WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:20.679 Well, good morning. 00:00:23.679 --> 00:00:26.140 I only have one letter from my grandfather. 00:00:26.140 --> 00:00:34.079 He sent it to me in October 1986, when some of you undergrads were just born. 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:39.899 I was, I'm sorry, 1987, let me clarify that. 00:00:39.960 --> 00:00:44.820 I was a freshman in college when I received this letter, the only letter that I can recall 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:46.359 actually getting from my grandfather. 00:00:47.060 --> 00:00:49.760 And the occasion of it was Black Monday. 00:00:49.759 --> 00:00:53.979 For those of you who are old enough, you will remember the Dow Jones Industrial Average 00:00:53.979 --> 00:00:56.659 on one day dropped 22%. 00:00:56.659 --> 00:01:01.320 It was the greatest percentage drop ever in the history of the stock market. 00:01:02.439 --> 00:01:11.519 And if it were, what happened today, it would calculate to about a 4,664 point drop in the 00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:12.519 Dow Jones Industrial. 00:01:13.140 --> 00:01:14.659 That would make some waves. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:21.420 My grandfather was a banker and an investor, and he wrote a letter to all of his grandchildren 00:01:21.420 --> 00:01:29.939 telling them to be patient and to be wise and to respond well to this crisis. 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:33.859 He said, think long-term, not short-term. 00:01:34.699 --> 00:01:40.359 He said, invest in tested, proven stocks. 00:01:40.359 --> 00:01:44.539 Don't fall into this innovation that's going on around us. 00:01:45.060 --> 00:01:49.420 He said, don't think that you are going to be independently better than the stock market, 00:01:49.819 --> 00:01:53.879 but follow a good consensus lead, and you will do well. 00:01:55.060 --> 00:01:57.799 I do not say this to give you financial advice. 00:01:58.500 --> 00:02:00.900 The stock market is much more complicated today. 00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:03.560 Investing is much more complicated today. 00:02:03.719 --> 00:02:07.719 And the financial world has never been as clear as we might hope it would be. 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:17.099 But what my grandfather did encourage his grandchildren to do that day is to think about investing well. 00:02:17.639 --> 00:02:20.479 What are you going to invest your life in? 00:02:20.620 --> 00:02:24.520 What are you going to invest, and how are you going to think about what it is? 00:02:25.520 --> 00:02:33.340 This morning, as we continue in our series in Proverbs, the message that I have for you is fairly simple. 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:41.180 Because the whole book of Proverbs is basically telling us to invest in wisdom from God. 00:02:42.640 --> 00:02:44.000 What does that mean? 00:02:44.420 --> 00:02:48.280 Well, if you remember back in chapter 1, verse 7, it says, 00:02:49.640 --> 00:02:51.659 the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 00:02:53.020 --> 00:03:00.580 Sometimes we think of wisdom as a collection of information that if we master and apply appropriately, 00:03:00.580 --> 00:03:07.640 we can be successful in life, it becomes a tool in our hand to try to achieve greatness. 00:03:08.939 --> 00:03:11.240 But that, in fact, is not biblical wisdom. 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:15.160 Biblical wisdom is being rightly related to our Creator. 00:03:15.720 --> 00:03:19.460 It is recognizing it is He who has made the world and made us. 00:03:19.920 --> 00:03:23.240 And that He has given us, in His Word, 00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:27.900 much information about how and why He created it. 00:03:27.980 --> 00:03:33.300 And as we live under the wisdom that He reveals to us in it, 00:03:33.600 --> 00:03:36.740 we find that we live more in harmony with creation. 00:03:37.140 --> 00:03:42.520 We find that we live in the redemptive patterns of the God that we serve. 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:52.760 And perhaps, perhaps, it will lead to an easier life or avoid some difficulties. 00:03:54.240 --> 00:03:59.920 But more so, it will lead us to a life with God that will begin here and go for eternity. 00:04:01.780 --> 00:04:05.300 And that's what wisdom in the book of Proverbs seems to be about. 00:04:06.100 --> 00:04:08.620 Not promises, do this and you'll get this. 00:04:08.900 --> 00:04:11.120 But this is the way God has created the world. 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:12.700 Live in these patterns. 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:15.360 And you will relate rightly to your God. 00:04:17.360 --> 00:04:20.480 Now, many of you are graduating today. 00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:24.019 And I want to say this kindly and gently. 00:04:25.240 --> 00:04:28.500 Youth doesn't always treat wisdom very well. 00:04:29.399 --> 00:04:31.220 We don't always want wisdom. 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:35.980 We can fall into all sorts of patterns 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:39.300 that reflect our culture, 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:40.720 that reflect our society, 00:04:40.720 --> 00:04:42.280 that reflect our fallen hearts, 00:04:42.660 --> 00:04:44.800 that where we don't treasure wisdom. 00:04:46.400 --> 00:04:48.700 Theologian and author J.I. Packer says 00:04:48.700 --> 00:04:50.980 that our hearts love this kind of thing. 00:04:51.080 --> 00:04:52.420 The newer is the truer. 00:04:52.920 --> 00:04:54.760 Only what is recent is decent. 00:04:55.440 --> 00:04:58.020 Every shift of ground is a shift forward. 00:04:58.700 --> 00:05:03.900 And every latest word must be hailed as the last word on a subject. 00:05:03.899 --> 00:05:08.620 It's what C.S. Lewis and Owen Barfield called chronological snobbery. 00:05:09.859 --> 00:05:15.639 That is, whatever is presently held to be true must be true. 00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:20.159 Whatever was held in the past must be deficient 00:05:20.159 --> 00:05:22.459 because we have progressed beyond it. 00:05:22.459 --> 00:05:26.759 Now, Lewis goes on to say, 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:29.959 not everything in the past was good either. 00:05:30.399 --> 00:05:33.199 Don't think that just because it's in the past it's better. 00:05:33.639 --> 00:05:36.839 But recognize that things that are in the past have been tested 00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:39.300 and evaluated over time. 00:05:39.300 --> 00:05:42.240 And we can continue to look at them 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:45.800 and think about them from a different standpoint. 00:05:46.020 --> 00:05:49.639 Whereas the things that we believe and hold to today 00:05:49.639 --> 00:05:53.240 are shaped so much by our present context and culture 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:58.420 that we struggle to see it for what it truly is 00:05:58.420 --> 00:06:00.240 because we're so enmeshed in it. 00:06:02.780 --> 00:06:05.160 Even when that's not true, 00:06:05.240 --> 00:06:07.580 that chronological snobbery is one of the reasons 00:06:07.579 --> 00:06:08.779 why we resist wisdom. 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:13.719 We often can also fall into a more mechanical view, 00:06:13.800 --> 00:06:14.859 as I mentioned earlier. 00:06:15.479 --> 00:06:17.539 We love in our culture today 00:06:17.539 --> 00:06:20.860 how-tos, 10 steps to, 00:06:21.699 --> 00:06:25.319 and the keys to success in. 00:06:26.060 --> 00:06:28.120 Think about if you went to Barnes & Noble 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:30.839 or went to go on Amazon and search 00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:32.419 for those kinds of titles, 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:33.959 how many titles you would see. 00:06:33.959 --> 00:06:38.219 We love that kind of information 00:06:38.219 --> 00:06:41.239 because we think that it can put us in control 00:06:41.239 --> 00:06:45.299 to get ahead and to find success in life. 00:06:46.879 --> 00:06:49.240 The book of Proverbs speaks to us 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:54.179 and tells us that there is a wisdom for us 00:06:54.179 --> 00:06:55.399 that is worth pursuing. 00:06:57.699 --> 00:06:59.959 And our chapter this morning, chapter 4, 00:06:59.959 --> 00:07:03.299 if you want to turn there, it's page 529 in your pew Bibles, 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:06.599 is mostly an encouragement. 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:10.180 It is an encouragement to value, 00:07:10.699 --> 00:07:13.359 to cherish, to esteem highly, 00:07:13.359 --> 00:07:17.379 and to go after the wisdom from God. 00:07:18.240 --> 00:07:20.560 The wisdom from God that is timeless. 00:07:21.339 --> 00:07:24.740 The wisdom from God that is deeper than a how-to 00:07:24.740 --> 00:07:27.060 or a keys to success, 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:29.439 but a wisdom from God 00:07:29.439 --> 00:07:31.740 that helps us relate rightly to Him. 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:36.400 As we look at it, 00:07:36.639 --> 00:07:38.879 we will see this exhortation 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:40.879 coming from His description, 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:43.280 His portrayal of what wisdom is. 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:45.300 So that's what we're going to look at this morning. 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:46.439 Let's go ahead and read, 00:07:46.759 --> 00:07:48.060 if you'll read along with me. 00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:50.300 Proverbs, chapter 4. 00:07:50.379 --> 00:07:51.379 We're going to read the whole chapter, 00:07:51.960 --> 00:07:52.720 and then I'll pray, 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:53.780 and then we will continue. 00:07:53.779 --> 00:07:58.659 Hear, O sons, a father's instruction. 00:07:59.239 --> 00:08:01.859 Be attentive that you may gain insight, 00:08:02.279 --> 00:08:03.779 for I give you good precepts. 00:08:04.839 --> 00:08:06.559 Do not forsake my teaching. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:09.839 When I was a son with my father, 00:08:10.039 --> 00:08:11.719 tender, the only one, 00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:13.079 in the sight of my mother, 00:08:13.679 --> 00:08:16.199 he taught me and said to me, 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:19.379 let your heart hold fast my words, 00:08:19.719 --> 00:08:20.819 keep my commandments, 00:08:21.099 --> 00:08:21.859 and live. 