WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.580 Well, welcome everybody to the farm and thank you for joining us via video if you're joining us over the live stream. 00:00:09.500 --> 00:00:14.859 And kids, I just want to make sure you know whether you're watching or whether you're here, you are welcome. 00:00:15.380 --> 00:00:17.519 And this is also for you. 00:00:17.900 --> 00:00:19.519 This word is not just for grownups. 00:00:20.059 --> 00:00:21.140 This word is for you. 00:00:21.140 --> 00:00:24.640 I've done my best to try to make it as kid-friendly as possible. 00:00:24.820 --> 00:00:27.120 So I want you to know I'm speaking to you too. 00:00:27.120 --> 00:00:33.340 I want you guys to, whether you're drawing pictures or whether you're taking little notes of what you hear, 00:00:33.700 --> 00:00:43.179 I want you to tell your parents at least one thing coming off of this sermon that you learned and that you want to respond to. 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:43.640 Okay? 00:00:44.019 --> 00:00:45.179 Kids, can you give me a thumbs up? 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:46.980 I see a few. 00:00:47.219 --> 00:00:47.799 Okay, cool. 00:00:49.159 --> 00:00:49.700 All right. 00:00:51.040 --> 00:00:53.359 Marketing slogans are fun. 00:00:53.359 --> 00:00:57.439 And they can also be very telling about human nature. 00:00:58.420 --> 00:01:00.079 Let's just do a quick quiz. 00:01:00.159 --> 00:01:04.719 You're going to have to shout loud, but let's do a quick quiz of a few famous marketing slogans. 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:07.140 Let's see if you can identify the brands that go with these slogans. 00:01:07.939 --> 00:01:08.700 I'm loving it. 00:01:10.359 --> 00:01:10.760 McDonald's. 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:11.219 Well done. 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:12.560 Love. 00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:15.060 It's what makes a blank a blank. 00:01:17.019 --> 00:01:17.379 Subaru. 00:01:17.700 --> 00:01:18.099 It's okay. 00:01:18.219 --> 00:01:19.000 It's okay if you didn't get it. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:20.500 It's what makes a Subaru a Subaru. 00:01:21.060 --> 00:01:22.780 Obviously, no one owns the Subarus around here. 00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:26.140 This one's older, but you might get it. 00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:29.000 Nothing says loving like something from the oven. 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:31.620 Pillsbury. 00:01:31.900 --> 00:01:32.959 Yes, I heard that. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:33.739 Well done, Shelley. 00:01:35.840 --> 00:01:36.939 This is a state. 00:01:37.379 --> 00:01:39.019 Blank is for lovers. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:40.579 Virginia. 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:43.079 Yes, they are successful at their advertising. 00:01:43.680 --> 00:01:44.819 This is also a state. 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:48.859 I blank or I heart blank. 00:01:48.859 --> 00:01:49.859 Wisconsin. 00:01:51.219 --> 00:01:51.900 Oh, well, yes. 00:01:51.959 --> 00:01:52.359 Very good. 00:01:52.420 --> 00:01:52.799 Wisconsin. 00:01:52.939 --> 00:01:54.340 Of course you should heart Wisconsin. 00:01:54.519 --> 00:01:56.140 I heart NY. 00:01:56.659 --> 00:01:57.219 New York. 00:01:57.719 --> 00:01:58.539 I love New York. 00:01:59.060 --> 00:01:59.539 Buy it. 00:01:59.640 --> 00:01:59.980 Sell it. 00:02:00.060 --> 00:02:00.439 Love it. 00:02:01.780 --> 00:02:02.079 eBay. 00:02:03.640 --> 00:02:04.760 Love where you live. 00:02:06.460 --> 00:02:06.879 Lowe's. 00:02:08.079 --> 00:02:09.599 True love grows. 00:02:10.919 --> 00:02:11.740 Tiffany and Company. 00:02:11.740 --> 00:02:14.939 Those last ones are a little more obscure. 00:02:15.820 --> 00:02:18.659 Love, if you didn't catch it, is the common theme in those slogans. 00:02:18.860 --> 00:02:20.439 Love is a powerful thing. 00:02:21.480 --> 00:02:26.420 Companies selling products or states wanting you to come and add to their tourism dollars, 00:02:26.920 --> 00:02:34.060 they know that humans are drawn by what they love, by what they desire, what they want, their affections. 00:02:34.060 --> 00:02:37.140 We humans are not data processing robots only. 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:38.520 We are feelers. 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:44.479 We make decisions based on what occupies our affections and our hearts. 00:02:44.599 --> 00:02:47.599 We choose what we love. 00:02:48.580 --> 00:02:50.180 And we shouldn't be surprised by this. 00:02:50.319 --> 00:02:52.020 God designed us this way. 00:02:52.379 --> 00:02:53.219 To be feelers. 00:02:53.319 --> 00:02:54.460 To be desirers. 00:02:54.640 --> 00:02:55.140 Wanters. 00:02:55.740 --> 00:02:57.840 Feeling affection for things. 00:02:57.980 --> 00:03:00.300 Most importantly, Him. 00:03:00.580 --> 00:03:01.840 Desiring Him. 00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:07.219 But as we saw in Proverbs chapter 7 last week, this can be our downfall. 00:03:07.960 --> 00:03:16.199 Our hearts, our wants, can and often do get hijacked by destructive desires. 00:03:16.340 --> 00:03:23.219 In chapter 7 of Proverbs, we saw a gullible guy get pulled away through the forbidden woman, 00:03:23.360 --> 00:03:27.039 hooking his heart's desire, and it led to his death. 00:03:27.039 --> 00:03:33.739 And as we finish reading the last word of chapter 7, death, it should make us wonder, 00:03:33.919 --> 00:03:36.060 okay, I shouldn't desire that. 00:03:36.479 --> 00:03:37.899 What should I desire? 00:03:38.079 --> 00:03:39.079 What should I want? 00:03:39.159 --> 00:03:40.019 What should I love? 00:03:40.079 --> 00:03:42.659 So that I live and don't die. 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:45.299 And chapter 8 is the answer to that question. 00:03:45.300 --> 00:03:49.400 Today's passage is saying this. 00:03:49.640 --> 00:03:51.180 Wisdom is calling. 00:03:51.380 --> 00:03:53.600 Will you love her? 00:03:54.560 --> 00:03:55.740 Wisdom is calling. 00:03:55.980 --> 00:03:58.340 Will you love wisdom? 00:03:59.100 --> 00:04:00.800 Will you desire her? 00:04:02.380 --> 00:04:06.640 Just giving a quick look at this chapter, it's obvious that it's a call. 00:04:06.760 --> 00:04:10.380 It's a speech given by wisdom herself. 00:04:10.600 --> 00:04:13.060 A lady named wisdom is calling. 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:14.360 That's pretty obvious. 00:04:14.500 --> 00:04:20.160 But maybe less obvious from this passage is that the call is to love her. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:21.600 We got to look at it a little more closely. 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:22.879 Let's take a brief glance at it. 00:04:23.160 --> 00:04:26.579 If you got your Bible open, take a look at verses 10 and 11. 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:32.720 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. 00:04:32.899 --> 00:04:35.100 For wisdom is better than jewels. 00:04:35.540 --> 00:04:41.759 All that you may desire cannot compare with her. 00:04:41.759 --> 00:04:44.180 Wisdom is to be desired. 00:04:45.439 --> 00:04:50.959 Above all else, wisdom is to be loved, delighted in. 00:04:51.180 --> 00:04:57.139 She has desirability that is off the charts above any kind of human desire. 00:04:57.259 --> 00:04:59.199 Glance down again at verse 17. 00:04:59.719 --> 00:05:02.120 I love those who love me. 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:04.620 Those who seek me diligently. 00:05:05.099 --> 00:05:07.360 That's how we're to love her, to seek her diligently. 00:05:07.360 --> 00:05:09.319 They find me. 00:05:09.960 --> 00:05:11.319 Look at verse 21. 00:05:11.819 --> 00:05:16.020 Granting an inheritance to those who love me. 00:05:16.480 --> 00:05:17.879 Filling their treasuries. 00:05:18.040 --> 00:05:20.400 And then lastly, at the very end of the chapter, 00:05:20.540 --> 00:05:25.860 whoever finds me, verse 35, finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. 00:05:25.960 --> 00:05:28.699 But he who fails to find me injures himself. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:31.660 All who hate me love death. 00:05:31.780 --> 00:05:32.960 There's that love language again. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:36.759 But if you hate, do the opposite of love to wisdom. 00:05:36.959 --> 00:05:38.399 You will love death. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:39.560 This is about our hearts. 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:41.079 This is about what we ought to desire. 00:05:41.659 --> 00:05:47.719 And wisdom is saying we not only need her, we need to love her. 00:05:47.939 --> 00:05:49.120 To embrace her. 00:05:49.259 --> 00:05:53.359 To esteem her more highly than anything else. 00:05:53.719 --> 00:06:00.279 So let's get into it and see if we can be convinced by wisdom that we are to love her. 00:06:00.279 --> 00:06:03.119 We're going to explore three parts to this call. 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:09.399 And then ask ourselves at the end whether and how we will love her. 00:06:09.599 --> 00:06:11.379 So there are three parts to wisdom's call. 00:06:11.659 --> 00:06:14.000 The first is in verses 1 to 11. 00:06:14.419 --> 00:06:14.939 It's this. 00:06:15.219 --> 00:06:17.619 Wisdom invites our love. 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:19.599 Wisdom invites our love. 00:06:19.659 --> 00:06:20.539 Let me read it for us. 00:06:21.119 --> 00:06:22.579 Does not wisdom call? 00:06:23.039 --> 00:06:25.019 Does not understanding raise her voice? 00:06:25.419 --> 00:06:29.359 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads, she takes her stand. 00:06:29.360 --> 00:06:34.980 Beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portal, she cries aloud. 00:06:35.639 --> 00:06:36.560 And here she talks. 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:38.800 To you, O men, I call. 00:06:39.420 --> 00:06:41.500 My cry is to the children of man. 00:06:41.980 --> 00:06:44.420 O simple ones, learn prudence. 00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:46.980 O fools, learn sense. 00:06:47.460 --> 00:06:50.100 Hear, for I will speak noble things. 00:06:50.439 --> 00:06:52.600 From my lips will come what is right. 