WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:04.160 The Bible reading today is from Proverbs 8. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:10.279 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroad she takes her stand. 00:00:11.300 --> 00:00:17.160 Beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud, 00:00:18.039 --> 00:00:23.039 To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. 00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:28.879 O simple ones, learn prudence. O fools, learn sense. 00:00:29.879 --> 00:00:35.000 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, 00:00:35.479 --> 00:00:40.019 for my mouth will utter truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:46.599 All the words of my mouth are righteous. There is nothing twisted or crooked in them. 00:00:47.359 --> 00:00:54.579 They are straight, they are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. 00:00:54.579 --> 00:01:00.500 Take my instruction instead of silver, and my knowledge rather than choice gold. 00:01:01.339 --> 00:01:06.299 For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 00:01:07.259 --> 00:01:12.680 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:17.160 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. 00:01:18.160 --> 00:01:22.800 Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 00:01:22.799 --> 00:01:29.599 I have counsel and sound wisdom. I have insight. I have strength. 00:01:30.399 --> 00:01:34.179 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just. 00:01:34.539 --> 00:01:39.479 By me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly. 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:44.960 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. 00:01:45.960 --> 00:01:50.620 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. 00:01:51.820 --> 00:01:57.380 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. 00:01:57.379 --> 00:02:08.120 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries. 00:02:09.960 --> 00:02:16.240 The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, at the first of his acts of old. 00:02:17.259 --> 00:02:22.500 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. 00:02:22.500 --> 00:02:26.840 When there were no depths, I was brought forth. 00:02:27.639 --> 00:02:30.039 When there were no springs abounding with water. 00:02:30.800 --> 00:02:34.759 Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth. 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:40.960 Before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. 00:02:42.060 --> 00:02:44.580 When he established the heavens, I was there. 00:02:44.740 --> 00:02:47.300 When he drew a circle on the face of the deep. 00:02:47.300 --> 00:02:49.759 When he made firm the skies above. 00:02:49.979 --> 00:02:52.379 When he established the fountains of the deep. 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:58.300 When he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command. 00:02:58.840 --> 00:03:01.699 When he marked out the foundations of the earth. 00:03:02.460 --> 00:03:05.699 Then I was beside him, like a master workman. 00:03:06.180 --> 00:03:11.000 And I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always. 00:03:11.580 --> 00:03:17.219 Rejoicing in his inhabited world, and delighting in the children of man. 00:03:18.719 --> 00:03:21.080 And now, O sons, listen to me. 00:03:21.080 --> 00:03:24.140 Blessed are those who keep my ways. 00:03:24.880 --> 00:03:27.920 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. 00:03:28.980 --> 00:03:31.020 Blessed is the one who listens to me. 00:03:31.460 --> 00:03:33.080 Watching daily at my gates. 00:03:33.820 --> 00:03:35.460 Waiting beside my doors. 00:03:36.380 --> 00:03:40.140 For whoever finds me, finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. 00:03:40.880 --> 00:03:43.760 But he who fails to find me, injures himself. 00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:47.099 All who hate me, love death. 00:03:51.560 --> 00:03:52.679 Good morning everyone. 00:03:55.319 --> 00:04:00.060 If you want to open to Proverbs 8, and then we'll pray. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:05.340 Please pray with me. 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:14.840 Our Father, we admit that our hearts chase after everything. 00:04:15.979 --> 00:04:20.639 We find everything else appealing, besides your ways often. 00:04:20.639 --> 00:04:24.759 So I pray that this morning that you would speak to us, 00:04:24.979 --> 00:04:32.539 and that you would persuade each one of us that your ways are best. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:35.360 Your ways are good, and bring us life. 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:37.419 That they are rich. 00:04:38.240 --> 00:04:40.579 So please be with each one of us. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:41.740 In Jesus' name. 00:04:41.979 --> 00:04:42.240 Amen. 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:47.639 Well, yesterday a friend said some harsh words to you, 00:04:47.740 --> 00:04:51.579 and you're now in the shower rehearsing those words that cut you deeply. 00:04:52.960 --> 00:04:56.100 Lady Folly is shouting in one ear, 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:57.199 How dare he? 00:04:57.900 --> 00:04:59.040 Does he even know me? 00:05:00.500 --> 00:05:03.840 I wish I pointed out how much of a hypocrite he is. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:08.579 But woman wisdom is in the other ear, calling out, 00:05:08.660 --> 00:05:10.139 Is this really worth dwelling on? 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:13.199 Now, Proverbs 19, 11, 00:05:13.740 --> 00:05:15.899 Good sense makes one slow to anger, 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:19.699 and it is to his glory to overlook an offence. 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:21.879 Can I just overlook this? 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:24.899 Lady Folly butts in. 00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:26.459 Your pride is at stake. 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:29.699 Are you just going to let them walk all over you? 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:31.240 Are you going to take this lying down? 00:05:33.240 --> 00:05:34.199 Defend yourself. 00:05:36.019 --> 00:05:37.539 Woman wisdom calls you again. 00:05:37.539 --> 00:05:39.979 Did he really intend to harm me? 00:05:40.300 --> 00:05:42.259 Is there truth to his words? 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:45.099 Proverbs 27, 6. 00:05:45.419 --> 00:05:47.800 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, 00:05:48.579 --> 00:05:50.919 but an enemy multiplies kisses. 00:05:53.079 --> 00:05:54.659 Lady Folly yells again. 