WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.320 Everyone, good morning. 00:00:04.419 --> 00:00:06.940 So we're reading from Proverbs chapter 3. 00:00:07.719 --> 00:00:09.259 We'll start at verse 13. 00:00:12.259 --> 00:00:16.640 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding. 00:00:17.800 --> 00:00:22.960 For the gain from her is better than gain from silver, and her profit better than gold. 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:28.580 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 00:00:28.579 --> 00:00:31.799 Long life is in her right hand. 00:00:32.439 --> 00:00:34.579 In her left hand are riches and honour. 00:00:35.719 --> 00:00:39.659 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 00:00:41.079 --> 00:00:43.820 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. 00:00:45.060 --> 00:00:47.599 Those who hold her fast are called blessed. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:51.480 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth. 00:00:52.200 --> 00:00:54.500 By understanding he established the heavens. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:00:57.840 By his knowledge the deeps broke open. 00:00:58.579 --> 00:01:00.600 And the clouds dropped down the dew. 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:04.620 My son, do not lose sight of these. 00:01:05.539 --> 00:01:07.319 Keep sound wisdom and discretion. 00:01:08.079 --> 00:01:11.539 And they will be life for your soul, and adornment for your neck. 00:01:12.819 --> 00:01:14.799 Then you will walk on your way securely. 00:01:15.359 --> 00:01:16.680 And your foot will not stumble. 00:01:16.680 --> 00:01:20.140 If you lie down, you will not be afraid. 00:01:20.900 --> 00:01:23.360 When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 00:01:24.360 --> 00:01:29.420 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, or of the ruin of the wicked when it comes. 00:01:30.100 --> 00:01:34.960 For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:40.859 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 00:01:41.919 --> 00:01:46.859 Do not say to your neighbour, go and come again tomorrow, I will give it, when you have it with you. 00:01:47.699 --> 00:01:52.060 Do not plan evil against your neighbour, who dwells trustingly beside you. 00:01:52.060 --> 00:01:57.219 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. 00:01:58.280 --> 00:02:02.640 Do not envy a man of violence, and do not choose any of his ways. 00:02:03.280 --> 00:02:09.080 For the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. 00:02:09.080 --> 00:02:15.640 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. 00:02:16.660 --> 00:02:21.220 Towards the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favour. 00:02:22.120 --> 00:02:25.720 The wise will inherit honour, but fools get disgrace. 00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:32.800 Cool. 00:02:32.960 --> 00:02:33.560 Thanks, Ben. 00:02:34.020 --> 00:02:34.640 Hi, everyone. 00:02:34.780 --> 00:02:36.060 My name's Andrew. 00:02:36.060 --> 00:02:42.800 I just want to say a big thank you to Caleb and Emily for the wonderful video they've just done for us on Wisdom as well. 00:02:43.259 --> 00:02:46.300 So today we're going to be, we'll be switching gears. 00:02:46.460 --> 00:02:51.439 We're moving out of our Revelation series and into Proverbs, as Marty mentioned. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:58.240 So I want to start by telling you a story about a prince who became a king. 00:02:58.640 --> 00:03:01.280 It's a man who had everything he could want. 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:09.879 A father and mother who loved him, a land of peace and prosperity, respect from his enemies, and even fame that spread throughout the nations. 00:03:10.520 --> 00:03:14.219 Yet for all this, the young king felt weak and insecure. 00:03:14.659 --> 00:03:15.699 He wasn't sure of himself. 00:03:16.759 --> 00:03:19.900 Until one day he had an Aladdin-like moment. 00:03:20.520 --> 00:03:21.879 You know the Disney movie Aladdin? 00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:25.219 The story of the genie and a lamp and the three wishes? 00:03:25.219 --> 00:03:28.580 Well, for this young king, his name was Solomon. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:34.699 He wasn't actually approached by a genie with a lamp, but he was summoned by God to speak with him. 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:45.000 And in a quite spectacular moment where he's approached by God, God says to him to ask for whatever he wants and he will have it. 00:03:45.319 --> 00:03:47.419 Just like, kind of like Aladdin's wish. 00:03:47.419 --> 00:03:49.539 Now think of that for a moment. 00:03:50.139 --> 00:03:56.599 King Solomon, he knew he was a man with more than any other, and yet he gets asked by God, what do you want? 00:03:57.519 --> 00:04:00.299 Unlike Aladdin, he couldn't actually ask to be a prince or king. 00:04:00.599 --> 00:04:01.539 He already was that. 00:04:02.039 --> 00:04:06.639 But now, within reach, could be even bigger rewards. 00:04:06.639 --> 00:04:13.819 He could have long life, immortality, possibly even a kingdom that dominated the earth for generations and generations. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:15.519 So it could have all been his. 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:18.800 Yeah, what happens next is kind of extraordinary. 