00:06:53.220 --> 00:06:55.360 For my mouth will utter truth. 00:06:55.900 --> 00:06:58.280 Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 00:06:58.279 --> 00:07:00.939 All the words of my mouth are righteous. 00:07:01.079 --> 00:07:03.339 There's nothing twisted or crooked in them. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:08.099 They are all straight to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge. 00:07:08.699 --> 00:07:13.379 Take my instruction instead of silver and knowledge rather than choice gold. 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:19.339 For wisdom is better than jewels and all that you may desire cannot be compared with her. 00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:26.479 So the first verse just arrests our attention on a very interesting woman, a lady whose name is Wisdom. 00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:28.560 And she also goes by Understanding. 00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:35.559 And the narrator of this passage, who's probably the father still speaking to the son from chapter 7, 00:07:35.779 --> 00:07:37.479 is saying, hey, listen. 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:38.839 Do you hear something? 00:07:38.839 --> 00:07:41.199 Listen, I think I hear wisdom calling. 00:07:42.219 --> 00:07:44.519 Forget the forbidden woman's secret whispers. 00:07:45.119 --> 00:07:49.399 I hear something far better calling loud and clear for you to listen to. 00:07:50.119 --> 00:07:52.099 And he points his finger and there she is. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.939 She's up on the heights of the city. 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:58.620 She's beside the way, standing at the crossroads, beside the gates and the entrances. 00:07:58.979 --> 00:08:04.579 And a clear, powerful voice, she's calling out for everyone to listen to her. 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:07.919 Notice that this invitation is very public. 00:08:08.719 --> 00:08:10.300 Everyone, anyone. 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:13.339 She is in the most public places of the city. 00:08:13.859 --> 00:08:19.560 Everyone in this ancient city would have been able to hear her and recognize her voice. 00:08:20.219 --> 00:08:21.479 She's making her invitation. 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:22.279 She's shouting. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:25.639 She wants everyone to respond to her. 00:08:26.659 --> 00:08:28.639 This scene might remind us of something, by the way. 00:08:29.579 --> 00:08:34.199 If you remember back in chapter 1, verse 20, starting in verse 20, 00:08:34.200 --> 00:08:36.500 Lady Wisdom was making a speech there too. 00:08:37.540 --> 00:08:40.480 In chapter 1, she was making a public rebuke. 00:08:40.580 --> 00:08:46.500 She begins by saying, how long, oh simple ones, will you love your simple ways? 00:08:46.580 --> 00:08:49.060 She rebukes the people of the city. 00:08:49.560 --> 00:08:54.040 She is slapping them in the face and saying, why do you love? 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:54.980 Notice the love language. 00:08:55.300 --> 00:08:57.180 Why do you love your simple ways? 00:08:57.700 --> 00:09:01.220 Their hearts are hooked on their simple, foolish ways. 00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:03.379 But here, the tone's a little bit different. 00:09:03.379 --> 00:09:04.620 It's an invitation. 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:06.220 She's beckoning. 00:09:06.759 --> 00:09:08.580 Verses 4 to 6, she's calling. 00:09:09.080 --> 00:09:09.820 She's crying. 00:09:09.960 --> 00:09:10.620 Look at the verbs. 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:12.379 Learn prudence. 00:09:12.679 --> 00:09:16.320 Learn sense. 00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:19.939 Hear, for I will speak noble things. 00:09:20.039 --> 00:09:24.080 She's inviting us to love something different, namely her. 00:09:25.139 --> 00:09:30.740 But not only does she invite, but she gives good reason for us to come and love her. 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:36.379 Look at what the rest of this bit of her speech points at. 00:09:36.519 --> 00:09:38.860 It's her excellent words. 00:09:39.320 --> 00:09:39.940 Her speech. 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:41.500 What comes off her lips. 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:44.060 This is why you should come to love me. 00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:46.779 Because what I say is good. 00:09:47.060 --> 00:09:48.039 What I say is right. 00:09:48.039 --> 00:09:55.519 Remember, back in chapter 7, the father didn't, he warned the son, don't listen to what the forbidden woman says. 00:09:55.599 --> 00:09:57.439 She's got smooth speech. 00:09:57.779 --> 00:09:58.819 Flattering words. 00:09:59.319 --> 00:10:03.939 But he does point his son to Lady Wisdom because her words are good. 00:10:04.919 --> 00:10:06.159 Her speech is so much better. 00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:07.419 Look at verses 6 to 9. 00:10:07.419 --> 00:10:10.599 Noble things come off Lady Wisdom's lips. 00:10:10.719 --> 00:10:11.539 What is right? 00:10:12.079 --> 00:10:12.599 Truth. 00:10:12.959 --> 00:10:13.860 Not wickedness. 00:10:13.919 --> 00:10:15.240 It's an abomination to her lips. 00:10:15.679 --> 00:10:18.299 Righteous words that are not twisted or perverse. 00:10:18.740 --> 00:10:19.579 Straight words. 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:20.539 Right words. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:23.659 In other words, he's saying Lady Wisdom's a straight shooter. 00:10:24.479 --> 00:10:25.319 She's forthright. 00:10:25.479 --> 00:10:27.279 She will call it as it is. 00:10:28.059 --> 00:10:30.219 And that's why her invitation is so compelling. 00:10:30.439 --> 00:10:32.240 Because, you know, she's the real deal. 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:36.399 She doesn't have some hidden secret motive that the forbidden woman had back in chapter 7. 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:40.080 She wants what is absolutely best for you. 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:43.799 And then in verses 10 to 11, she ups the ante. 00:10:44.720 --> 00:10:47.440 Her invitation to come and love her is taken up a notch. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:49.700 She says, I'm better than silver. 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:55.860 My instruction, my correction is better than the rarest of most precious metals. 00:10:56.100 --> 00:10:57.259 Better than choice gold. 00:10:57.580 --> 00:10:58.399 Better than jewels. 00:10:58.399 --> 00:11:03.679 In fact, she says, anything you could possibly desire, all added up on top of each other. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:07.379 It still goes up in the scale when compared to me. 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:15.699 She's basically saying, if you could have me, or you could have a billion dollars every year for the rest of your life, you should choose me. 00:11:17.939 --> 00:11:21.340 If this were the forbidden woman, we should doubt whether that is true. 00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:24.460 But Lady Wisdom says what is straight. 00:11:24.779 --> 00:11:25.639 What is right. 00:11:25.939 --> 00:11:26.759 What is true. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:27.699 It can be trusted. 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:29.340 So that's the invitation. 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:32.779 She wants anyone and everyone to come and to love her. 00:11:32.939 --> 00:11:34.399 And that includes us. 00:11:35.459 --> 00:11:43.000 Now, in case you're wondering, maybe you're saying, hey, Billy, I didn't really notice Lady Wisdom say, love me. 00:11:43.519 --> 00:11:46.720 I didn't hear an invitation to love Lady Wisdom in this chapter. 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:48.220 I did hear her say, listen to me. 00:11:48.399 --> 00:11:49.819 I didn't hear, love me. 00:11:49.939 --> 00:11:51.279 And that's good observation. 00:11:51.959 --> 00:11:54.679 How is Lady Wisdom inviting us to love her? 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:57.460 By treasuring her words. 00:11:57.460 --> 00:11:59.540 That's what love looks like to Lady Wisdom. 00:11:59.540 --> 00:12:01.580 We're going to see that even more so a little bit later. 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:05.920 By giving heed to what she says, we love her. 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:10.639 We show our desire for her and our affection for her. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:12.720 Learn prudence, verse 5. 00:12:12.900 --> 00:12:14.379 Learn sense, verse 6. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:16.300 Hear because I speak. 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:18.120 And then look down at verse 10. 00:12:18.299 --> 00:12:21.839 Take my instruction rather than silver. 00:12:22.599 --> 00:12:24.799 To love Wisdom is to listen to Wisdom. 00:12:25.219 --> 00:12:28.659 It's to respond, to hear, to learn from what she says. 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:30.679 And this has always been the case for God's people, right? 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:32.959 He's a speaking God. 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:35.980 He speaks life to those who listen. 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:39.139 To those who humbly trust and obey what he says. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:45.320 And Wisdom is inviting us to love her by listening to what she has to say so that we can become like her. 00:12:46.060 --> 00:12:51.620 Speaking and thinking and loving what is good and noble and insightful and wise. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:53.300 It is a tantalizing offer. 00:12:54.080 --> 00:12:55.860 And we would be foolish to refuse. 00:12:56.820 --> 00:12:58.139 But this lady's not done. 00:12:58.720 --> 00:12:59.980 She's inviting our love. 00:13:00.180 --> 00:13:04.840 But she's going to back it up by showing us how worthy she is of our love. 