WEBVTT 00:00:00.980 --> 00:00:05.360 Proverbs chapter 18, verses 1 to 21. 00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:12.040 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire. 00:00:12.900 --> 00:00:15.160 He breaks out against all sound judgment. 00:00:16.399 --> 00:00:18.839 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, 00:00:19.339 --> 00:00:21.379 but only in expressing his opinion. 00:00:22.460 --> 00:00:25.620 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, 00:00:26.140 --> 00:00:28.300 and with dishonor comes disgrace. 00:00:28.300 --> 00:00:32.039 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters. 00:00:32.820 --> 00:00:35.259 The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 00:00:36.039 --> 00:00:38.659 It is not good to be partial to the wicked 00:00:38.659 --> 00:00:41.780 or to deprive the righteous of justice. 00:00:43.219 --> 00:00:45.420 A fool's lips walk into a fight, 00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:47.960 and his mouth invites a beating. 00:00:49.219 --> 00:00:51.219 A fool's mouth is his ruin, 00:00:51.640 --> 00:00:54.000 and his lips are a snare to his soul. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:58.759 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels. 00:00:59.480 --> 00:01:01.920 They go down into the inner parts of the body. 00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:06.659 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 00:01:07.819 --> 00:01:10.620 The name of the Lord is a strong tower. 00:01:11.519 --> 00:01:14.299 The righteous man runs into it and is safe. 00:01:15.379 --> 00:01:17.960 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, 00:01:17.959 --> 00:01:21.239 and like a high wall in his imagination. 00:01:22.679 --> 00:01:25.599 Before destruction, a man's heart is haughty, 00:01:26.019 --> 00:01:28.139 but humility comes before honor. 00:01:29.579 --> 00:01:32.139 If one gives an answer before he hears, 00:01:32.280 --> 00:01:33.559 it is his folly and shame. 00:01:35.039 --> 00:01:37.339 A man's spirit will endure sickness, 00:01:37.699 --> 00:01:39.780 but a crushed spirit, who can bear? 00:01:39.780 --> 00:01:43.359 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, 00:01:43.879 --> 00:01:46.340 and the year of the wise seeks knowledge. 00:01:47.239 --> 00:01:49.519 A man's gift makes room for him 00:01:49.519 --> 00:01:51.060 and brings him before the great. 00:01:51.939 --> 00:01:54.920 The one who states his case first seems right 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:57.819 until the other comes and examines him. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:00.879 The lot puts an end to quarrels 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:03.659 and decides between powerful contenders. 00:02:04.879 --> 00:02:08.800 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, 00:02:08.800 --> 00:02:11.820 and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 00:02:12.939 --> 00:02:15.120 From the fruit of a man's mouth, 00:02:15.580 --> 00:02:16.880 his stomach is satisfied. 00:02:17.420 --> 00:02:19.980 He is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 00:02:21.260 --> 00:02:24.460 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, 00:02:25.160 --> 00:02:27.620 and those who love it will eat its fruits. 00:02:28.400 --> 00:02:30.740 This is God's holy and authoritative word. 00:02:31.760 --> 00:02:34.060 The previous chapter we looked at last week 00:02:34.060 --> 00:02:37.080 closed with the commendation of a cool spirit 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:38.440 and closed lips, 00:02:38.600 --> 00:02:42.020 representing self-control and restrained speech. 00:02:42.820 --> 00:02:45.260 And that chapter taught us that such restraint 00:02:45.260 --> 00:02:48.200 and self-control come from knowledge 00:02:48.200 --> 00:02:50.000 and understanding of God, 00:02:50.860 --> 00:02:52.780 that it begins with the fear of the Lord. 00:02:53.560 --> 00:02:55.580 So chapter 18 is continuing that theme, 00:02:55.640 --> 00:02:57.340 and it teaches us that the Lord 00:02:57.340 --> 00:02:59.160 lifts up the humble listener, 00:02:59.720 --> 00:03:01.920 but brings down the prideful talker. 00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:05.019 So first we're going to look at the prideful talker 00:03:05.019 --> 00:03:06.139 in verses 1 to 9, 00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:08.939 and then the humble listener in verses 10 to 21. 00:03:10.199 --> 00:03:12.679 Verses 1 to 2 give us an introductory portrait 00:03:12.679 --> 00:03:14.159 of this prideful talker. 00:03:14.279 --> 00:03:14.500 It says, 00:03:14.779 --> 00:03:16.019 Whoever isolates himself, 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:17.719 seeks his own desire, 00:03:18.259 --> 00:03:20.879 he breaks out against all sound judgment. 00:03:21.859 --> 00:03:24.000 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, 00:03:24.339 --> 00:03:26.599 but only in expressing his opinion. 00:03:27.319 --> 00:03:29.079 So first it tells us that the fool 00:03:29.080 --> 00:03:30.340 isolates himself. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:31.040 Why? 00:03:32.260 --> 00:03:36.060 Because he seeks his own desire, it says. 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:39.100 When you are in a community with other people, 00:03:40.040 --> 00:03:42.100 you can't get everything you want. 00:03:42.780 --> 00:03:45.460 You can't have everything your way. 00:03:46.260 --> 00:03:49.420 So the person who seeks his own desire 00:03:49.420 --> 00:03:50.780 isolates himself. 00:03:51.380 --> 00:03:52.420 And in doing so, 00:03:52.420 --> 00:03:54.560 he breaks out against all sound judgment. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:55.620 It says, 00:03:55.800 --> 00:03:56.660 Such a person is a fool 00:03:56.660 --> 00:03:58.180 who takes no pleasure in understanding, 00:03:58.180 --> 00:04:00.040 but only in expressing his own opinion. 00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:02.280 Because he has removed himself 00:04:02.280 --> 00:04:03.219 from the accountability 00:04:03.219 --> 00:04:05.800 and correction of other people. 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:10.120 There's a survey entitled 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:11.700 The State of Theology, 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:13.420 I think it was some years ago now, 00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:15.439 that was conducted by Ligonier Ministries 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:16.480 and Lifeway Research. 00:04:17.199 --> 00:04:19.340 It polled Christians throughout the country 00:04:19.340 --> 00:04:21.980 on their views on various theological issues, 00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:23.879 asking whether or not they agree, 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:24.519 disagree, 00:04:24.519 --> 00:04:27.180 or are unsure about 47 statements 00:04:27.180 --> 00:04:28.339 of religious belief. 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:30.979 The survey found that 00:04:30.979 --> 00:04:35.079 an alarming percentage of professing Christians 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:38.459 held many unbiblical theological positions. 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:41.379 But it found that Christians 00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:44.719 who attend church once a month or more 00:04:44.719 --> 00:04:48.519 were the most likely of any demographic group surveyed 00:04:48.519 --> 00:04:51.419 to provide biblical responses 00:04:51.419 --> 00:04:52.379 to the questions. 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:55.180 In other words, 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:57.099 when you isolate yourself, 00:04:57.779 --> 00:04:59.079 when you remove yourself 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:00.060 from the church community, 00:05:00.659 --> 00:05:03.079 you're more likely to hold heretical beliefs. 00:05:04.379 --> 00:05:06.539 This is true in other areas as well. 00:05:07.259 --> 00:05:09.199 Alan Jacobs is an English professor 00:05:09.199 --> 00:05:10.139 in Baylor University 00:05:10.139 --> 00:05:11.579 and a celebrated cultural critic. 00:05:11.659 --> 00:05:12.620 He writes for The Atlantic, 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:13.740 The New Atlantis, 00:05:14.199 --> 00:05:14.859 First Things, 00:05:15.039 --> 00:05:16.919 a lot of articles you can find from him 00:05:16.920 --> 00:05:17.759 in those publications. 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:19.120 A few years ago, 00:05:19.160 --> 00:05:20.240 he wrote a book entitled 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:21.340 How to Think, 00:05:21.740 --> 00:05:24.480 A Survival Guide for a World at Odds. 00:05:25.140 --> 00:05:25.939 And in the book, 00:05:26.180 --> 00:05:28.840 he writes that all of us, 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:29.200 quote, 00:05:29.300 --> 00:05:31.660 all of us at various times in our lives 00:05:31.660 --> 00:05:34.240 believe true things for poor reasons 00:05:34.240 --> 00:05:36.340 and false things for good reasons. 00:05:36.980 --> 00:05:38.819 And that whatever we think we know, 00:05:39.360 --> 00:05:40.840 whether we're right or wrong, 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:43.060 arises from our interactions 00:05:43.060 --> 00:05:45.060 with other human beings. 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:47.480 thinking independently, 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:49.639 solitarily, 00:05:50.280 --> 00:05:51.600 for ourselves 00:05:51.600 --> 00:05:53.480 is not an option. 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:55.100 End quote. 