Proverbs: A Study in Wisdom

The third Sunday of April had Alan taking us back into the book of Proverbs. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Also included are Alan’s outline and some notes with links to Scripture at either the NETBible (which Alan references) or Bible Gateway. Enjoy!

Review: The key attribute of godly wisdom is a fear of God – Proverbs 1:7 (NET Bible)

The phrase “fear of God” means to live life in respect to God for who He is and what He can do. It’s to align our attitudes, thoughts, and actions to God’s will, as stated in Scripture. An example of a “fear of God” would be Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:24-28.

1. Wisdom is a key attribute of God
   • Wisdom is seen as existing with God before creation and even orders creation itself.
   • All of creation speaks to the wisdom of God.
   • Proverbs 8:22-31
   • Job 38:4-11
2. Wisdom’s fullness is in Christ
   • John 1:1-3
   • He increased in wisdom – Luke 2:40, 47, 52
   • His wisdom astonished people – Mark 6:2
   • His wisdom was greater than Solomon’s – Luke 11:31
   • Christ as wisdom contrasted with human wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:18-30
   • Christ has all the treasures of wisdom – Colossians 2:3
3. Wisdom Through Christ in Our Daily Living
   • Without Christ’s wisdom, we are blind and deceived. Proverbs 20:9-12
     • 1 John 1:8
     • 2 Corinthians 4:4
     • Ephesians 4:18
     • It’s only God, by the Spirit, that can open our eyes and ears to His wisdom.
   • Wisdom is seen in the plans of God that are often beyond our understanding.
     • The story of Lazarus is an example – the plan of Jesus didn’t make sense.
       • John 11
   • Wisdom keeps us from the sin of self-absorption.
     • Sin is mankind turned in upon himself.
     • Proverbs 14:2 – Who is on the throne of your life?
   • Wisdom views life through the filter of God as the center of life.
     • Proverbs 21:30
     • “Life is hard; it’s harder when you’re stupid.” -John Wayne
   • Wisdom is the way to security and life.
     • Proverbs 14:26-27
     • Psalm 62:5-8
     • To mock godly wisdom is to open oneself to the snares of this world.
   • Wisdom sees that atonement is to lead to right actions.
     • Romans 7:7
     • Proverbs 16:6
     • Work out our salvation with fear & trembling.
   • Wisdom is needed to understand trials.
     • James 1:2-8
     • “Oh, come thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go.” -Henry Sloan Coffin