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:09.200 And that's going to take up the most of our time looking at the kind of big section of this speech. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:10.820 Verses 12 to 31. 00:13:11.340 --> 00:13:14.480 Wisdom is going to show us that not only is she inviting us to love her. 00:13:14.620 --> 00:13:16.960 But she's worthy of our love and affection. 00:13:17.940 --> 00:13:21.039 I'm going to read this, the first part, verses 12 to 21. 00:13:21.379 --> 00:13:23.279 And then I'll read the next part when we get to it. 00:13:23.279 --> 00:13:26.559 So as I read this, I want you to pretend something for me. 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:31.639 Pretend you are working in the human resources department of your company. 00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:33.819 You are looking at a resume. 00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:37.519 And you are looking at Lady Wisdom's resume. 00:13:38.059 --> 00:13:41.100 And I want you to think, wow, this is quite a resume. 00:13:41.259 --> 00:13:41.639 So listen. 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:43.759 Starting in verse 12. 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:46.220 Wisdom's introducing herself here. 00:13:46.339 --> 00:13:47.519 She's providing her resume. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:50.360 I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence. 00:13:50.360 --> 00:13:53.139 And I find knowledge and discretion. 00:13:53.960 --> 00:13:56.340 The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:14:00.620 Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 00:14:01.460 --> 00:14:02.639 I have wisdom. 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:05.460 I have counsel and sound wisdom. 00:14:05.639 --> 00:14:06.879 I have insight. 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:07.980 I have strength. 00:14:08.659 --> 00:14:10.320 By me, kings reign. 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:12.820 And rulers decree what is just. 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.779 By me, princes rule. 00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:17.120 And nobles, all who govern justly. 00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:19.600 I love those who love me. 00:14:19.960 --> 00:14:22.500 And those who seek me diligently find me. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:25.200 Riches and honor are with me. 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:27.179 Enduring wealth and righteousness. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:29.620 My fruit is better than gold. 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:30.580 Even fine gold. 00:14:31.019 --> 00:14:33.080 My yield is better than choice silver. 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:35.299 I walk in the way of righteousness. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.779 In the paths of justice. 00:14:37.340 --> 00:14:40.340 Granting an inheritance to those who love me. 00:14:40.700 --> 00:14:42.279 And filling their treasuries. 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:44.539 That is an impressive resume. 00:14:44.539 --> 00:14:47.860 She first introduced us to her associates. 00:14:48.579 --> 00:14:50.759 And then she gives us a glimpse at her references. 00:14:51.679 --> 00:14:55.839 And then finally, she helps us see her record of accomplishments. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:58.699 Let's look at her associations. 00:14:59.179 --> 00:14:59.779 Her associates. 00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:01.740 In verses 12 through 14. 00:15:02.299 --> 00:15:04.219 We see her colleagues and her associates. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:06.279 Her roommate's name is Prudence. 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:08.980 She hangs out often with knowledge and discretion. 00:15:08.980 --> 00:15:11.899 In verse 14, she names a few more intimate friends. 00:15:12.300 --> 00:15:14.659 Counsel, sound wisdom, insight, strength. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:18.300 And notice what she does not associate herself with. 00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:19.480 In verse 13. 00:15:19.980 --> 00:15:21.399 She hates the way of evil. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:23.980 Pride, arrogance, the path of evil. 00:15:24.259 --> 00:15:24.700 I hate. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.120 Perverted speech. 00:15:26.180 --> 00:15:26.680 I hate it. 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:29.539 So all these stellar qualities. 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:30.759 Her associates. 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:35.940 Are basically what the person who loves wisdom gets access to. 00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:37.700 When they love her. 00:15:37.700 --> 00:15:39.180 Prudence. 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:41.340 She will help you use reason. 00:15:41.820 --> 00:15:43.560 To navigate life's hairy problems. 00:15:43.980 --> 00:15:45.060 Knowledge and discretion. 00:15:45.680 --> 00:15:47.060 Will give you clear discernment. 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:49.120 To know what path is best. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:51.020 What course of action is truly best. 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:52.379 Under any circumstance. 00:15:53.060 --> 00:15:55.160 Advice, sound wisdom, insight. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:58.960 Are readily available to all who love wisdom. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:02.860 Those particular qualities will give resourcefulness. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:05.280 And understanding to deal with difficult problems. 00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:07.539 And interestingly enough, look at the end of the list. 00:16:08.079 --> 00:16:08.919 In verse 14. 00:16:09.259 --> 00:16:10.339 She gives you strength. 00:16:11.059 --> 00:16:13.179 If you love wisdom, she gives you power. 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:15.279 At first that's a little bit confusing. 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.500 But think about it. 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:19.319 Schoolhouse Rock taught us knowledge is power. 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:22.220 If we know the right way. 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:26.140 We have the strength and power to change certain courses of action. 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:30.440 And so if we know what is best through loving wisdom. 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:34.080 We will have power to transform our own circumstances. 00:16:34.580 --> 00:16:36.379 And those of others for the better. 00:16:37.020 --> 00:16:39.300 And to just make back up the point about these associates. 00:16:39.300 --> 00:16:41.660 She points to her references. 00:16:42.060 --> 00:16:43.300 Look at verses 15 and 16. 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:46.779 The kings and rulers and princes and nobles. 00:16:47.099 --> 00:16:50.339 All of them employ wisdom. 00:16:52.059 --> 00:16:56.919 They all use wisdom and her associates in the ruling and problem solving. 00:16:57.159 --> 00:17:00.419 And establishing of what is right and good for large amounts of people. 00:17:00.419 --> 00:17:04.059 Now those who have the greatest authority on the planet. 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:06.319 Are those who also have the greatest responsibility. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:08.519 And the greatest need for wisdom. 00:17:09.159 --> 00:17:11.440 And for those who employ wisdom well. 00:17:11.879 --> 00:17:13.379 And all of her associates. 00:17:14.059 --> 00:17:15.779 Good things come about. 00:17:16.899 --> 00:17:20.180 Rulers establish righteousness and justice. 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:22.200 And they accomplish much good. 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:24.659 Now there are plenty who have lots of authority and don't do that. 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:26.259 But that's because they don't employ wisdom. 00:17:26.799 --> 00:17:27.359 They're foolish. 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:31.819 So these are Lady Wisdom's fine references on her resume. 00:17:32.199 --> 00:17:35.119 To convince us that she is worthy of our love. 00:17:35.219 --> 00:17:37.979 If these people use me and employ me. 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:41.519 How much do you also need to employ me? 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:44.079 And no matter what kind of responsibility we have. 00:17:44.139 --> 00:17:45.639 Whether it's just over our own affairs. 00:17:46.059 --> 00:17:47.599 Or over our family. 00:17:47.719 --> 00:17:48.279 Our household. 00:17:48.719 --> 00:17:49.599 Or in our job. 00:17:50.419 --> 00:17:53.139 Wisdom and her associates steer us well. 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:54.619 If we love them. 00:17:54.619 --> 00:17:58.339 And that's the very point of verses 18 to 20. 00:17:58.459 --> 00:18:00.239 Here she continues her resume. 00:18:00.239 --> 00:18:02.919 With her pristine record of accomplishments. 00:18:03.239 --> 00:18:06.099 Of how well she has served her previous clients. 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:09.299 I love those who love me. 00:18:09.879 --> 00:18:11.459 And she's not talking about affection. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.500 Sentimentality. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.559 She's talking about. 00:18:13.899 --> 00:18:15.419 I do good to those who love me. 00:18:15.639 --> 00:18:17.779 I show them how much I love them. 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:19.000 By treating them well. 00:18:19.239 --> 00:18:20.199 If you employ me. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:20.939 Wisdom says. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:22.500 You will not be hurting. 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:23.839 At the end of the day. 