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:23.120 Get wisdom, 00:08:23.280 --> 00:08:24.020 get insight. 00:08:24.580 --> 00:08:25.639 Do not forget, 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:27.319 and do not turn away 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:28.780 from the words of my mouth. 00:08:29.460 --> 00:08:30.600 Do not forsake her, 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:31.680 and she will keep you. 00:08:32.159 --> 00:08:32.840 Love her, 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:34.519 and she will guard you. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:37.620 The beginning of wisdom is this. 00:08:38.300 --> 00:08:39.360 Get wisdom, 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:41.200 and whatever you get, 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:42.100 get insight. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:44.159 Prize her highly, 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:45.519 and she will exalt you. 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:47.200 She will honor you, 00:08:47.200 --> 00:08:48.500 if you embrace her. 00:08:49.060 --> 00:08:51.320 She will place on your head 00:08:51.320 --> 00:08:53.140 a graceful garland. 00:08:53.800 --> 00:08:55.420 She will bestow on you 00:08:55.420 --> 00:08:56.720 a beautiful crown. 00:08:57.520 --> 00:08:58.320 Hear, my son, 00:08:58.360 --> 00:08:59.680 and accept my words, 00:08:59.820 --> 00:09:01.180 that the years of your life 00:09:01.180 --> 00:09:01.900 may be many. 00:09:02.420 --> 00:09:03.220 I have taught you 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:04.140 the way of wisdom. 00:09:04.540 --> 00:09:05.220 I have led you 00:09:05.220 --> 00:09:06.860 in the paths of uprightness. 00:09:07.240 --> 00:09:07.980 When you walk, 00:09:08.040 --> 00:09:08.740 your steps will not be hampered, 00:09:08.740 --> 00:09:11.700 and if you run, 00:09:11.820 --> 00:09:12.820 you will not stumble. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:14.680 Keep hold of instruction. 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:15.759 Do not let go. 00:09:16.440 --> 00:09:17.039 Guard her, 00:09:17.159 --> 00:09:19.060 for she is your life. 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:20.659 Do not enter 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:21.620 the path of the wicked. 00:09:22.060 --> 00:09:22.740 Do not walk 00:09:22.740 --> 00:09:24.720 in the way of the evil. 00:09:25.080 --> 00:09:25.639 Avoid it. 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:27.120 Do not go on it. 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:28.519 Turn away from it 00:09:28.519 --> 00:09:29.700 and pass on, 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:31.919 for they cannot sleep 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:33.820 unless they have done wrong. 00:09:33.820 --> 00:09:35.379 They are robbed of sleep 00:09:35.379 --> 00:09:36.280 unless they have made 00:09:36.280 --> 00:09:37.100 someone stumble, 00:09:37.400 --> 00:09:38.420 for they eat the bread 00:09:38.420 --> 00:09:39.200 of wickedness 00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:40.520 and drink the wine 00:09:40.520 --> 00:09:41.280 of violence. 00:09:42.040 --> 00:09:42.620 But the path 00:09:42.620 --> 00:09:43.300 of the righteous 00:09:43.300 --> 00:09:45.820 is like the light of dawn, 00:09:45.980 --> 00:09:47.480 which shines brighter 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:48.240 and brighter 00:09:48.240 --> 00:09:49.680 until full day. 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:51.760 The way of the wicked 00:09:51.760 --> 00:09:53.100 is like deep darkness. 00:09:53.760 --> 00:09:55.020 They do not know 00:09:55.020 --> 00:09:56.480 over what they stumble. 00:09:57.580 --> 00:09:58.380 My son, 00:09:58.480 --> 00:09:59.880 be attentive to my words 00:09:59.880 --> 00:10:01.440 and incline your ear 00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:02.380 to my sayings. 00:10:02.379 --> 00:10:03.700 Let them not escape 00:10:03.700 --> 00:10:04.539 from your sight. 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:07.620 Keep them within your heart, 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:09.019 for they are life 00:10:09.019 --> 00:10:10.259 to those who find them 00:10:10.259 --> 00:10:11.139 and healing 00:10:11.139 --> 00:10:12.500 to all their flesh. 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:14.120 Keep your heart 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:15.439 with all vigilance, 00:10:16.059 --> 00:10:17.439 for from it flow 00:10:17.439 --> 00:10:19.399 the springs of life. 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:21.139 Put away from you 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:22.000 crooked speech 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:23.679 and put devious talk 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:24.639 far from you. 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:25.980 Let your eyes 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:27.460 look directly forward 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:28.460 and your gaze 00:10:28.460 --> 00:10:29.899 be straight before you. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:31.659 Ponder the path 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:32.320 of your feet 00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:34.060 and all your ways 00:10:34.060 --> 00:10:34.780 will be sure. 00:10:35.360 --> 00:10:36.240 Do not swerve 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:36.980 to the right 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:38.320 or to the left. 00:10:39.140 --> 00:10:39.960 Turn your foot 00:10:39.960 --> 00:10:41.520 away from evil. 00:10:42.640 --> 00:10:43.700 Will you pray with me? 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:48.920 Lord, we are thankful 00:10:48.920 --> 00:10:50.300 for your word. 00:10:50.780 --> 00:10:51.500 We are thankful 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:52.200 that in it 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.220 you have revealed 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:54.340 yourself to us. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:56.200 You have spoken to us, 00:10:56.440 --> 00:10:56.640 Lord, 00:10:56.780 --> 00:11:00.160 through this word. 00:11:00.159 --> 00:11:00.839 Lord, and Lord, 00:11:00.919 --> 00:11:01.899 we pray this morning 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:03.519 that by your spirit 00:11:03.519 --> 00:11:04.240 you would make 00:11:04.240 --> 00:11:06.039 our minds alert, 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:08.399 our bodies awake, 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:10.759 our hearts soft, 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:14.399 ready to receive from you 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.500 and to learn from you. 00:11:16.759 --> 00:11:17.819 Lord, will you teach us 00:11:17.819 --> 00:11:18.459 this morning 00:11:18.459 --> 00:11:20.259 and stir our hearts, 00:11:20.620 --> 00:11:20.799 Lord, 00:11:21.059 --> 00:11:22.179 to love you 00:11:22.179 --> 00:11:23.579 and to love your wisdom. 00:11:24.379 --> 00:11:25.959 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:11:26.660 --> 00:11:26.900 Amen. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:29.040 Amen. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:31.980 The beginning of wisdom 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:32.600 is this. 00:11:32.820 --> 00:11:33.660 Get wisdom. 00:11:34.379 --> 00:11:35.320 There it is. 00:11:35.519 --> 00:11:36.660 That's all I have to say. 00:11:36.759 --> 00:11:37.480 Thanks for coming. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:37.780 No. 00:11:37.779 --> 00:11:40.159 All I'm going to be doing 00:11:40.159 --> 00:11:41.220 is explaining that 00:11:41.220 --> 00:11:42.339 really for the rest 00:11:42.339 --> 00:11:43.199 of our time together. 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:44.439 The structure of this passage, 00:11:44.559 --> 00:11:45.220 if you look through it, 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:46.059 it's very clear. 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:47.279 In verses 1, 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:48.000 in verse 10, 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:49.079 and then in verse 20, 00:11:49.459 --> 00:11:50.919 the father interjects again 00:11:50.919 --> 00:11:51.980 with an exhortation, 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:53.159 Hear, O son. 00:11:53.259 --> 00:11:54.220 Hear, my son. 00:11:54.679 --> 00:11:55.459 My son, 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:56.100 be attentive 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:57.159 to my teachings. 00:11:58.079 --> 00:11:58.439 And so, 00:11:58.559 --> 00:11:59.559 that breaks us up 00:11:59.559 --> 00:12:00.679 into three sections 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:02.339 where he's encouraging us 00:12:02.339 --> 00:12:03.759 to go for wisdom. 00:12:04.779 --> 00:12:05.319 He says, 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.120 go for wisdom 00:12:06.120 --> 00:12:07.240 in verses 1 through 9 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.500 because she is a tradition 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.460 worth treasuring. 00:12:10.320 --> 00:12:10.720 He says, 00:12:10.940 --> 00:12:12.600 in verses 10 through 19, 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:14.320 go after wisdom 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:15.639 because she is a path 00:12:15.639 --> 00:12:16.720 of light and life. 00:12:17.500 --> 00:12:18.100 And finally, 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:20.220 verses 20 through 27, 00:12:20.419 --> 00:12:21.180 go after wisdom 00:12:21.180 --> 00:12:23.840 for she is a worthy obsession. 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:24.960 So, 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:25.820 let's look at those 00:12:25.820 --> 00:12:27.560 together in turn. 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:28.100 Firstly, 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:29.700 verses 1 through 10, 00:12:29.820 --> 00:12:30.879 she is a tradition 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:32.519 worth treasuring. 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:34.820 It's fascinating to me 00:12:34.820 --> 00:12:35.519 as the father, 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:37.180 we've seen this form 00:12:37.179 --> 00:12:37.459 right? 