00:05:54.899 --> 00:05:56.039 Yes, he meant every word. 00:05:56.539 --> 00:05:57.959 I don't know why he said it, 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:00.839 and I don't know how our relationship is going to get past this. 00:06:00.839 --> 00:06:05.179 Here's a few things you can say to defend yourself next time. 00:06:05.399 --> 00:06:06.539 You can get one up on him. 00:06:07.219 --> 00:06:08.399 If the friendship blows up, 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:11.000 well, there obviously wasn't much of a friendship to begin with. 00:06:13.479 --> 00:06:15.479 Woman wisdom offers a different way. 00:06:16.979 --> 00:06:17.139 Okay. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:21.279 Even if the words are untrue, 00:06:21.419 --> 00:06:22.740 even inconsiderate, 00:06:23.419 --> 00:06:24.979 remember Proverbs 15, 1. 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:27.800 A gentle answer turns away wrath, 00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:30.839 but a harsh word stirs up anger. 00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:34.979 And then you have breakfast, 00:06:35.679 --> 00:06:39.279 and then you confront the next dilemma you've got to face in life. 00:06:41.199 --> 00:06:43.359 Life is complicated, isn't it? 00:06:43.360 --> 00:06:44.639 I find it is. 00:06:46.300 --> 00:06:48.280 We have to make choices all day, every day. 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:49.020 Some are small. 00:06:49.220 --> 00:06:50.520 Some have big consequences, 00:06:50.939 --> 00:06:52.540 like the impact on our friendships, 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:53.319 our relationships. 00:06:54.639 --> 00:06:56.319 The good news in Proverbs is 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:57.560 we're not left to ourselves 00:06:57.560 --> 00:06:59.540 to navigate the complexities of life. 00:07:00.480 --> 00:07:03.960 The book of Proverbs gives down-to-earth advice, 00:07:04.660 --> 00:07:05.660 divine advice, 00:07:05.660 --> 00:07:06.879 to help us live well. 00:07:07.720 --> 00:07:10.220 So I've just tried to illustrate the theme of friendship, 00:07:10.220 --> 00:07:14.460 but there's loads of Proverbs on our speech. 00:07:15.780 --> 00:07:18.180 How many times have your words got you into trouble 00:07:18.180 --> 00:07:19.140 and caused damage? 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:22.100 Words on speech, 00:07:22.580 --> 00:07:26.100 Proverbs on work and laziness 00:07:26.100 --> 00:07:29.500 and alcohol and sexuality and parenting 00:07:29.500 --> 00:07:32.680 and children relating to parents and justice 00:07:32.680 --> 00:07:35.740 and relating to those in authority. 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:39.940 So we've got help. 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:43.060 We've got help to navigate the complexities of life. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:44.060 The bad news is, 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:45.040 at every turn, 00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:47.500 we're confronted with competing voices, 00:07:48.100 --> 00:07:52.860 both wanting us to give ourselves to them, 00:07:53.519 --> 00:07:56.519 both presenting as the best way to live. 00:07:58.459 --> 00:08:01.459 There's two fundamental paths we can take in every decision, 00:08:01.620 --> 00:08:03.560 two women we can embrace. 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:06.060 Whether we're male or female, 00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:07.319 reading Proverbs, 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:12.139 we take the position of a young man trying to work out their way in life. 00:08:12.139 --> 00:08:15.399 We've got two women we can listen to and embrace. 00:08:15.759 --> 00:08:17.659 Both want our heart's affections. 00:08:19.159 --> 00:08:22.479 Both want to be our intimate companion through life. 00:08:25.139 --> 00:08:28.240 As Marty helpfully explained to the kids, 00:08:28.919 --> 00:08:31.639 it's lady folly and woman wisdom. 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:33.419 At every turn, 00:08:33.419 --> 00:08:35.419 we can choose whether to fear the Lord 00:08:35.419 --> 00:08:38.659 or to be a fool and turn away from him. 00:08:42.039 --> 00:08:45.759 Now, I think sometimes I'm a bit dull. 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:49.740 When we use the term foolishness and wisdom, 00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:52.279 they just seem like abstract terms in my mind. 00:08:53.299 --> 00:08:54.039 What's actually, 00:08:55.039 --> 00:08:55.980 what's the choice? 00:08:55.980 --> 00:09:02.060 How would the original hearers in Israel from Solomon's day onwards, 00:09:02.159 --> 00:09:04.300 how would they have heard this choice? 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:07.120 I think it'll help if we just pause and consider that 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:09.320 so that we understand what choice we're making. 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:14.740 I think a clue here is that both ladies are crying out 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:19.580 from the high places where God's temple or idols were worshipped. 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:22.660 And more broadly than that, 00:09:23.060 --> 00:09:24.500 one results in destruction, 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:26.800 the other results in life and blessing. 00:09:27.060 --> 00:09:28.080 To a Jewish person, 00:09:28.160 --> 00:09:30.060 they would be thinking of Deuteronomy, 00:09:30.660 --> 00:09:34.379 whether they are in covenant faithfulness with Yahweh 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:37.759 or choosing to worship idols. 00:09:38.259 --> 00:09:40.320 In their case, Baal, 00:09:40.900 --> 00:09:43.680 who offered fertility and life and blessing. 00:09:46.220 --> 00:09:48.720 So the personification of these two women 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:52.300 really means the choice isn't an abstract one. 00:09:52.379 --> 00:09:53.560 It's not just an ethical one. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.519 It's a relationship. 00:09:55.080 --> 00:09:56.759 Who are we going to give ourselves to? 00:09:57.300 --> 00:09:58.840 Yahweh or Baal? 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:01.460 For the original audience. 00:10:01.860 --> 00:10:03.399 Who do we think is going to give us life? 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:04.899 Whose love is best? 00:10:05.420 --> 00:10:07.120 Who's going to enrich our life? 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:10.779 Are we going to be faithful to Yahweh 00:10:10.779 --> 00:10:14.560 or are we going to commit spiritual adultery with idols? 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:21.759 Now, I've never been tempted to worship Baal. 00:10:21.899 --> 00:10:23.119 I doubt any of you have. 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:27.500 But idols just have different faces today, don't they? 00:10:29.219 --> 00:10:31.219 If you take any created thing 00:10:31.219 --> 00:10:33.539 and you make it an ultimate thing, 00:10:33.599 --> 00:10:36.319 you must have this thing to live. 00:10:37.619 --> 00:10:38.599 You've made an idol. 