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:26.159 They provide an excellent path. 00:18:26.399 --> 00:18:28.879 For those who diligently seek wisdom. 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:30.299 And her associates. 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.720 She's worth your time. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:32.240 And energy. 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:32.759 And devotion. 00:18:32.939 --> 00:18:33.500 Verse 19. 00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:35.379 Her fruit is better than gold. 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:37.000 Her yield better than choice silver. 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:37.939 Verse 21. 00:18:38.359 --> 00:18:40.579 She grants an inheritance to those who love her. 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.099 And fills their treasuries. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:42.980 She's like. 00:18:43.399 --> 00:18:44.759 Look at all the people I've served. 00:18:45.179 --> 00:18:47.139 Look at all the ways that I have loved. 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:48.019 And shown good. 00:18:48.199 --> 00:18:49.859 To all those who have loved me. 00:18:49.959 --> 00:18:50.539 In the past. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:53.459 So wisdom's resume is an impressive one so far. 00:18:53.920 --> 00:18:55.440 Her associates are rock solid. 00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:56.980 Her references are golden. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.960 Her record of serving her clients. 00:18:59.140 --> 00:19:00.600 Is just off the charts good. 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:03.059 But we haven't gotten to the best part. 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:07.000 The clincher comes in verses 22 to 31. 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:08.319 Let me read this. 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:10.259 And feel free to let your jaws drop to the floor. 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:13.120 The Lord possessed me. 00:19:13.180 --> 00:19:14.019 I'm in verse 22. 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:17.299 The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work. 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:19.599 The first of his acts of old. 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:21.680 Ages ago I was set up. 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:22.440 At the first. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:24.200 Before the beginning of the earth. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.519 When there were no depths. 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.720 I was brought forth. 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:28.680 When there were no springs abounding with water. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.940 Before the mountains had been shaped. 00:19:31.139 --> 00:19:31.920 Before the hills. 00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:33.279 I was brought forth. 00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:36.259 Before he had made the earth with its fields. 00:19:36.660 --> 00:19:38.359 Or the first of the dust of the world. 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:39.839 When he established the heavens. 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:40.599 I was there. 00:19:40.599 --> 00:19:43.500 When he drew a circle on the face of the deep. 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:45.459 When he made firm the skies above. 00:19:45.639 --> 00:19:47.639 When he established the fountains of the deep. 00:19:47.719 --> 00:19:49.639 When he assigned to the sea its limit. 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:52.000 So that the waters might not transgress his command. 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:54.759 When he marked out the foundations of the earth. 00:19:55.199 --> 00:19:57.419 Then I was beside him. 00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:59.000 Like a master workman. 00:19:59.179 --> 00:20:01.579 And I was daily his delight. 00:20:02.459 --> 00:20:04.319 Rejoicing before him always. 00:20:04.679 --> 00:20:06.539 Rejoicing in his inhabited world. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:09.759 And delighting in the children of man. 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:12.319 You see. 00:20:12.439 --> 00:20:13.339 On her resume. 00:20:13.659 --> 00:20:15.819 It's wisdom's on the job training. 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.339 That really counts. 00:20:18.259 --> 00:20:19.019 Her backstory. 00:20:19.199 --> 00:20:19.819 Her background. 00:20:20.139 --> 00:20:21.059 Where she comes from. 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:24.059 To put it into one quick sentence. 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:26.439 She helped God create the world. 00:20:27.799 --> 00:20:29.619 She was not only present. 00:20:29.779 --> 00:20:31.679 During the original creative process. 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:32.919 We also get the hint. 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:35.419 That she participated in it. 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:37.019 In verses 22 to 26. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:38.639 Lady Wisdom claims. 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:40.880 That the Lord himself brought her into existence. 00:20:41.040 --> 00:20:44.440 So that she predates the universe itself. 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:47.980 Before the primordial oceans and springs. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.940 She existed. 00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:51.900 Before the dry earth and mountains were formed. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:53.080 She was already there. 00:20:53.560 --> 00:20:54.960 In verses 27 to 31. 00:20:55.340 --> 00:20:57.020 All these different activities. 00:20:57.160 --> 00:20:58.440 The establishing of the heavens. 00:20:58.440 --> 00:20:59.180 And the waters. 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:00.360 And the skies. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.240 And the clouds. 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:03.540 And marking out the foundation of the earth. 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.540 She says. 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:05.519 I was there. 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.819 When God did that. 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:09.159 And verse 30 implies. 00:21:09.159 --> 00:21:10.579 That she was assisting him. 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.460 In this process. 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:13.259 As a master craftsman. 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:14.779 Accomplishes the will. 00:21:14.879 --> 00:21:16.259 Of his job site foreman. 00:21:16.819 --> 00:21:17.079 Now. 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:17.759 This. 00:21:18.139 --> 00:21:18.639 Before you're. 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:18.960 Like. 00:21:19.019 --> 00:21:19.500 Wait a minute. 00:21:19.899 --> 00:21:21.519 This shouldn't mess with our theology. 00:21:22.180 --> 00:21:22.940 Genesis 1 and 2. 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:24.039 Is still true. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.980 God alone. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.759 Spoke all things into existence. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:28.160 But remember. 00:21:28.299 --> 00:21:28.940 This is poetry. 00:21:29.900 --> 00:21:30.240 This is. 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:30.519 She. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:32.339 The writer is using. 00:21:32.539 --> 00:21:33.240 An extended. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:35.779 Personification. 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.759 Way of speaking. 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:38.099 It's. 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.740 It's a metaphor. 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.140 To show. 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.940 How God. 00:21:41.059 --> 00:21:41.700 In his wisdom. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:43.379 Has made all things. 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.859 Psalm 104. 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:45.779 24. 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.180 Says. 00:21:46.299 --> 00:21:46.720 Oh Lord. 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:47.519 How manifold. 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:48.599 Are your works. 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.859 In wisdom. 00:21:49.859 --> 00:21:51.539 You have made them all. 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:52.619 Lady wisdom. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:54.079 It's a personification. 00:21:54.339 --> 00:21:55.440 A poetic way. 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:56.059 Of describing. 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:58.039 God's own wisdom. 00:21:59.440 --> 00:21:59.980 And. 00:22:00.639 --> 00:22:01.659 God himself. 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:02.940 Employed his wisdom. 00:22:03.379 --> 00:22:04.240 In the fashioning. 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:05.319 Of his universe. 00:22:05.419 --> 00:22:06.119 Just think about it. 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:06.960 In wisdom. 00:22:07.139 --> 00:22:08.279 He invented gravity. 00:22:09.179 --> 00:22:10.519 Think about what an invention that is. 00:22:10.579 --> 00:22:11.139 It keeps. 00:22:11.259 --> 00:22:11.960 Our planet. 00:22:12.619 --> 00:22:13.099 In this. 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:15.059 Very delicate balance. 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.039 Orbiting. 00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:16.819 The distance. 00:22:17.339 --> 00:22:18.139 From the sun. 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:19.240 In elliptical orbit. 