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:20.699 Solomon stops. 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:27.100 He steps back and says to God, I'm just like a little child and I don't know how to carry out my duties. 00:04:27.259 --> 00:04:28.300 I don't know what to do. 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:30.960 And then he says, I need wisdom. 00:04:31.860 --> 00:04:37.360 So Solomon had the whole world at his feet, whatever he wanted, and he simply chose wisdom. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:40.139 Why would Solomon plead for wisdom? 00:04:40.780 --> 00:04:43.080 Well, this is what we're going to be talking about today. 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:46.680 We find ourselves in the book of wisdom called Proverbs. 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:52.439 And just to get some context, and Marty's mentioned this exact verse, which is really helpful. 00:04:52.719 --> 00:04:55.060 Proverbs chapter 1 verse 7 says this, 00:04:55.899 --> 00:04:58.279 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 00:04:59.019 --> 00:05:01.740 Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 00:05:01.740 --> 00:05:08.740 So wisdom and the fear of the Lord are mentioned at least 18 times together in Proverbs. 00:05:08.939 --> 00:05:10.060 So it's pretty significant. 00:05:10.819 --> 00:05:14.740 So what is the connection between wisdom and the fear of the Lord? 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:16.600 And why is it important to start here? 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:19.199 Warren Wisby says it like this. 00:05:19.199 --> 00:05:49.180 He says, 00:05:49.199 --> 00:05:56.779 So this fear, or a healthy fear, you could call it, actually comes from a place of deep reverence and awe for God. 00:05:57.420 --> 00:06:01.199 And this is the key for understanding Proverbs, and especially chapter 3. 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:03.560 Wisdom is always relational. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:09.819 In fact, we're going to understand today how when we bow down in fear and awe of the one who made us, 00:06:09.939 --> 00:06:12.339 we actually stand in the true beauty of wisdom. 00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:14.599 I'll say that again. 00:06:14.659 --> 00:06:20.659 When we bow down in fear and awe of the one who made us, we stand in the true beauty of wisdom. 00:06:20.660 --> 00:06:24.200 You see, it's like the fear and awe of a child with a parent. 00:06:24.760 --> 00:06:30.460 You see, kids fear their parents not only because they can help them, but also because they can hurt them. 00:06:30.459 --> 00:06:39.419 And a key part of the job description for any parent is to try and develop with their child a healthy fear and sense of awe or respect for them. 00:06:40.219 --> 00:06:47.899 Sometimes this involves modelling behaviour, sometimes correction, mostly teaching, but always unconditional love. 00:06:47.899 --> 00:06:52.279 So the lessons learned in wisdom always have a relational component with them. 00:06:53.019 --> 00:07:02.319 So if you jump with me now into Proverbs 3 verse 13, here we can see the beauty of wisdom as it is communicated like a father to a son. 00:07:02.539 --> 00:07:04.859 And we can see the father speaking to his son. 00:07:05.359 --> 00:07:06.479 And he says these words, 00:07:06.479 --> 00:07:10.399 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding. 00:07:10.919 --> 00:07:15.000 For the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit from gold. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:20.660 She is more precious than jewels and nothing can desire can compare with her. 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:26.379 You know, if we step back for just a moment, remember our author Solomon. 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:28.019 He's confident, isn't he? 00:07:28.199 --> 00:07:32.420 He's a man certain he's made the best choice, the choice to pursue wisdom. 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:36.439 And he's a man satisfied with the results of asking for wisdom. 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:39.120 And there's a couple of things to notice here. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:45.280 Firstly, he draws us into looking at wisdom by comparing it to materials we're familiar with. 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:48.139 Silver, gold and precious jewels. 00:07:48.840 --> 00:07:51.000 Now, often you'll see this in Proverbs. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:08:00.420 Solomon uses things we're familiar with to draw us into deep and profound truths that we are unfamiliar with or they're unknown to us. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:05.199 So this comparison of precious jewels to wisdom is really powerful. 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:14.479 Basically, the father is saying to his son that wisdom in itself is much more profitable and desirable than any earthly thing of value. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:16.360 Now, that's a big claim. 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:21.579 Two years ago, Alex and I went to the UK on a holiday. 00:08:21.939 --> 00:08:26.800 And as part of the trip, while in London, we had an opportunity to visit the Tower of London. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:30.419 Now, this place is just steeped in history and legacy. 00:08:30.420 --> 00:08:37.300 And one of the significant things about the place isn't actually the place itself, but it's what's inside. 00:08:37.740 --> 00:08:45.039 Inside are the crown jewels, the most precious jewels the Windsor monarchy have, and no doubt some of the most precious jewels on earth. 00:08:45.680 --> 00:08:48.360 Now, did you think it was easy to see those jewels and get close? 00:08:48.680 --> 00:08:49.240 Not at all. 00:08:49.740 --> 00:08:53.060 They are guarded by the Queen's most experienced guards called beefeaters. 00:08:53.059 --> 00:08:58.859 And the jewels are housed in these glass, probably bulletproof glass containers. 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:09.099 They have alarm systems everywhere, CCTV, and just to top it off, this really annoying treadmill that makes you go past the precious jewels so you can't actually stop and linger. 00:09:09.719 --> 00:09:12.179 Otherwise, you have a pile on in the treadmill. 00:09:12.859 --> 00:09:16.419 So in other words, the value of these jewels is absolutely priceless. 00:09:16.419 --> 00:09:24.259 Yet God says through Solomon, jewels are valuable, yes, but not nearly as precious as the wisdom I can give to you. 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:30.719 The beauty of wisdom never shines or fades in comparison with gold, silver, and precious stones. 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:31.779 Why? 00:09:32.299 --> 00:09:33.319 Because it gives you this. 00:09:33.559 --> 00:09:34.779 It gives you long life. 00:09:34.979 --> 00:09:36.740 It gives you honour and peace. 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:41.639 In fact, those that pursue and take hold of it, they are called blessed. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:54.819 Now, I think it's good to just stop for a second and consider that because today it seems many people understand their faith either through a lens of suffering or through a lens of material blessing. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:59.159 I.e., I have to suffer to be approved by God. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:04.419 Or if I give a lot to God, I'll be blessed with a good life filled with the possessions I want. 00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:07.039 True wisdom is neither of these. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:37.019 It says, 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:37.519 True wisdom. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:44.980 Now, the second thing to notice here is that wisdom is personified by being compared with a woman. 00:10:45.439 --> 00:10:52.919 Now, the significance in comparing wisdom to a woman, I think it has to be understood in the context of the father teaching his son here. 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:56.500 And for the sake of words here, it could be a mother or daughter. 00:10:56.719 --> 00:10:59.299 It's basically illustrating a parent-child relationship. 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:08.439 But I think in this situation, dad or the father knows his young son is entering the world with many things that will catch his attention. 00:11:09.179 --> 00:11:10.399 And one of those things is women. 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:18.279 So the father wisely catches his son's attention by drawing to him, drawing him to what is important to him. 00:11:18.279 --> 00:11:25.299 So he likens the pursuit of wisdom to be like that, to be like the pursuit of a young woman. 00:11:25.299 --> 00:11:30.500 Now, something interesting happens when a young man pursues a young woman. 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:36.500 It's almost like it seems nothing else in the world seems important to him but her. 00:11:37.319 --> 00:11:40.479 And you know what happens is his mates start to wonder where he's gone. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:42.779 His parents notice when they try to speak to him. 00:11:42.859 --> 00:11:44.659 He's just really preoccupied. 00:11:45.079 --> 00:11:46.179 He really isn't listening. 00:11:46.179 --> 00:11:52.899 So he becomes so committed and passionate in the pursuit of her that it even changes his behaviour around other people. 00:11:53.859 --> 00:12:00.859 And I think Solomon uses this illustration to really capture a powerful scene of this passion and pursuit. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:06.819 He's really saying this is how important wisdom is to you in your life. 00:12:07.319 --> 00:12:15.939 Your passionate pursuit of this beautiful thing and precious thing called wisdom will be the making of you as a young man or a young woman. 00:12:16.179 --> 00:12:21.839 And he even connects wisdom to being like a tree of life. 00:12:22.299 --> 00:12:27.779 And this is imagery that basically has a foretaste of heaven, a direct link to that. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:35.879 So in obtaining wisdom, there is a sweetness, there's a satisfaction to the soul that nothing else can mirror. 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:41.259 So the father is saying to his son, chase the beauty of wisdom. 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:49.059 That is most important because wisdom is beautiful and beneficial and we should pursue it with all we have. 