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:41.040 I'm not sure who said it, 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:44.720 but someone described killing idols as like whack-a-mole. 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:47.480 You hit one and like two others pop up 00:10:47.480 --> 00:10:50.300 and we're just idol factories. 00:10:50.440 --> 00:10:52.240 I can't remember who described it though. 00:10:52.480 --> 00:10:53.159 Calvin maybe. 00:10:55.060 --> 00:10:55.800 I don't know. 00:10:55.899 --> 00:10:57.080 Marty, you could tell me. 00:10:57.259 --> 00:10:57.759 Yeah, Calvin. 00:10:57.899 --> 00:10:58.019 Okay. 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:01.240 Our hearts are idol factories, 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:03.840 taking a created thing and making it, 00:11:04.060 --> 00:11:05.980 I must have this to have life. 00:11:05.980 --> 00:11:11.539 So whether that's food or power, success, 00:11:11.899 --> 00:11:16.019 marriage, money, popularity, anything really. 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:19.639 At every turn, we're going to choose 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:21.879 between embracing the Lord and his ways 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:23.240 and what idols offer us. 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:26.680 We're on the search for love. 00:11:27.139 --> 00:11:28.300 Whose love is best? 00:11:30.039 --> 00:11:31.560 The Lord's or idols? 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:33.460 Who's going to love us? 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:38.639 Who do we think is going to give us the best life? 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:40.139 Who's going to enrich our life? 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:43.600 Whoever we think is, we're going to embrace them. 00:11:44.720 --> 00:11:48.139 And we're making that choice all the time. 00:11:50.519 --> 00:11:53.440 So in chapter 7, we've been warned 00:11:53.440 --> 00:11:56.840 of the deceptive, seductive dangers of idols. 00:11:57.400 --> 00:11:59.560 Now in chapter 8, we've got the positive side 00:11:59.560 --> 00:12:00.019 of the argument. 00:12:00.019 --> 00:12:02.740 We've got this grand display of all the reasons 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:04.759 why we should choose God's voice, 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:06.079 his wisdom, his ways. 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:10.039 Just before we get into it, 00:12:10.699 --> 00:12:12.819 it struck me like, 00:12:12.919 --> 00:12:14.319 why do we need nine chapters 00:12:14.319 --> 00:12:16.179 to convince us to choose wisdom? 00:12:18.960 --> 00:12:20.840 Like, why don't we just jump into chapter 10 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:25.120 and get all the wisdom about life? 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:28.519 Surely I want to be wise. 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:30.440 Am I ignorant? 00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:33.039 Am I slow to learn? 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:35.659 Am I forgetful? 00:12:36.940 --> 00:12:39.659 Or worse still, am I already convinced 00:12:39.659 --> 00:12:41.320 that foolishness is better, 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:42.779 that idols are better? 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:45.560 I reckon it's all the above in my case. 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:48.840 We need to be convinced 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:51.919 that God's word is best. 00:12:51.919 --> 00:12:53.399 And the paradox is, 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:56.699 you're only on the path to God's wisdom 00:12:56.699 --> 00:12:59.399 when you first admit that you're a fool, 00:13:00.339 --> 00:13:03.259 that we're already in love with idols. 00:13:04.279 --> 00:13:05.659 We need to be convinced. 00:13:05.779 --> 00:13:07.000 And that's what chapter 8 is about. 00:13:07.120 --> 00:13:07.939 It's showing us, 00:13:08.059 --> 00:13:09.979 look how beautiful wisdom is. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:13.659 Look how much God's ways enrich your life. 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:16.319 So let's jump into it. 00:13:16.699 --> 00:13:18.899 Here's why we should embrace woman wisdom. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:20.459 Here's what she offers you. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:22.420 Do you want to be a good person? 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:24.900 I don't think I've met anyone 00:13:24.900 --> 00:13:26.639 who doesn't want to be a good person. 00:13:28.180 --> 00:13:29.360 Do you want to be a good person? 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:32.420 Do you want to live a successful life? 00:13:35.320 --> 00:13:36.280 Do you want to be rich? 00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:40.800 Do you want to live in harmony 00:13:40.800 --> 00:13:42.240 with how the world works, 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:44.080 in tune with the meaning of life? 00:13:46.519 --> 00:13:48.360 Do you want a long and satisfying life? 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.360 Do you want to live in harmony with the truth? 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:52.139 That's what she offers us. 00:13:53.160 --> 00:13:54.820 So let's take a look at these things. 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:58.440 Verses 1 to 5, if you have a look there. 00:13:59.540 --> 00:14:04.100 The first great truth about God's wisdom 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:08.820 is that even though I'm a fool, 00:14:09.920 --> 00:14:13.820 the gracious news is that woman wisdom is pursuing me. 00:14:13.820 --> 00:14:22.300 it's it doesn't start with me pursuing God it starts with God pursuing me 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:26.860 if you look at those verses she is everywhere you go 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:33.400 in your daily life in Newcastle she is everywhere at every turn even in the shower 00:14:33.400 --> 00:14:39.520 along the roads on your way to work on the way home common places public places she's not silent 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:46.039 foolishness is loud but she is calling out she's crying out at every turn and she's crying out to 00:14:46.039 --> 00:14:52.519 every person verse 4 to you oh men I call and my cry is to the children of man even gullible and 00:14:52.519 --> 00:14:59.939 simple-minded ignorant wayward people verse 5 she's calling out to us she's calling out she wants us 00:14:59.939 --> 00:15:06.139 no one needs to remain a fool she's there with us all the time 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:15.460 so both in ancient times with ancient philosophy and I think in modern day too with intellectuals 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:19.720 