00:05:56.060 --> 00:05:57.819 He's articulating the truth 00:05:57.819 --> 00:06:00.680 of Proverbs 18, verses 1 to 2. 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:02.300 Thinking for oneself 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:03.899 is an illusion. 00:06:05.819 --> 00:06:08.399 We should give up such futile endeavors 00:06:08.399 --> 00:06:12.060 and instead engage with people 00:06:12.060 --> 00:06:14.280 and groups that challenge 00:06:14.280 --> 00:06:15.620 our prideful desire 00:06:15.620 --> 00:06:17.420 to have all of our opinions validated. 00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:20.519 Whoever isolates himself 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:22.459 seeks his own desire. 00:06:22.959 --> 00:06:25.720 He breaks out against all sound judgment. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:28.600 The fool is preoccupied solely 00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:29.879 with expressing his opinion 00:06:29.879 --> 00:06:30.720 and for that reason, 00:06:30.779 --> 00:06:32.100 he doesn't take the time to listen 00:06:32.100 --> 00:06:33.759 and therefore is incapable 00:06:33.759 --> 00:06:36.180 of reevaluating his opinions. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:38.680 And that person takes no pleasure 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:39.379 in understanding. 00:06:39.379 --> 00:06:40.699 He has a closed mind 00:06:40.699 --> 00:06:42.120 but an open mouth. 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:46.519 Words like lip, mouth, tongue 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:47.659 are repeated eight times 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:48.300 in this passage 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:49.540 indicating the main theme 00:06:49.540 --> 00:06:51.219 of this passage. 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:53.579 And in verses 1 to 3 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:55.279 depict a downward spiral 00:06:55.279 --> 00:06:56.639 of this sinful pride. 00:06:56.779 --> 00:06:58.199 First, it begins with isolation 00:06:58.199 --> 00:06:59.719 that leads to ignorance, 00:07:00.279 --> 00:07:02.500 which then leads to wickedness 00:07:02.500 --> 00:07:04.199 and dishonorable deeds, 00:07:04.560 --> 00:07:06.480 which then leads to contempt 00:07:06.480 --> 00:07:07.819 and disgrace. 00:07:07.819 --> 00:07:10.500 This chain reaction of sin 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.699 begins with pride, 00:07:11.980 --> 00:07:14.399 but it ends in humiliation 00:07:14.399 --> 00:07:17.000 because the Lord lifts up 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:17.839 the humble listener 00:07:17.839 --> 00:07:19.379 but brings down 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:21.199 the prideful talker. 00:07:22.259 --> 00:07:23.819 Then verses 4 to 8 00:07:23.819 --> 00:07:25.500 tell us more specifically 00:07:25.500 --> 00:07:26.980 what kind of talk 00:07:26.980 --> 00:07:28.680 this prideful talker engages in. 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:30.319 And this subunit 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:32.480 is enclosed by verse 4 and verse 8, 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:33.360 which both begin 00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:34.079 with the phrase, 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:35.100 the words of. 00:07:35.560 --> 00:07:36.240 Verse 4 says, 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:38.139 the words of a man's mouth 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:39.439 are deep waters. 00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:41.379 The fountain of wisdom 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:43.120 is a bubbling brook. 00:07:43.840 --> 00:07:45.259 It's not immediately clear 00:07:45.259 --> 00:07:45.800 what it means 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:47.400 that the words of a man's mouth 00:07:47.400 --> 00:07:48.360 are deep waters. 00:07:49.079 --> 00:07:50.420 Is deep waters a good thing? 00:07:51.180 --> 00:07:52.680 Is it like something deep, 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:54.180 profound, and wise? 00:07:54.660 --> 00:07:55.620 Or is it a bad thing? 00:07:56.439 --> 00:07:57.639 So all the references 00:07:57.639 --> 00:07:59.480 to a person's mouth or lip 00:07:59.480 --> 00:08:00.960 or words in this subsection 00:08:00.960 --> 00:08:01.600 are negative, 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:03.560 which suggests that the words 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.519 of a man's mouth 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:06.360 might be being contrasted 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:07.660 from the fountain of wisdom, 00:08:07.800 --> 00:08:08.699 which is a bubbling brook. 00:08:09.720 --> 00:08:11.780 The metaphor of deep waters 00:08:11.780 --> 00:08:13.100 does not represent 00:08:13.100 --> 00:08:16.600 profundity, depth, wisdom, 00:08:16.780 --> 00:08:18.079 but rather it represents 00:08:18.079 --> 00:08:19.500 inaccessibility. 00:08:20.560 --> 00:08:22.680 We know this from a similar verse 00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:24.000 in Proverbs chapter 20, 00:08:24.199 --> 00:08:24.879 verse 5, 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:25.300 which says, 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:26.899 the purpose in a man's heart 00:08:26.899 --> 00:08:28.600 is like deep water, 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:30.540 but a man of understanding 00:08:30.540 --> 00:08:31.819 will draw it out. 00:08:31.819 --> 00:08:34.620 So the purpose in a man's heart 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:35.779 is like deep water, 00:08:35.860 --> 00:08:37.840 meaning it's hard to discern. 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:39.559 It's out of reach. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:41.840 The expression deep water 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:42.840 is used poetically 00:08:42.840 --> 00:08:43.519 throughout Scripture 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:44.559 to represent something 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:45.419 that is mysterious 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:47.259 and or ominous. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:48.480 For example, 00:08:48.679 --> 00:08:50.319 Psalm 69, 14 says, 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:51.659 deliver me from sinking 00:08:51.659 --> 00:08:52.240 in the mire. 00:08:52.620 --> 00:08:53.399 Let me be delivered 00:08:53.399 --> 00:08:54.200 from my enemies 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:55.759 and from the deep waters. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:08:57.559 With this in mind, 00:08:57.679 --> 00:08:59.179 verse 4 likely means 00:08:59.179 --> 00:09:00.720 that the words of a man's mouth 00:09:00.720 --> 00:09:02.639 are concealing in their nature 00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.500 and therefore mysterious 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:05.879 and even ominous. 00:09:06.660 --> 00:09:07.620 In contrast, 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:09.340 the fountain of wisdom 00:09:09.340 --> 00:09:10.840 is a bubbling brook. 00:09:11.639 --> 00:09:13.019 The words of the wise 00:09:13.019 --> 00:09:13.820 are often called 00:09:13.820 --> 00:09:14.899 a fountain of life 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:15.620 throughout Proverbs. 00:09:15.779 --> 00:09:17.440 It is like a bubbling brook 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:19.060 or a rushing stream. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:21.040 It's not hiding something, 00:09:21.340 --> 00:09:22.560 but it's out in the open. 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:24.899 It's not mysterious and ominous, 00:09:25.040 --> 00:09:26.180 rather it's transparent 00:09:26.180 --> 00:09:27.320 and clear. 00:09:27.320 --> 00:09:29.300 And interpreted in this way, 00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:31.200 Proverbs 18, 4 is very similar 00:09:31.200 --> 00:09:32.900 to Proverbs 10, verse 11, 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:33.720 which says, 00:09:33.800 --> 00:09:35.100 The mouth of the righteous 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:36.520 is a fountain of life, 00:09:36.820 --> 00:09:38.200 but the mouth of the wicked 00:09:38.200 --> 00:09:39.900 conceals violence. 00:09:41.040 --> 00:09:42.660 The words of the wise 00:09:42.660 --> 00:09:44.340 are an inexhaustible source 00:09:44.340 --> 00:09:45.740 of life-giving wisdom, 00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:47.600 but the words of the fool 00:09:47.600 --> 00:09:48.720 are inaccessible, 00:09:49.400 --> 00:09:50.879 mysterious, and ominous. 00:09:50.980 --> 00:09:52.840 It has hidden intentions. 00:09:54.060 --> 00:09:55.080 Along the same line, 00:09:55.160 --> 00:09:55.820 verse 5 says, 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:57.379 It is not good to be partial 00:09:57.379 --> 00:09:58.000 to the wicked 00:09:58.000 --> 00:09:59.600 or to deprive the righteous 00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:00.300 of justice. 00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:02.360 Whoever is a judge in court 00:10:02.360 --> 00:10:03.960 should not let the words 00:10:03.960 --> 00:10:05.720 of his mouth be like deep water, 00:10:06.200 --> 00:10:07.440 concealing his true intentions 00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:08.620 and showing partiality 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:09.140 to the wicked. 