00:12:37.599 --> 00:12:38.819 The book of Proverbs 00:12:38.819 --> 00:12:39.879 is written in this form 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:40.620 where a father 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:42.179 is advising his son. 00:12:42.579 --> 00:12:43.159 And we ought not 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:44.539 to genderize that 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:45.059 too much. 00:12:45.399 --> 00:12:46.039 This is simply 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:46.899 the passing on 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.339 of wisdom 00:12:47.339 --> 00:12:48.439 from one generation 00:12:48.439 --> 00:12:49.279 to the next 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:50.459 and to say, 00:12:50.959 --> 00:12:52.079 and to recognize 00:12:52.079 --> 00:12:52.979 that there is. 00:12:53.339 --> 00:12:53.620 And yet, 00:12:53.779 --> 00:12:55.500 what he says there, 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:56.839 interestingly, 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:57.659 right, 00:12:57.779 --> 00:12:58.559 is in verses 00:12:58.559 --> 00:13:00.419 3 and 4. 00:13:00.579 --> 00:13:01.000 He says, 00:13:01.659 --> 00:13:02.099 my son, 00:13:02.199 --> 00:13:02.819 listen to what 00:13:02.819 --> 00:13:03.559 I'm saying. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:04.159 Oh, 00:13:04.219 --> 00:13:05.059 and by the way, 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:05.899 I want you to know 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:06.659 it's not coming 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:07.279 from me. 00:13:07.759 --> 00:13:08.459 This is a part 00:13:08.459 --> 00:13:09.079 of a tradition 00:13:09.079 --> 00:13:09.959 that's been passed 00:13:09.959 --> 00:13:11.639 down from generation 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:12.959 to generation. 00:13:14.919 --> 00:13:16.159 Go get wisdom. 00:13:18.239 --> 00:13:18.919 This is what 00:13:18.919 --> 00:13:19.959 my father taught me 00:13:19.959 --> 00:13:20.419 and it's what 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.500 I want to teach you. 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:22.559 And it's not just 00:13:22.559 --> 00:13:23.239 go get it, 00:13:23.299 --> 00:13:23.859 but go get it 00:13:23.859 --> 00:13:25.039 in a particular manner. 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:25.819 Do you see 00:13:25.819 --> 00:13:26.779 the heart orientation 00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:27.279 of it? 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:27.759 Look with me 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:28.519 in verse 4. 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:30.240 Let your heart 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:32.000 hold fast my words. 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:33.259 Verse 6. 00:13:33.779 --> 00:13:34.500 It's not just 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:35.379 know wisdom, 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:37.319 but it's love her. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:38.679 Verse 8. 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:40.080 Prize her 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:41.740 and embrace her. 00:13:42.740 --> 00:13:43.620 As the father 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:44.639 is holding up wisdom 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:45.500 before his son 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:45.759 saying, 00:13:45.899 --> 00:13:46.639 pursue this. 00:13:47.600 --> 00:13:48.659 There's almost 00:13:48.659 --> 00:13:50.120 a romantic imagery 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:51.159 going on here. 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:52.759 Like a young man 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:54.159 pursuing the object 00:13:54.159 --> 00:13:55.019 of his desire. 00:13:55.159 --> 00:13:55.740 The woman 00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:57.039 who he has set 00:13:57.039 --> 00:13:58.600 his affection on. 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:01.360 If you've ever 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:02.100 fallen in love, 00:14:02.180 --> 00:14:03.159 you know what it's like. 00:14:04.120 --> 00:14:05.539 It fills your mind. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:06.500 It moves 00:14:06.500 --> 00:14:07.980 your actions. 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:09.779 It drains 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:10.740 your bank account. 00:14:13.539 --> 00:14:14.659 The pursuit 00:14:14.659 --> 00:14:16.379 of a romantic 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:17.539 relationship 00:14:17.539 --> 00:14:19.419 is the image 00:14:19.419 --> 00:14:20.259 that the writer 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.120 here pulls on 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:21.519 to say, 00:14:22.180 --> 00:14:23.120 like that, 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:24.620 with all of your being 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:25.980 and particularly, 00:14:26.679 --> 00:14:27.600 this is not just 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:28.840 a pursuit of knowledge 00:14:28.840 --> 00:14:29.919 and a head thing, 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:31.500 but this is a heart thing 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:32.580 that you would prize 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:33.740 and cherish. 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:35.179 Be captivated 00:14:35.179 --> 00:14:36.799 by wisdom. 00:14:38.060 --> 00:14:39.240 Spend your energy 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.279 wooing her 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:42.600 so that she may be yours. 00:14:43.679 --> 00:14:44.399 And he says, 00:14:44.500 --> 00:14:45.299 and there's good reason 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:45.779 for this 00:14:45.779 --> 00:14:46.940 because she will 00:14:46.940 --> 00:14:47.860 do you good. 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:49.440 Verse 4 says, 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:50.279 do this 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:51.720 and you will live. 00:14:51.919 --> 00:14:52.480 Verse 6, 00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:53.379 you will be kept 00:14:53.379 --> 00:14:54.500 and guarded 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.519 by her. 00:14:55.820 --> 00:14:56.379 Verse 8, 00:14:56.460 --> 00:14:57.659 you will be exalted 00:14:57.659 --> 00:14:58.820 and honored 00:14:58.820 --> 00:14:59.399 by her. 00:14:59.500 --> 00:15:00.379 And verse 9, 00:15:00.720 --> 00:15:02.060 you will be adorned 00:15:02.060 --> 00:15:02.840 with beauty. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.120 You will be given 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:05.120 this garland 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.180 and a crown 00:15:06.180 --> 00:15:08.120 which perhaps, 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:08.879 again, 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:10.019 may be a marriage 00:15:10.019 --> 00:15:10.600 imagery, 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:12.120 but whatever it is, 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:12.980 there is this sense 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:13.740 of royalty 00:15:13.740 --> 00:15:14.639 and a sense 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:16.399 of great honor 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:17.300 and glory 00:15:17.300 --> 00:15:18.960 that is being 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.080 bestowed on one. 00:15:20.080 --> 00:15:21.300 And so it is not 00:15:21.300 --> 00:15:22.100 just something 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:23.379 worth going after 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:25.259 altruistically, 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:26.259 but in fact, 00:15:26.340 --> 00:15:27.100 what we find 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:28.259 when we pursue wisdom 00:15:28.259 --> 00:15:30.060 is that it is good 00:15:30.060 --> 00:15:30.700 for us. 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:32.600 The very thing 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:33.639 that we want most, 00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:34.860 we find in it. 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:35.879 Wisdom, 00:15:36.520 --> 00:15:37.639 contrary perhaps 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:40.639 to our youthful 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:42.780 evaluation, 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:44.200 is not crusty, 00:15:44.520 --> 00:15:45.740 it is not dull, 00:15:46.060 --> 00:15:47.460 it is not stale, 00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:49.900 but it is glorious 00:15:49.900 --> 00:15:50.740 and beautiful 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:52.420 and exhilarating 00:15:52.420 --> 00:15:53.900 to learn about 00:15:53.900 --> 00:15:55.420 and to walk in 00:15:55.420 --> 00:15:56.460 the paths of wisdom. 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:58.740 So go get her. 00:16:00.940 --> 00:16:01.540 Now, 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:02.639 we need to recognize 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:04.480 this is not the pattern 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:06.080 of our human heart. 00:16:07.180 --> 00:16:08.700 From the very beginning 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:09.740 in the Garden of Eden, 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:11.940 God gave simple commands. 00:16:12.480 --> 00:16:14.220 Here's how this world works. 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:15.240 Do this 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:16.180 and you will live. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:16.299 Eve, 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:18.620 and Adam and Eve 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:21.519 chose not to follow that. 00:16:22.259 --> 00:16:24.199 We have an independent streak 00:16:24.199 --> 00:16:25.219 in our sinfulness 00:16:25.219 --> 00:16:26.479 that is strong. 