of the world like Stephen Hawking sometimes they can claim like they've got the monopoly on 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:28.939 what life is about but wisdom is available to all God is saying in these verses whether educated or 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:36.019 not whether you're a brain on legs or not like God's wisdom wants to be found God wisdom is 00:15:36.019 --> 00:15:43.299 available to all of us in fact consider who the Lord reveals the way of eternal life to in Matthew 00:15:43.299 --> 00:15:51.079 11 25 Jesus prays this I thank you father Lord of heaven and earth that you've hidden these things 00:15:51.079 --> 00:15:57.299 so eternal life from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children yes father for 00:15:57.299 --> 00:16:06.519 such was your gracious will wisdom is pursuing you she's available everywhere you go all day 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:15.699 you don't have to be wise and learn it you have to be a child and listen that's how you become wise 00:16:15.700 --> 00:16:23.540 it's by a personal relationship with the Lord not by intellect that you find her 00:16:23.540 --> 00:16:34.680 and because wisdom is pursuing you here's the guarantee in verse 17 those who seek me diligently find me 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:40.120 if you want her you will find her 00:16:40.120 --> 00:16:46.859 you won't miss out she wants to be found 00:16:46.859 --> 00:16:58.439 and if you want the company of truth in your life if you want the company of what is good and right 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:04.519 if you want to be prudent if you want discretion in making your choices 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:12.980 if you want to stay away from pride and arrogance twisted speech all that's evil 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:19.200 then one wisdom can introduce you to these things she is the way to be a good person 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:26.500 now I don't know about you but sometimes the righteous thing to do is just not obvious I find 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:31.740 some things are obvious other times it's really hard to work it out 00:17:31.740 --> 00:17:42.000 there seems to be an emphasis in these verses on words and just reflecting on my own words like 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:48.480 knowing my own motives is really tricky like am I saying this thing to be honest or to gossip 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:56.480 to provide relevant information or to try and defend myself 00:17:56.480 --> 00:18:02.599 am I saying this to give helpful advice or because I just need to be needed 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:14.120 wisdom helps us navigate these motives in our hearts helps us be wise in understanding them 00:18:14.120 --> 00:18:18.079 we need her to do that we need to listen to her to do that 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:30.519 and we've got we've got to decide where the character and virtue is more valuable than what money can offer 00:18:30.519 --> 00:18:38.599 she claims in verse 11 all that you may desire cannot compare with her 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:53.519 we can become virtuous by her we just need to listen to her so she is the way to be a good person and 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:59.939 the flip side is even though she's better than all that you can desire including riches 00:18:59.940 --> 00:19:03.580 she then is the key to success in riches 00:19:03.580 --> 00:19:14.500 verse 14 to 21 wisdom isn't just head knowledge it's it's really practical it's how to live well 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:19.440 we need her counsel to make the right plan we need 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:26.940 sound judgment to be resourceful we need her power her boldness to actually carry out the plan 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:32.519 for it to be successful if you don't have those things your plans will just flop 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:36.840 let me give you an example of a plan flopping 00:19:36.840 --> 00:19:43.320 the other day when leaving the house very simple activity I thought I'm going to leave the house 00:19:43.320 --> 00:19:46.360 I'm going to lock the door when I return I'll open the door and enter 00:19:46.360 --> 00:19:52.100 that did not happen I looked at the bunch of keys it had my car key had a bunch of keys 00:19:52.099 --> 00:19:57.899 okay I've got the house key I'll leave I come back home and my purple house key isn't on the ring 00:19:57.899 --> 00:20:05.319 I couldn't get in I've forgotten and I've given that purple key to a visitor the previous week 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:10.679 now that is a very simple situation in life but I need wisdom for my plans to be successful 00:20:10.679 --> 00:20:14.179 we need wisdom every step of the way 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:22.860 success depends entirely on her any success in our life is due to her 00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:33.400 so the connection to riches becomes obvious then if if she's the key to success then that's gonna result 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:41.539 give results in financial terms that's gonna bring wealth so I think you see it in the salvation army 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:48.960 movement um in England when it started up they just focused on serving the poor and giving them the gospel 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:54.879 here's the thing though the gospel turn these people into like reliable hard-working diligent people who 00:20:54.879 --> 00:21:04.680 then became middle class it actually resulted in well-being she is the key to success and and riches 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:14.380 and the same applies to leadership kings and princes whether they recognize it as god's wisdom or not 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:17.580 if they have any success it's because of her it's because of her 00:21:17.580 --> 00:21:25.240 but even for them it's not the main goal isn't the wealth 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:30.640 we need to get our head around this the main goal isn't the wealth 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:40.800 kings and princes don't need wisdom for their own personal advantage they need it to execute justice 00:21:40.800 --> 00:21:48.259 to bring out peace in society that's the real riches they need it for 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:56.980 the key here is verse 19 my fruit is better than gold 00:21:56.980 --> 00:22:06.279 so the results I give you is better than money better than fine gold my yield than choice silver 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:14.740 so Tim Keller