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:50.860 Okay. 00:12:51.319 --> 00:12:56.939 But doesn't all this talk about beauty and pursuit sound a bit self-indulgent? 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:59.519 You know, maybe even a little bit hedonistic. 00:13:00.120 --> 00:13:03.340 Well, continue reading with me about the logic in wisdom. 00:13:03.340 --> 00:13:06.220 Chapter 3 verse 19 says this. 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:09.220 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth. 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:12.139 By understanding, he established the heavens. 00:13:12.780 --> 00:13:17.139 By his knowledge, the deeps broke open and the clouds dropped down the dew. 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:21.519 Wisdom's beauty can be seen throughout our creation, can't it? 00:13:22.300 --> 00:13:29.340 Everywhere we look, from sunrise to sunset, mountain to valley, forest to desert, we can see God's handiwork everywhere. 00:13:29.340 --> 00:13:32.860 Yet this didn't happen by chance. 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:40.800 God is very clear that the very laws of nature around us were built into the universe by his very wisdom. 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:53.940 And it extends further, I think, and it implicates that we are thinking God's thoughts after him when we honestly study creation and examine the wise principles and patterns God has intricately designed. 00:13:53.940 --> 00:14:07.020 Leading quantum physicist of his time, John Polkinghorne, when talking about the notion of the universe coming into being, he actually makes this comment. 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:13.900 He says, do you know how exact this universe had to be in its fine tuning to bring about mankind? 00:14:14.760 --> 00:14:17.140 He said the exactitude is something like this. 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:29.000 The exactitude demanded is it's like taking aim at a one inch square object at the other end of the known universe, 20 billion light years away and hitting its smack bang bullseye. 00:14:29.559 --> 00:14:38.059 Or it's about a similar chance to a tornado ripping through a rubbish tip and producing a jumbo 747 as a result. 00:14:38.639 --> 00:14:42.200 This is the exactness of the created order. 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:44.720 It is God's wisdom on full display. 00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:55.180 So on the basis of God's wisdom through creation, we find we have divine purpose and can find divine patterns in his handiwork. 00:14:56.060 --> 00:15:01.360 And through God's wisdom, he established creation and he gave us order and order. 00:15:02.100 --> 00:15:03.779 It's an order designed for harmony. 00:15:04.720 --> 00:15:12.200 And when God's creation lives in harmony with God's purpose and design, it is living with the purpose it's been destined for. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:16.240 Doesn't that just make you want to stand in awe and fear of God? 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:20.020 This is the beauty of what his wisdom demanded. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:24.100 And we can't even begin to really fathom or comprehend it, can we? 00:15:25.420 --> 00:15:31.379 Well, like a father to a son, there is a particular beauty in God's ultimate creation, mankind. 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:40.059 And I really love the way a guy called Ravi Zacharias brings this point home. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:41.360 He says it's like this. 00:15:41.460 --> 00:15:48.879 He said, God's image is on you in a general sense and God's unique gifting is in you in a particular sense. 00:15:49.659 --> 00:15:55.039 You see, God's image bears on us uniquely, just like a parent does to a child. 00:15:55.039 --> 00:16:01.019 He cares for us and finds us more valuable than we could possibly imagine for ourselves. 00:16:02.959 --> 00:16:08.860 So verse 23 actually leads us into showing this care of the father towards us. 00:16:09.599 --> 00:16:13.240 It's like a father stepping alongside to say, now you have it. 00:16:13.579 --> 00:16:14.659 Now you see wisdom. 00:16:15.299 --> 00:16:16.579 Don't lose sight of it. 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:24.060 And look, I think on the surface, it could easily seem like we need to work hard to keep it if we want to see the benefit. 00:16:24.680 --> 00:16:26.400 And that kind of appeals to us, doesn't it? 00:16:26.480 --> 00:16:34.780 Okay, if I do A, read the book and complete B, implement the saying, then I will get C, which is a nice choice reward. 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:38.980 Sounds a little bit formulaic though, doesn't it? 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:39.840 So let's be clear. 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:45.920 It is very easy to read this way, but that is not the way God speaking through Solomon intended it to be read. 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:49.100 Follow closely with me in verse 26. 00:16:50.300 --> 00:16:51.500 It says this, 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:56.700 For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being caught. 00:16:57.180 --> 00:17:06.299 In other words, when we surrender to God, when we bear down before him, we can help us as we are and say, I need wisdom. 