisdom supplies a meal that is suited for those receiving it… for the mature she gives meat; for the sickly she gives wine; etc.  Wisdom, the application of God’s Word to the life, will meet every possible need and provide the needed counsel for any situation the Christian might face in life.
3. Wisdom actively seeks out those in need, allowing her voice to be heard by as many as possible. 
For both the lost and saved, there is great benefit to accepting the teachings of wisdom and making them a living part of their lifestyle. 

Now the comparison continues by looking at how foolishness only hurts those who follow her teachings….

EXPOSITION:

13) A foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing.
In these proverbs, a foolish woman is used to emphasize the results of foolishness in the lives of those who are her followers.  This is in direct comparison to previous references to wisdom, also pictured by a woman, who was of great benefit to her students.
The results of foolishness include:
1. clamorous – to make noises meant to distract and gain attention
2. simple – easily seduced or misled
3. knowing nothing – to be unable to discern true nature of teachings, events, or decisions

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”   (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

14) For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,  15) To call passengers who go right on their ways:
4. The foolish woman sits at the door of her home, inviting the innocent to come and receive her false teachings.  She goes to the high places of the city to call out for followers.  (This is very similar to wisdom sending forth her virgins form her home to the high places to invite the needy to come and have their needs fulfilled vs 3-6)
5. The invitation of the foolish is pointed towards those who were innocently going about their business, having no idea of the seduction that would be taking place.  

“And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.  (She [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:  Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)”   (Proverbs 7:10-12)
16) Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,  17) Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.
The message is two fold:
1. to those who are easily misled… turn form the path you are on and come into my home and receive my offerings.
2. to those who are lacking the discernment and resolve to do right…. It’s ok to partake of that which is unlawful… it is pleasant to the taste and easily hidden from the view of others.  They will bring satisfaction and beauty to those who partake of it.

“And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”   (Genesis 3:6-7)


SUMMARY:
What a difference can be seen between the actions and motives of wisdom and those of foolishness!   By God’s grace, let us all seek after wisdom and her teachings, realizing that she is working for our good and God’s glory. 
  
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

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Thursday, October 3, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 9:11-12


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

A Grand Comparison: Wisdom Reaps Blessings; Foolishness Reaps Added Responsibility Before God: Prov 9:11-12

11) For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12) If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].


INTRODUCTION:

One of the greatest differences between the wise and the foolish is how the Lord deals with them during their life on earth and afterward in eternity.  This is the next aspect of comparison that Solomon shares with us….

EXPOSITION:

11) For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
For those who are wise, the Lord blesses their earthly life in two different ways…
1.  when wisdom is applied, the accomplishments of our day are multiplied.  The foolish, waste time and are not as productive as those who are wisely handling their responsibilities.
2.  when wisdom is applied, through the blessings of the Lord, the number of years lived on the earth will be extended.  When life is lived foolishly, many of life’s dangers are not avoided.  When lived with wise foresight, many of the dangers that are faced in life can be avoided and, from a human standpoint, life can be extended.

“Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it:  That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.”   (Deuteronomy 6:1-2)


12) If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].
1.  There are many benefits to gained had when a person chooses to live a lifestyle of wisdom. 
2.  For those who actively turn from wisdom and choose a foolish lifestyle they will be bear the responsibility of that choice. 
Keep in mind, not only are the earthly blessings a benefit of living a wise life but there are even greater eternal blessings to be had by the wise. 
1.  A wise man who properly applies the Word of God to their life will trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior.  This, in turn, will result in spending an eternity with Him.
2.  For the foolish, who reject the Word of God and in doing so reject Jesus as their Savior, will bear the responsibility of their actions by facing an eternity of separation from the Lord in the Lake of Fire.

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”   (Ezekiel 18:20)


SUMMARY:

The earthy and eternal benefits of wisdom cannot be underestimated.  What a wonderful motivation this truth should give to each one of us.  When we choose wisdom over foolishness; when we decide to apply God’s Word to our life, instead of ignoring it’s teachings, we will find ourselves benefiting in many great ways…. How can we choose foolishness when there is so much to be gained by choosing wisdom?
  
