Introduction to Proverbs

September 8, 2024 Sunday Worship Sermon Notes

Preacher: Greg Byman

Introduction to Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1-76

September 8, 2024

Where do you find wisdom?

-other people, culture, social media, self

-story of Solomon- godly but imperfect father, 1 Kings 3:4-15

 Proverbs = life lessons, artistic instruction

 God provides wisdom through people  Vs 1

-vs 1  “The proverbs of Solomon”

-listen to people who listen to God/the Bible

-listen to people who practice God’s Word!

 Proverbs teach us wisdom and instruction  Vs 2-4

- vs 2  for learning wisdom and discipline

   -practical, moral self-control

 -vs 2 for understanding insightful sayings

   -requires effort to learn and apply this to our lives

 -vs 3 for receiving prudent instruction- practical for daily life!

   -righteousness

   -justice

   -integrity

 -vs 4 for teaching

   -shrewdness to the inexperienced

   -knowledge and discretion to a young man

 We must WANT to learn and obtain guidance!   Vs 5-6

-a “wise” and “discerning” person

   -time, effort, thinking, comparing

-vs 6 requires effort, humility, submission to wise people

   -for understanding: spend time thinking, comparing    

   -words of the wise:  spend time WITH godly people

     -seek advice, mentoring, coaching, counseling,

   -riddles: Proverbs helps us resolve or adjust to life ambiguities

     -the Bible provides principles for all time and every culture

Proverbs 1:7  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

-Wise people believe in and submit to God!

   -“fear”: reverence, respect, trust, worship

   -1 Kings 3:4-15 Solomon submits to God for help

   -Proverbs 3:5-8  Trust God, acknowledge him

 -John 1:1  In the beginning was the WORD- logos, logic

   -Everything wise originated from God

 -Fools reject God!

   -Wise unbelievers are fools!

 What is your next right step to understand Proverbs?

-Place your entire faith in Jesus Christ

 -read and study the Bible regularly- read Proverbs!

-join a Connection Group-  connect with godly, wise people

-submit every life decision under God’s authority

   -only trust God’s Word and godly people to guide you

   -what are some small decisions you need to

      -you will never trust God with big decisions until you trust

         experience God’s faithfulness to lead you through small

         decisions

 -Never stop seeking wisdom

   -we are never too old to learn from the Bible and people

   -Solomon didn’t end well- failed to take his own advice

 Ask someone to pray with you right now!