00:17:06.880 --> 00:17:07.660 God will give it. 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:13.440 And in his good providence to us, he has promised to supply and empower us. 00:17:14.080 --> 00:17:16.860 Our job is to simply follow him by faith. 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:21.500 And when our confidence is in the Lord first, he works the rest out. 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:26.519 It really isn't, it simply isn't rocket science to understand this. 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:31.600 So when in real humility, we bow and say to God, I can't do this on my own. 00:17:32.040 --> 00:17:35.340 Show me your way, come into my heart and change me. 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:36.480 You know what? 00:17:36.480 --> 00:17:37.360 It happens. 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:42.500 And in God's providence, he can provide much more than what we could ever expect. 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:46.580 In verses 21 to 26 alone, we find that God will. 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:49.920 He will secure our way so we don't stumble. 00:17:50.580 --> 00:17:52.200 Keep us safe while we rest. 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:54.019 Our sleep will be sweet. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:58.140 And we won't need to fear sudden disaster or tragedy. 00:17:58.140 --> 00:17:58.980 In God's good providence. 00:17:58.980 --> 00:18:05.700 In God's good providence, two things can generally happen when we experience these benefits. 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:13.120 Firstly, we can be grateful and turn our worship back in reverence and awe to the author of wisdom, God himself. 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:21.779 Or we can forget where the blessing came from and find ourselves groaning and pursuing our own means to satisfaction in this life. 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:25.039 And forgetfulness is the curse of wisdom. 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:34.180 And the whole book of Proverbs, particularly Proverbs 3, is littered with references about not forgetting the precious benefits of good wisdom. 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:37.340 And is it any wonder we need so many reminders? 00:18:37.820 --> 00:18:42.160 Even Solomon and David showed they forgot the benefits of wisdom at points in their own lives. 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:49.960 Throughout the Old Testament, we are reminded of how the Israelites forgot God again and again and again and turned their back on wisdom. 00:18:50.960 --> 00:19:01.560 Deuteronomy 6 is a great reminder of how in the middle of material affluence and possessions, God warned the Israelites not to forget his name and his blessings. 00:19:02.060 --> 00:19:02.700 Yet they did. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:11.840 So it's just so important we come back to the beauty of wisdom and the true life we possess in the pursuit of it again and again. 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:21.580 And, you know, if I'm really honest with you, the appeal of wisdom and trusting in God has been really difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. 00:19:22.900 --> 00:19:24.259 How are you going with it? 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:27.120 How are you going with pursuing wisdom through this time? 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:30.540 How are you going with worrying over what you possess? 00:19:30.539 --> 00:19:31.559 How are you going with it? 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:31.700 How are you going with it? 00:19:31.700 --> 00:19:43.139 So like unlike any time before us, most of, well, unlike any time in our generation before us, most of us have been in a position where we have either lost or gained something financially through this. 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:49.139 Has your change in physical wealth left you uncertain that God's wisdom is best? 00:19:49.140 --> 00:19:57.960 Do you lose sleep at night worrying over your shoulder about what will happen to your retirement income, to your savings, to your super? 00:19:58.580 --> 00:20:03.980 Or are you more concerned about your pursuit of God's wisdom and thankfulness for his benefits? 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:11.740 You know, I spent some time talking with someone recently who isn't a Christian about how they've been going through the COVID-19 pandemic. 00:20:11.740 --> 00:20:15.519 This person was telling me how wonderful life has been for them. 00:20:15.920 --> 00:20:17.920 They have everything on the surface. 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:20.180 Surface, it appears they have everything they could want. 00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:21.579 Success in relationships. 00:20:22.200 --> 00:20:23.299 Comfortable lifestyle. 00:20:23.720 --> 00:20:25.920 A huge gain in finances during the pandemic. 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:31.420 It all seems well, but this person has a nagging doubt in the back of their mind. 00:20:31.579 --> 00:20:34.660 They keep thinking, what if I lose it all? 