to kind of help help me understand this hopefully the way I say it can help you 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:21.400 success although wisdom brings about success success isn't what a wise person is aiming for 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:30.560 primarily they hope to get success but it's not the primary goal so success whether relationally or 00:22:30.560 --> 00:22:39.240 financially is just a byproduct a wise person seeks something more than riches this better fruit 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:46.200 so what is that I think verse 35 clarifies it for us life and favor from the lord 00:22:46.200 --> 00:22:53.600 so a wise person doesn't do something because it will succeed but because it's right and loving 00:22:53.600 --> 00:23:02.940 towards god so think of it relationally confessing your sin in in a broken relationship is the good 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:10.240 way to restore a relationship and you desire for that to happen but you can't success isn't the 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:15.319 primary motivation you hope success happens that the relationship is restored but that's not the 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:20.319 primary motive the primary motive in confessing your sin is it's right and it pleases the lord 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:28.420 trying to gauge if that makes sense or not if I've muddied the waters I'm not sure 00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:36.059 god's ways usually produce results but the results isn't what we're aiming for 00:23:36.059 --> 00:23:41.980 we're doing it because it's right and it pleases the lord we receive favor from the lord 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:50.659 and there's a very good reason why doing what is right and loving towards god works in life and that 00:23:50.659 --> 00:23:58.079 and that brings us to verses 22 to 31 it's because woman wisdom is the architect of all that exists 00:23:58.079 --> 00:24:03.500 she made it all she designed it 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:10.519 as we read these verses it is really critical to remember we're reading poetry here 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:17.460 it's not saying that there's this personal entity outside of god that that's existed before the world 00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:26.059 that god consulted to make the world this is poetry it's this woman wisdom is god's mind 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:28.259 intrinsic to his eternal being 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:34.839 so woman wisdom made the world 00:24:34.839 --> 00:24:43.139 before we read these verses do you know what one of the key features is that makes a person's face 00:24:43.139 --> 00:24:46.859 beautiful now I learned this on four corners I'm not just making this up 00:24:46.859 --> 00:24:54.619 one of the key features I was surprised to learn this it's symmetry 00:24:54.619 --> 00:25:01.799 it's not like big eyes or whatever it's symmetry the left and right being in order 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:04.579 sorry if you've got a bent nose 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:07.839 probably don't play rugby 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:14.079 it's when things are in order that things are beautiful that we delight in them 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:15.919 so 00:25:15.919 --> 00:25:21.059 a stone wall is more beautiful than just a pile of those same stones 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:22.759 or 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:25.359 a garden looks beautiful when 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:28.639 the weeds are gone and it's trimmed not when it's wild 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:31.079 when things are in order that's when 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:33.399 we delight in it that's when 00:25:33.399 --> 00:25:34.899 that's what we call beauty 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:40.700 order makes something beautiful something to delight in 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:52.440 I think that'll help us understand these verses the picture in these verses recalls Genesis 1 when God created order out of chaos creating the world 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:56.320 let me read some of the verses 00:25:56.320 --> 00:26:02.540 ages ago I was set up at the first before the beginning of the earth when there was no depths I was brought forth 00:26:02.539 --> 00:26:05.099 before the mountains had been shaped 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:08.240 when he established the heavens I was there 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:10.700 when he assigned to the sea its limit 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:13.359 so that the waters might not transgress his command 00:26:13.359 --> 00:26:15.680 when he marked out the foundations of the earth 00:26:15.680 --> 00:26:18.599 then I was beside him like a master workman 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:20.980 and I was daily his delight 00:26:20.980 --> 00:26:22.500 rejoicing before him always 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:24.619 rejoicing in his inhabited world 00:26:24.619 --> 00:26:27.039 and delighting in the children of man 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:30.859 wisdom wasn't just 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:36.699 there observing she was the agency through which everything came about including you and me 00:26:36.699 --> 00:26:38.759 wisdom was God's architect 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:40.599 God looked at wisdom and said 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:43.019 you are absolutely necessary 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.939 indispensable 00:26:43.939 --> 00:26:47.359 for ordering all things making things beautiful 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:49.000 to delight in 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:52.779 there's no speck of our life 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:54.759 no aspect of our life 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:57.279 that wasn't made by God's wisdom 00:26:57.279 --> 00:27:03.220 now here's the implication for us 00:27:03.220 --> 00:27:06.119 to live in harmony with the way the world works 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:09.019 we need to listen to the architect who made it 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:15.279 how do we listen to the architect? 