Fool Proof - Wisdom for Life from Proverbs
The word “proverb” means “to be like,” Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths.
Priests gave the Law, Prophets gave a Word from God, & Sages gave wise Counsel.
I know something about you, because the same is true of me... The greatest regrets in your life are times that you ventured off the path When you look back to at your life there are things you wish could change, because you lost sight of what was important and made some bad decisions
The Bible makes some incredible claims. The book of Proverbs especially. Proverbs says if you'll follow its wisdom, it will make make your path straight, it will keep you from falling. It will help "fool proof" your life. Maybe that's why you're here, or why you came to Christ, "I need someone to help me stop making a mess of my life."
Proverbs 2:1-5 1. If you accept my words (wisdom), store up my commands... 2. Listen and apply wisdom 3. Yearn for it 4. Seek it
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
God is to be feared - in the sense of respected, honored, revered. We are to recognize His supremacy. God is supreme in person, power, and position.
His person: He is holy, compassionate, loving, forgiving, good, triune His power: Daniel 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” His position: He rules and reigns over all creation. He has no equal. He rules and reigns over you and me.
Wisdom begins with this realization: God is supreme. There are countless people who reject God's authority will not accept his rule. They will always struggle to live a right life, because outside of God, what is right is impossible to define.
The world needs a people who have been changed by God. People who are a city on a hill, showing others the right way to live. I'm not talking about being legalistic or hypocritical.
I'm talking about living like your life has been changed by Jesus Christ. I'm talking about people who have seen what Jesus has done.
Proverbs 2:6-8 The Lord will give Victory, shield, guard, and protect
Proverbs 2:9-11 Then you will know what is right, just, fair, and every good path. Every good path - as a parent, husband/wife, in business, in relationships..,
It matters how we live. The world is watching. They need to see a people who are different - set apart. Living lives that are right, just, fair, and good.
Proverbs 4:18-19 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
The world needs to see godly lives lived out among them. They need the path lighted for them so they can see how to live. Are you wrestling with God over some area? Lust, greed, control? Let go. Do you need to repent and turn to God?