00:10:09.500 --> 00:10:10.820 Instead, he should let his words 00:10:10.820 --> 00:10:12.220 be true and transparent 00:10:12.220 --> 00:10:14.340 like the flowing stream 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:16.480 and give the righteous justice. 00:10:17.640 --> 00:10:19.580 And then, verse 6 and 7 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:21.140 tell us about the rashness 00:10:21.140 --> 00:10:22.160 and quarrelsomeness 00:10:22.160 --> 00:10:23.040 of the fool's speech. 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:26.099 A fool's lips walk into a fight 00:10:26.099 --> 00:10:28.360 and his mouth invites a beating. 00:10:29.099 --> 00:10:30.699 A fool's mouth is his ruin 00:10:30.699 --> 00:10:32.079 and his lips are a snare 00:10:32.079 --> 00:10:32.799 to his soul. 00:10:33.360 --> 00:10:34.779 So verse 6 and verse 7, 00:10:34.860 --> 00:10:35.759 they mirror each other. 00:10:36.199 --> 00:10:37.419 Verse 6 begins by saying 00:10:37.419 --> 00:10:38.360 that a fool's lips 00:10:38.360 --> 00:10:40.079 get him entangled in fights. 00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:41.539 And then verse 8 ends 00:10:41.539 --> 00:10:42.939 by saying that a fool's lip 00:10:42.939 --> 00:10:44.639 ensnares his soul. 00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:46.039 And in the middle, 00:10:46.179 --> 00:10:47.240 it repeats the idea 00:10:47.240 --> 00:10:48.199 that the fool's mouth 00:10:48.199 --> 00:10:49.959 brings him beating and ruin. 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:52.259 Proverbs repeatedly speaks 00:10:52.259 --> 00:10:53.840 of how the wise person 00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:55.560 avoids unnecessary conflict 00:10:55.560 --> 00:10:57.519 and seeks to resolve conflict 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:58.480 as soon as possible. 00:10:59.200 --> 00:10:59.600 For example, 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:01.340 Proverbs chapter 17, 14, 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:02.360 we looked at last week, 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:02.840 warned us, 00:11:02.940 --> 00:11:03.960 The beginning of strife 00:11:03.960 --> 00:11:05.360 is like the letting out water, 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:07.600 so quit before the quarrel 00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:08.320 breaks out. 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:10.100 The fool, however, 00:11:10.420 --> 00:11:12.080 walks headlong into quarrels. 00:11:12.560 --> 00:11:14.080 He is incapable of speaking 00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:16.060 graciously and prudently, 00:11:16.059 --> 00:11:18.339 and his own words 00:11:18.339 --> 00:11:19.439 with which he intends 00:11:19.439 --> 00:11:21.059 to inflict damage on others 00:11:21.059 --> 00:11:23.019 actually ends up inflicting 00:11:23.019 --> 00:11:24.019 the severest damage 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:24.779 on himself. 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:26.719 The word soul 00:11:26.719 --> 00:11:28.019 represents his life. 00:11:29.159 --> 00:11:30.500 So it's escalating 00:11:30.500 --> 00:11:31.239 the consequence 00:11:31.239 --> 00:11:32.799 of the fool's quarrelsome speech. 00:11:32.899 --> 00:11:33.639 It goes from a beating 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:35.119 to death. 00:11:36.579 --> 00:11:38.199 So the fool's speech 00:11:38.199 --> 00:11:39.559 is not only concealed, 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:40.419 covert, 00:11:40.779 --> 00:11:42.639 it's not only quarrelsome, 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:44.439 but it's also idle. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:46.640 He engages in idle speech, 00:11:46.800 --> 00:11:47.660 gossip and slander. 00:11:47.760 --> 00:11:48.520 He says in verse 8, 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:50.000 The words of a whisperer 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:51.360 are like delicious morsels. 00:11:51.520 --> 00:11:52.060 They go down 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:53.060 into the inner parts 00:11:53.060 --> 00:11:53.580 of the body. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:55.840 Just as dinner guests 00:11:55.840 --> 00:11:58.340 devour a delicious meal 00:11:58.340 --> 00:11:59.260 that is served to them, 00:11:59.780 --> 00:12:01.840 the words of a whisperer 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:03.140 get greedily consumed 00:12:03.140 --> 00:12:04.620 like delicious morsels. 00:12:05.540 --> 00:12:06.500 And like poison 00:12:06.500 --> 00:12:07.320 that spreads 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:08.320 throughout the entire body, 00:12:08.400 --> 00:12:09.060 they go down 00:12:09.060 --> 00:12:10.200 into the inner parts 00:12:10.200 --> 00:12:10.960 of the body. 00:12:11.780 --> 00:12:13.240 This proverb highlights 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:14.100 the insidious, 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:15.300 danger of gossip. 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:17.600 The quarrelsome speech 00:12:17.600 --> 00:12:18.300 of the fool 00:12:18.300 --> 00:12:20.200 antagonizes the hearer, 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.720 but idle speech 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:23.740 it lures the hearer in 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:25.460 and makes them partake 00:12:25.460 --> 00:12:26.540 in the sin of gossip. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:30.379 But just as contaminated food 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:32.240 causes food poisoning, 00:12:33.320 --> 00:12:35.080 gossip goes down 00:12:35.080 --> 00:12:36.300 into the inner parts 00:12:36.300 --> 00:12:36.840 of the body 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:38.840 and poisons our mind, 00:12:38.980 --> 00:12:39.519 our thoughts, 00:12:39.600 --> 00:12:40.300 our attitudes 00:12:40.300 --> 00:12:41.460 toward others. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:43.820 So whether it's 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:45.000 concealed speech, 00:12:45.200 --> 00:12:45.720 controversial, 00:12:45.920 --> 00:12:46.800 quarrelsome speech, 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:48.460 the fool's speech 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:49.300 has the effect 00:12:49.300 --> 00:12:49.940 of dividing 00:12:49.940 --> 00:12:50.920 and destroying 00:12:50.920 --> 00:12:52.040 the community 00:12:52.040 --> 00:12:52.680 he is in. 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:54.740 And then, 00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:56.180 in verse 9, 00:12:56.280 --> 00:12:56.920 Solomon throws in 00:12:56.920 --> 00:12:57.759 one more category 00:12:57.759 --> 00:12:58.639 of the foolish talker 00:12:58.639 --> 00:12:59.639 who destroys his community. 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:01.080 Whoever is slack 00:13:01.080 --> 00:13:01.860 in his work 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:02.960 is a brother to him 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:03.740 who destroys. 00:13:04.960 --> 00:13:05.940 The slacker 00:13:05.940 --> 00:13:06.500 is connected 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:07.700 to the idle talker 00:13:07.700 --> 00:13:08.379 because if you're 00:13:08.379 --> 00:13:09.259 busy talking, 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:10.559 you're not busy working. 00:13:11.439 --> 00:13:12.639 Proverbs chapter 14, 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:13.480 23, 24 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:15.100 made this explicit connection. 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.439 In all toil 00:13:16.439 --> 00:13:17.379 there is profit, 00:13:17.939 --> 00:13:19.080 but mere talk 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:20.580 tends only to poverty. 00:13:21.460 --> 00:13:22.220 The slacker, 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:23.960 like the unjust judge, 00:13:24.200 --> 00:13:25.139 like the quarreller, 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:26.120 like the gossip, 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:28.100 destroys both himself 00:13:28.100 --> 00:13:29.120 and his community. 00:13:29.460 --> 00:13:30.600 And that's the first section 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:31.200 dealing with 00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:32.259 the prideful talker. 00:13:33.500 --> 00:13:34.360 Now, as a contrast 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.860 to this grim portrait, 00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:36.899 let's look at 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.620 the humble listener 00:13:37.620 --> 00:13:38.840 in verses 20 to 21. 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:40.580 Who, instead of trusting 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:41.519 in his own mouth, 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:43.379 trusts in the Lord 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:44.759 and listens to his word. 00:13:45.620 --> 00:13:47.240 It says in verse 10 and 11, 00:13:47.740 --> 00:13:48.740 The name of the Lord 00:13:48.740 --> 00:13:50.019 is a strong tower. 00:13:50.679 --> 00:13:51.659 The righteous man 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:52.700 runs into it 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:53.580 and is safe. 00:13:54.200 --> 00:13:55.379 A rich man's wealth 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:56.659 is a strong city 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:58.360 and like a high wall 00:13:58.360 --> 00:13:59.799 in his imagination. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:02.200 The two verses 00:14:02.200 --> 00:14:03.659 form a memorable contrast. 00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.679 The righteous man 00:14:04.679 --> 00:14:06.039 runs to the name 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:06.580 of the Lord, 00:14:06.580 --> 00:14:08.900 which is a strong tower 00:14:08.900 --> 00:14:09.320 for him 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:10.160 and keeps him safe. 00:14:10.960 --> 00:14:12.360 Now, this doesn't mean, 00:14:12.560 --> 00:14:12.840 you know, 00:14:12.940 --> 00:14:14.220 superstitiously invoking 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.180 God's name 00:14:15.180 --> 00:14:16.420 for some kind 00:14:16.420 --> 00:14:17.480 of magical protection. 00:14:18.300 --> 00:14:19.940 The name of someone 00:14:19.940 --> 00:14:20.759 represents 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:21.820 the identity 00:14:21.820 --> 00:14:22.639 and character 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:23.379 of that person. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:24.639 And to trust 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.660 in the name of the Lord 00:14:25.660 --> 00:14:27.500 is to trust in Him, 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:28.740 to believe 00:14:28.740 --> 00:14:30.240 in what He has said, 00:14:30.640 --> 00:14:32.020 to trust and rely 00:14:32.020 --> 00:14:33.320 on what He has promised. 00:14:33.320 --> 00:14:35.180 And this imagery 00:14:35.180 --> 00:14:36.840 of a defensive fortification 00:14:36.840 --> 00:14:38.460 is particularly appropriate 00:14:38.460 --> 00:14:39.960 after verse 9, 00:14:40.060 --> 00:14:40.600 which spoke of 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:41.720 the foolish talker 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:42.660 with a brother 00:14:42.660 --> 00:14:44.100 to him who destroys. 00:14:45.040 --> 00:14:46.120 When injustice, 00:14:46.820 --> 00:14:47.379 quarrels, 00:14:47.680 --> 00:14:48.040 gossip, 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:49.360 and slander 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:51.379 seek to destroy him, 00:14:52.300 --> 00:14:53.580 the righteous person 00:14:53.580 --> 00:14:54.960 runs to the Lord 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:56.540 for defense 00:14:56.540 --> 00:14:58.240 and vindication, 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:00.560 trusting that God's 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:01.500 righteous judgment 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.660 will prevail. 00:15:03.320 --> 00:15:05.620 That's what God's 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:06.580 calling us to do. 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:08.920 I'm sure you've all been 00:15:08.920 --> 00:15:11.060 subjects 00:15:11.060 --> 00:15:13.040 of a malicious gossip 00:15:13.040 --> 00:15:14.760 or slander. 00:15:17.580 --> 00:15:19.740 Been part of arguments, 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:20.460 quarrels, 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:22.340 victims of injustice. 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:24.900 You can run to God 00:15:24.900 --> 00:15:26.560 for protection 00:15:26.560 --> 00:15:27.460 because His promises, 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:28.460 His word is true. 00:15:29.640 --> 00:15:31.380 In a striking contrast, 00:15:31.379 --> 00:15:33.659 a rich man's wealth 00:15:33.659 --> 00:15:35.000 is his strong city 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.879 and like a high wall 00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:38.580 in his imagination. 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:43.120 It's quite the dig. 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:45.960 The rich man thinks 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.799 that his wealth 00:15:47.799 --> 00:15:48.740 will protect him 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:49.360 from destruction 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:49.840 and get him 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.399 out of trouble. 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:51.960 But this is ultimately 00:15:51.960 --> 00:15:53.200 an illusion, 00:15:53.879 --> 00:15:54.500 a figment 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:55.700 of his imagination. 00:15:56.460 --> 00:15:57.200 In the end, 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:58.120 the rich man 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:58.799 will die 00:15:58.799 --> 00:15:59.459 and face 00:15:59.459 --> 00:16:01.039 God's impartial judgment 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:03.399 like every other man. 00:16:04.159 --> 00:16:05.159 And this is ironic. 00:16:06.339 --> 00:16:07.199 The rich man's 00:16:07.199 --> 00:16:08.240 visible wealth 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:10.779 is but an imaginary defense, 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:13.379 but the righteous man's 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:15.099 invisible Lord 00:16:15.099 --> 00:16:17.159 is a real 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:18.979 stalwart defense. 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:21.399 brothers and sisters, 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.240 rich people 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:24.320 might hire bodyguards, 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:27.180 flee dangerous situations 00:16:27.180 --> 00:16:28.220 in private jets, 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:30.139 pay for world-class 00:16:30.139 --> 00:16:31.100 medical treatment 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:31.960 and access, 00:16:32.560 --> 00:16:33.379 pay for access 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.159 to vaccines 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:35.399 that are not available 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:36.300 to common folk. 00:16:36.580 --> 00:16:37.539 They might build 00:16:37.539 --> 00:16:38.700 walled mansions 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:39.879 with security cameras, 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:41.539 hire the best lawyers 00:16:41.539 --> 00:16:43.039 to protect their reputation 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:44.960 and destroy other people's, 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:46.659 but don't ever think 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:48.179 that they have it 00:16:48.179 --> 00:16:49.000 better than you do. 00:16:51.219 --> 00:16:53.000 That they are more protected 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:54.299 than you are 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:55.539 because that is not true. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.919 The fortification 00:16:58.919 --> 00:17:00.079 that they buy 00:17:00.079 --> 00:17:00.879 with their wealth 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:02.559 is only imaginary. 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:05.000 But the Lord our God 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:05.980 is a real, 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:08.359 invincible fortress. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.799 If we run to him, 00:17:10.899 --> 00:17:12.059 he will deliver us. 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:13.759 If we are faithful to him, 00:17:13.879 --> 00:17:14.899 his justice 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:16.519 will vindicate us 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:17.460 in the end. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:19.560 So we have nothing to fear. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:21.820 Those who trust in God 00:17:21.820 --> 00:17:22.660 are not the ones 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.500 who will be destroyed 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.120 in the end. 00:17:25.640 --> 00:17:26.780 As verse 12 says, 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:28.019 before destruction, 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.660 a man's heart is haughty, 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.180 but humility comes 00:17:31.180 --> 00:17:31.860 before honor. 00:17:32.340 --> 00:17:33.360 It's the haughty, 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.160 those who elevate themselves 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:35.860 before God, 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:36.980 the prideful talker, 00:17:37.300 --> 00:17:38.540 the self-sufficient rich, 00:17:38.880 --> 00:17:40.120 those who trust in themselves 00:17:40.120 --> 00:17:41.180 and not in God, 00:17:41.180 --> 00:17:42.800 they will be destroyed 00:17:42.800 --> 00:17:44.360 because God exalts 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:45.659 those who humble themselves 00:17:45.659 --> 00:17:46.819 and humbles those 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:47.939 who exalt themselves. 00:17:49.079 --> 00:17:50.339 The Lord lifts up 00:17:50.339 --> 00:17:51.099 the humble listener 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:52.039 but brings down 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:53.079 the prideful talker. 