00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:19.399 well graciously the architect has spoken to us 00:27:19.399 --> 00:27:22.220 the rest of the book of Proverbs 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:25.420 all of God's words to us 00:27:25.420 --> 00:27:29.559 and most fully that word comes to us in the word of the gospel 00:27:29.559 --> 00:27:34.480 when Jesus the embodiment of wisdom arrives 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:41.000 Tim Keller therefore calls the Bible 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:43.200 since it's the word of our creator 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:45.019 our soul's owner's manual 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.279 I really like that 00:27:46.279 --> 00:27:48.279 the problem is none of us read manuals anymore 00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:50.839 our soul's owner's manual 00:27:50.839 --> 00:27:54.660 so I'm going to tweak it a bit 00:27:54.660 --> 00:27:57.339 and call it our soul's YouTube tutorials 00:27:57.339 --> 00:28:00.599 I did watch one the other day 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:01.619 to tie a Windsor knot 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:04.720 that's where I go to 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:06.139 to work out life 00:28:06.139 --> 00:28:11.099 I'm not sure if I should be suggesting that or not 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:14.680 so the question is 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:16.920 do you treat the architect's words 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:19.200 as the place you go to 00:28:19.200 --> 00:28:21.940 to work out how to live well 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:25.120 or do you listen to Jordan Peterson 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:31.259 now I want to make a nuance point here 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:33.279 you can listen to Jordan Peterson 00:28:33.279 --> 00:28:35.539 if a non-Christian 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:37.120 looks at the world 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:38.340 and studies it 00:28:38.340 --> 00:28:39.640 and knows how it works 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:41.500 they've discovered God's wisdom 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.940 they just don't acknowledge that 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:45.100 so you can listen to non-Christians 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:47.779 my point is 00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:49.619 where is your primary 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:51.799 primary source of authority in life 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:53.819 do you treat God's words 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:55.199 as a place you go to 00:28:55.199 --> 00:28:56.259 to work out how to live 00:28:56.259 --> 00:29:02.219 why wouldn't we 00:29:02.219 --> 00:29:03.339 we'd be a fool not to 00:29:03.339 --> 00:29:03.839 wouldn't we 00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:07.000 this is the architect 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:07.599 telling us 00:29:07.599 --> 00:29:08.779 this is what life 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:09.740 this is how it works 00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:11.199 this will make it 00:29:11.199 --> 00:29:12.379 ordered and beautiful 00:29:12.379 --> 00:29:14.240 you'll delight in it 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:18.380 to listen to woman wisdom 00:29:18.380 --> 00:29:19.920 is to live in harmony 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:21.460 with how the world was designed 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:27.480 that raised a question in my mind 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.839 maybe it has for you as well 00:29:28.839 --> 00:29:30.120 if that's the case 00:29:30.120 --> 00:29:31.400 why doesn't it feel like 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:32.160 God's ways 00:29:32.160 --> 00:29:33.440 are best 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:35.200 so often it just doesn't 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:36.960 feel like it's the best way 00:29:36.960 --> 00:29:40.400 like acquiring possessions 00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:41.579 feels more valuable 00:29:41.579 --> 00:29:42.180 than giving 00:29:42.180 --> 00:29:44.900 or leisure 00:29:44.900 --> 00:29:45.840 is more enjoyable 00:29:45.840 --> 00:29:46.720 than serving 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:48.759 or retaliation 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.900 feels more satisfying 00:29:49.900 --> 00:29:51.120 than turning the other cheek 00:29:51.120 --> 00:29:54.060 or demanding our rights 00:29:54.060 --> 00:29:54.980 feels more just 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:56.019 than laying them down 00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:56.799 and letting them go 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:58.779 or gossip 00:29:58.779 --> 00:29:59.720 is more exciting 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:00.640 than self-control 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:03.460 why is that the case 00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:08.880 without going into 00:30:08.880 --> 00:30:09.720 each of these things 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:11.380 and looking at the real cost 00:30:11.380 --> 00:30:12.480 of choosing these 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:13.079 options 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:15.600 I think the opening chapters 00:30:15.600 --> 00:30:16.500 of Proverbs gives us 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.039 a few answers 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:17.420 first 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:19.240 foolishness doesn't come 00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:19.819 to us saying 00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:21.059 hey I'm foolishness 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:21.740 choose me 00:30:21.740 --> 00:30:23.279 it comes to us saying 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.960 here's a better wisdom 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:26.700 here's the best way 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:27.100 to live 00:30:27.100 --> 00:30:28.340 it's a counterfeit 00:30:28.340 --> 00:30:29.220 it's a false 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:30.279 way to live 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:32.779 it pretends to be wisdom 00:30:32.779 --> 00:30:33.299 in a sense 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:36.500 that's why we need 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:37.119 to be warned 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.200 don't be seduced 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:38.700 by her 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:41.859 don't choose her path 