Topic: Proverbs

Part 8

Note from Pastor Brad: I would like to personally thank Pastor Bob Yandian of Grace Church in Tulsa, OK for his teachings on the Book of Proverbs from which a large portion of the notes in this series of lessons have been taken.

The Blessings of Being Single 

Proverbs 19:23 NIV The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Philippians 4:11 AMP Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.”

Contentment is to be satisfied in whatever state you are; but it does not mean that you settle for that.

Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV (13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul said that, “…I press for the mark…” He was content but He was always reaching for more in his relationship with Christ and his calling.

Contentment is connected with your happiness and is separate from your desires for more from God.

Your contentment should be divorced from whether you have things or not.

Our goal is to live free from covetousness (being overly desirous).

Your contentment is a tremendous tool God will use to minister to those that are lost.

No matter what your status in life happens to be here in the earth, that does not exist in our relationship with Jesus. We are all equal in His eyes.

Don’t allow the world to place a certain status on you because of where you are at the moment. (married or unmarried)

Example of Michal watching David dance before the Lord when the ark came back and he put on the mere robe of a priest instead of his kingly robes and she preferred him to wear his kingly garments because it was important to her that she was married to a king and not David. (1 Chronicles 15:29)

1 Corinthians 7:24-29 NKJV (24) Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. (25) Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. (26) I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress–that it is good for a man to remain as he is: (27) Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. (28) But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you. (29) But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none,

What does the Bible really say about divorce and remarriage? 

God is never for divorce but He is always for divorced people!

Matthew 19:3-9 NKJV The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (4) And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE,’ (5) and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’ ? (6) So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (7) They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” (8) He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. (9) And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”

1 Corinthians 7:1-16 NKJV (1) Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (2) Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. (3) Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. (4) The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. (5) Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (6) But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. (7) For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. (8) But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; (9) but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (10) Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. (11) But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (12) But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. (13) And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. (14) For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. (15) But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. (16) For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? 

We make a big deal out of being married or not being married.

Whatever state you are in at the moment learn to be content.

What is it that you live for on a daily basis? 

1 Corinthians 7:29 NKJV (29) But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, 

The most important thing should be your relationship with Jesus and that Jesus is coming soon and we must make our lives matter for Him.

This is why we must be content in our lives.

Your marital status did not matter to Jesus when you got saved.

Your marital status does not matter to Jesus when it comes to serving Him.

We are not told the marital status of Jesus’ disciples except for Jesus and Peter because it was not a huge deal like we make it today.

Your marital status is not a determining factor as to whether you are successful for God or not.

Timothy was single and pastored the largest church in the world at that time.

Who gave you the right to place your life on hold and withhold it from God’s service until your circumstances are perfect. 

Live for Him now because He loves you and He is coming soon. 

Make your life count no matter what your status is in life! 

Wrong motives for getting married:

• “I’m wanting to marry someone who is a wealthy person.”
• “I want to be married so I won’t be lonely.”
• “I’m looking for someone to make me happy.”
• “I want to hurry and get married because I’m getting older.”
• “I want to find a mate because all of my friends are getting married.”

Part 7

Note from Pastor Brad: I would like to personally thank Pastor Bob Yandian of Grace Church in Tulsa, OK for his teachings on the Book of Proverbs from which a large portion of the notes in this series of lessons have been taken.

(Survey From Kids on Mothers)

Why did God give us mothers?

• It’s the best way to get more people.
• They help out when we are getting born.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

• Clouds, angel’s hair, everything nice in this world and one dab of mean.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

• I wasn’t there but I guess she was pretty bossy.
• They say she used to be nice.

What did your mom need to know about your dad before she married him?

• His last name.
• Is he a crook, did he get drunk on beer and make at least $800 per year.
• Does he say no to drugs and yes to chores.

Why did your mom marry your dad?

• He makes the best spaghetti in the world and my mom likes to eat.
• My grandma says that my mom did not have her thinking cap on. 

What’s the difference between moms and dads?

• Moms work at work and at home, dads just work at work.
• Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
• Dads are taller and stronger but moms have all the real power.

Describe the world’s greatest mom: 

• She would make broccoli taste like ice cream
• She would not make me kiss all my fat aunts 

Is anything about your mom perfect?

• Her teeth. She bought them at the dentist.
• Just her kids.

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Proverbs 1:8-9 NKJV My son, hear the instruction (discipline) of your father, And do not forsake the law (teaching) of your mother; (9) For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

Remember that fathers are primarily to be the disciplinarians in the home and mothers are to be the teachers. This means that the father gives the boundaries or the parameters. Both parents can discipline and/or teach but this is a general view from the Bible of the parental structure.