00:17:54.479 --> 00:17:55.959 In the preceding verses, 00:17:56.139 --> 00:17:57.019 words like mouth, 00:17:57.199 --> 00:17:58.119 lip, tongue, 00:17:58.379 --> 00:17:58.659 you know, 00:17:58.839 --> 00:17:59.579 they predominated 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.579 but highlighted 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:01.459 the folly of the talker. 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:01.979 But here, 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:02.859 in the following verses, 00:18:03.019 --> 00:18:05.039 we see words like hear 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:06.359 and ear 00:18:06.359 --> 00:18:08.000 and the concept 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:08.619 of listening 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:09.959 and learning predominate. 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:12.579 It says in verses 13 to 15, 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:13.879 if one gives an answer 00:18:13.879 --> 00:18:14.899 before he hears, 00:18:15.439 --> 00:18:16.720 it is his folly and shame. 00:18:17.439 --> 00:18:18.339 A man's spirit 00:18:18.339 --> 00:18:19.639 will endure sickness, 00:18:19.919 --> 00:18:20.919 but a crushed spirit 00:18:20.919 --> 00:18:21.500 who can bear. 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:23.740 An intelligent heart 00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:25.059 acquires knowledge 00:18:25.059 --> 00:18:26.579 and the ear of the wise 00:18:26.579 --> 00:18:27.720 seeks knowledge. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:29.839 Because, 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:31.099 as we saw in verse 2, 00:18:31.179 --> 00:18:32.220 a fool takes no pleasure 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:32.779 in understanding 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.559 but only in expressing 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:34.259 his own opinion, 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:35.819 he also tends 00:18:35.819 --> 00:18:36.759 to give an answer 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:38.240 before he hears. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:40.559 He jumps to conclusions, 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:42.419 presumes to know 00:18:42.419 --> 00:18:44.359 other people's thoughts, 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.440 what they are talking about 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:47.679 before really hearing them out, 00:18:48.419 --> 00:18:49.940 considering their points of view. 00:18:51.379 --> 00:18:53.200 They prematurely form judgments 00:18:53.200 --> 00:18:54.799 and in doing so, 00:18:54.899 --> 00:18:56.019 they expose themselves 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:56.859 to be a fool, 00:18:57.419 --> 00:18:58.099 to be fools 00:18:58.099 --> 00:18:58.819 who bring shame 00:18:58.819 --> 00:18:59.500 upon themselves. 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:01.579 And the consequence 00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:02.419 of such folly, 00:19:02.519 --> 00:19:02.839 it says, 00:19:03.460 --> 00:19:04.899 is a crushed spirit. 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:06.519 Verse 14 says, 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:07.339 A man's spirit 00:19:07.339 --> 00:19:08.400 will endure sickness, 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:10.059 but a crushed spirit 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:11.099 who can bear. 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.619 Humanity has known 00:19:13.619 --> 00:19:14.660 for thousands of years 00:19:14.660 --> 00:19:15.879 that there is a relationship 00:19:15.879 --> 00:19:16.759 between the mind 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.259 and the body 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:19.519 and in one's health, 00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.259 overall health. 00:19:20.619 --> 00:19:21.359 But recently, 00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:22.139 there has been 00:19:22.139 --> 00:19:22.839 a recovery 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:24.379 of this neglected wisdom, 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:25.920 which was written 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:26.839 in the book of Proverbs 00:19:26.839 --> 00:19:28.779 nearly 3,000 years ago. 00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:31.180 In an article entitled, 00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:32.700 The Will to Live, 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:33.879 published by 00:19:33.879 --> 00:19:34.660 the Stanford Center 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.599 for Integrative Medicine, 00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:37.240 The Authors Ernest 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:38.539 and Isadora Rosenbaum 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:40.079 write about how sometimes 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:41.259 two patients 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:42.500 of similar ages 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:44.240 and same diagnosis, 00:19:44.699 --> 00:19:46.099 same degree of illness, 00:19:46.399 --> 00:19:48.039 and same treatment program 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:49.799 will nonetheless experience 00:19:49.799 --> 00:19:51.740 vastly different outcomes. 00:19:52.679 --> 00:19:53.399 And often, 00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:54.719 one of the few 00:19:54.719 --> 00:19:55.959 apparent differences 00:19:55.959 --> 00:19:57.699 is that one patient 00:19:57.699 --> 00:19:59.500 has a stronger will 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.859 to live than the other. 00:20:02.839 --> 00:20:03.919 They write about, 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:05.000 in that article, 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:06.220 the rise of the field 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:07.759 of psychoneuroimmunology, 00:20:08.559 --> 00:20:09.400 where researchers 00:20:09.400 --> 00:20:11.240 experiment with the effect 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.539 that mental and emotional 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:13.480 activity have 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.660 on physical well-being. 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:16.819 This is what verse 14 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.579 is talking about 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:19.500 already almost 3,000 years ago. 00:20:19.940 --> 00:20:21.940 A man with a robust spirit 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:24.059 can endure sickness, 00:20:25.059 --> 00:20:26.480 but there is no hope 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.720 for a crushed spirit. 00:20:27.720 --> 00:20:28.720 spirit. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:30.120 The word spirit 00:20:30.120 --> 00:20:30.839 and heart 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.660 are often used 00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.420 interchangeably 00:20:32.420 --> 00:20:33.259 in poetic literature. 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:33.940 We can see this 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:34.960 in Proverbs 17, 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:35.600 verse 22. 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:37.240 A cheerful heart 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:38.500 is good medicine, 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:40.200 but a crushed spirit 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:41.240 dries up the bones. 00:20:42.279 --> 00:20:42.460 Now, 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.019 knowing this, 00:20:43.079 --> 00:20:44.400 we can make out 00:20:44.400 --> 00:20:45.400 what the connection is 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:46.279 between verse 13, 00:20:46.380 --> 00:20:46.660 14, 00:20:46.740 --> 00:20:47.279 and 15. 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.680 Because verse 15 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:48.980 says, 00:20:49.100 --> 00:20:50.460 an intelligent heart 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:52.039 acquires knowledge, 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.620 and the year of the wise 00:20:53.620 --> 00:20:54.620 seeks knowledge. 00:20:54.619 --> 00:20:55.959 So there's a connection 00:20:55.959 --> 00:20:57.779 between the intelligent heart, 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:59.319 the heart of understanding, 00:20:59.739 --> 00:21:00.699 and the spirit 00:21:00.699 --> 00:21:02.159 that endures its sickness. 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.899 The fool who answers 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:06.000 before he hears 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.279 has a crushed spirit, 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:09.039 but the person of understanding 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:10.659 who seeks God's knowledge, 00:21:10.979 --> 00:21:12.059 who is eager to learn, 00:21:12.179 --> 00:21:13.439 who has a strong spirit, 00:21:14.079 --> 00:21:15.239 he can endure sickness. 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:17.259 That's the paradox 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:18.119 that runs through 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:19.339 the entire book of Proverbs. 