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

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

“SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 9:10”


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

A Grand Comparison: The Companions Of Wisdom: Prov 9:10
10) The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

INTRODUCTION:
In our text for this morning we find the beginning of another “split” comparison.  Solomon gives us a listing of the companions of wisdom here in verse 10.  Later he will follow up with a listing of the companions of foolishness down in verse 18. 
(If you remember, he did another “split comparison” when he told us that wisdom was always prepared to help others in verses 1-3, while he will later explain that foolishness will harm others in vs 13-17)


EXPOSITION:
10) The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.
In this proverb, Solomon will be explaining to us that there are three things that naturally are possessed by those who are wise.  For the purposes of this devotion, these three things will be described as the “companions” of wisdom, in other words, they are attributes that go hand in hand with the attribute of wisdom….

1.  The fear of the Lord – To fear the Lord is to recognize the Lord’s greatness.  This will lead us to two basic truths…
First, His greatness demands our submission to His will and ways… turning from our responsibilities will result in His just chastening for our rebellious attitudes and actions.   
Secondly, His greatness will lead us to understand His ability and our inability, His strength and our weakness, His supplies and our constant need of Him.  Our reliance upon the Lord dictates that we show Him the respect, honor and glory that He deserves.  He is our everything and, truly, without Him we can do nothing.
Why is this described as the “beginning of wisdom”.  Without the proper fear of the Lord we will not be properly motivated to keep His Word, live for Him and glorify Him in everything that we do.

“The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.”   (Psalms 111:10)

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.   For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.”  (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)


2.  The knowledge of the Holy – To have knowledge of the Holy is to experience the Lord’s person and work in our being….
This is speaking of the experience of salvation and the resultant blessings of the Lord in the lives of His people.  When the promises of the Word are experienced, the power and benefits of the Word begin to be understood.  This also is a great aid to seeing the need to live life according to the dictates of the Word.   
These experiences that make the Word come alive in our lives results in the third attribute that goes hand in hand with wisdom…

3.  Understanding –  the recognition of the true nature of God, and the many promises of His Word.

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”   (1 John 5:20)
“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,  And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
(Ephesians 1:17-23)


SUMMARY:

The three great companions of wisdom… the fear of the Lord, the knowledge of the Holy and understanding … are all necessary for wisdom (the proper application of God’s Word to the life).  
Let us all strive to recognize His greatness, humbly seek His intervention which will work salvation in our heart, and recognize the true nature of that which is around us.  In doing so, we will be enabled to receive,  believe and apply the Word of God to our lives.


These great companions of wisdom are in direct comparison to the two companions of foolishness… he that knows not the dead, the guests that are in hell (vs 18).  We will look at those in detail in a following devotion.

  
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



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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

SIH’s Think On These Things: Proverbs 9:7-9


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

A Grand Comparison: Wisdom Will Accept Correction; Foolishness Will Despise It: Prov 9:7-9

7) He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
8) Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9) Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.


INTRODUCTION:
When correction is given, how is it received?  This is the subject of Solomon’s next comparison…. 


EXPOSITION:
7) He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
Here, the foolish are described as a:
1. scorner – a mocker of the truth
2. wicked man – one who is condemned, awaiting judgment, guilty before God

The wise are to take great care in trying to correct the foolish.  Why is this the case?  Because it may hurt the one trying to help the fool…
1.  the person who attempts to instruct and correct the fool will only bring to disgrace and embarrassment.
2.  the person who attempts to point out error and rectify it will only place upon himself a blemish. 

Why does our attempt to help the foolish result in our harm?
It is because a fool will not accept help…. The unfruitful efforts of the helper will make him appear to be impotent, unpersuasive, lacking authority, and wasteful of their time and energy.

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”   (Matthew 24:9-10)


8) Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
3. When an attempt is made to reprove the scorner, the attempt will only be resented and become a foe to those they have tried to help.

These are the very principles why we are told….

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”   (Matthew 7:6)

This attitude of a foolish person is now compared to that of a wise person….
1.  A wise man will appreciate the warnings and corrections that are given to him, which will result in him loving those who are trying to help them along the way.


9) Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.
2.  when truth is handed to the wise man, he will listen, understand, believe and apply it to his life.  It will be of great benefit to both the teaching and the wise student.
3.  when experiences are shared with the saved, he will add these lessons of experience to his own life.  IN doing so, he will be able to avoid many of the mistakes that others have made.

“Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”   (Psalms 1:1-6)

SUMMARY:

As servants of Christ, may He give us wisdom to understand the true spiritual condition of those around us.  When we perceive that they are in need of genuine salvation, let us share with them the gospel message and, in general, avoid trying to correct the many individual sins that we may see in their life.  Without Christ as their Savior, it is fruitless to expect them to rid their lives of sin because they are yet spiritually blind and in the bonds of sin.
  
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

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