You might feel inadequate to teach, but God says that you are able. There is also a lot of material to help equip you.

Sometimes we feel inadequate because we were not taught well.

Men and women are under a curse today.

There are spiritual curses in the earth and natural curses in the earth as a result of Adam’s sin. Jesus has redeemed us from the spiritual curses and the natural curses we can overcome through the power of God as well.

1 Timothy 2:13-15 NKJV For Adam was formed first, then Eve. (14) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (15) Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

The responsibility of the fall is attributed to Adam as he was not deceived. But both were in the transgression. 

Genesis 3:16-19 NKJV To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” (17) Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. (18) Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. (19) In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”

The curse that came upon them as a result of sin, was simply resistance to what they were already doing. Adam had a job and that was to tend the garden and cause it to be fruitful and multiply but now because of the curse, everything was going to resist him being able to do it without resistance. The ground would now become very resistant to man.

Before the fall, woman was supposed to have children without great resistance but now because of the curse, great pressure and resistance would be present.

1 Timothy 2:15 NKJV Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. 

This verse is not saying that women must have children in order to be saved. We are saved by grace.

I believe “they” can be two different things. It can be the husband and the wife but it can also be the children as they are raised by the mother.

This verse is saying that she is delivered from the curse if she has children and they continue in faith, love, and holiness with sound thinking.

Getting a job does not make you equal with men, getting Born Again makes you equal with men.

Builder of the family name – the mother has just as much a part of this as the father does.

What does a woman teach to her children:

1 Timothy 5:14 KJV  I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Titus 2:1-5 NKJV But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: (2) that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; (3) the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things– (4) that they admonish (teach) the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, (5) to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Notice that there are things that young women must be taught:

1. To be sober – think clearly, make good decisions.

2. To love their husbands – this is the Greek word “philandros” which means to love their husbands as a friend or best friend.

3. To love their children – to have an affectionate love for them

4. To be discreet – to be self-disciplined

5. To be chaste – protect their virginity until they get married

6. To be keepers at home – one who looks after their domestic affairs with prudence and care

7. To be good – to be benevolent, profitable, and useful

8. To be obedient to their own husbands – to be placed in the proper order of authority in the home, in submission.

Priorities based on the Word of God:

1. Relationship with God.
2. Relationship with your spouse.
3. Relationship with your church.
4. Your job.
5. Your social life.

Children are the highest priority in the home second only to God and your spouse.

There are going to be times when the mother needs to go to work.

If at all possible, the mother should stay home until children are school age.

There is nothing wrong with a woman working as long as it does not interfere with her priorities in the home.

Proverbs 31:10-31 NKJV Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. (11) The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. (12) She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. (13) She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. (14) She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. (15) She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. (16) She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. (17) She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. (18) She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. (19) She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. (20) She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. (21) She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. (22) She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. (23) Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. (24) She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. (25) Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. (26) She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. (27) She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. (28) Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: (29) “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” (30) Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (31) Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 12:4 AMP A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. [Prov. 31:23; I Cor. 11:7.]

Proverbs 14:1 CEV A woman’s family is held together by her wisdom, but it can be destroyed by her foolishness.

Proverbs 14:1 GNB Homes are made by the wisdom of women, but are destroyed by foolishness.

Part 6

According to the latest census, around 69% of families in America still have traditional two-parent leadership in the home.

It is God’s plan for a home to have a father and mother present but if that is not the case, God can certainly make up the difference in that household.

Psalms 10:14 NIV But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Psalms 68:5 NIV A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Parents are to build a foundation and then hand that foundation over to their children and then the children are to continue to build on that family name.

Proverbs 1:8 NKJV My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;

Instruction = discipline 

Law = teaching

Verse 8 teaches us that in a general sense that discipline should come from the father and teaching should come from the mother.

This does not mean that fathers cannot teach but it is the primary areas of responsibilities. 

Proverbs 1:8-19 NKJV My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; (9) For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. (10) My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. (11) If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; (12) Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; (13) We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; (14) Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”– (15) My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; (16) For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. (17) Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; (18) But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. (19) So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

These verses talk about gangs that existed in Bible days.

Children are seeking leadership.

When there is no leadership in the home, children will seek to find it somewhere.

Proverbs 1:8 NKJV My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;

Notice he did not say “feel” the discipline of your father. This verse indicates to us that for the fathers, most of the discipline will be verbal.