00:16:28.479 --> 00:16:29.500 I remember 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:30.439 when I was a 00:16:30.439 --> 00:16:31.759 young believer, 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.259 I had been a Christian 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:34.099 for one year 00:16:34.099 --> 00:16:34.739 when I went off 00:16:34.739 --> 00:16:35.379 to college, 00:16:36.099 --> 00:16:37.299 and I came across 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.120 this ministry, 00:16:38.819 --> 00:16:40.659 and they were crusty, 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.059 and they were stale, 00:16:42.259 --> 00:16:43.819 and they were kind of boring, 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:45.320 and I thought, 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.280 goodness gracious, 00:16:46.560 --> 00:16:47.980 Jesus is so wonderful. 00:16:48.300 --> 00:16:49.980 How can you be so dull? 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:54.940 And I spent my first year 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:56.400 criticizing, 00:16:57.580 --> 00:16:58.100 challenging, 00:16:58.940 --> 00:16:59.260 pushing, 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:02.300 seeking for change. 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:06.319 I wish I hadn't. 00:17:07.919 --> 00:17:09.119 There was a good heart 00:17:09.119 --> 00:17:10.460 somewhere in the middle of it, 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:13.399 but in the midst of it, 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.599 in my impatience, 00:17:14.899 --> 00:17:16.799 in my judgmental spirit, 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:18.859 in my arrogance, 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:20.519 believing that I knew better 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:21.319 than they, 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:23.399 I destroyed relationships 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.720 and damaged hearts 00:17:24.720 --> 00:17:25.539 along the way. 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:28.960 Thankfully, 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:29.920 they were gracious 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:31.659 and patient with me. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:33.099 But I wished 00:17:33.099 --> 00:17:34.119 I had listened more 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:35.039 and thought less 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.960 of my own ideas. 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:37.559 I wished I had been 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:38.639 less headstrong 00:17:38.639 --> 00:17:40.180 and been more willing 00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:41.599 to follow for a while, 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:42.279 to learn. 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.839 I wished I had 00:17:43.839 --> 00:17:45.819 a better awareness 00:17:45.819 --> 00:17:46.779 of how little 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:48.039 I actually knew 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:49.220 and how much 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.180 I had to learn. 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:52.799 I thought I was wise, 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:56.339 because in my own eyes, 00:17:56.419 --> 00:17:56.980 I was. 00:17:58.960 --> 00:17:59.680 But the beginning 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.839 of wisdom is this. 00:18:01.419 --> 00:18:02.879 You don't have wisdom yet. 00:18:03.159 --> 00:18:03.799 Go get it. 00:18:04.039 --> 00:18:04.779 You need it. 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.819 So how do we apply this? 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:12.159 How do we think about this? 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:13.700 Well, it's very simple. 00:18:14.879 --> 00:18:16.000 God has given you 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:17.399 a church full of people 00:18:17.399 --> 00:18:20.099 and there are wise people 00:18:20.099 --> 00:18:20.700 among you. 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:23.059 They have walked 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:23.620 with the Lord 00:18:23.620 --> 00:18:24.720 through many things. 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:26.279 And you may look at them 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:26.880 and wonder, 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:27.819 do they have, 00:18:28.700 --> 00:18:29.819 do they really love Jesus? 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:31.100 They seem pretty quiet. 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:32.740 Do they really love Jesus? 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:34.120 Because they're not 00:18:34.120 --> 00:18:35.539 as active as I am. 00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:37.340 Do they really love Jesus? 00:18:40.920 --> 00:18:42.500 Whether you stay here 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:44.240 or whether you move on 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.160 as you graduate 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:48.640 and go find a church 00:18:48.640 --> 00:18:51.980 that has intergenerational worship, 00:18:52.860 --> 00:18:54.520 go find older people 00:18:54.520 --> 00:18:56.320 and sit with them 00:18:56.320 --> 00:18:57.820 and learn from them. 00:18:59.140 --> 00:19:00.240 Don't assume 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.780 what they have to teach you 00:19:01.780 --> 00:19:03.520 and bracket 00:19:03.520 --> 00:19:05.060 what they have to say to you. 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:06.759 But ask them 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:07.920 about their lives. 00:19:08.080 --> 00:19:08.580 Ask them 00:19:08.580 --> 00:19:09.520 what they have learned 00:19:09.520 --> 00:19:10.060 from God. 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.120 Ask them 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:12.380 how God has worked 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:13.500 in them 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.080 and through them. 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:14.640 Ask them 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:15.180 the lessons 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.220 that they have learned. 00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:18.600 Now look, 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.539 I wanted to say this. 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:20.700 Not every old person 00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:21.420 is wise. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:23.380 You can choose foolishness 00:19:23.380 --> 00:19:24.440 for your whole life. 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:27.779 So be a little discerning. 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:30.240 But be gracious 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:31.880 in your discerning. 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:35.420 And look for God 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:36.200 to teach you 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.960 to find wisdom, 00:19:39.079 --> 00:19:39.759 the tradition 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:41.059 that is worth treasuring 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:43.980 in those among us 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.839 who have walked 00:19:44.839 --> 00:19:45.359 with the Lord 00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.339 longer than us. 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:48.419 Trust that you will 00:19:48.419 --> 00:19:49.440 find good things. 00:19:50.339 --> 00:19:51.000 Wisdom then 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:51.819 is not only 00:19:51.819 --> 00:19:52.379 a tradition 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:53.259 to be treasured 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:54.179 but then as we move on 00:19:54.179 --> 00:19:55.179 to the second section 00:19:55.179 --> 00:19:56.700 starting in verse 10. 00:19:57.859 --> 00:19:58.960 Wisdom is a path 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.559 of light 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:00.399 and life. 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:02.139 The Father 00:20:02.139 --> 00:20:03.460 brings up a contrast 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:04.679 that we've already seen. 00:20:04.980 --> 00:20:05.859 There are two paths 00:20:05.859 --> 00:20:06.319 to go. 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.159 There is a path 00:20:07.159 --> 00:20:07.720 of wisdom 00:20:07.720 --> 00:20:09.099 and a path 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:09.899 of foolishness. 00:20:09.900 --> 00:20:11.940 One of them 00:20:11.940 --> 00:20:12.420 is light 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:13.740 and one of them 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:14.320 is darkness. 00:20:16.360 --> 00:20:17.100 He says 00:20:17.100 --> 00:20:17.780 don't take 00:20:17.780 --> 00:20:18.300 the path 00:20:18.300 --> 00:20:19.140 of foolishness 00:20:19.140 --> 00:20:19.980 and the path 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:20.560 of darkness. 00:20:21.360 --> 00:20:21.860 Interestingly 00:20:21.860 --> 00:20:22.640 this path 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:23.940 is not simply 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:26.180 a framework 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:26.820 of thought 00:20:26.820 --> 00:20:28.120 or a particular direction 00:20:28.120 --> 00:20:29.700 but it's also people. 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:30.700 Look with me again 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:31.600 in verse 14. 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:32.680 Do not enter 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.280 the path 00:20:33.280 --> 00:20:34.080 of the wicked. 00:20:35.160 --> 00:20:36.100 Those are people 00:20:36.100 --> 00:20:37.420 not a pattern 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.240 of activity 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:38.920 or behavior. 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:41.320 Don't follow 00:20:41.320 --> 00:20:42.040 people 00:20:42.040 --> 00:20:43.740 who are foolish 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:45.140 and who reject God 00:20:45.140 --> 00:20:45.960 and have no fear 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:46.320 of Him. 00:20:47.640 --> 00:20:48.720 And then the second half 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.420 do not walk 00:20:49.420 --> 00:20:50.380 in the way of evil. 00:20:50.880 --> 00:20:51.320 This then 00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:52.200 is the patterns. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.140 Look for the patterns 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:54.740 of thought 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.540 and of behavior 00:20:55.540 --> 00:20:56.920 in our culture 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:57.940 and in our society 00:20:57.940 --> 00:21:00.080 that have no regard 00:21:00.080 --> 00:21:00.720 for God 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.560 and have no fear 00:21:01.560 --> 00:21:01.940 of Him. 00:21:02.780 --> 00:21:04.000 Look for those patterns. 00:21:05.200 --> 00:21:05.720 Recognize 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.560 that these patterns 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:08.259 are, verse 12, 00:21:09.399 --> 00:21:10.299 a pattern 00:21:10.299 --> 00:21:10.960 of stumbling. 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:12.460 Verse 16 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.299 and 17, 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:14.440 a path 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.700 that obsesses 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:16.519 and consumes 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.259 your heart 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:18.899 with being destructive 00:21:18.899 --> 00:21:21.339 in other people's lives. 00:21:22.619 --> 00:21:23.339 It is, 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:24.159 in verse 19, 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:24.659 a path 00:21:24.659 --> 00:21:25.460 of darkness 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:27.639 in which you stumble 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:28.500 because you can't 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:29.519 even see clearly 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:30.539 to know the things 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.500 that you are 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:32.539 stumbling over. 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:34.759 recognize, 00:21:34.899 --> 00:21:35.940 this Father says, 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.019 recognize that 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:38.639 the way of foolishness 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:40.220 is a way of darkness 00:21:40.220 --> 00:21:42.359 and you will stumble 00:21:42.359 --> 00:21:43.420 and you will fall 00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:45.379 in the midst of it. 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:49.339 We resist this. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:49.839 We think, 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:51.379 how could we ever do this? 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:54.759 Why would we ever 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.779 want to do that? 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:57.039 And yet, 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:57.740 we do. 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.659 Think of 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:02.560 3,000 years 00:22:02.560 --> 00:22:03.640 of human civilization 00:22:03.640 --> 00:22:04.440 in history. 00:22:04.880 --> 00:22:05.360 And yes, 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.019 there have been 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:07.019 great lights 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:08.980 and wonderful progress 00:22:08.980 --> 00:22:11.519 and there are certain evils 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:13.140 that exist less today 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:14.380 than they have 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:15.120 in the past. 00:22:16.100 --> 00:22:16.759 And yet, 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.160 when we look 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:19.320 at the overall picture 00:22:19.320 --> 00:22:20.080 of humanity, 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:22.779 are we actually 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.600 better off 00:22:23.600 --> 00:22:24.980 in our pursuit 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:26.580 of life 00:22:26.580 --> 00:22:27.580 apart from God? 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.259 Is our world 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:30.180 a better place? 00:22:30.660 --> 00:22:31.560 Because of that. 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.400 Has it actually 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:34.720 progressed that much? 00:22:37.620 --> 00:22:38.340 Nick's sermon 00:22:38.340 --> 00:22:39.019 last week, 00:22:39.100 --> 00:22:39.880 if you weren't here, 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:42.240 reminded us 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:43.120 that the greatest 00:22:43.120 --> 00:22:44.160 problem we have 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:45.259 is that we think 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:45.700 that wisdom 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.360 can be found 00:22:46.360 --> 00:22:46.960 in us. 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.900 Where in fact, 00:22:49.380 --> 00:22:50.040 wisdom needs 00:22:50.040 --> 00:22:50.800 to be found 00:22:50.800 --> 00:22:51.920 in God 00:22:51.920 --> 00:22:52.960 who is outside 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:53.480 of us 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:54.040 and outside 00:22:54.040 --> 00:22:54.980 of our creation, 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:57.279 who has created it 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.200 and who therefore 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.360 is able to instruct 00:22:59.359 --> 00:23:00.240 us in it. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.419 But how little 00:23:02.419 --> 00:23:02.979 we follow 00:23:02.979 --> 00:23:03.799 in those patterns 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:04.819 and therefore 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.799 how much we walk 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:06.319 in darkness. 00:23:09.079 --> 00:23:09.859 Father says 00:23:09.859 --> 00:23:10.859 there is another way. 00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:12.779 The path of uprightness 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.699 in verse 12, 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:14.699 she says, 00:23:15.099 --> 00:23:16.379 she is your life. 00:23:17.479 --> 00:23:18.500 The path of wisdom 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.919 is the path of life. 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.699 You may have seen it. 00:23:20.939 --> 00:23:21.639 This is a theme 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.599 over and over 00:23:22.599 --> 00:23:23.639 and over again 00:23:23.640 --> 00:23:25.460 in this passage 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:27.060 that wisdom 00:23:27.060 --> 00:23:28.300 actually leads us 00:23:28.300 --> 00:23:29.240 to life 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.220 because it is 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:31.440 in accordance with, 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:32.580 it is in harmony 00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:33.740 with the God 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.920 who created the world 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:36.060 and created life. 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.340 And he says, 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.860 pursue this path. 00:23:40.040 --> 00:23:40.640 And the language 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:41.740 he uses in saying 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:42.620 pursue this path 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.540 means it's not 00:23:43.540 --> 00:23:44.960 a once for all decision. 00:23:45.620 --> 00:23:46.280 You don't say, 00:23:46.460 --> 00:23:46.600 okay, 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.880 I'm going to choose wisdom. 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:49.140 Now that's done. 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.420 Now I can move on. 00:23:50.420 --> 00:23:51.779 But in fact, 00:23:51.880 --> 00:23:52.700 this is a decision 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:53.759 that you make over 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.680 and over 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.480 and over 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:56.840 and over again 00:23:56.840 --> 00:24:00.300 because in every situation 00:24:00.300 --> 00:24:02.400 there are new opportunities 00:24:02.400 --> 00:24:04.200 for us to choose foolishness 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:05.019 instead of wisdom. 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:07.519 Think of David 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:10.759 who for year after year 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.380 after year 00:24:11.380 --> 00:24:12.660 chose faithfully 00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:13.759 to trust the Lord 00:24:13.759 --> 00:24:14.860 and walk in wisdom 00:24:14.860 --> 00:24:16.380 as he was persecuted, 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:18.140 as he faced great enemies, 00:24:18.580 --> 00:24:20.220 as he lived as an exile, 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:21.240 as he was brought 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:22.000 into the kingdom 00:24:22.000 --> 00:24:22.860 and the palace. 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.860 And when it seemed 00:24:24.860 --> 00:24:25.460 like wisdom 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.600 had finally given him 00:24:26.600 --> 00:24:28.220 everything that he ever wanted, 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:31.259 he stumbled. 