Proverbs 8 - Wisdom Calls Again pt I

Introduction
- this morning we’re going to move into chapter 8 of the book of Proverbs.
- I realize you might say, what happened to the intervening 6 chapters?
- you may remember that when we were doing the introduction to the book, we said that organizing the study is a bit challenging---instead going through it in a strict chapter by chapter format, we will group similar themes together.
- so our purpose in working on chapter 8 is because in these verses, we find wisdom calling out again…
- I believe what we’ve talked about and studied from chapter 1 the last several weeks has been critical material…so it is good for us to get as much biblical material on this topic as possible as we have it on the table.

- read Proverbs 8

- these verses continue the theme of God’s great love for people evidenced by the way He has made biblical wisdom available to you and me.
- He wants us to know His truth and His ways…
- He wants us to believe correctly and act correctly…
- He wants us to know Him…
- and He wants us to enjoy the benefits that come from knowing Him and living life in a way that pleases Him.

- II Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

- Warren Wiersbe makes an interesting observation about these verses when he says…”…note that she addresses the simple and the fools but not the scorners (compare Prov. 1:22 with 8:5). They had laughed at her message and turned away from the truth, so their opportunities were over, not because God wasn’t speaking but because their hearts were too hard to hear.”

- Proverbs 22:10 - Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
[cf. implications to church discipline --- explain that there are some situations coming down the pike]

- Wiersbe arranges this chapter around wisdom’s three points:

I. You Can Trust My Words – 8:6-9.

- INPUT – How do we see this emphasis in these verses?

A. They are excellent

- the NASB uses the phrase “noble things”
- many times this word is translated as “captain” in the Bible, or “ruler”
- another related idea would be princely.

- INPUT – In what sense is the wisdom in the Word of God princely, noble, or excellent?
- It reads like a princely book because it is the Word of the King.
- there is a nobility to God’s Word that makes it worth our interest, attention, and allegiance.

B. They contain right things.

- cf. verse 6 – the opening of my lips produces right things.
- the idea here is, straight, direct, or correct

- INPUT – What are some ways in which this is true?
1) Gives straight answers about how a person is saved.
2) Gives straight answers about how problems are solved.
3) “ “ communication is achieved.
[many other answers could be given – could also tie to II Tim. 3:16]

C. They are true and righteous.

- cf. verses 7 and 8.

- cf. Psalm 19:9 – The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

- INPUT – What is like to talk to a person who has a habit of not telling the truth?

- INPUT – What does a Christian “look like” who believes the Word of God can be trusted?

- though the first nine verses contain more than enough motivation to turn to God’s Word as our source of truth and direction, the writer keeps heaping on additional reasons.
- His second is…

II. You Can Receive True Wealth – 10-21.

A. Wisdom is better than material blessings.

- that’s the argument of verse 11 – wisdom is better than jewels…[even a diamond of a carat or larger at Stall and Kesslers!]

- verses 18-19 address this issue head on.

- this idea is often a surprise to God’s people, because the assumption is that wealth is a sign of God’s blessing, and if anyone is going to get to heaven, it will be those who have been blessed by God with wealth.
- you may remember after taught the disciples that it would be difficult for rich persons to enter heaven, their response was…if they can’t make it, who will? (Matt. 19:23-26).

- incidentally, the other extreme is equally bad --- believing that poor persons are more spiritual on the basis of their financial condition.
- God has given material things for us to enjoy…but the point is, we all have to decide, which do we value higher?
- this is a OT version of Matthew 6:33 – Seek ye first…

B. Wisdom has more to offer than material blessings.

- INPUT – what “commodities” do we read about in verses 12-15 that prove the point that wisdom is more valuable than material blessings?
- prudence, knowledge, discretion, counsel, understanding, ability to reign, justice

C. How God’s people should respond to this principle.

1. hear the Word of God – 6

2. receive instruction – 10

3. love truth and wisdom – 17, 21

[cf. Wiersbe’s point about starting the day in the Word – bottom of p. 29]

III. You Can See My Works – 22-31.

- INPUT – What are verses 22-31 talking about?
- INPUT – Is it important to “hold the line” on the doctrine of creation?
[recommend MacArthur’s new book – The Battle for the Beginning]

Adult Bible Fellowship
Wisdom Calls Again
Proverbs Series #8

Introduction
I. You Can ___________ My Words – 8:6-9.
II Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Warren Wiersbe – “…note that she addresses the simple and the fools but not the scorners (compare Prov. 1:22 with 8:5). They had laughed at her message and turned away from the truth, so their opportunities were over, not because God wasn’t speaking but because their hearts were too hard to hear.”
Proverbs 22:10 – Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
INPUT – How do we see this emphasis in these verses?
A. They are _________________
INPUT – In what sense is the wisdom in the Word of God princely, noble, or excellent?

B. They contain ____________ ______________.
INPUT – What are some ways in which this is true?
C. They are __________ and __________________.
INPUT – What is like to talk to a person who has a habit of not telling the truth?
INPUT – What does a Christian “look like” who believes the Word of God can be trusted?

II. You Can Receive True _______________ – 10-21.
A. Wisdom is better than ________________ blessings.

B. Wisdom has __________ to ___________ than material blessings.
INPUT – What “commodities” do we read about in verses 12-15 that prove the point that wisdom is more valuable than material blessings?

C. How God’s people should _____________ to this principle.
1. ___________ the Word of God – 6
2. Receive _________________ – 10
3. Love _____________ and ________________ – 17, 21

III. You Can ________ My Works – 22-31.
INPUT – What are verses 22-31 talking about?
INPUT – Is it important to “hold the line” on the doctrine of creation?

Adult Bible Fellowship
Wisdom Calls Again
Proverbs Series #8
Introduction
I. You Can Trust My Words – 8:6-9.
II Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Warren Wiersbe – “…note that she addresses the simple and the fools but not the scorners (compare Prov. 1:22 with 8:5). They had laughed at her message and turned away from the truth, so their opportunities were over, not because God wasn’t speaking but because their hearts were too hard to hear.”
Proverbs 22:10 – Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
INPUT – How do we see this emphasis in these verses?

A. They are excellent
INPUT – In what sense is the wisdom in the Word of God princely, noble, or excellent?
B. They contain right things.
INPUT – What are some ways in which this is true?
C. They are true and righteous.
INPUT – What is like to talk to a person who has a habit of not telling the truth?
INPUT – What does a Christian “look like” who believes the Word of God can be trusted?

II. You Can Receive True Wealth – 10-21.

A. Wisdom is better than material blessings.
B. Wisdom has more to offer than material blessings.
INPUT – What “commodities” do we read about in verses 12-15 that prove the point that wisdom is more valuable than material blessings?
C. How God’s people should respond to this principle.
1. Hear the Word of God – 6
2. Receive instruction – 10
3. Love truth and wisdom – 17, 21

III. You Can See My Works – 22-31.
INPUT – What are verses 22-31 talking about?
INPUT – Is it important to “hold the line” on the doctrine of creation?