Spanking is correct and should be used but there are verbal hurdles that should be crossed before the paddle comes out.

Proverbs 23:13 NLT Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them.

Never discipline a child when YOU are angry.

Discipline is in love as we lay out the boundaries and borders.

Children are asking for the boundaries.

Parents cannot be friends first to their children but leaders; then the friendship can follow.

The husband and the wife form the leadership team in the household. 

Proverbs 1:9 NLT What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. 

Discipline and teaching together form an ornament and a chain around that child’s neck and shield against the temptations to run around with the wrong crowd. 

Ephesians 6:1-4 NKJV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (2) “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,” which is the first commandment with promise: (3) “THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU AND YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” (4) And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Training = discipline
Admonition = Teaching

These scriptures line up exactly with Proverbs 1.

Well = “that you may be prosperous” (3 John 2)

Why don’t these commandments say “Honor God?” 

Parents are the Word of God to those children until they are old enough to see and understand it on their own.

Parents are an epistle before their children, and all a child has to do is to be obedient to it and the blessings of God begin to flow in their lives.

Ephesians 6:4 NLT Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath. This means we push our children to anger and rebellion when we expect them to do things without instructing and showing them what they are to do and giving them guidelines.

Do not only tell your child what to do, show them what to do.

Children are not supposed to be taught by the church… But by the parents and the church is a supplement to what is being taught in the home. 

Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 11:19) 

Proverbs 6:20-23 NKJV My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. (21) Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. (22) When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. (23) For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

When our children are younger, all of the instruction and discipline are external but at some point in their lives, the Word will become internal. Then the time will come when it is time for them to leave home.

This is when all of the internal truths become a reality and it will lead them, protect them and talk to them. A disciplined life is a life-long thing.

These are some things we are supposed to teach our children:

 The Blessings of Obedience.

Proverbs 3:1-4 NLT My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. (2) If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. (3) Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. (4) Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

Guidance from God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. (6) Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Freedom from pride.

Proverbs 3:7 NLT Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Healing and health.

Proverbs 3:8 NLT Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Foundation for prosperity.

Proverbs 3:9-10 NLT Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. (10) Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

The knowledge that when God corrects them it is always for their benefit.

Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. (12) For the LORD corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Placing highest value on the Word of God daily, brings increased prosperity, long life, promotion, roads of pleasantness, paths of peace, happiness, and a tree of life that can be eaten from every day.

Proverbs 3:13-18 NLT Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. (14) For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. (15) Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. (16) She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. (17) She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. (18) Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. 

How do we know that God is going to bless us? By knowing he holds nature together.

Proverbs 3:19-20 NLT By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding He created the heavens. (20) By His knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

God will bring protection and freedom from fear.

Proverbs 3:23-26 NLT They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. (24) You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. (25) You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, (26) for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Part 5

Proverbs 16:20 AMP He who deals wisely and heeds [God’s] word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord–happy, blessed, and fortunate is he.

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 NIV One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 NASB A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

This verse is actually saying that some friends are fake and if you surround yourself with many fake friends, you cause yourself problems.

• Adversity is where you will find who your true friends are.

Luke 15:13-16 NKJV And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. (14) But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. (15) Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (16) And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

The prodigal found himself in a hard time by himself. Where were all the people that had helped him live in his reckless and loose living?

• No one has a lot of friends. You may have a lot of acquaintances.

Someone who is dying never says, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.”  What most people say is, “I wish I had spent more time with my friends and family.”

• If people want you to be their friend first, there is something wrong. They should offer you their friendship first.

• Your security should not come from who is your friend. 

“Friend” in Hebrew:

Rea – a companion, an acquaintance, an associate; not really a close friend.

Ahab – an affectionate or true friend; one that sticks with you when the going gets tough.

Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are “friends” (Rea) who destroy each other, but a real friend (Ahab) sticks closer than a brother.

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT (9) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. (10) If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. (11) Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? (12) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

• Friends are the people that find out you are human and stay with you anyway.

• Christians should have the best friendships; better than those that are in the world.

Acts 2:41-47 NLT Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day–about 3,000 in all. (42) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (43) A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. (44) And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. (45) They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (46) They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity– (47) all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Jesus should be our closest friend, but God’s plan is that we should have some close friends, especially through our church relationships.

• Do not put rules on your friendships.

In other words, don’t always look for friends that have your exact likes and dislikes. Learn to be diverse in your relationships.

• Truthfully, the foundation of a good marriage relationship is friendship.