00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:43.420 it just leads 00:30:43.420 --> 00:30:44.059 to destruction 00:30:44.059 --> 00:30:49.399 so we need discernment 00:30:49.399 --> 00:30:49.839 to listen 00:30:49.839 --> 00:30:50.680 and work out 00:30:50.680 --> 00:30:52.039 which is really wise 00:30:52.039 --> 00:30:52.859 and I think 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:53.639 the second reason 00:30:53.639 --> 00:30:54.180 is 00:30:54.180 --> 00:30:56.519 since Adam 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.539 believes Satan's 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.539 deception in the garden 00:30:58.539 --> 00:31:00.519 by nature 00:31:00.519 --> 00:31:02.660 we're prone 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.720 to believing 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.680 that same lie 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:08.240 we already 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:09.400 are in love 00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:11.500 with Lady Folly 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:14.940 so 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:16.460 if we can't even 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.980 recognise foolishness 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:18.779 when we see it 00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:19.759 and we actually 00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:20.579 desire it 00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.680 more than true wisdom 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:23.519 a lot of the time 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.099 what hope 00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:24.619 have we got 00:31:24.619 --> 00:31:28.700 it would be a bad place 00:31:28.700 --> 00:31:29.379 to end the sermon 00:31:29.380 --> 00:31:32.000 the hope is 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:32.920 woman wisdom 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:34.120 is pursuing us 00:31:34.120 --> 00:31:36.820 she's calling out 00:31:36.820 --> 00:31:37.380 to us 00:31:37.380 --> 00:31:41.640 and she's offering 00:31:41.640 --> 00:31:42.460 us something better 00:31:42.460 --> 00:31:43.520 we need to see 00:31:43.520 --> 00:31:44.060 that she 00:31:44.060 --> 00:31:45.340 she offers us 00:31:45.340 --> 00:31:45.940 something better 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:47.840 doing something 00:31:47.840 --> 00:31:49.100 just out of duty 00:31:49.100 --> 00:31:49.780 will work 00:31:49.780 --> 00:31:50.380 for a moment 00:31:50.380 --> 00:31:51.140 but really 00:31:51.140 --> 00:31:51.880 if you want to 00:31:51.880 --> 00:31:53.080 live in God's ways 00:31:53.080 --> 00:31:54.120 we need to be convinced 00:31:54.120 --> 00:31:55.000 that God's ways 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:56.280 are good 00:31:56.279 --> 00:31:59.740 in the last few verses 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:01.680 summarise what 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:02.519 she's offering us 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:03.079 ultimately 00:32:03.079 --> 00:32:06.039 let's hear her words 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:07.500 oh my sons 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:10.700 my sons 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:13.859 she's not some stranger 00:32:13.859 --> 00:32:17.500 she's no adulteress 00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:18.379 like Lady Folly 00:32:18.379 --> 00:32:19.220 who offers us 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:20.599 excitement in the moment 00:32:20.599 --> 00:32:21.259 but who really 00:32:21.259 --> 00:32:22.079 is just wanting us 00:32:22.079 --> 00:32:22.539 to die 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:25.379 oh my sons 00:32:25.380 --> 00:32:27.020 she can call us 00:32:27.020 --> 00:32:27.240 that 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:27.900 because she's 00:32:27.900 --> 00:32:28.440 the architect 00:32:28.440 --> 00:32:29.280 who made us 00:32:29.280 --> 00:32:32.580 the love she offers 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:33.680 isn't just the thrill 00:32:33.680 --> 00:32:34.880 of a one night stand 00:32:34.880 --> 00:32:36.440 the love she offers us 00:32:36.440 --> 00:32:37.900 is the steadfast 00:32:37.900 --> 00:32:38.520 care 00:32:38.520 --> 00:32:39.260 and affection 00:32:39.260 --> 00:32:40.040 of a mother 00:32:40.040 --> 00:32:42.400 who only wants 00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:42.900 our good 00:32:42.900 --> 00:32:44.000 all the time 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:48.600 she offers us love 00:32:48.600 --> 00:32:49.080 but I think 00:32:49.080 --> 00:32:50.180 it's a different kind 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:55.440 here's what she says 00:32:55.440 --> 00:32:56.299 verse 35 00:32:56.299 --> 00:32:57.420 whoever finds me 00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:58.960 finds life 00:32:58.960 --> 00:33:01.100 and obtains 00:33:01.100 --> 00:33:02.400 favour from the Lord 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:04.500 but he who fails 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.120 to find me 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:06.320 injures himself 00:33:06.320 --> 00:33:08.460 all who hate me 00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:09.720 love death 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:12.900 to be in relationship 00:33:12.900 --> 00:33:14.200 with woman wisdom 00:33:14.200 --> 00:33:15.560 results in favour 00:33:15.560 --> 00:33:16.140 from the Lord 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:17.100 it's to receive 00:33:17.100 --> 00:33:18.220 the love of God 00:33:18.220 --> 00:33:19.480 it's to be in relationship 00:33:19.480 --> 00:33:20.079 with God 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:21.599 it's to be in harmony 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:23.440 not just with how the world works 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:24.440 but to be in harmony 00:33:24.440 --> 00:33:25.380 with our maker 00:33:25.380 --> 00:33:27.240 knowing his love for us 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:28.759 his approval of us 00:33:28.759 --> 00:33:31.160 his delight in us 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:35.980 so what does it look like 00:33:35.980 --> 00:33:38.079 to respond to woman wisdom 00:33:38.079 --> 00:33:38.500 what does it 00:33:38.500 --> 00:33:39.860 what does it actually look like 00:33:39.860 --> 00:33:42.360 we need to find her 00:33:42.360 --> 00:33:45.339 searching diligently 00:33:45.339 --> 00:33:46.819 diligently for her 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:48.419 with a guarantee 00:33:48.419 --> 00:33:48.899 remember 00:33:48.899 --> 00:33:49.539 that if we do 