00:22:19.379 --> 00:22:20.279 In just the right way. 00:22:20.379 --> 00:22:21.019 Just far enough. 00:22:21.019 --> 00:22:21.759 It's not too hot. 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:22.700 Just close enough. 00:22:22.740 --> 00:22:23.579 It's not too cold. 00:22:24.179 --> 00:22:24.419 And. 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:25.119 In wisdom. 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:26.039 He tilted the earth. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:27.919 23.5 degrees. 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:28.839 Not .4. 00:22:28.919 --> 00:22:29.599 But .5. 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:31.019 So that we could have seasons. 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.000 And in wisdom. 00:22:33.419 --> 00:22:35.099 He made it so the earth would spend. 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.039 The right direction. 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:37.119 At the right time. 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.399 And the right speed. 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:40.259 So that we would have 24 hour days. 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.819 With a period of darkness. 00:22:42.359 --> 00:22:43.399 And light. 00:22:43.799 --> 00:22:45.159 In each day. 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:46.559 In wisdom. 00:22:46.899 --> 00:22:48.440 He designed the smallest. 00:22:49.119 --> 00:22:49.519 Details. 00:22:50.359 --> 00:22:51.119 Like the honeybee. 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:52.979 It's got sticky knees. 00:22:52.979 --> 00:22:53.019 It's got sticky knees. 00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:55.179 So that when it goes to feed on flowers. 00:22:55.379 --> 00:22:56.699 It also pollinates. 00:22:56.699 --> 00:22:57.539 The flowers. 00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:59.379 What a brilliant God. 00:23:00.159 --> 00:23:01.539 Who could employ his wisdom. 00:23:01.699 --> 00:23:03.619 To make this wondrous world. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:06.199 And look at the end of verse 30 and 31. 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:09.459 I was daily his delight. 00:23:09.899 --> 00:23:11.259 Rejoicing before him always. 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:13.479 Rejoicing in his inhabited world. 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:15.819 And delighting in the children of man. 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:18.299 So God not only employed wisdom. 00:23:18.299 --> 00:23:19.279 To make his world. 00:23:19.419 --> 00:23:21.819 But he and wisdom had a lot of fun doing it. 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:25.379 That word translated rejoicing in ESV. 00:23:25.759 --> 00:23:27.779 It might as well be translated playing. 00:23:28.039 --> 00:23:28.579 Or laughing. 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:29.460 Dancing. 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:32.139 This implies this close. 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:32.679 Intimate. 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.980 Delightful relationship. 00:23:34.379 --> 00:23:35.839 Between Yahweh himself. 00:23:36.159 --> 00:23:37.159 And his wisdom. 00:23:37.720 --> 00:23:39.579 God delighted in his wisdom. 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:41.639 In her creativity and skill. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:43.639 And she was laughing and playing. 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.399 And having a ball. 00:23:44.400 --> 00:23:46.200 Like a kid let loose at a playground. 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:48.820 Helping God make the astounding world. 00:23:48.820 --> 00:23:49.660 That he designed. 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:52.140 It's as if wisdom is saying to us. 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:54.440 Do you want to live the happiest. 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:56.460 Most delightful kind of life. 00:23:56.620 --> 00:23:58.220 In this world that God has made. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:24:00.340 Then come and love me. 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.920 Because I helped him build it. 00:24:02.580 --> 00:24:04.060 I know how it works. 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:06.019 I know how to help you make. 00:24:06.120 --> 00:24:07.960 A delightful life for yourself. 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:11.600 Because God made me his delight. 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:14.019 Come and make me your delight. 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:16.320 I will show you a wonderful way to live. 00:24:16.320 --> 00:24:17.180 In this world. 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:19.240 If you will employ my help. 00:24:19.360 --> 00:24:19.840 And love me. 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.040 So here wisdom is. 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:23.700 She's offering herself to you. 00:24:23.820 --> 00:24:24.320 And to me. 00:24:24.780 --> 00:24:25.620 Proving to us. 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:27.500 That she is overwhelmingly worthy. 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.680 Of our love. 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:29.680 And our affection. 00:24:29.860 --> 00:24:30.120 In fact. 00:24:30.320 --> 00:24:31.880 We're the ones who are not worthy of her. 00:24:32.620 --> 00:24:33.519 And yet here she is. 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:34.740 Freely inviting us. 00:24:34.880 --> 00:24:35.600 Calling us. 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.519 Proving to us. 00:24:36.580 --> 00:24:38.019 How lovely she is. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:39.180 Her associates. 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:40.060 Her references. 00:24:40.060 --> 00:24:41.759 Her record of accomplishments. 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.920 Especially her on the job training. 00:24:44.560 --> 00:24:46.160 Uniquely qualify her. 00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:48.220 For our utmost affection. 00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.039 And loyalty. 00:24:49.820 --> 00:24:51.400 Nobody else has what it takes. 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:53.620 To build a life that is full of joy. 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.279 And delight. 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.779 For the children of man. 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:57.220 In this world that God has made. 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:58.560 Well lastly. 00:24:58.680 --> 00:25:01.000 Let's look at how wisdom wraps up her speech. 00:25:01.140 --> 00:25:02.900 She invites our love. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:04.500 She's worthy of our love. 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:08.160 And now she promises to reward our love. 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:10.460 In verses 32 to 36. 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.019 And now. 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.700 Big conclusion here. 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.619 And now. 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:15.500 Oh sons. 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:17.140 Listen to me. 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:20.160 Blessed are those who keep my ways. 00:25:20.539 --> 00:25:21.799 Hear instruction. 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:23.099 And be wise. 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.400 And do not neglect it. 00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:27.819 Blessed is the one who listens to me. 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:30.579 Watching daily at my gates. 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:32.799 Waiting beside my doors. 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:33.720 Verse 4. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:35.799 Whoever finds me. 00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:37.200 Finds life. 00:25:39.079 --> 00:25:40.859 And obtains favor from the Lord. 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:42.339 But he who fails to find me. 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:43.940 Injures himself. 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:45.819 And all who hate me. 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:47.200 Love death. 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:49.119 And now. 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.159 It's a big conclusion. 00:25:50.919 --> 00:25:52.980 Wisdom has invited us to love her. 00:25:53.339 --> 00:25:55.599 She has proven herself worthy of our love. 00:25:55.659 --> 00:25:56.680 And now she is saying. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.779 I will promise great reward. 00:25:59.159 --> 00:26:00.180 To those who love me. 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:01.159 And remember. 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:03.600 How do we love lady wisdom? 00:26:04.380 --> 00:26:05.820 By listening. 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.700 That's her love language. 00:26:07.800 --> 00:26:08.140 Husbands. 00:26:08.660 --> 00:26:09.940 You know what I'm talking about. 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:12.160 How do you love your wife? 00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:14.120 You listen to her. 00:26:14.560 --> 00:26:15.400 And she knows. 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.080 Oh man. 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:16.820 She knows. 00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:18.140 When you're not listening. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:19.900 When you say. 00:26:20.060 --> 00:26:20.420 Uh-huh. 00:26:21.240 --> 00:26:22.080 Or yeah. 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.600 Sure dear. 