Proverbs 27:6 NLT Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

Sometimes as friends, you may wound each other, but our hearts should be to try and help one another.

• A true friend will not flatter you all the time.

Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. 

• God will use your friends to speak to you and minister to you.

Some do not believe that the Lord can use your friends to speak to you.

2 Kings 5:1-3 NKJV Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. (2) And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. (3) Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”

2 Kings 5:10-14 NKJV And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” (11) But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ (12) Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. (13) And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” (14) So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman was so full of pride that he thought that he could pre-determine how God was going to deal with him.

All of God’s dealings with Naaman came through the servants. 

Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

• True friendship takes work and effort.

1 Samuel 18:1-4 NIV After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. (2) From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. (3) And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. (4) Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

• A key to developing those close friendships is to do like Jonathan and love that friend as you love yourself.

Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ (40) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

The word neighbor can be translated friend.

You don’t start out being the best of friends; best of friends are developed over years of relationship.

• Allow your friends to be human and make mistakes. 

If their weirdness is not sin, then just put up with their weirdness because you are weird too.

If you go through friends quickly, then you are looking for the perfect friend and that does not exist except in the Lord Jesus. 

Proverbs 27:10 AMP  Your own friend and your father’s friend, forsake them not; neither go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near [in spirit] than a brother who is far off [in heart].

Thank God for family but are they your true friends? You may not be able to rely on your family members but you should have those close friends.

• A friend can see into your heart.

Proverbs 27:19 NLT As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.

Just like a camera, mirrors do not lie. We use mirrors to improve ourselves. A friend can see into your soul and help you to change and grow.

There is great power available when we have meaningful friendships. God honors that.

Matthew 18:19-20 MSG When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. (20) And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”

Part 4

Wisdom is more than something that we receive to help us live life better.

Proverbs 16:20 AMP He who deals wisely and heeds [God’s] word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord–happy, blessed, and fortunate is he.

Treat wisdom like a friend that stands beside you.

Proverbs 27:6 NLT Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

If a friend can speak to you and be faithful by wounding you and bringing correction, then so should the Word of God and wisdom be able to wound you like a friend.

Wouldn’t you rather a friend tell you the honest truth and have it hurt than have the flattery of an enemy.

Wisdom is going to be brutally honest and frank.

Proverbs 6:6-11 NKJV Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, (7) Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, (8) Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. (9) How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? (10) A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep– (11) So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

I believe the missing key for most of us to enjoy the prosperity of the Lord, is something very small; a minor adjustment.

Sluggard – a lazy person.

Some people are morning people and some are night people.

There are some people that might get out of bed but they are still attached to it all day long. There are people that are constantly controlled by drowsiness throughout the day.

Proverbs 26:14 NKJV As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed.

A door may move but it is still attached to its hinges. There are people that may move around but they are still attached to their beds.

This is the person that does not get work done, they just sit and stare at it.

Proverbs 6:11 KJV  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

For this kind of person, poverty does not come on them at once but rather one step at a time (as one that travels). By the time it gets to your door, it is like an armed robber and you have no defense against it and it overtakes you (armed robber).

The greatest asset in the life of prosperity is having the attitude of hard work and diligence.

The diligent person is not a workaholic but is a smart worker.

Proverbs 6:6-8 NKJV Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, (7) Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, (8) Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

The ant knows how to work hard but also knows how to work with nature and gets things to work for him.

A diligent person puts his best into his future.

A farmer sows better than he eats. He puts his best into the ground because he knows that it is going to come back to him in the future.

We should always sow our best because we are preparing for our future.

Seven Attributes of a Lazy Person:

1. A lazy person never rises high in authority.

Proverbs 12:24 NKJV The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 12:24 MSG The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.

We have the tendency to put the emphasis on education but Proverbs puts the emphasis on diligence.

Going over and above the norm is what will produce promotion.

Set goals and compete with yourself.

Matthew 5:41 NKJV And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Roman soldiers could require someone standing on the side of the road to help them carry their armor and belongings one mile.

2. A lazy person always irritates those in authority over them.

Proverbs 10:26 GNB Never get a lazy person to do something for you; he will be as irritating as vinegar on your teeth or smoke in your eyes.

Proverbs 10:26 NLT Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes. 

3. A lazy person always has good intentions, even many desires, but no initiative. 

Proverbs 13:4 NKJV The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

Proverbs 13:4 MSG Indolence (lazy) wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives.

Proverbs 21:25 NLT Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.

4. Whatever the lazy person receives, they do not take care of it.

Proverbs 12:27 NKJV The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession.

