Living Out Wisdom

In this lesson we will see how living in the wisdom of God ourselves, will affect others. In the last few lessons we have dealt with the wisdom of God, as opposed to the knowledge of man. The latter can be very beneficial when coupled with God's wisdom, in our lives. In earlier lessons we dealt with what we call the "mawshawl", the act of giving life to inanimate objects. This is the most prevalent style of writing in Proverbs. Prior to this section of study. I only referred to them as parables. This is one of the few instances of actually being one. In the following verses, a woman is actually a woman. She is given qualities of measurement, deemed valuable to man.


Proverbs 31:8-9:
8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Remember the purpose of this lesson is to show how living in God's wisdom, can affect the lives of others. It is unclear whether King Lemuel was the king of Massa, or these are just the words he was about to communicate. The word Massa has two meanings. Both of which could have been used. In any event these are the words of a king. Here he speaks on behalf of those who don't have a voice. Proverbs 31 is the only place in the bible, King Lemuel is mentioned. The will of God will be accomplished one way or the other. This is an example of someone speaking up for others of less influence. As Christians today, we should follow suit.


Proverbs 31:10-14:
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Here we see the value of a virtuous woman. This is an example of a true parable. It uses earthly objects to measure intangible things. There is no way to put a price tag on integrity. Either it's there or it's not. Her husband is aware of his find. It shields him from the shortfalls of this world. His curiosity is peaked, in the mystery of his wife. She will always have his back. She is there, filling in where ever she is needed. Making sure she provides all she can, for her loved ones.


Proverbs 31:22-30:
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

A good womans reputation precedes her, just like that of a bad. Her fruits will be evidence, of her tireless works. A man will be remembered by others, by who he has for a wife. Not that she is his leader, but an extension of him. She is not a busybody, speaking out of turn. Being careful and selective with her words. Her children are raised up, and appreciate her direction. Her daughters are reflections of her. Her husband is her provider, and craves her affections. A woman's beauty is like nothing else God made. That beauty can afford untold opportunities. All these things are good, but not guaranteed. A woman's character has to be deeper than that. All who come in contact with a God fearing woman, lives should be enriched as a result.

Next Weeks Lesson 5/28/06

Living Out Wisdom

Bible Background * Proverbs 31

Printed Text * Proverbs 31:8-14

Devotional Reading * Proverbs 4: 10-15

Directions To Our Fathers House

Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.

Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.

There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and keep straight.

You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound

Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd. From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.

Keep Straight and the make another Right on Prayer Road.

As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

Avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive and Hate Avenue.

Also, pass up Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.

However, do go down Long-suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd, and Trials and Tribulations Avenue.

But that's alright, because VICTORY STREET is straight ahead!!!

The Path Of Integrity

I know you have heard the old saying," The devil is busy". That is a fable or olds wives tale, that holds a lot of truth. The bible teaches us not to listen to them, when they contradict the word of God. 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. That's a very important part of that statement, we mustn't overlook. "When they contradict". This doesn't contradict, it's just not written. We as Christians have to know the word, to know the difference. This lesson stresses our building our integrity, in order to reflect the character of God. To reflect his ways, you must know him. To know him we must : 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This practice builds the character and integrity, we are discussing here.


Proverbs 11
1A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

The delight of the lord, is that we are knowledgeable of what's right. It isn't his will that we would be without direction, and lost. On week before last, we discussed the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is that which we obtain from man. Wisdom is that, which is given to us by God. To put anything ahead of the wisdom, he has provided us with. Will undoubtedly lead you in the wrong direction.


Passage Proverbs 11:2-8:
2When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

When we are more concerned with our egos and personal opinions, than we are the truth. We are on a path to destruction. Those people who lean to their own understanding, instead of God's wisdom. Will come to an unexplained and untimely end. While those who believe and trust in the directions of the word, will forge right ahead. Remember James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? So don't just talk the talk, walk the walk. All the riches we may gain on this earth, are worthless in the end. All your earthly possessions are for naught. You won't be able to buy one more second in eternity. Your material goods don't mean anything, to anyone except man. God is not impressed, with our gold and silver. Anything we have is his first. All that is allowed, is allowed by God. When an unjust man dies that's the end. When a just man dies, he has eternal life. That's it in a nutshell, that's the promise we're given. That's all there is to say.


Proverbs 11:9-14:
9An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

A person who says one thing, and does another. Is more trouble than he's worth. Any and everything he is involved in, will eventually fail. These verses point out how those around us, will be affected by our actions. If we strive to build our integrity Everyone you come in contact with, should be blessed by the encounter. The more of us that practice this, the more we will witness its benefits. Though sometimes it seems we're alone, that's not the case. When we look around we can see it only takes a few people, in the world. To make it seem tough for everyone. This is an example, of one of those old wives fables we talked about. Depending on whom you ask, which version you will get. Some people will say "It only takes one bad apple, to spoil the whole bunch". You ask the next person they say "one bad apple, does spoil the whole bunch". See the difference in the two? They both are correct in their comments, to some degree. It depends on the earthly situation. That's why as Christians, we should always follow God's lead. We will always know we are right. Follow the path of Integrity.