00:21:19.759 --> 00:21:21.679 The fool who has much to learn 00:21:21.679 --> 00:21:23.319 is impervious to learning. 00:21:23.319 --> 00:21:24.980 The sage, 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:25.839 on the other hand, 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.960 who has humbled himself 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:27.759 before God, 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.439 is open to learning, 00:21:29.799 --> 00:21:30.480 quick to hear. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:32.619 So the key then 00:21:32.619 --> 00:21:34.059 to a robust spirit 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:36.980 is a humble trust in God, 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:39.279 which produces joy, 00:21:40.099 --> 00:21:40.460 hope, 00:21:41.439 --> 00:21:41.960 thanksgiving, 00:21:42.700 --> 00:21:43.099 peace. 00:21:45.379 --> 00:21:46.779 The Lord lifts up 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:47.500 the humble listener, 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:48.519 but brings down 00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:49.419 the prideful talker. 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:51.460 Humble listening 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.000 is important 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:53.099 in the courtroom as well. 00:21:53.319 --> 00:21:54.359 Verse 16 says, 00:21:54.419 --> 00:21:55.319 A man's gift 00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:56.919 makes room for him 00:21:56.919 --> 00:21:58.119 and brings him 00:21:58.119 --> 00:21:59.079 before the great. 00:22:00.159 --> 00:22:01.359 What's in view here 00:22:01.359 --> 00:22:02.740 is a bribe. 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:05.200 As we saw in chapter 17, 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:05.899 verse 23, 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:07.099 a bribe grants 00:22:07.099 --> 00:22:07.659 the giver 00:22:07.659 --> 00:22:09.000 an audience 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.919 before judges 00:22:09.919 --> 00:22:10.700 and princes 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:11.859 so that he gets 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:12.899 the first hearing 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:14.059 and has an opportunity 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:15.139 to curry their favor. 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:17.039 A gift, 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:18.179 however, 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.179 should not be 00:22:19.179 --> 00:22:19.700 a prerequisite 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:20.740 for a fair hearing 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.500 in court. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.980 So verse 17 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.880 warns against that. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.779 The one who states 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:27.839 his case first 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.819 seems right 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:30.140 until the other 00:22:30.140 --> 00:22:31.960 comes and examines him. 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.740 This is why 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.279 a judge 00:22:34.279 --> 00:22:35.019 should never 00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:35.920 take bribes 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:37.140 or give priority 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:38.539 hearing to one party. 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:40.319 If you only hear 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:41.559 one side of the argument, 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:42.519 that side 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:43.339 always 00:22:43.339 --> 00:22:44.200 sounds right. 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:46.180 This is why 00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:46.700 in courts 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:47.620 we have the practice 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:49.200 of cross-examination. 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:50.819 People always 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:51.779 present themselves 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:53.500 in their own arguments 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:55.140 in the most favorable light. 00:22:55.559 --> 00:22:56.380 It's only when 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.680 they are cross-examined 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:59.680 that misrepresentations, 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:00.799 exaggerations, 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:02.019 and flat-out lies 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:02.799 are exposed. 00:23:03.840 --> 00:23:05.460 This is a helpful practice 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:06.559 outside of the courtroom 00:23:06.559 --> 00:23:07.000 as well. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.779 When you hear 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:09.380 an argument 00:23:09.380 --> 00:23:10.920 or an accusation 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:12.440 made by one side, 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:14.600 whether it's 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.680 among your family 00:23:15.680 --> 00:23:16.440 and friends 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:17.360 in your lives 00:23:17.360 --> 00:23:19.559 or whether it's 00:23:19.559 --> 00:23:20.980 in the news, 00:23:21.840 --> 00:23:23.880 make sure you listen 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:25.660 to the opposing side also. 00:23:27.140 --> 00:23:28.580 And make sure you give 00:23:28.580 --> 00:23:29.460 each side 00:23:29.460 --> 00:23:30.559 a fair hearing 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:32.340 instead of prejudging 00:23:32.340 --> 00:23:32.779 the case. 00:23:34.059 --> 00:23:35.180 Parents experience 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:35.900 this all the time. 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:38.340 They're not listening. 00:23:39.580 --> 00:23:41.059 One child comes up 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:41.900 and says, 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:44.960 she said this, 00:23:45.340 --> 00:23:46.320 did this to me. 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:53.200 And then, 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.720 you grab the other child 00:23:54.720 --> 00:23:55.440 and ask her, 00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:57.840 and then you learn 00:23:57.840 --> 00:23:58.700 very quickly 00:23:58.700 --> 00:24:00.519 that the first child 00:24:00.519 --> 00:24:01.720 didn't tell you 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:02.460 the full story. 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:08.360 Adults do the same thing. 00:24:08.360 --> 00:24:08.440 Okay. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:16.820 So we must remember 00:24:16.820 --> 00:24:17.420 that the one 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:18.460 who states his case 00:24:18.460 --> 00:24:20.380 first seems right 00:24:20.380 --> 00:24:22.400 until the other 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.820 comes and examines him. 00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:27.259 Verses 18 to 19 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.660 then look beyond this 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:29.820 to cases that may not 00:24:29.820 --> 00:24:30.420 be resolved 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.140 in the courtroom. 00:24:31.580 --> 00:24:32.420 And the two verses 00:24:32.420 --> 00:24:33.620 qualify one another. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.420 The lot puts an end 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:35.940 to quarrels 00:24:35.940 --> 00:24:36.519 and decides 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:37.920 between powerful contenders. 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.240 A brother offended 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.279 is more unyielding 00:24:40.279 --> 00:24:41.140 than a strong city, 00:24:41.140 --> 00:24:41.820 and quarreling 00:24:41.820 --> 00:24:42.700 is like the bars 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.300 of a castle. 00:24:45.120 --> 00:24:46.400 The quarrel, 00:24:46.520 --> 00:24:47.180 the word occurs 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:47.920 in both verses, 00:24:48.080 --> 00:24:48.620 is the topic 00:24:48.620 --> 00:24:49.560 of despair. 00:24:50.320 --> 00:24:51.100 And verse 18 00:24:51.100 --> 00:24:51.740 teaches us 00:24:51.740 --> 00:24:52.980 that in some situations 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:54.320 when there's a stalemate 00:24:54.320 --> 00:24:55.100 in a conflict 00:24:55.100 --> 00:24:56.180 and a satisfactory 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:56.840 resolution 00:24:56.840 --> 00:24:57.780 cannot be reached, 00:24:58.140 --> 00:24:58.759 a lot 00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:00.660 can end the quarrel. 00:25:01.520 --> 00:25:02.060 The lot 00:25:02.060 --> 00:25:03.340 because it is impartial. 