Often, a slothful person will want something and they receive it but they don’t take care of it.

Proverbs 24:30-34 NKJV I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; (31) And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. (32) When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: (33) A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; (34) So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

Don’t parents hesitate in giving things to their children when they learn that the children do not take care of it.

5. Lazy people are always bouncing from one crisis to another.

Proverbs 15:19 NKJV The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway (higher path).

The thorns hurt because they are bouncing around from one thing to another.

6. Slothful people are great wasters.

Proverbs 18:9 NKJV He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

Proverbs 18:9 MSG Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.

7. Slothful people always have an excuse for their laziness.

It is never their fault. They always have an excuse.

Proverbs 20:4 NKJV The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing.

Proverbs 26:13 NKJV The lazy man says, “There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!”

Proverbs 26:13 MSG Loafers say, “It’s dangerous out there! Tigers are prowling the streets!” and then pull the covers back over their heads.

The Blessings of the Diligent: 

Diligence – constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken

1. The Diligent will rise in authority.

Proverbs 12:24 NLT Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

2. The diligent are always looking at things to see how they can cause it to work and produce for them.

Proverbs 21:5 NLT Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

They are asking the question, “How can I prosper from this?” rather than, “How can I get out of this?”

With the diligent person, it begins with their thoughts.

3. Diligence will bring you before kings and rulers and those in authority.

Proverbs 22:29 NLT Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.

4. Diligent people are prepared for the future.

Proverbs 27:23-27 NKJV Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; (24) For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. (25) When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, (26) The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; (27) You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

5. Wealth will pursue the diligent.

Proverbs 10:4 NKJV He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Part 3

Proverbs 8:22-31 NKJV “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. (23) I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. (24) When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. (25) Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth; (26) While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world. (27) When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, (28) When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, (29) When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, (30) Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, (31) Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men.

Wisdom is not a thing. The reason the world has trouble finding wisdom is because they are looking for a thing in all of the wrong places.

Wisdom is a person and His Name is Jesus.

Jesus is also called the Word in John 1.

John 1:1-3 NKJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

John 1:14 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Then why does Solomon refer to wisdom as a woman in the Book of Proverbs?

We said we gain wisdom through the New Birth and the ministry of the Holy Spirit but we maintain wisdom through the study and meditation of the Word.

Proverbs 4:20-21 NKJV My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. (21) Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;

If you don’t give attention to the Word of God, can you count on wisdom to be there when you need it? NO!

We see in the Book of Proverbs, that as you treat wisdom, wisdom will treat you.

You reap what you sow!

The simple reason that Solomon referred to wisdom as a woman is this: If you don’t treat a woman right, she will not treat you right. 

Husbands, if you don’t treat your woman right, don’t count on her in a time of distress!

That is why you don’t let things slip after you have been married for a while. You still need to woo her, date her, etc.

That is why we teach that if you love her, she will respect you!

Solomon knew what it was like to have a good woman and a bad woman. (Song of Solomon)

Proverbs 8:32-36 NKJV “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. (33) Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. (34) Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. (35) For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD; (36) But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.”

You must sow to wisdom so you can reap wisdom! 

Where does wisdom abide?

Does wisdom stay in the church? Does wisdom stay in your house?

Proverbs 1:20 NKJV Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. (where the people congregate)

Colossians 4:5 NKJV Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Proverbs 1:21-22 NKJV She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: (22) “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.

Three types of people:

1. Simple – stupid – those who know what to do and don’t do it.

You find these people in the same place you find the world.

2. Scorners – unbelieving mockers.
3. Fools – unbelieving people who don’t want to know.

Proverbs 1:23 NKJV Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

When you repent, He will pour out His Spirit on you and then give you His Word. Without the Spirit, you cannot understand the Word.

Proverbs 1:24-27 NKJV Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, (25) Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, (26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, (27) When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you.

Why does wisdom behave this way? Because typically we use wisdom or God’s help as a fire escape instead of genuinely repenting and wanting to change.

Proverbs 1:28-33 NKJV “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. (29) Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, (30) They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. (31) Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. (32) For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; (33) But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

If you stick with wisdom, wisdom will stick with you!

Proverbs is designed to work IN you! And is designed to drive ignorance OUT!

Wisdom for Everyday Life 

• Wearing Out Your Welcome: 

Proverbs 25:17 NLT Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.

• Discern The Correct Time For Something: 

Proverbs 25:20 NLT Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.

Proverbs 27:14 NLT A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!

• Co-signing for Someone

Proverbs 6:1-2 NKJV My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, (2) You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.

