Sermon Snippets

We are starting a new sermon series in the book of Proverbs this week. Proverbs is widely known for it's poetic nuggets of wisdom. 

The wisdom of Proverbs is more than just 'book-smarts'. It's not given just so we can have a lot of head knowledge. The wisdom of Proverbs is given so we can successfully apply theology to real life.

Over and over again, the emphasis is on how to behave in real world situations. Advice is offered on friendships, family and marriage relationships, business, finances, government, poverty and wealth along with a myriad of other areas.

The foundational principle that holds it all together is found in the very first chapter. 1:7 says,

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

All thirty one chapters worth of counsel is couched in the context of fearing the Lord. We must have a humble respect for God and submit to His will if we want to find true wisdom and true success in life.

Wisdom is often ascribed to those with gray hairs, who have lots of experience or education. Those things often contribute to wisdom and certainly provide individuals with worldly wisdom. But godly wisdom, which leads to worldly success and heavenly blessing, is only possible when we fear the Lord and follow His ways.