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.700 She knows. 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:26.240 She knows the difference. 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:27.600 And wisdom knows too. 00:26:27.599 --> 00:26:29.439 There is a difference between hearing. 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:31.619 And listening diligently. 00:26:31.939 --> 00:26:32.779 With an intent. 00:26:32.939 --> 00:26:33.659 To observe. 00:26:33.659 --> 00:26:34.619 What you have heard. 00:26:35.679 --> 00:26:37.099 Listen to the listening words. 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:37.879 Of this. 00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:39.439 Little conclusion. 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.119 Verse 32. 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:41.959 Listen to me. 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:44.240 Keep my ways. 00:26:44.679 --> 00:26:45.279 Verse 33. 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:46.659 Hear instruction. 00:26:47.079 --> 00:26:47.740 Be wise. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.919 Don't neglect. 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:50.240 My instruction. 00:26:50.959 --> 00:26:51.579 Verse 34. 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.439 Listen to me. 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.879 Watch daily. 00:26:53.879 --> 00:26:54.740 At my gates. 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:56.219 Wait beside my doors. 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:57.900 So wisdom is asking us. 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:59.559 For diligent action. 00:26:59.980 --> 00:27:00.579 Attentiveness. 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:02.140 Eagerness to observe. 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.480 And imitate everything. 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:05.079 That wisdom says and does. 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:07.039 That's how we love wisdom. 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.920 And notice the promise. 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.799 That's attached to it. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:11.079 Blessed. 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:14.079 Blessed are those who keep my ways. 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:14.539 Twice. 00:27:14.640 --> 00:27:15.120 She says it. 00:27:15.299 --> 00:27:15.819 Verse 32. 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:16.180 Again. 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.039 Verse 34. 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:19.299 Blessed are those who love me. 00:27:19.620 --> 00:27:20.920 By listening to me. 00:27:21.019 --> 00:27:22.960 And diligently keeping my words. 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:24.079 That is just describing. 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:25.799 The kind of life. 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:28.139 That a person who fears God. 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.699 And who listens to wisdom. 00:27:30.179 --> 00:27:31.319 It's the kind of happy life. 00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:32.259 That they're going to have. 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:32.919 That. 00:27:33.079 --> 00:27:34.099 It's summed up beautifully. 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:34.799 In verse 35. 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:36.539 Whoever finds me. 00:27:36.720 --> 00:27:37.639 Finds life. 00:27:38.019 --> 00:27:38.899 And obtains favor. 00:27:38.899 --> 00:27:39.519 From the Lord. 00:27:40.139 --> 00:27:41.000 God delighted. 00:27:41.179 --> 00:27:42.279 In employing wisdom. 00:27:43.159 --> 00:27:43.919 As they. 00:27:44.419 --> 00:27:45.720 As he created the world. 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:47.079 And he also delights. 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:48.720 In those who imitate him. 00:27:48.939 --> 00:27:50.059 In employing his wisdom. 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:51.379 As they build. 00:27:51.379 --> 00:27:52.099 Their lives. 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.839 In his world. 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:55.079 So those who love wisdom. 00:27:55.159 --> 00:27:56.240 Receive God's grace. 00:27:56.279 --> 00:27:56.799 In his favor. 00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:57.919 Because it's his wisdom. 00:27:57.919 --> 00:27:58.619 That they're loving. 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.720 And it's impossible. 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:01.539 To love wisdom. 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:02.659 Without loving God. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.859 For he's the source. 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.619 Of all wisdom. 00:28:05.099 --> 00:28:05.859 And then. 00:28:05.939 --> 00:28:07.019 It's stated in a negative way. 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.839 In verse 36. 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:09.559 If you fail to find me. 00:28:09.879 --> 00:28:10.859 You injure yourself. 00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:12.339 All who hate me. 00:28:12.459 --> 00:28:13.379 Love death. 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:15.019 To not love wisdom. 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:16.240 Is to hate wisdom. 00:28:16.439 --> 00:28:17.359 And to hate wisdom. 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:18.519 Is to love death. 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:19.480 So. 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.059 Whatever energy. 00:28:21.059 --> 00:28:23.039 We dedicate to loving wisdom. 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:25.139 It will pan out well. 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:25.720 For us. 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:26.200 In the end. 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:27.539 She will keep us from death. 00:28:28.099 --> 00:28:29.059 Whoever finds her. 00:28:29.179 --> 00:28:30.200 Finds blessedness. 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:30.779 And life. 00:28:31.179 --> 00:28:32.059 The way that God. 00:28:32.139 --> 00:28:33.220 Intended us to live. 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:34.559 In right relationship. 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:35.579 To him. 00:28:36.159 --> 00:28:37.299 So wisdom is calling. 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.500 Will you. 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:40.980 Love her. 00:28:42.480 --> 00:28:43.099 Now before we. 00:28:43.159 --> 00:28:44.159 Before we turn the corner. 00:28:44.159 --> 00:28:45.299 Into asking. 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.539 How we can love her. 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:48.639 Some immediate application. 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:50.300 I want us to consider something together. 00:28:51.100 --> 00:28:52.220 This speech was written. 00:28:52.340 --> 00:28:52.700 2000. 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:54.100 Or 3000 years ago. 00:28:54.820 --> 00:28:55.820 It rings clear. 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.440 And true. 00:28:56.620 --> 00:28:57.460 To us today. 00:28:58.100 --> 00:28:58.940 It persuades. 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.620 Our own hearts. 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.340 To desire. 00:29:00.540 --> 00:29:01.160 And to love. 00:29:01.280 --> 00:29:02.060 God's wisdom. 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.420 God's priorities. 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:04.300 God's path. 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.020 God's way. 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:07.220 And we have the same need. 00:29:07.560 --> 00:29:08.180 As the people. 00:29:08.280 --> 00:29:09.340 That this book was written to. 00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:10.020 Back then. 00:29:10.500 --> 00:29:11.600 To love. 00:29:11.860 --> 00:29:12.200 Wisdom. 00:29:12.320 --> 00:29:13.720 To pursue the fear of the Lord. 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.720 To develop. 00:29:15.120 --> 00:29:16.500 The skill of living wisely. 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.320 In this world. 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:18.000 We. 00:29:18.419 --> 00:29:19.319 In the coming weeks. 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.319 Are going to be seeing. 00:29:20.419 --> 00:29:21.919 Different areas of our lives. 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:23.419 That Proverbs speaks to. 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.879 We have the same deficiencies. 00:29:24.879 --> 00:29:25.659 Of character. 00:29:26.139 --> 00:29:27.200 And same deficiencies. 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:28.059 Of life skill. 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:29.419 That the original readers. 00:29:29.419 --> 00:29:30.319 Of Proverbs had. 00:29:31.079 --> 00:29:31.980 We need. 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.139 Self-control. 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.159 Over our emotions. 00:29:34.339 --> 00:29:35.179 And our appetites. 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:36.319 Just like they did. 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.819 We need to tame our tongues. 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:40.059 And learn life-giving speech. 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.200 Just like they did. 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:43.839 We need to learn the skill of diligence. 00:29:44.500 --> 00:29:45.740 Just like they did. 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.779 We need to develop. 00:29:46.779 --> 00:29:47.759 A patient. 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:49.400 And gentle character. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.359 As they did. 00:29:50.440 --> 00:29:51.140 We need to learn. 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:52.299 How to handle our money. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.480 Like they did. 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:53.700 So. 00:29:53.960 --> 00:29:55.359 The fullness of what wisdom. 00:29:55.680 --> 00:29:56.559 Offers humanity. 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:57.120 In return. 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:58.019 For our love. 00:29:58.120 --> 00:29:58.940 Has not changed. 00:29:59.700 --> 00:30:00.559 She stands ready. 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:01.059 And willing. 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:01.839 To teach us. 00:30:02.220 --> 00:30:02.920 To lavish. 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:04.420 Her excellent words on us. 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:05.120 And to lead us. 00:30:05.400 --> 00:30:06.579 Into the path of life. 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:06.920 But. 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.019 How. 00:30:08.019 --> 00:30:09.759 To 21st century. 00:30:09.759 --> 00:30:11.059 American Christians. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.039 Respond to this. 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:14.539 3,000 year old. 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:15.900 Book. 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:18.359 Like we are invited to do here. 00:30:18.420 --> 00:30:19.440 How do we love. 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.279 Lady wisdom. 00:30:21.519 --> 00:30:22.940 Well there's a lot of similarity. 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:24.220 Between lady wisdom. 00:30:24.680 --> 00:30:26.139 And the wisest man. 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:27.039 Who ever lived. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:29.180 And I'm not talking about Solomon. 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:30.879 There is someone. 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:31.619 Who is greater. 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:32.579 Than Solomon. 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:34.339 Who came to show us. 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.059 God's way. 00:30:35.160 --> 00:30:36.259 Of doing things. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:39.259 Jesus Christ. 00:30:40.099 --> 00:30:41.019 The wisest man. 00:30:41.099 --> 00:30:41.799 Who ever lived. 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:43.299 Is God's wisdom. 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:45.160 In human form. 00:30:46.400 --> 00:30:47.359 In the Old Testament. 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:48.180 He is. 00:30:48.400 --> 00:30:49.779 He is seen on the pages. 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:51.059 In one sense. 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:52.500 Of Proverbs 8. 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:53.500 He's not lady wisdom. 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.180 But lady wisdom. 00:30:54.180 --> 00:30:55.059 Points to him. 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:57.379 He invites our love. 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:58.599 Like lady wisdom. 00:30:59.220 --> 00:30:59.480 Did. 00:30:59.859 --> 00:31:00.720 Saying come. 00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:01.960 Follow me. 00:31:02.720 --> 00:31:04.240 Take my yoke upon you. 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:05.220 Learn from me. 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.240 And you will find. 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:07.640 Rest for your souls. 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:09.039 He invites us. 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:10.640 Burned by our folly. 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:12.200 And broken by our sin. 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:13.720 To make the wisest decision. 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.740 Of our lives. 00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:16.420 To call him. 00:31:16.859 --> 00:31:17.779 Their teacher. 00:31:18.880 --> 00:31:20.519 He is worthy of our love. 00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.819 Just like lady wisdom is. 00:31:22.599 --> 00:31:23.599 He's the treasure. 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:24.599 Hidden in the field. 00:31:24.720 --> 00:31:25.420 He's worth selling. 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.460 Everything we have. 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.140 To acquire. 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:28.680 And he's shown us. 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:29.720 His impressive resume. 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:31.259 Just listen to Colossians. 00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:31.900 Chapter one. 00:31:32.299 --> 00:31:33.200 His resume is. 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:33.660 Is. 00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:35.040 Incomparable. 00:31:35.040 --> 00:31:35.080 Incomparable. 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:36.400 Paul says. 00:31:36.940 --> 00:31:37.540 Christ. 00:31:37.540 --> 00:31:38.380 Is the image. 00:31:38.380 --> 00:31:39.540 Of the invisible God. 00:31:39.680 --> 00:31:40.480 The firstborn. 00:31:40.580 --> 00:31:41.420 Of all creation. 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:42.840 For by him. 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:43.640 All things. 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:44.380 Were created. 00:31:44.580 --> 00:31:45.240 In heaven. 00:31:45.360 --> 00:31:45.980 And on earth. 00:31:46.100 --> 00:31:46.560 Visible. 00:31:46.800 --> 00:31:47.420 And invisible. 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.540 Whether thrones. 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.300 Or dominions. 00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:49.820 Or rulers. 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:50.600 Or authorities. 00:31:50.599 --> 00:31:51.559 All things. 00:31:51.559 --> 00:31:51.579 All things. 00:31:51.579 --> 00:31:52.119 Were created. 00:31:52.119 --> 00:31:52.839 Through him. 00:31:52.939 --> 00:31:54.339 And for him. 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:56.139 He's before all things. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:56.699 In him. 00:31:56.859 --> 00:31:57.559 All things. 00:31:57.559 --> 00:31:58.279 Hold together. 00:31:58.539 --> 00:31:59.379 He's the head. 00:31:59.379 --> 00:32:00.039 Of the body. 00:32:00.179 --> 00:32:00.679 The church. 00:32:00.919 --> 00:32:01.959 He is the beginning. 00:32:02.319 --> 00:32:03.000 The firstborn. 00:32:03.119 --> 00:32:03.659 From the dead. 00:32:03.839 --> 00:32:04.559 And everything. 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:06.240 He might be preeminent. 00:32:06.899 --> 00:32:07.519 In him. 00:32:07.599 --> 00:32:08.199 The fullness. 00:32:08.199 --> 00:32:09.039 Of God. 00:32:09.119 --> 00:32:09.799 Was pleased. 00:32:10.019 --> 00:32:10.740 To dwell. 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.179 And through him. 00:32:12.219 --> 00:32:12.699 To reconcile. 00:32:12.699 --> 00:32:13.359 To himself. 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.199 All things. 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.059 Whether on earth. 00:32:15.159 --> 00:32:15.899 Or in heaven. 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:16.659 Making peace. 00:32:16.659 --> 00:32:17.179 By the blood. 00:32:17.219 --> 00:32:17.899 Of his cross. 00:32:18.259 --> 00:32:18.959 What a resume. 00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:21.039 He is worthy. 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.740 Of our love. 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.700 He not only. 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.240 Demonstrated. 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:24.079 The wisdom of God. 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:24.980 In his human life. 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:25.340 All the way. 00:32:25.340 --> 00:32:26.000 From infancy. 00:32:26.299 --> 00:32:27.100 But he himself. 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:27.720 Became. 00:32:27.880 --> 00:32:28.660 God's wisdom. 00:32:28.660 --> 00:32:29.579 Upon the cross. 00:32:29.579 --> 00:32:30.100 For us. 00:32:30.360 --> 00:32:31.460 Our righteousness. 00:32:31.799 --> 00:32:32.700 And sanctification. 00:32:33.100 --> 00:32:33.779 And redemption. 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:35.120 He is worthy. 00:32:35.420 --> 00:32:36.340 Of our love. 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:37.779 When we pursue wisdom. 00:32:37.880 --> 00:32:38.640 We pursue him. 00:32:39.620 --> 00:32:40.579 And oh how he promises. 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:41.299 Great reward. 00:32:41.299 --> 00:32:41.960 For our love. 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:44.160 Whoever finds him. 00:32:44.340 --> 00:32:45.220 Finds life. 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:46.579 What did Peter say. 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:47.920 In John chapter 6. 00:32:48.600 --> 00:32:48.819 Lord. 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:49.759 Where are we going to go? 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:51.419 You have the words. 00:32:51.419 --> 00:32:52.419 Of eternal life. 00:32:55.480 --> 00:32:56.259 In him. 00:32:56.339 --> 00:32:56.799 Are hidden. 00:32:57.000 --> 00:32:58.279 All the treasures. 00:32:59.019 --> 00:32:59.659 And riches. 00:32:59.659 --> 00:33:00.619 Of wisdom. 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:01.740 And knowledge. 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:03.200 So when we attach. 00:33:03.200 --> 00:33:03.960 Our affections. 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:04.980 To the Lord of wisdom. 