By Steve A. Hamilton

Proverbs 1:8-9

 Introduction:  Have you ever wished that you could have that perfect father who could sit you down and explain life to you in plain terms?  A father who could tell you of all the pitfalls in life and give you meaningful direction?  Unfortunately, we learn early in life that all fathers have shortcomings which cause us not to quickly accept everything they tell us.  Not to mention that we have our pride that convinces us that we know what is good for us more then our fathers and somehow we are smarter then they in our abilities to escape the consequences of our chosen lifestyle.

          However, good fathers aren’t deterred by their shortcomings or by a child’s pride not to give some much needed advice.  Solomon in the book of Proverbs gave some good fatherly advice. 

I. The importance of wisdom (Prov. 1:2-7)

          A. A wise man will listen and learn from wise counsel (1:5).

          B. Such instruction gives prudence [“The ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason.” - Webster] to the simple and knowledge and discretion [“The ability to make responsible decisions.” - Webster] to the young (1:4).

          C. First principle of wisdom (1:7).  Fearing God is the beginning of knowledge.

                   1.  You are not going to understand what I’m going to tell you if you don’t fear God says Solomon.

                   2.  Why do you think there is so much error in science (evolution, etc.), schools (teaching and encouraging immorality), government (deceiving and being deceived) and denominations (teaching what is wrong as right) today?         

II. The consequences for rejecting wisdom (Prov. 1:20-33).

          A. Three kinds of people reject wisdom: the simple, scorners and fools (1:22).  These are people who lack understanding; who denounce what is right or who have no appreciation for instruction.

          B. Wisdom means accepting counsel and rebukes (1:25)!

C. Rejected wisdom results in calamity, terror, destruction, distress and anguish (1:26-27).

          D. Because such people did not seek wisdom until troubles hit, the Lord says they will not find wisdom and will be made to suffer the consequences (1:28-32).

          E. However, if you listen to wisdom, you will be secure, safe and free from a fear of evil (1:33).

III. The value of wisdom (Prov. 2:1-22).

          A. Wisdom is not acquired without effort (2:1-5). 

                   1. If you obey your parents and treasure their commands, you can obtain wisdom by inclining your ear to it (2:1-2).

2. You will also understand what it means to fear God, by applying your heart to understanding, by crying out for discernment and understanding, and by seeking wisdom as a treasure (2:3-5).

B. With wisdom comes knowledge and understanding (2:6).  The Lord gives wisdom that we might walk upright and use it as a shield from sin (2:7-9).

C. With wisdom there is an appreciation for knowledge, an ability to make good decisions (discretion), and an understanding that will deliver us from evil people (2:10-14ff).

IV. Let’s impart some wisdom (Prov. 3:1-12, 27-35).

          A. Don’t forget my laws and commands (3:1-2).  Do as your parents say.

          B. Don’t forsake mercy and truth (3:3-4). They go hand in hand.  Many people insist upon mercy while neglecting the truth.

          C. Trust in God with all your heart (3:5-6).  Don’t trust in your own understanding.

          D. Don’t be wise in your own eyes (3:7-8).  Lose the ego.

          E. Honor God with your possessions (3:9-10).  Be generous with your income to God that He might shower you with blessings.

          F. Don’t despise being corrected by the Lord (3:11-12). When the scriptures expose your error, don’t ignore it.  Accept it as discipline.  What person doesn’t have character flaws?

          G. Don’t withhold good from those who deserve it (3:27-28). If you have it to give, don’t hoard it.

          H. Don’t devise evil against your neighbors (3:29).  You have to live with them.

          I. Don’t strive (make opposition) with others if they haven’t done anything to you (3:30).  Don’t pick a fight.  Don’t accuse falsely. Etc.

          J. Don’t envy the wicked (3:31-35).  In the end, they will get their due.  God will bless the righteous. 

V. Wisdom is the key to life (Prov. 4:7).

          A. When I was your age, I got the same speech (4:1-7).

          B. Avoid wickedness like the plague (4:14-15).

          C. Don’t be deceitful (4:24).

          D. Ponder where your life is going (4:25-27).

VI. Listen carefully (Prov. 5:1-2).  This truly becomes one of those father and son conversations.

          A. Stay away from loose women [sexual immorality] (5:3-6).

          B. You don’t know what you will get into until it’s too late.  This is what will happen to you (5:8-11):

                   1. You will lose your honor and reputation and your years will be cruel (5:9).

                   2. You’ll work hard but your wealth will go to others (5:10).

                   3. Your body will be consumed with disease (5:11).

                   4. You will mourn that you did not listen to instruction (5:11-13).

                   5. You will be making a confession of your wickedness before the whole congregation (5:14).

          C. Get married and enjoy your spouse’s companionship (5:15-19).

          D. Why should you have anything to do with immoral women (5:20-23)?

VII. A few more things.

          A. Don’t cosign a note or become surety for a friend (Prov. 6:1-5).

                   1. It is interesting that through all the wisdom Solomon shares, this is the only financial advice given.

                   2. It is simply foolish to commit yourself to debt on the hope that your friend will make good on the payments.  You’re like a hunted animal that a hunter has in his sights.  You will be brought down!

          B. Don’t be lazy (6:6-11).

                   1. Young people have a tendency to be lazy.  Consider the ant!  It needs no supervision, works hard all the time.  Employers love this kind of person!

                   2.  Don’t tell yourself that you need a little rest.  Because what you call a little sleep will bring you to poverty as quick as a thief taking everything you have and then you’ll want someone to protect you from yourself.

          C. Don’t be worthless (6:12-15).  They twist everything.  They think up evil. They lie.  They stir up problems.

          D. Remember the seven things God hates (6:16-19).

          E. Stay away from harlots (6:24-29, 32-33).

Conclusion: Don’t you feel better now that we had this conversation?  Children heed the wisdom Solomon shares because it is still applicable today.  If by chance you did not have this fatherly advice and you recognize that you need to repent of some of these lessons you learned the hard way, please come…

Last modified: 05/02/08