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:43.019 So to try and fight the fear, they try to juggle multiple things at once, trying to hold more and more things to escape the fear. 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:46.080 Yet they still fear they will lose it all. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:56.960 You see, when we pursue wisdom and we make it our life passion, when we bow down in awe and fear of the one who made us, we don't need to fear. 00:20:57.460 --> 00:20:58.600 We hold a hope. 00:20:59.060 --> 00:21:02.460 We have a promise and a confidence that is irresistible. 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:04.240 And it's not in us. 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.200 It's in him. 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:09.279 We need to fear the creator more than creation. 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:14.840 And when that happens, there's a harmony and order of wisdom that marks us. 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:22.200 Others see it because wisdom rightly ordered in our lives changes our outlook and our relationship with others. 00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:29.019 Verses 28 to 32 move us into thinking through our relationship with others. 00:21:29.019 --> 00:21:40.200 Now, if I can just pause for a moment and before we look at these verses and point out and appreciate that Proverbs is an intensely practical book, possibly the most practical book in the Bible. 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:48.900 So we come to this kind of unique fork in the road with these verses where a very practical, don't do this kind of stuff line is taken. 00:21:49.720 --> 00:21:53.880 Now, when I read this the first few times, to be honest, it really jarred me quite a lot. 00:21:53.880 --> 00:22:02.980 All along in the verses before this, we've been hearing about the beauty of wisdom, the logic of wisdom and the amazing providence of God. 00:22:03.180 --> 00:22:06.260 Then all of a sudden, bang, the language and the tone changes. 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:23.620 The more I've read of it, though, the more I'm convinced that we need to understand these words as an expression of a father coming alongside his son and gently pointing out to him what the consequences of following wisdom are versus the consequences of foolishness. 00:22:23.619 --> 00:22:31.179 And in a strange irony, just before I wrote these words, I had a similar experience with my dad that night. 00:22:31.739 --> 00:22:41.219 Dad and I were just talking on the phone about a particular topic and dad said to me rather firmly, he said, don't say that because of this reason. 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:46.599 Now, when he said it to me, I didn't take it as a command like I have to do this. 00:22:46.599 --> 00:22:52.359 I simply took it as, hey, OK, that's a wise thing to consider what dad's saying. 00:22:52.439 --> 00:22:53.980 So I should listen to what he said. 00:22:55.740 --> 00:23:06.899 So when we are told to give to our neighbor in these particular verses and not withhold good, it is really all about how we are going to live wisely towards others. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:13.679 And, you know, I think there's an interesting parallel here back in our verses 13 to 18. 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:23.740 See, verses 13 to 18 speak of this incomparable value of beauty, of wisdom in comparison with earthly riches like silver, gold and precious stones. 00:23:24.820 --> 00:23:35.200 You see, if we are fixed and we have an earthly perspective focused on riches in this life, we not only bypass the much richer reward in gaining wisdom, 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:41.799 but we can also be tempted to withhold what we can give to others and keep it to ourselves. 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:52.620 And it's so tempting to put our own self-interest ahead of our neighbors and buy the me first culture that our society just applauds everywhere around us. 00:23:52.619 --> 00:24:01.919 Now, alongside this character trait greed, this sin greed, there are other traits also in a similar category. 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:10.179 Those who plan evil against their neighbor, those who get into unnecessary disputes and those who envy those who are violent or corrupt. 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:16.359 Now, it's clear, quite clear God doesn't reserve his thoughts about this kind of person. 00:24:16.359 --> 00:24:23.839 He describes them in verse 32 and 33 as an abomination, as wicked and as devious. 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:27.279 The curse of sin is called out loud and clear. 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:34.059 And this is the person in chapter 1, verse 7, who doesn't listen to wisdom and instruction. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:37.339 They are the fool that Proverbs talks about. 00:24:38.319 --> 00:24:40.459 And God's response is also clear. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:42.420 His hand is on the righteous. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:44.180 His hand is on the humble. 00:24:44.600 --> 00:24:46.700 And his favor is turned to the wise. 