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:37.960 Instead of going out to war 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:39.180 and fighting with his men, 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:41.220 he set his eyes 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.160 on his own pleasure 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:43.860 and he walked in foolishness. 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:48.799 It didn't destroy him. 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:50.720 God was merciful to him 00:24:50.720 --> 00:24:52.859 which is a good word for us 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:54.279 that we may stumble 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.639 in foolishness at times 00:24:55.639 --> 00:24:56.919 and yet God's grace 00:24:56.919 --> 00:24:57.700 can continue 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:59.619 to sustain us through it. 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:03.579 And yet, 00:25:04.359 --> 00:25:06.000 his stumbling still 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:07.159 had grave consequences. 00:25:08.419 --> 00:25:09.480 And so the father says, 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:10.619 pursue wisdom. 00:25:11.180 --> 00:25:13.059 There is a path to go on. 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:14.159 Stay on it. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:15.119 And it is a path 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:16.899 of life for you. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:18.160 It is a path of light. 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:19.860 There is this beautiful image 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:21.660 at the end of the chapter, 00:25:21.860 --> 00:25:23.720 or at the end of this section, 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:24.740 verse 18. 00:25:25.300 --> 00:25:26.660 The path of the righteous 00:25:26.660 --> 00:25:29.040 is like the light of dawn 00:25:29.040 --> 00:25:31.240 which grows brighter 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:32.940 and brighter and brighter. 00:25:33.340 --> 00:25:34.320 Part of what he is saying 00:25:34.320 --> 00:25:35.560 is as we continue 00:25:35.560 --> 00:25:37.240 in the path of wisdom 00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:38.240 more and more, 00:25:38.540 --> 00:25:40.259 it makes more sense to us. 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:41.080 It makes, 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:42.740 it brings life 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.960 to our souls. 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:46.099 And we find it 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:47.619 to be more and more good. 00:25:48.039 --> 00:25:48.980 And like the light 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.519 of the dawn 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:51.019 which breaks on the horizon 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.079 and then as the sun 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:53.559 continues to rise, 00:25:54.519 --> 00:25:55.460 envelops us 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:56.319 in the warmth 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:57.779 and the clarity 00:25:57.779 --> 00:25:58.539 and the beauty 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.379 of its light. 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:00.819 It says, 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:02.500 this is what wisdom 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:03.919 is for us. 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:07.539 Sometimes I think 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.580 we fear 00:26:08.580 --> 00:26:09.300 that wisdom 00:26:09.300 --> 00:26:10.360 will be like 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:11.960 walking into a dark tunnel. 00:26:12.680 --> 00:26:13.880 I don't know why 00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:15.220 this is going to be good for me. 00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:16.519 It doesn't seem right. 00:26:17.340 --> 00:26:18.300 I don't see 00:26:18.300 --> 00:26:19.200 the end of the tunnel. 00:26:19.380 --> 00:26:20.840 It just seems like darkness. 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.900 I feel like 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:24.180 if I go back out, 00:26:24.340 --> 00:26:25.620 I have more freedom. 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:28.060 I have more opportunities. 00:26:28.300 --> 00:26:29.740 I'm not limiting myself. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.680 But in fact, 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:32.840 the way of wisdom 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:38.779 leads us to life. 00:26:38.939 --> 00:26:39.959 And as we go down 00:26:39.959 --> 00:26:40.480 that tunnel 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.159 which maybe 00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:41.799 at the beginning 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.179 looks constricting 00:26:43.179 --> 00:26:43.879 and small 00:26:43.879 --> 00:26:44.639 and uncertain 00:26:44.639 --> 00:26:45.859 as to why 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.720 it would be good, 00:26:47.339 --> 00:26:48.699 the more we live in it, 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.500 the more we see 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.220 that it's good. 00:26:51.819 --> 00:26:53.159 Here's a silly example. 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:54.679 My kids don't know 00:26:54.679 --> 00:26:55.139 that they need 00:26:55.139 --> 00:26:55.759 to go to bed. 00:26:56.619 --> 00:26:58.000 I have to have wisdom 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.059 for them to say, 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:00.599 you need to go to bed. 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:02.139 And you need to turn off 00:27:02.139 --> 00:27:02.679 your light 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:03.779 and you need to stop 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.779 playing with your toys 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:05.620 and put your head 00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:06.180 on your pillow 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:07.480 and go to sleep. 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.560 They don't know 00:27:09.560 --> 00:27:10.740 that if they followed 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:12.019 their own foolishness 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:12.920 in bedtimes 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:14.940 over a period of days, 00:27:15.080 --> 00:27:16.279 they will end up 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.080 being a wreck 00:27:17.080 --> 00:27:18.340 and they won't enjoy 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:19.200 anything. 00:27:19.640 --> 00:27:20.259 Their souls 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.180 will be a mess 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:23.860 and their relationships 00:27:23.860 --> 00:27:24.680 will be a mess 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.779 and I will be a mess 00:27:25.779 --> 00:27:26.320 because I have 00:27:26.320 --> 00:27:27.060 to clean it up 00:27:27.060 --> 00:27:29.799 or at least 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.820 I have to deal with it. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:35.420 But if I show them 00:27:35.420 --> 00:27:36.259 the way of wisdom, 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.820 getting a good night's sleep 00:27:37.820 --> 00:27:38.740 is good for you, 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:41.259 they will find, 00:27:41.420 --> 00:27:41.620 yes, 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.360 that is good 00:27:42.360 --> 00:27:43.279 and I'm glad 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:44.500 to wake up every morning 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:45.220 not tired 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.140 and I'm glad 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:46.940 to have energy 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:48.799 to live the day 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.740 and to do things 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.640 and to not feel like 00:27:50.640 --> 00:27:51.359 all I want to do 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.120 is go sleep 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:54.380 and I enjoy my days 00:27:54.380 --> 00:27:55.660 when I'm not cranky 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:56.319 and crabby 00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:57.180 because I'm tired. 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.220 Proverbs will take 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:03.839 that pattern 00:28:03.839 --> 00:28:04.859 and it will apply it 00:28:04.859 --> 00:28:05.700 to things like 00:28:05.700 --> 00:28:07.640 your marital relationships, 00:28:08.599 --> 00:28:09.579 your sex life, 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.759 how you spend your money, 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.980 how you use your words, 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:16.019 what your friendships 00:28:16.019 --> 00:28:16.839 are like. 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:19.799 There are ways 00:28:19.799 --> 00:28:20.799 that may be initially 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.579 unfamiliar 00:28:21.579 --> 00:28:23.059 or feeling constricting 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:23.699 to us 00:28:23.699 --> 00:28:25.019 but they are in fact 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:26.019 a path of light 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:27.139 and life for us 00:28:27.139 --> 00:28:28.699 and if we trust God 00:28:28.699 --> 00:28:29.859 and follow them 00:28:29.859 --> 00:28:32.539 we will find 00:28:32.539 --> 00:28:33.579 the goodness in it. 00:28:34.939 --> 00:28:35.519 So wisdom 00:28:35.519 --> 00:28:36.279 is not only 00:28:36.279 --> 00:28:36.980 a tradition 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:37.859 worth treasuring, 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:39.159 not only a path 00:28:39.159 --> 00:28:39.939 of light and life 00:28:39.939 --> 00:28:40.679 but finally 00:28:40.679 --> 00:28:42.119 in those last verses 00:28:42.119 --> 00:28:43.319 in 20 through 27 00:28:43.319 --> 00:28:44.939 she is a worthy 00:28:44.939 --> 00:28:45.819 obsession. 