Proverbial Wisdom – 4:20-27

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:20-27 (KJV)

Surprise—I’m back! You may have wondered if I had fallen off the face of the Earth, or perhaps like Enoch, “…and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). I assure you that I am still here, I am healthy, and I am blessed.

As a Certified Public Accountant, I am required to complete forty hours of continuing education every year. Consequently, I have been busy in classes. To meet part of my educational requirements, I took a twenty-four hour self-study course. That course took me a lot longer than twenty-four hours.

I became enthralled with the self-study course. The course was about best accounting practices for businesses and manufacturing entities. That may sound boring to most of you, but I loved the course.

Not only did I read the textbook and the study guide that went with the course, but also I mentally rehearsed when and where to implement these best practices. I visualized putting these practices into use, and in my mind, I identified the problems that could occur and the solutions to those problems. In other words, I studied the practical application of the suggested best accounting practices.

Likewise, in our Christian walk we must study the practical application of the best godly living practices. Our textbook for this life course is the Bible—the anointed Word of God. Not only must we take the time to read the textbook (Bible), but we must also take the time to think through the practical application of what we read.

Praise God, we have an Instructor who gives us continuous feedback as we are studying God’s Word. God’s Spirit, who dwells within His children, enables us to understand His Word. Further, He teaches us the practical application of His Word. But in order to maintain and benefit from this continuous feedback, we must be willing to listen and obey.

Can everyone pick up the Word of God, begin reading the Word, and immediately understand what they read? NO!

Now let me explain. Initially, everyone has the same opportunity to understand; unfortunately, not everyone will truly seek to understand. God says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

Everyone who seeks the Lord in all honesty and truth—will find Him. God will fling open the doors to their understanding; therefore, God is not the problem! The problem is that many people refuse to seek the Lord in honesty or truth.

Their wicked hearts are happy remaining in sin. As such, they have no remorse over their evil deeds. Thus, they refuse to read or hear the Word of the Lord. “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes THEY have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15).

On the other hand, for those who have an ear to hear, God’s Word will bring “life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:22).

Since you are reading this lesson, then I will assume that you have the ears to hear so let’s continue. Proverbs warns us to protect our hearts and to keep our eyes focused on God.  Refuse all evil! Speak no evil, hear no evil, and look at no evil. Do not be enticed by the wickedness in this world.

In Job 31:1, Job said that he had made a covenant with his eyes and refused to look with lust upon a young woman. Job knew that if he did not guard his eyes then he could contaminate his thoughts and his heart. Determinedly, he refused to glance upon anything that could take his eyes off from God.

Similarly, you must refuse to hear, see, or speak any evil that may contaminate your heart. With a holy jealousy for the things of God, set your feet on the straight narrow path towards God. Never looking to the right or to the left, but keep your eyes focus on God.

As suggested by our key verses, you must pay attention to the Word, reflecting on the Word’s practical application in your life. Identify the best godly living practices, and with God’s help, apply those practices. Throughout your day, meditate on the practical application of the best godly living practices. Refuse to flunk this life course. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalms 119:11).

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Psalm 34:11-16 (KJV)

Three Key Concepts:

1. Meditate on the application of the best godly living practices.

2. See no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.

3. God’s Spirit helps us to understand God’s Word.

Proverbial Wisdom – 4:1-9

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Proverbs 4:1-9

This week is going to be a little different. When I began studying and taking notes for this lesson, words were impressed upon my heart. Let the truth from these words sink deep and take root in your soul.

The following (italicized) is the message that I heard:

“Listen dear ones and pay attention to these words. Recognize the truth and wisdom in these sayings. Let these words become an intimate part of you and don’t ever let them out of your sight.”

“Never forsake the Words of the Lord for all of His Words will give you life.”

“Chase after wisdom and understanding. Nail them firmly upon the doorposts of your heart. Meditate daily, hour by hour, breath by breath, upon the life-giving Word. Obeying God’s Word will protect you in your hour of turmoil.”

“Lift up God’s Word. Hold His Word up high so that all mankind might see. Never deny the Word of the Lord and never deny the One who brought the Word in flesh form.”

The whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is the Word of God. Please never forsake this truth.

Many people are attempting to compromise, change, or dilute the Word of God. But do not fall victim to Satan’s wicked schemes.  Yes…I did say and mean Satan!