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:56.380 A really key verse, I think, that locks or bookends wisdom together is in verse 34, where it says, 00:24:57.100 --> 00:25:01.779 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:07.380 And this verse has really strong links with New Testament passages in James and 1 Peter. 00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:15.820 Both 1 Peter and James clearly talk about humility as primarily focused on submitting to God. 00:25:16.600 --> 00:25:18.660 So we've really come full circle. 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:24.760 We started with this picture of young King Solomon on his knees before God. 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:29.440 Solomon reached out to God in humility, requesting that he be given wisdom. 00:25:30.060 --> 00:25:35.380 He submitted to God and is the young man with everything, yet he lacked wisdom. 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:43.960 But Solomon is really only a foretaste of the one who modeled and lived ultimate wisdom in humility. 00:25:44.540 --> 00:25:47.660 He's also a king, but he lacked nothing. 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:56.680 And in God's wisdom, our King Jesus came down and as an ultimate act of wisdom gave his life for you and me. 00:25:57.340 --> 00:26:03.080 His death was a breathtaking act of humility that broke the curse of our sin. 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:11.519 It is beauty of the grandest measure beyond all logic and God's ultimate act of providence to us. 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:18.680 You see, we walk every day deciding to make a choice about the wisdom we all exercise. 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:25.420 We can pursue the beauty of wisdom, looking to the cross of Christ and what he has done to change us. 00:26:26.079 --> 00:26:29.579 We can bow down in awe and fear of the one who made us. 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:36.039 There is no comparison, no comparison to the satisfaction and life this gives to us. 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:42.720 To walk and pursue this direction is the ultimate purpose and task we've been given in this lifetime. 00:26:43.980 --> 00:26:50.659 Look, it's quite possible you've heard these words today and your soul is simply weary of doing good. 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:53.319 You're fighting the race, but you're weary. 00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:58.259 If that's you, I'd encourage you to rest in the beauty of wisdom. 00:26:59.119 --> 00:27:02.319 See how God is changing you and has changed you. 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:07.439 Look to the one who promised you the incredible benefits of wisdom. 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:13.099 And just like verse 18 says, those who hold fast will be called blessed. 00:27:13.099 --> 00:27:27.279 Or maybe you have been experiencing the weight of discouragement or forgetfulness and you've become more focused on what this world has to offer than the glory of the riches of God's goodness in wisdom. 00:27:28.159 --> 00:27:30.539 Don't forget the voice of the father. 00:27:31.039 --> 00:27:33.980 He's beckoning you and reminding you in verse 21. 00:27:34.679 --> 00:27:36.799 Don't lose sight of wisdom and discretion. 00:27:37.879 --> 00:27:41.859 If you let God be your confidence again, you will not stumble. 00:27:41.859 --> 00:27:51.240 It could be too that you've come along today and you've just never really fully considered that knowing Jesus is actually living the wise life. 00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:53.599 I've got good news for you. 00:27:53.679 --> 00:27:55.619 You can pursue this life in him today. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:58.019 Just like Solomon said. 00:27:58.459 --> 00:28:02.339 Solomon said, I'm just like a small child and I don't know how to find my way. 00:28:03.219 --> 00:28:10.019 Just like Solomon, you can bow down in awe and fear of Jesus and confess you need his wisdom to change your life today. 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:13.359 And God always keeps his promises. 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:20.940 In humility, you'll be given his favour, his blessing and an inheritance that can never be lost. 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:23.519 If you'll pray with me now. 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:27.980 Father God, we thank you for the beauty of your wisdom. 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:33.339 Help us not to forget all the benefits of a wise life found in you. 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:42.879 And we ask that you would help us all together learn to live and model the wisdom Jesus shows us through our work, our schools, our families and church life together. 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:48.100 Father, may your wisdom in us shine the light of the gospel to those around us who don't know you. 00:28:48.100 --> 00:28:48.220 Amen. 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:48.540 Amen. 00:28:48.540 --> 00:28:49.100 Amen. 00:28:49.100 --> 00:28:49.540 Amen. 00:28:49.540 --> 00:28:49.600 Amen. 00:28:49.600 --> 00:28:49.700 Amen. 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:50.020 Amen. 00:28:50.020 --> 00:28:50.100 Amen. 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:50.260 Amen. 00:28:50.260 --> 00:28:50.540 Amen.