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:48.279 It strikes me 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:48.939 when you look 00:28:48.939 --> 00:28:49.559 at this again, 00:28:49.879 --> 00:28:50.659 look at verses 00:28:50.659 --> 00:28:52.079 20 through 23. 00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.220 Be attentive, 00:28:54.639 --> 00:28:55.899 incline your ear, 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.679 be active 00:28:56.679 --> 00:28:57.319 in listening. 00:28:58.460 --> 00:28:59.200 Don't let them 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.379 escape from your sight, 00:29:00.519 --> 00:29:01.099 keep them 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:01.859 within your heart, 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:03.000 grasp onto them 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:04.039 and hold onto them. 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:09.939 Verse 23 again, 00:29:10.159 --> 00:29:11.059 keep your heart 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:12.139 with all vigilance. 00:29:13.319 --> 00:29:14.439 There is a 00:29:14.439 --> 00:29:16.159 grasping for 00:29:16.159 --> 00:29:17.599 a picture 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.960 of jealously 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:19.599 guarding 00:29:19.599 --> 00:29:20.259 something 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:21.079 that we have 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:22.759 taken hold of. 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:28.399 Father says, 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:29.579 if you would have wisdom 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:30.639 you must keep her. 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:32.740 Wisdom is what 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.039 your hearts need. 00:29:34.599 --> 00:29:35.799 It is the thing 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:36.799 that will allow 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.439 your heart 00:29:37.439 --> 00:29:38.319 to work 00:29:38.319 --> 00:29:39.000 the way it is 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:40.159 meant to work. 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.059 And then he goes on 00:29:42.059 --> 00:29:43.599 in verses 24 through 27 00:29:43.599 --> 00:29:44.059 he says, 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:45.059 and it's going to take 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:46.339 everything you have. 00:29:46.659 --> 00:29:47.299 One of the most 00:29:47.299 --> 00:29:48.019 striking things 00:29:48.019 --> 00:29:48.619 in these verses 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:50.119 is the various parts 00:29:50.119 --> 00:29:50.799 of the body 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:51.500 that he uses 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:53.200 to say, 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.240 this is what it's like. 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:56.460 Keep your mouth 00:29:56.460 --> 00:29:57.980 away from foolishness. 00:29:58.940 --> 00:30:00.319 Keep your eyes 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:02.000 fixed on the right thing, 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:02.720 your attention, 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:04.000 your focus. 00:30:05.599 --> 00:30:07.039 Verse 26, 27, 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:08.420 all the way down 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.139 to your feet. 00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.759 What is the direction 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:11.420 of your life? 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:13.079 Where are your feet 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:13.659 headed? 00:30:17.759 --> 00:30:19.500 The writer of Proverbs 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:19.960 is saying, 00:30:20.379 --> 00:30:21.159 there is wisdom 00:30:21.159 --> 00:30:21.700 out there 00:30:21.700 --> 00:30:22.299 and you ought 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:23.099 to engage 00:30:23.099 --> 00:30:24.159 every faculty 00:30:24.159 --> 00:30:24.779 you have 00:30:24.779 --> 00:30:25.899 to treasure it, 00:30:25.980 --> 00:30:26.659 to value it, 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:27.920 and to go after it. 00:30:27.960 --> 00:30:28.920 With the focus 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:30.240 of an Olympic athlete 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:32.079 training for the gold, 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:33.379 with the earnestness 00:30:33.379 --> 00:30:34.519 of a lover 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:36.599 pursuing his beloved, 00:30:36.599 --> 00:30:37.879 with the eagerness 00:30:37.879 --> 00:30:39.240 of a treasure hunter, 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:41.519 taking all of his resources 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:43.359 towards this one thing 00:30:43.359 --> 00:30:44.980 that is worth gaining 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:45.899 above all. 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:48.679 The beginning of wisdom 00:30:48.679 --> 00:30:49.419 is this, 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.879 get wisdom. 00:30:52.219 --> 00:30:53.779 Understand how to relate 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:55.919 rightly to your God. 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:02.000 We don't always do this. 00:31:02.959 --> 00:31:04.639 It's easy to become careless 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:06.259 in our life. 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:09.480 To pursue whatever 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.759 our whims of the day, 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:12.240 whatever seems to be 00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:13.039 before us, 00:31:13.459 --> 00:31:15.299 whatever others lead us 00:31:15.299 --> 00:31:16.459 to or push us into. 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.659 There are times 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.759 when we choose poorly. 00:31:20.439 --> 00:31:21.619 We don't engage 00:31:21.619 --> 00:31:22.659 all of our energy 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.539 in one direction. 00:31:23.719 --> 00:31:24.980 Sometimes we hedge 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:25.519 our bets. 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.399 I want wisdom 00:31:27.399 --> 00:31:28.159 with God, 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:29.299 but I don't know 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:30.179 if that doesn't work out, 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:31.519 I want to have a plan B. 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:36.039 Sometimes we avoid 00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:36.839 the responsibility 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:38.240 and let other people 00:31:38.240 --> 00:31:39.740 make decisions for us. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:42.139 As you head out 00:31:42.139 --> 00:31:44.119 into your next stage of life, 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.799 for those of you 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.500 who are graduates, 00:31:46.460 --> 00:31:48.779 you will always have a boss. 00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:50.379 You will always have 00:31:50.379 --> 00:31:51.079 an advisor. 00:31:51.539 --> 00:31:52.900 You will always have 00:31:52.900 --> 00:31:54.240 someone else in your life 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:54.920 who is willing 00:31:54.920 --> 00:31:56.099 to make these decisions 00:31:56.099 --> 00:31:56.839 for you 00:31:56.839 --> 00:31:58.240 and to tell you 00:31:58.240 --> 00:31:59.160 what you should value 00:31:59.160 --> 00:32:00.340 and what you should pursue 00:32:00.340 --> 00:32:01.340 and what you should 00:32:01.340 --> 00:32:02.180 set your heart on 00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:03.360 and what you should live for. 00:32:06.519 --> 00:32:07.320 But here, 00:32:07.600 --> 00:32:08.680 in this passage, 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:10.220 the writer of the Proverbs 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:10.740 says, 00:32:11.320 --> 00:32:12.180 pursue wisdom, 00:32:13.040 --> 00:32:14.100 pursue being rightly 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:15.180 related to God. 00:32:17.360 --> 00:32:18.100 And of course, 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:18.519 friends, 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:19.720 this is exactly 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:20.400 what Minois 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.680 read for us 00:32:21.680 --> 00:32:22.680 earlier 00:32:22.680 --> 00:32:25.060 from Philippians chapter 3. 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:28.700 This wholehearted pursuit 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.340 of wisdom 00:32:29.340 --> 00:32:31.740 finds its ultimate fulfillment, 00:32:32.460 --> 00:32:32.920 again, 00:32:33.059 --> 00:32:34.620 not in a body of knowledge 00:32:34.620 --> 00:32:35.960 that helps us 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:36.860 navigate life 00:32:36.860 --> 00:32:37.559 a little better, 00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:39.279 but in a person. 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:42.620 Because what we see 00:32:42.620 --> 00:32:43.460 in the New Testament 00:32:43.460 --> 00:32:44.019 is that 00:32:44.019 --> 00:32:45.620 when Christ has come, 00:32:46.120 --> 00:32:47.240 He is now 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:48.559 the wisdom of God 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:49.480 for us. 00:32:50.140 --> 00:32:51.160 He is now 00:32:51.160 --> 00:32:51.920 the way 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:53.340 through which 00:32:53.340 --> 00:32:54.120 we find 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:54.759 life 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:56.140 and light. 