Next Weeks Lesson 5/21/06

The Path Of Integrity

Bible Background * Proverbs 11

Printed Text * Provebs 11: 1-14

Devotional Reading * Proverbs 10:27-32

Wisdom's Invitation

Here again we reflect on the wisdom teachings of the bible. We always learn something new, as we read and study the bible. I have always referred to the bibles analogies as parables, in the past. In this lesson we take it a step farther. The descriptions in the bible are broken into three different categories. We have the mashawl, usually translated as Proverbs. This is the most popular style of writing in Proverbs. It gives a thing or concept, human qualities. Then we have the riddles found in Judges. Finally we have the parables of 1 Kings and 2 Samuel. The Proverbs describe God's greatness in his creation. It makes the wonders of God, tangible to those who accept.It gives us the chance to look around at our surrounding, and see his greatness.


Proverbs 8
1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Is not the need to know picking at you? Do you ever wonder where the air came from? The fact that you are alive, should raise unanswered questions. Certain things we know through mere existence.Last week we we told to seek, and it shall be granted.
Passage Proverbs 2:4:4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;


Here scripture is again, is in search of believers:


Proverbs 8:4:

4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

Not only will wisdom be given, it will be given liberally. We want to rely on knowledge not wisdom. There is a difference. Knowledge isb what we obtain as men based on our experiences. Wisdom is that which is given to us by God. He has the first and final solution.


Passage Proverbs 8:22-31:

22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.


Here wisdom speaks to us, in the form of a mashawl. It talks to us in a human form. It's as though your mother, is talking about being a little girl. Talking about things you couldn't possibly know. She was the barer of you. She had to be first. Here we go back to the beginning, before anything existed. During that time there was only two things. God and his wisdom, everything else was after that.

Next Weeks Lessom 5 / 14 / 06

Wisdoms's Invitation

Bible Background * Proverbs 8-9

Printed Text * Proverbs 8:1-5, 22-31

Devotional Reading * Proverbs 8: 10-21

A Treasure Worth Seeking

• Here again we reflect on the sayings of Solomon. Remember Solomon was rumored to be the wealthiest and wisest man, in the world. Two enviable characteristics, I know I would like to have. Along with Job and Ecclesiastes, Proverbs is known as Israel's wisdom literature. Though not all, it is largely the writings of Solomon. In bibical days leadership was broken down into three distinct categories. They were either Priest, Prophets or Wisemen. Wisemen holding the lower rank. They were often called on to speak, on political issues. And moral issues of that day. Solomon was considered a wiseman, he also was a wealthy king. In this lesson we learn. In his vast array of knowledge. He is still aware of his need, to trust and believe in God. If the word of God was good enough for Solomon. It should be good enough, for me and you.
  
  Proverbs 2
  1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
  2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
  4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
  5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
  
  These verses above are used to define wisdom. It is not something that can be obtained at a university, or through education period. Notice the scripture says nothing about Harvard, MIT or Yale. Or any other institution of higher learning. Solomon is largely responsible for the writings of Proverbs. I'm sure in his day he had the best education, there was to offer. He was rumored to be the wealthiest and wisest man in the world. In his vast array of knowledge. He was still aware. The wisdom of God, exceeds all earthly knowledge. If you seek the wisdom of God earnestly, he will provide it unsparingly. If you learn that, you will possess the the ultimate education. I feel there are two lessons to be learned here. Notice scripture refers to knowledge as a she. The first person to be called wise in the old testament, was a woman. We as men should recognize and acknowledge, a woman's value to us in her splendor. This to us is above monetary gain. In bibical days silver was measure of currency. The one thing that has probably always presented a problem for man. Putting his material possessions above his devotion to God. When you have the fear of the lord and seek his guidance. It will provide you with the wisdom of God. Something that will sustain you, when earthly possessions are of no value.
  
  Proverbs 3
  1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
  2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
  3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
  4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
  5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
  6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
  
  We need God's wisdom, to best navigate this journey. To master this task we need to know and follow his commandents. In whatever one of lifes situations, we find ourselves facing. We have been given a blueprint of sorts. In the form of scripture, in the holy bible . In order to find peace in this life, we must have know and practice the ways of God. Do not let the ways of this world, dictate our actions. Don't rely on what you and others know. It is limited and finite, in it's scope. The wisdom of God is infinite. Undaunted and without end. To find favour with God, is automatic favour with man. If his purpose is right. Our only concern with the approval of man. Should be his council, in the ways of God.
  Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
  Given the choice, I would choose to be on the side of the lord. If we learn and follow God's commandments. It can only enhance our lives on earth. It best prepares us for eternal life. Ultimately his ways will prevail. Follow these steps in your daily walk. It will best prepare you for the ups and downs or vicissities of life. This tells a why we need his wisdom, because it's the best.
  
  Passage Proverbs 3:13-18:
  13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
  14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
  15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
  16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
  17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
  18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
  
  Here we are reminded of the rewards of having God's wisdom. It tells you that you will be happy, once you obtain understanding. As Christians we know that everything is not always perfect. We learn to exercise the same faith in the bad times, as we rely on in the good. The wisdom found with God , provides a peace only a relationship with God can provide. Scripture uses the analogies or parables, of gold and rubies. Both being something, as humans we desire. It may not necessarily be those things. Just something we consider important. Should we seek the knowledge given by God, like we go after these things. We would really have something. The obstacles of life are unavoidable. Why not use the means God has provided for us, to make it through. If you follow the laws of God he has promised. Your days will be longer and you will be happy. Isn't that what we all really want? To be happy and live a long time. The word of God doesn't tell you when and why. His wisdom will tell you how.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Next Weeks Lesson 5 / 7/ 06

A Treasure Worth Seeking

Bible Background * Proverbs 2-3


Printed Text * Proverbs 2: 1-5; 3: 1-6, 13-18


Devotional Reading * Proverbs 2 6:15