00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.500 And as Proverbs 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.259 chapter 16 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.060 verse 33 00:25:06.060 --> 00:25:06.480 said, 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:06.900 the lot 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:07.420 is cast 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:08.099 into the lap, 00:25:08.380 --> 00:25:09.660 but it's every decision 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:11.099 is from the Lord. 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.440 So in submitting 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.460 to the lot, 00:25:13.599 --> 00:25:14.319 one learns 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.519 humility before God, 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:17.099 self-denial, 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:18.000 and faith. 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:19.720 But there is 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.480 one particular 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.339 type of quarrel 00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:22.279 that is especially 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.380 difficult to resolve. 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:25.160 And that is the case 00:25:25.160 --> 00:25:26.400 of an offended brother. 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:27.860 When an intimate 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:28.779 friend or brother 00:25:28.779 --> 00:25:29.460 is offended 00:25:29.460 --> 00:25:30.099 in a way 00:25:30.099 --> 00:25:31.160 that betrays 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:31.920 his confidence, 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.860 that brother 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.500 will be more 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.079 unyielding 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:36.240 than a strong city 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:37.359 and quarreling 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:37.980 will be like 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.759 the bars 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.539 of a castle. 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.619 And then 00:25:41.619 --> 00:25:42.900 verses 20 to 21 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:43.880 conclude this section 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:44.500 by returning 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.180 to the imagery 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:45.859 of the mouth 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:46.339 and lip. 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:46.880 It says, 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:47.680 from the fruit 00:25:47.680 --> 00:25:48.539 of a man's mouth 00:25:48.539 --> 00:25:49.019 his stomach 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.839 is satisfied. 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:50.960 He is satisfied 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.720 by the yield 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.619 of his lips. 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:54.779 Death and life 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.619 are in the power 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.220 of the tongue, 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.660 but those who love it 00:25:57.660 --> 00:25:58.819 will eat its fruit. 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:00.779 The book of Proverbs 00:26:00.779 --> 00:26:02.440 often depicts 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.559 one's words 00:26:03.559 --> 00:26:04.299 as something 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:05.960 that people eat, 00:26:06.839 --> 00:26:08.019 that can influence 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:08.440 people. 00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:09.619 And here, 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.379 Solomon takes 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:10.919 that imagery 00:26:10.919 --> 00:26:12.059 one step further 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:12.879 to make the point 00:26:12.879 --> 00:26:14.059 that we ourselves 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:16.139 also eat the fruit 00:26:16.139 --> 00:26:18.220 of what we say. 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:20.419 It's an intentionally 00:26:20.419 --> 00:26:21.659 paradoxical image. 00:26:22.240 --> 00:26:23.519 By what we dish out 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:24.000 to others 00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:24.799 in our words, 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:26.559 we will also be served. 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:27.440 We will eat 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:28.359 the consequence 00:26:28.359 --> 00:26:29.119 of our words. 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.079 We reap 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:31.799 what we sow 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:32.740 and we eat 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.619 what we speak. 00:26:34.419 --> 00:26:35.159 We will bear 00:26:35.159 --> 00:26:36.000 the consequences 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.819 and so that 00:26:36.819 --> 00:26:37.439 for that reason 00:26:37.439 --> 00:26:37.919 we should take 00:26:37.919 --> 00:26:38.679 all the more care 00:26:38.679 --> 00:26:39.739 in what we say. 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:41.299 As verse 21 says, 00:26:41.459 --> 00:26:42.500 death and life 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.219 are in the power 00:26:43.219 --> 00:26:43.759 of the tongue 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.979 and those who love it 00:26:44.979 --> 00:26:46.019 will eat its fruits. 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.119 The phrase 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:47.959 death and life 00:26:47.959 --> 00:26:49.359 is a rhetorical device 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:50.219 called the merism 00:26:50.219 --> 00:26:52.159 where the two extremes 00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:52.739 are mentioned 00:26:52.739 --> 00:26:53.799 in order to include 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:55.079 everything in between. 00:26:55.559 --> 00:26:56.259 So when you say 00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:57.379 both young and old 00:26:57.379 --> 00:26:58.459 are invited to the party, 00:26:59.159 --> 00:26:59.979 that means 00:26:59.979 --> 00:27:01.439 everyone is invited 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.279 of all ages, 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:03.380 not just old people 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:04.039 and young people. 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:05.740 So likewise here, 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:06.100 when it says 00:27:06.100 --> 00:27:07.000 death and life 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:07.500 are in the power 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.019 of the tongue, 00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:08.940 it means that 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:09.340 the tongue 00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:10.259 has the power 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:10.920 to kill 00:27:10.920 --> 00:27:12.140 or to save 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:13.160 and everything 00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:14.140 in between. 00:27:14.860 --> 00:27:15.400 It has the power 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.120 to affect 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:17.120 all the highs 00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:17.900 and lows 00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.680 of life. 00:27:19.840 --> 00:27:21.120 And those who love it 00:27:21.120 --> 00:27:22.700 will eat its fruits. 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:25.380 Those who love words, 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:27.059 those who love language, 00:27:27.240 --> 00:27:27.759 those who love 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.779 to use words, 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:30.119 they will eat the fruit 00:27:30.119 --> 00:27:31.160 of what they say 00:27:31.160 --> 00:27:32.279 whether it's toward life 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:33.559 or toward death. 00:27:34.639 --> 00:27:35.980 And there are words 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.660 that this Proverbs 18 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:39.119 is pointing to, 00:27:39.579 --> 00:27:40.879 words that we must 00:27:40.879 --> 00:27:42.220 above all things 00:27:42.220 --> 00:27:44.160 speak and eat. 