00:32:56.140 --> 00:32:58.640 He is the one 00:32:58.640 --> 00:32:59.100 who, 00:32:59.600 --> 00:33:00.320 through His life 00:33:00.320 --> 00:33:00.780 and death 00:33:00.780 --> 00:33:01.660 and resurrection, 00:33:02.300 --> 00:33:03.060 allows us 00:33:03.060 --> 00:33:03.880 to be rightly 00:33:03.880 --> 00:33:04.520 related 00:33:04.520 --> 00:33:05.700 to God. 00:33:07.280 --> 00:33:08.200 And so, 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:09.040 Paul says, 00:33:09.420 --> 00:33:10.280 I count all things 00:33:10.280 --> 00:33:10.840 as loss 00:33:10.840 --> 00:33:11.720 for the sake 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.500 of knowing Christ 00:33:12.500 --> 00:33:13.220 and being found 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.660 in Him. 00:33:14.580 --> 00:33:15.780 Because what I find 00:33:15.780 --> 00:33:16.600 in Christ, 00:33:17.120 --> 00:33:17.840 a righteousness 00:33:17.840 --> 00:33:18.759 that allows me 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.540 to stand before 00:33:19.540 --> 00:33:20.480 a holy God, 00:33:20.780 --> 00:33:21.880 even in my own 00:33:21.880 --> 00:33:22.340 sinfulness 00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:23.279 and foolishness, 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:25.179 what I find 00:33:25.179 --> 00:33:25.720 in Christ 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.579 and that righteousness 00:33:26.579 --> 00:33:27.659 is so precious 00:33:27.659 --> 00:33:29.299 and so unique 00:33:29.299 --> 00:33:30.419 and so wonderful 00:33:30.419 --> 00:33:31.599 and so essential 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.879 for me to relate 00:33:32.879 --> 00:33:33.740 to God rightly 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:37.659 that everything else 00:33:37.659 --> 00:33:38.419 doesn't matter 00:33:38.419 --> 00:33:40.079 in light of it. 00:33:41.079 --> 00:33:41.559 He says, 00:33:41.939 --> 00:33:42.399 Christ Jesus 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:43.359 has made me 00:33:43.359 --> 00:33:44.119 His own, 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:45.500 therefore I 00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:47.279 pursue Him 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:48.139 with all 00:33:48.139 --> 00:33:49.059 that I have. 00:33:49.059 --> 00:33:51.940 He is the tradition 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:53.619 that's worth treasuring. 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:55.299 He is the path 00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:56.000 to life. 00:33:56.460 --> 00:33:57.619 He is the one 00:33:57.619 --> 00:33:59.119 who commands 00:33:59.119 --> 00:34:00.980 our obsession 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:02.919 because He is worthy 00:34:02.919 --> 00:34:04.799 of all of our lives. 00:34:05.099 --> 00:34:06.039 That we would count 00:34:06.039 --> 00:34:07.139 all things as loss 00:34:07.139 --> 00:34:08.119 for the sake 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:09.099 of knowing Him 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:10.900 and having fellowship 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.480 with Him 00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:12.340 in His sufferings 00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:13.179 and in His death 00:34:13.179 --> 00:34:14.900 and in His resurrection. 00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:18.139 Because He is the one 00:34:18.139 --> 00:34:19.119 who has rescued us 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:20.339 from our foolishness. 00:34:21.079 --> 00:34:21.960 He is the one 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:23.059 who has rescued us 00:34:23.059 --> 00:34:24.039 from our rebellion 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:24.940 against God 00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:27.839 by taking on the cross 00:34:27.839 --> 00:34:28.440 the penalty 00:34:28.440 --> 00:34:29.079 and the death 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:29.960 that we deserve 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:31.920 and by reconciling God 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:32.539 to us 00:34:32.539 --> 00:34:34.579 so that all 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:36.139 who put their faith 00:34:36.139 --> 00:34:36.739 in Christ, 00:34:37.099 --> 00:34:38.000 all who, 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:38.699 like Paul, 00:34:38.759 --> 00:34:39.859 have seen the beauty 00:34:39.859 --> 00:34:40.859 and the treasure 00:34:40.859 --> 00:34:41.779 and the wonder 00:34:41.779 --> 00:34:42.379 of what God 00:34:42.379 --> 00:34:43.339 has done for us, 00:34:43.879 --> 00:34:44.799 take hold of it. 00:34:44.800 --> 00:34:47.180 and as we take hold 00:34:47.180 --> 00:34:48.360 of Christ, 00:34:49.080 --> 00:34:49.539 then, 00:34:49.940 --> 00:34:51.000 what happens? 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:52.380 All of our life 00:34:52.380 --> 00:34:53.640 is relativized. 00:34:54.400 --> 00:34:56.039 It is not that we put off 00:34:56.039 --> 00:34:57.200 all these other things. 00:34:57.720 --> 00:34:59.060 It is not that we stop 00:34:59.060 --> 00:35:00.180 being students, 00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:00.780 parents, 00:35:01.300 --> 00:35:01.660 teachers, 00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:02.940 friends, 00:35:04.840 --> 00:35:05.200 workers, 00:35:05.199 --> 00:35:09.299 but all of those things 00:35:09.299 --> 00:35:10.039 take their place 00:35:10.039 --> 00:35:12.259 under this one single passion. 00:35:12.739 --> 00:35:14.179 My life is to be lived 00:35:14.179 --> 00:35:16.699 pursuing a knowledge of Christ. 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:19.739 Whatever successes I have, 00:35:19.819 --> 00:35:21.279 whatever fame I achieve, 00:35:21.619 --> 00:35:22.299 whatever honors 00:35:22.299 --> 00:35:24.079 or praise I get from others, 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:26.179 those things are only 00:35:26.179 --> 00:35:28.599 worth anything 00:35:28.599 --> 00:35:29.919 when they are under 00:35:29.920 --> 00:35:31.599 and out of 00:35:31.599 --> 00:35:33.320 this single-minded pursuit 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:35.019 of Christ, 00:35:35.180 --> 00:35:35.659 our wisdom, 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:36.579 and our life. 00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:39.300 And we find that 00:35:39.300 --> 00:35:40.840 when we say 00:35:40.840 --> 00:35:41.860 Christ is our wisdom 00:35:41.860 --> 00:35:42.420 and our life, 00:35:42.639 --> 00:35:43.740 all of our lives 00:35:43.740 --> 00:35:44.380 are energized. 00:35:45.940 --> 00:35:46.340 Again, 00:35:46.539 --> 00:35:47.380 like the lover. 00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:49.380 When we wake up 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:49.880 in the morning, 00:35:50.000 --> 00:35:50.460 we think, 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:52.440 today I get to serve Christ. 00:35:53.159 --> 00:35:54.200 When I fall asleep 00:35:54.200 --> 00:35:54.659 at night, 00:35:54.820 --> 00:35:55.680 I get to think, 00:35:55.800 --> 00:35:56.159 Christ, 00:35:56.280 --> 00:35:56.720 help me. 00:35:57.000 --> 00:35:57.960 I'm so weak. 00:35:59.920 --> 00:36:01.700 When we find ourselves 00:36:01.700 --> 00:36:02.780 in times of crisis, 00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:04.960 we run and find Christ 00:36:04.960 --> 00:36:06.059 to be our refuge 00:36:06.059 --> 00:36:06.920 and our strength. 00:36:09.240 --> 00:36:10.639 We find in Christ 00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:11.579 the thing that we want 00:36:11.579 --> 00:36:13.119 to live for and die for. 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:14.539 We find in Christ 00:36:14.539 --> 00:36:15.700 the things that we want 00:36:15.700 --> 00:36:16.440 to pass on 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:17.619 to our children. 00:36:18.740 --> 00:36:19.840 Not just wisdom 00:36:19.840 --> 00:36:20.780 about how to live, 00:36:21.579 --> 00:36:22.440 but wisdom about 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:23.220 how to know God. 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:24.760 And from that, 00:36:24.940 --> 00:36:26.680 everything else comes. 00:36:28.599 --> 00:36:29.700 So for you, 00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:31.760 particularly graduates today, 00:36:31.860 --> 00:36:32.720 but for all of us, 00:36:32.800 --> 00:36:34.440 this is always a good question 00:36:34.440 --> 00:36:35.380 for us to be asking. 00:36:36.220 --> 00:36:37.700 What will your life be about? 00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:39.619 Where will you invest? 00:36:40.539 --> 00:36:41.960 My grandfather was great 00:36:41.960 --> 00:36:43.079 at investing his money. 00:36:44.380 --> 00:36:46.320 I wish his life 00:36:46.320 --> 00:36:46.880 was characterized 00:36:46.880 --> 00:36:48.980 by investing spiritually 00:36:48.980 --> 00:36:50.240 in Christ. 00:36:51.680 --> 00:36:52.720 What about you? 00:36:53.599 --> 00:36:55.039 As you enter your career, 00:36:55.700 --> 00:36:57.280 as you take the next step 00:36:57.280 --> 00:36:58.000 in your life, 00:36:58.960 --> 00:37:01.400 will you again 00:37:01.400 --> 00:37:02.500 determine 00:37:02.500 --> 00:37:05.180 that Christ is the one 00:37:05.180 --> 00:37:06.240 that you want to pursue? 00:37:08.240 --> 00:37:09.800 As you develop friendships, 00:37:10.440 --> 00:37:11.220 relationships, 00:37:11.780 --> 00:37:12.920 will God's wisdom 00:37:12.920 --> 00:37:13.700 shape you 00:37:13.700 --> 00:37:15.040 and guide you? 00:37:15.500 --> 00:37:17.080 As you set your life goals, 00:37:17.620 --> 00:37:18.720 will you let Christ 00:37:18.720 --> 00:37:20.480 be the one who leads you? 00:37:21.700 --> 00:37:22.480 Let's pray. 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:22.820 Father, 00:37:22.820 --> 00:37:24.019 Father, 00:37:24.079 --> 00:37:25.139 we thank you this morning 00:37:25.139 --> 00:37:26.440 for this word. 00:37:28.940 --> 00:37:29.420 Lord, 00:37:29.460 --> 00:37:29.980 we pray, 00:37:31.059 --> 00:37:31.800 Lord, 00:37:31.840 --> 00:37:33.079 especially for those today 00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:34.099 who are moving on, 00:37:34.440 --> 00:37:35.360 that as they go, 00:37:35.519 --> 00:37:35.659 Lord, 00:37:35.719 --> 00:37:37.920 they would heed this call. 00:37:39.380 --> 00:37:40.480 The beginning of wisdom 00:37:40.480 --> 00:37:42.320 is to get wisdom 00:37:42.320 --> 00:37:43.579 and to find it 00:37:43.579 --> 00:37:44.820 in Christ. 00:37:46.219 --> 00:37:46.579 Lord, 00:37:46.639 --> 00:37:47.300 may this be true 00:37:47.300 --> 00:37:48.079 for all of us, 00:37:48.159 --> 00:37:49.599 we pray in Jesus' name. 00:37:50.400 --> 00:37:50.659 Amen.