Satan is the spirit behind these wicked men who are attempting to substitute man’s words for God’s Word. Therefore, do not be fooled by their charismatic words or by their popularity. Call evil for what it is…evil. “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

We are in a mighty battle against wicked principalities who want to suppress the Truth and capture us in their darkness. The true light, Jesus Christ, came to free us from the darkness and give us eternal life. But the rulers of darkness want to change the true light (the Word of God—the Bible), plunging us back into the dark and recapturing our souls.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Currently we are living in a day where people call good…evil and evil…good. The worldly news press demonizes anyone who publicly speaks out supporting the Word of God. Further, when Christians shine the light of God’s Truth upon ungodly rulers, they are called hypocrites. We are truly living in perilous times.

Although we are living in perilous times, we must take a stand and confess the Word of the Lord. Jesus is the Word who was made flesh and lived amongst us (John 1:14). He is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Do not deny Him; rather, confess Him before all.  “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:32-34).

Firmly plant your feet in the Word of God and stand strong, never modify or dilute His Word. It is time to arm yourself for battle, so grab your sword and begin marching forward! (Ephesians 6:17).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:1, 14

Three Key Concepts:

1.  We must never forsake the Word of God.

2.  Satan is the spirit who works in the children of disobedience.

3.  We must stand and confess the Word of God.

Proverbial Wisdom–3:13-20

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Proverbs 3:13-20 (KJV)

Happy are you when you find Jesus for He is worth more than all the riches in the world (Matthew 13:44-46). Through faith in Him, you can live a blessed life and have eternal life (John 3:15-17). No worldly desires can satisfy your hungry soul like Jesus can—He alone is the Bread of Life (John 6:33-35). His ways are truth and eternal (John 1:14-17). He is the Prince of Peace and within Him, you can find peace (Isaiah 9:6). Happy are you if you retain the love of the Lord within your heart all of your days.

I couldn’t resist that short rewrite of our Scriptures for this week, but stick with me and you will discover why I did it.

In Part 4 of our journey through Proverbs, we discussed the saving power of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. When we believe in the saving power of His blood and repent of our sins, we are reborn through God’s Spirit. As long as we live and walk by God’s Spirit, we have access to holy wisdom. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things….” (John 14:26).  “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth….he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).

Consistently throughout Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding. Once we discover them, we are to cherish them and hold them close to our hearts, living and speaking by their influence. But wisdom and understanding cannot be bought. “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12).

Wisdom is not found within college classrooms, nor can understanding be attained through textbooks. All of our school years and all of the money that we expended in furthering our education, did not result in true godly wisdom and understanding. Instead, we accumulated a bunch of worldly facts.

I am not saying that education is a waste of time. Education is valuable! However, worldly knowledge cannot give eternal life, whereas, godly wisdom and understanding can. Godly wisdom comes from only one source, God…not from textbooks…not from college professors.

Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee says, “The Spirit of God does not open the Word of the God to lazy minds, but to those who are alert and want to learn and know the will of God and the Word of God.”

When people seriously desire to learn more about God and are willing to seek Him, God reveals Himself through His Word. He showers the hungry heart with wisdom and understanding.  However, it takes a sacrifice…a tremendous sacrifice of time!

Unfortunately, very few people are willing to sacrifice their time to study God’s Word. But these same people are willing to spend countless hours in a gym so that they can achieve a strong physical body. It would be to their benefit to spend countless hours in God’s Word so that they can achieve a strong spiritual heart. “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next” (1Timothy 4:8, NLT).

Those who grasp, live, and walk by godly wisdom and understanding are blessed. The length of their days is increased and they receive riches and honor. They walk in ways of pleasantness and on paths of peace. Godly wisdom and understanding brings eternal life to all who retain them within their hearts.

Wisdom is powerful. Through wisdom, God created the heavens and the earth. He set the stars in the sky and He established the ocean boundaries. He created the lightness of day and the darkness of night. Contrary to many scientific theories, God created our orderly world. This did NOT happen by chance—rather it happened by the wise words of an orderly God.

Wisdom and understanding are powerful and are attainable through Christ Jesus.  Today, seek the Lord.

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Job 28:28 (KJV)

Three Key Concepts

1.  True wisdom comes from God.

2.  The lazy heart has not godly wisdom.

3.  God fills the hungry heart.