Key Verse: Zephaniah 3:19
INTRODUCTION:
The book of Proverbs is known as a book of wisdom. It is a collection of wise sayings, mostly written by King Solomon, a father, passing on valuable lifetime lessons to his son. These sayings are part of what’s widely known as wisdom literature or humanities literature, teaching on the art of living Godly lives over that of foolishness. The Proverbs are to govern our conduct and life with spiritual instructions.
1 THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM (Proverbs 2: 1-5)
We find in these verses a series of conditions. A list to obey to receive a reward. It’s a call to take action, listen, not to be passive. To ask for insight, to have a sense of urgency, to understand wisdom’s value.
2 THE PROVIDER OF WISDOM (vv. 6-8)
These verses say that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. God is the one who gives wisdom, giving us the victory, wisdom and knowledge and understanding. We are protected, shielded and guarded following his lead.
3 THE PURPOSE OF WISDOM (vv. 9-11)
Wisdom’s purpose is that we obtain discernment. The closer we are to God, the more wisdom we gain. We are more able to know what is right, just, fair and act accordingly. We are to internalize wisdom, it should be in our nature. We receive joy from wisdom as well as safety. Fearing the Lord leads to wisdom that leads to integrity, justice as we grow closer to God gaining more wisdom.
CONCLUSION:
As Solomon instructs his son the value of wisdom, it is imperative that we continue to pass down instructions on the value of wisdom and it’s source. It would seem that we place value on the trivial things of life. Those things that are temporary, are what we place value on. We value the things that will pass away and have little to no value. The writer in our lesson, leaves us with a valuable lesson to pass down.
“THE VALUE OF WISDOM”
Rev. Johnny H. Eskridge,
St. Paul Baptist Church @ Shively Heights