00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:06.200 Jesus Christ himself. 00:33:06.439 --> 00:33:07.539 We gain access. 00:33:07.539 --> 00:33:09.200 To those hidden treasures. 00:33:09.200 --> 00:33:09.960 Of wisdom. 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.879 And knowledge. 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:11.519 And the understanding. 00:33:11.679 --> 00:33:12.980 Of God's mystery. 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:14.579 Of redeeming us in him. 00:33:15.139 --> 00:33:16.220 When we love him. 00:33:16.319 --> 00:33:17.000 He gives us. 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:17.920 The great reward. 00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:18.859 Of himself. 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:20.259 His life. 00:33:20.440 --> 00:33:20.720 Now. 00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:21.779 By his spirit. 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:22.440 And forever. 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:23.880 So church. 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:25.400 Will you love God's wisdom. 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:26.640 Which is hidden. 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.799 And now disclosed. 00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:28.319 To you. 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.819 In the person of his son. 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.079 Jesus Christ. 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:33.660 Let me just have two brief ways. 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:35.480 For us to consider responding to this. 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:37.500 Will you love wisdom. 00:33:37.660 --> 00:33:38.660 In these two ways. 00:33:38.660 --> 00:33:39.140 First. 00:33:40.380 --> 00:33:41.940 Recognize wisdom's worth. 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:44.300 It is far better. 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:46.500 To. 00:33:47.580 --> 00:33:49.540 Pursue God's way of doing things. 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:50.880 Far more valuable. 00:33:51.340 --> 00:33:53.060 Than our way of doing things. 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.779 God has given us. 00:33:55.380 --> 00:33:56.620 A clear understanding. 00:33:57.080 --> 00:33:57.800 In his word. 00:33:58.500 --> 00:34:00.320 To recognize how worth. 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:01.560 How worthy. 00:34:02.040 --> 00:34:02.580 He is. 00:34:02.660 --> 00:34:03.400 How desirable. 00:34:03.960 --> 00:34:05.019 His word is. 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:06.900 His wisdom offered to us. 00:34:07.000 --> 00:34:07.480 In Christ. 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.599 Do you recognize. 00:34:09.159 --> 00:34:10.260 The infinite worth. 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:12.059 Of God's wisdom. 00:34:12.500 --> 00:34:13.260 Offered to you. 00:34:13.639 --> 00:34:14.320 In his word. 00:34:14.440 --> 00:34:15.400 Especially in his son. 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.219 Jesus Christ. 00:34:16.820 --> 00:34:17.500 So recognize. 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:19.480 Wisdom's worth. 00:34:19.699 --> 00:34:20.179 And lastly. 00:34:20.840 --> 00:34:22.059 Love wisdom. 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.219 By listening. 00:34:23.740 --> 00:34:24.240 To wisdom. 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:26.760 Wisdom's love language. 00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:27.480 Is by listening. 00:34:28.340 --> 00:34:29.460 It's by paying attention. 00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:30.940 To her excellent words. 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:31.760 So let me ask you. 00:34:32.380 --> 00:34:33.599 Are there other. 00:34:33.940 --> 00:34:34.940 Rival voices. 00:34:35.719 --> 00:34:36.920 That you are listening to. 00:34:37.480 --> 00:34:40.139 Instead of wisdom's. 00:34:40.539 --> 00:34:40.900 Good. 00:34:41.240 --> 00:34:41.639 Excellent. 00:34:42.139 --> 00:34:42.500 Words. 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:45.639 For some of us. 00:34:45.639 --> 00:34:47.219 That means to take drastic action. 00:34:48.219 --> 00:34:49.000 There are influences. 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:49.659 And voices. 00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:50.280 In your life. 00:34:50.360 --> 00:34:51.000 That you are allowing. 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:52.440 To dominate your thought. 00:34:52.519 --> 00:34:53.940 More than God's revealed. 00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:55.079 Wisdom to you. 00:34:55.179 --> 00:34:55.639 In Christ. 00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:56.300 In his word. 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:58.719 You need to silence. 00:34:59.219 --> 00:34:59.860 Those voices. 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.599 And give lady wisdom. 00:35:01.760 --> 00:35:02.260 Space. 00:35:02.260 --> 00:35:03.280 To speak. 00:35:03.640 --> 00:35:04.420 As you dwell. 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:05.440 Upon God's word. 00:35:05.560 --> 00:35:06.120 In the scriptures. 00:35:07.120 --> 00:35:07.780 That means. 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:09.120 Canceling out things. 00:35:09.200 --> 00:35:09.920 You're looking at. 00:35:10.560 --> 00:35:11.840 Things that you're occupying. 00:35:11.900 --> 00:35:12.320 Your attention. 00:35:12.420 --> 00:35:13.020 In your time. 00:35:13.160 --> 00:35:13.720 That you're reading. 00:35:13.840 --> 00:35:14.380 Far more. 00:35:14.780 --> 00:35:15.500 Or you're watching. 00:35:15.700 --> 00:35:16.200 Far more. 00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:16.900 Than you are. 00:35:17.600 --> 00:35:18.300 At the. 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.460 At the world's gates. 00:35:19.560 --> 00:35:20.840 Than at lady wisdom's gates. 00:35:21.380 --> 00:35:22.100 Do that. 00:35:22.960 --> 00:35:23.740 But I'm guessing. 00:35:23.840 --> 00:35:24.520 For many of you. 00:35:24.740 --> 00:35:25.800 I'm hoping this gives. 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:26.500 Fresh hope. 00:35:26.580 --> 00:35:27.200 In your heart. 00:35:27.839 --> 00:35:28.659 To keep going. 00:35:29.239 --> 00:35:29.960 To keep going. 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:30.679 By listening. 00:35:30.919 --> 00:35:31.379 To wisdom. 00:35:32.299 --> 00:35:32.939 God's wisdom. 00:35:33.059 --> 00:35:33.500 In Christ. 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:34.719 Is worth your love. 00:35:34.779 --> 00:35:35.199 This week. 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.279 I have to be honest. 00:35:36.579 --> 00:35:37.960 I was faithlessly. 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:38.500 Wondering. 00:35:38.579 --> 00:35:39.019 Whether God. 00:35:39.099 --> 00:35:40.019 Wanted me to speak. 00:35:40.319 --> 00:35:41.179 Wanted to speak to me. 00:35:41.259 --> 00:35:42.399 In his word. 00:35:42.759 --> 00:35:43.839 As I cracked open. 00:35:43.899 --> 00:35:44.239 His word. 00:35:44.319 --> 00:35:44.919 In my devotions. 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.299 This week. 00:35:45.739 --> 00:35:47.059 But I know he is. 00:35:47.619 --> 00:35:49.039 I know whom I have. 00:35:49.179 --> 00:35:49.579 Believed. 00:35:50.319 --> 00:35:51.500 He is worth. 00:35:51.859 --> 00:35:52.779 Taking the time. 00:35:52.919 --> 00:35:53.299 To listening. 00:35:53.399 --> 00:35:54.480 Even when it doesn't feel. 00:35:54.480 --> 00:35:55.319 Like he's speaking. 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.239 He is. 00:35:56.239 --> 00:35:58.259 And remembering. 00:35:58.379 --> 00:35:59.299 Listening doesn't just mean. 00:35:59.459 --> 00:35:59.739 Hearing. 00:36:00.079 --> 00:36:00.639 Doesn't just mean. 00:36:00.799 --> 00:36:01.919 Having words go in. 00:36:02.039 --> 00:36:02.359 It means. 00:36:02.679 --> 00:36:03.699 A vigilant watching. 00:36:04.199 --> 00:36:04.619 Waiting. 00:36:04.899 --> 00:36:05.739 Diligent obedience. 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:06.979 So. 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:08.339 What is there. 00:36:08.379 --> 00:36:09.279 That you need to do. 00:36:09.659 --> 00:36:11.079 To diligently pay attention. 00:36:11.419 --> 00:36:12.239 To what wisdom. 00:36:12.599 --> 00:36:13.119 Is saying. 00:36:13.219 --> 00:36:13.699 To listen. 00:36:13.919 --> 00:36:14.559 And to act. 00:36:16.099 --> 00:36:16.619 Let's. 00:36:17.579 --> 00:36:18.059 Pursue. 00:36:18.219 --> 00:36:18.859 Let's love. 00:36:19.039 --> 00:36:19.459 Wisdom. 00:36:19.679 --> 00:36:20.459 This week church. 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:21.879 She is calling. 00:36:22.759 --> 00:36:23.099 Listen. 00:36:23.099 --> 00:36:24.000 And love her. 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:25.379 Let's. 00:36:25.380 --> 00:36:27.500 Let's pray together. 00:36:28.880 --> 00:36:29.420 Father. 00:36:29.519 --> 00:36:29.840 Thank you. 00:36:29.940 --> 00:36:30.579 For your mercy. 00:36:30.860 --> 00:36:31.460 And your goodness. 00:36:32.400 --> 00:36:33.079 Thank you. 00:36:33.140 --> 00:36:33.400 That. 00:36:33.780 --> 00:36:34.579 You have spoken. 00:36:34.720 --> 00:36:35.820 And we have your wisdom. 00:36:36.680 --> 00:36:37.480 In your word. 00:36:38.039 --> 00:36:38.460 You have. 00:36:38.880 --> 00:36:39.599 Been clear. 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:41.260 God. 00:36:41.400 --> 00:36:42.079 You want us. 00:36:42.160 --> 00:36:42.700 To love. 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:43.880 And treasure your words. 00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:44.780 Above all else. 00:36:45.820 --> 00:36:46.240 So God. 00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:46.559 Help us. 00:36:46.599 --> 00:36:47.619 To pursue your wisdom. 00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:48.019 Today. 00:36:48.260 --> 00:36:49.320 With diligent action. 00:36:49.880 --> 00:36:50.640 And with truth. 00:36:51.240 --> 00:36:51.840 In Jesus name. 00:36:51.880 --> 00:36:52.220 We pray. 00:36:52.220 --> 00:36:53.099 Amen.