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.240 The words that bring 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:48.720 blessing in this life 00:27:48.720 --> 00:27:49.339 and ultimately 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.799 eternal life 00:27:50.799 --> 00:27:52.119 and that word 00:27:52.119 --> 00:27:53.379 is God's word. 00:27:54.399 --> 00:27:55.460 Deuteronomy chapter 8 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:56.399 verses 1 to 3 00:27:56.399 --> 00:27:57.000 say this, 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.619 the whole commandment 00:27:58.619 --> 00:27:59.740 that I commanded today 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:01.759 you shall be careful to do 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:03.180 that you may live 00:28:03.180 --> 00:28:03.799 and multiply 00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:04.660 and go in 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.619 and possess the land 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:06.140 that the Lord 00:28:06.140 --> 00:28:06.960 swore to give 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:07.640 to your fathers. 00:28:08.119 --> 00:28:09.339 And you shall remember 00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:10.180 the whole way 00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:11.059 that the Lord your God 00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:11.539 has led you 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.319 these 40 years 00:28:12.319 --> 00:28:12.940 in the wilderness 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:14.579 that He might humble you, 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:15.259 testing you 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:16.079 to know what was 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:16.640 in your heart, 00:28:16.920 --> 00:28:17.640 whether you would 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.599 keep His commandments 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:19.160 or not. 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:20.940 And He humbled you 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:22.039 and let you hunger 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:23.619 and fed you with manna 00:28:23.619 --> 00:28:25.299 which you did not know 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:26.940 nor did your fathers know 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:29.400 that He might make you know 00:28:29.400 --> 00:28:32.960 that man does not live 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.080 by bread alone 00:28:34.080 --> 00:28:35.980 but man lives 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:37.580 by every word 00:28:37.580 --> 00:28:38.980 that comes from 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:40.460 the mouth of the Lord. 00:28:41.400 --> 00:28:42.620 God's people live 00:28:42.620 --> 00:28:44.200 not only by bread 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:46.039 but by the word of God. 00:28:46.940 --> 00:28:47.880 It's this word 00:28:47.880 --> 00:28:49.279 that prophet Jeremiah ate 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:50.120 and proclaimed. 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:51.400 He says in Jeremiah 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:53.000 chapter 15 verse 16, 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:54.740 your words were found 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:56.079 and I ate them 00:28:56.079 --> 00:28:58.039 and your words 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.400 became to me a joy 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:00.480 and the delight 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:01.240 of my heart 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.460 for I am called 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.180 by your name 00:29:03.180 --> 00:29:04.839 O Lord God of hosts. 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:06.900 And this word of God 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:08.000 that delighted 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:09.000 and gave life 00:29:09.000 --> 00:29:10.140 to the saints of old 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:11.319 is brought to 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.380 ultimate fulfillment 00:29:12.380 --> 00:29:13.640 in the person 00:29:13.640 --> 00:29:14.620 of Jesus Christ 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:16.539 who is called 00:29:16.539 --> 00:29:17.500 in John 1 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:19.299 the word of God 00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:20.339 made flesh. 00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:22.839 the word of God 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:23.619 become man 00:29:23.619 --> 00:29:25.399 and though we 00:29:25.399 --> 00:29:26.359 had pridefully 00:29:26.359 --> 00:29:27.639 rejected God's word 00:29:27.639 --> 00:29:29.359 and lived by our own mouth 00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:31.339 and by our own wills, 00:29:31.699 --> 00:29:32.919 Jesus emptied Himself. 00:29:33.459 --> 00:29:34.759 Jesus became a man. 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:35.699 He humbled Himself. 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:36.980 He became obedient 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.759 to death, 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:39.159 even death on a cross. 00:29:39.859 --> 00:29:41.519 And it's by His death 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:43.019 that He made satisfaction 00:29:43.019 --> 00:29:44.039 for our sins 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:45.960 and by His resurrection 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:47.220 that He gives us 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:48.299 abundant life 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:49.799 and life forevermore 00:29:49.799 --> 00:29:51.279 in the presence of God. 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:53.399 Brothers and sisters, 00:29:53.539 --> 00:29:54.980 we must listen 00:29:54.980 --> 00:29:55.980 to this word. 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:58.319 We must believe this word. 00:29:58.420 --> 00:30:00.299 We must speak this word. 00:30:00.379 --> 00:30:01.980 We must cherish this word 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:03.180 because it is a matter 00:30:03.180 --> 00:30:04.779 of eternal life 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:06.559 or eternal death 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:08.159 because our salvation 00:30:08.159 --> 00:30:09.079 depends on it. 00:30:09.879 --> 00:30:10.500 This is why 00:30:10.500 --> 00:30:11.460 we take pains 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:12.599 every Sunday 00:30:12.599 --> 00:30:13.459 to gather, 00:30:13.579 --> 00:30:14.759 to sing God's word, 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:17.240 to profess God's word, 00:30:17.459 --> 00:30:18.719 to read God's word, 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:20.879 to hear God's word preached. 00:30:21.779 --> 00:30:22.799 Lest we forget, 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:25.579 lest the word of God 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:26.679 become less and less 00:30:26.679 --> 00:30:27.419 real to us 00:30:27.419 --> 00:30:28.799 and we find that one day 00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:30.219 we no longer believe it. 00:30:31.379 --> 00:30:32.099 So it says 00:30:32.099 --> 00:30:33.419 in Colossians chapter 3 00:30:33.419 --> 00:30:34.219 verse 16, 00:30:34.599 --> 00:30:36.319 let the word of Christ 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:38.059 dwell in you richly, 00:30:38.959 --> 00:30:40.419 teaching and admonishing 00:30:40.419 --> 00:30:41.659 one another in all wisdom, 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:43.900 singing psalms and hymns 00:30:43.900 --> 00:30:44.960 and spiritual songs 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:46.240 with thankfulness 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:47.360 in your hearts to God. 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.420 That's what the church 00:30:50.420 --> 00:30:50.980 is all about. 00:30:52.060 --> 00:30:53.140 That's why we're here, 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:54.820 to let the word of Christ 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:56.820 dwell in us richly. 00:30:58.420 --> 00:30:59.600 And I pray that as you, 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:01.019 as we continue our worship 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:01.540 and as we leave 00:31:01.540 --> 00:31:02.180 from this place, 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:03.640 that you will be enriched 00:31:03.640 --> 00:31:05.480 and fed with God's word 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:06.340 as you go from here. 00:31:06.339 --> 00:31:10.259 Please think about that 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:10.759 for a moment 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.599 and think about how 00:31:11.599 --> 00:31:12.419 God's calling you 00:31:12.419 --> 00:31:13.059 to respond, 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:16.459 what he's calling you 00:31:16.459 --> 00:31:17.699 to change, 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.659 how he's comforting you 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.459 and convicting you. 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:20.699 And after you've done that, 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:22.240 we will pray out loud 00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:23.019 together as a church. 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:28.220 tie it together as you go from here.