00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:50.399 we will find her 00:33:50.399 --> 00:33:51.279 she wants to be found 00:33:51.279 --> 00:33:52.079 she's available 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:54.579 she's everywhere we turn 00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:58.019 and this looks like listening 00:33:58.019 --> 00:34:01.240 daily watching at her house 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:02.859 always waiting beside her doors 00:34:02.859 --> 00:34:04.200 constantly 00:34:04.200 --> 00:34:04.919 diligently 00:34:04.919 --> 00:34:05.839 looking for her 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:06.919 but what does that mean 00:34:06.919 --> 00:34:07.379 practically 00:34:07.379 --> 00:34:12.279 it really will be 00:34:12.279 --> 00:34:13.779 seen in how we treat 00:34:13.779 --> 00:34:15.059 God's words 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:18.279 do we 00:34:18.279 --> 00:34:20.039 look at the rest 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:20.880 of the book of Proverbs 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:22.440 the rest of God's words 00:34:22.440 --> 00:34:22.779 to us 00:34:22.779 --> 00:34:23.739 our maker's words 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:24.179 to us 00:34:24.179 --> 00:34:25.779 and treat them 00:34:25.779 --> 00:34:26.259 as 00:34:26.259 --> 00:34:28.460 the guide to life 00:34:28.460 --> 00:34:29.940 the way to live best 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:33.019 do we listen 00:34:33.019 --> 00:34:33.599 to Proverbs 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:35.320 when it tells us 00:34:35.320 --> 00:34:36.940 how to use our words 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:38.599 how to work 00:34:38.599 --> 00:34:39.679 faithfully 00:34:39.679 --> 00:34:41.320 how to treat those 00:34:41.320 --> 00:34:41.860 in authority 00:34:41.860 --> 00:34:42.500 over you 00:34:42.500 --> 00:34:44.460 how to treat your parents 00:34:44.460 --> 00:34:45.940 and your spouse 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:46.500 and children 00:34:46.500 --> 00:34:47.159 and so on 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:48.360 are we listening 00:34:48.360 --> 00:34:49.820 as a church 00:34:49.820 --> 00:34:50.519 are we listening 00:34:50.519 --> 00:34:51.380 to God's words 00:34:51.380 --> 00:34:52.599 individually 00:34:52.599 --> 00:34:53.460 in our families 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:56.420 and not just Proverbs 00:34:56.420 --> 00:34:58.260 the book of Proverbs 00:34:58.260 --> 00:35:00.739 we're going to read 00:35:00.739 --> 00:35:01.420 the whole manual 00:35:01.420 --> 00:35:02.300 we're going to watch 00:35:02.300 --> 00:35:03.880 all the YouTube tutorials 00:35:03.880 --> 00:35:06.519 and these tutorials 00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:08.099 point to one direction 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:09.599 not the band 00:35:09.599 --> 00:35:11.719 in one solution 00:35:11.719 --> 00:35:15.079 the one example 00:35:15.079 --> 00:35:15.639 to follow 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:17.219 and not just 00:35:17.219 --> 00:35:17.819 the example 00:35:17.819 --> 00:35:18.679 otherwise it's down 00:35:18.679 --> 00:35:19.440 to our own effort 00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.119 but the one 00:35:20.119 --> 00:35:20.960 saviour 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:21.880 the one solution 00:35:21.880 --> 00:35:23.039 who is our wisdom 00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:23.900 who gives us 00:35:23.900 --> 00:35:24.480 his wisdom 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:25.719 who lives that 00:35:25.719 --> 00:35:26.480 perfect life 00:35:26.480 --> 00:35:26.920 of wisdom 00:35:26.920 --> 00:35:27.900 on our behalf 00:35:27.900 --> 00:35:28.920 so that we have 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:29.839 the favour of God 00:35:29.839 --> 00:35:31.679 Colossians 2-3 00:35:31.679 --> 00:35:32.000 says 00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:32.860 in Christ 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:33.300 are hidden 00:35:33.300 --> 00:35:34.380 all the treasures 00:35:34.380 --> 00:35:34.880 of wisdom 00:35:34.880 --> 00:35:35.360 and knowledge 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:37.039 he is our wisdom 00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:41.559 life is complicated 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.219 but Christ 00:35:42.219 --> 00:35:43.280 is pursuing us 00:35:43.280 --> 00:35:44.320 through his word 00:35:44.320 --> 00:35:45.500 if only we would 00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:45.940 listen 00:35:45.940 --> 00:35:47.980 to how he says 00:35:47.980 --> 00:35:48.900 life is best 00:35:48.900 --> 00:35:49.440 lived 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:53.780 because he is 00:35:53.780 --> 00:35:54.000 the embodiment 00:35:54.539 --> 00:35:55.539 of God's wisdom 00:35:55.539 --> 00:35:56.239 his word 00:35:56.239 --> 00:35:57.539 woman wisdom's words 00:35:57.539 --> 00:35:58.000 become 00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:59.420 Christ's words 00:35:59.420 --> 00:35:59.880 to us 00:35:59.880 --> 00:36:03.200 whoever finds 00:36:03.200 --> 00:36:03.500 me 00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.700 finds life 00:36:04.700 --> 00:36:07.000 and obtains 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:07.700 favour from the 00:36:07.700 --> 00:36:07.920 Lord 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:10.099 but he who 00:36:10.099 --> 00:36:10.900 fails to find 00:36:10.900 --> 00:36:11.539 me injures 00:36:11.539 --> 00:36:12.180 himself 00:36:12.180 --> 00:36:13.920 all who hate 00:36:13.920 --> 00:36:14.340 me love 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:14.680 death 00:36:14.680 --> 00:36:18.119 will you pray 00:36:18.119 --> 00:36:18.500 with me 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:21.260 Lord Jesus 00:36:21.260 --> 00:36:21.980 I just pray 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:22.740 for us as a 00:36:22.740 --> 00:36:23.140 church 00:36:23.140 --> 00:36:24.440 and individually 00:36:24.440 --> 00:36:25.920 that you would 00:36:25.920 --> 00:36:26.720 continue to 00:36:26.720 --> 00:36:27.780 reveal to us 00:36:27.780 --> 00:36:30.860 as we 00:36:30.860 --> 00:36:31.680 take on the 00:36:31.680 --> 00:36:32.300 posture of 00:36:32.300 --> 00:36:32.980 little children 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.260 may you 00:36:34.260 --> 00:36:35.300 continually reveal 00:36:35.300 --> 00:36:36.000 to us that 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:36.519 you 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:38.420 are good 00:36:38.420 --> 00:36:40.340 that your 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:41.060 ways bring 00:36:41.060 --> 00:36:41.519 life 00:36:41.519 --> 00:36:44.160 in Jesus name 00:36:44.160 --> 00:36:44.620 Amen