The Bible teaches co-signing is not wisdom.

Money will separate people quickly.

Proverbs 22:26-27 NKJV Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts; (27) If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?

Proverbs 17:18 NIV One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.

Proverbs 11:15 NIV Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

Proverbs 6:3-5 NKJV So do this (now), my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend. (4) Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids. (5) Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

There is only one person Who can and should co-sign. 

Job 17:1-3 NIV My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave awaits me. (2) Surely mockers surround me; my eyes must dwell on their hostility. (3) “Give me, O God, the pledge you demand. Who else will put up security for me?

Job said I was so bankrupt and could not pay the bill but there is One Who did co-sign for us.

Hebrews 7:22 NIV Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

Joshua 1:8 AMP This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

• God is the source of all wisdom.

• The reverence of God is the beginning of Wisdom.

• Knowledge is taking in the Word of God. 

• Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge from God’s Word. 

• Wisdom comes when we ask God for it. 

• The way that we retain wisdom is to meditate on God’s Word. 

Proverbs 1:1-2 NKJV The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: (2) To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,

chokmâh (khok-maw’) wisdom (in a good sense): – skillful, wisdom, wisely, wit. Literally means to pound it in!

How did you learn the multiplication tables? You pounded it in to your thinking and consciousness.

• A Proverb is a two line poem. 

Hebrew: Mashal (maw-shawl) properly a pithy maxim, usually of a metaphorical nature; hence a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse), a rule or a standard.

A stick that we use to stabilize a plant – something that does not change that will cause the plant to grow in the direction that we want it to.

Proverbs 1:1-7 NKJV The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: (2) To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, (3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; (4) To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion– (5) A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, (6) To understand a proverb and an enigma (the interpretation), The words of the wise and their riddles. (7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

There are six types of Proverbs: 

1. Synonymous Proverb – both lines are saying basically the same thing but in a little different way.

Proverbs 3:13 NKJV Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;

Proverbs 11:25 NKJV The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Proverbs 11:30 NKJV The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

2. Antithetical Proverb – the thought is presented in the first line and the negative result is presented in the second line 

Proverbs 14:30 NKJV A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

(Bones is mentioned several time in Proverbs because your blood is produced by your bones and if you have healthy bones, you will have a healthy life.)

Proverbs 17:22 NKJV A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Proverbs 15:5 NKJV A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent. (wise in practical things)

3. Synthetic Proverb – Both lines have a different thought but there is something in common in the thoughts.

Proverbs 10:18 NKJV Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

4. Integral Proverb – the second line completes the thought of the first.

Proverbs 13:14 NKJV The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 19:20 NKJV Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:10 NKJV Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

Proverbs 22:15 NKJV Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

5. Parabolic Proverb – the first line illustrates the second line

Proverbs 11:22 NKJV As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.

Proverbs 11:22 MSG Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.

Proverbs 25:25 NKJV As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.

Proverbs 26:9 NKJV Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard Is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Proverbs 26:20 NKJV Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Proverbs 26:20 NIV Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

Proverbs 27:15 NIV A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

Proverbs 27:15 CEV The steady dripping of rain and the nagging of a wife are one and the same.

6. Comparative Proverb – the first line tells us something better than the second

Proverbs 15:16-17 NKJV Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble. (17) Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.

Proverbs 17:1 NKJV Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. 

Proverbs 21:9 NKJV Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Go back to Proverbs 1:

Proverbs 1:2 NKJV To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,

Wisdom – the correct application or the use of knowledge.

Once we get knowledge we must convert it to wisdom.

James 1:5 NKJV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

This verse does not say to ask God for knowledge. We have the responsibility to gain that. Wisdom to correctly apply knowledge comes from God.

The knowledge of God’s Word will not help you until you begin to walk it out. Help me to be a doer of the Word of God.

Instruction – actually means “discipline”

Understanding – revealing of the knowledge that we have – “connecting of the dots” 

Proverbs 1:3 NKJV The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: (2) To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, (3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity;

Justice – treat people fairly in a just manner in life. 

Judgment – Knowing what to say “yes” and “no” to.

Equity: – Keeping a smooth, right flow in your life.

Proverbs 1:4 NKJV To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion—

Prudence to the simple – naïve, common sense to the naïve or immature person

Proverbs 1:4 GNB They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful.

Proverbs 1:4 MSG To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.

Discretion – the ability to look at a situation and assess it and make the right decisions.

Proverbs 1:5 NKJV A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

A wise man will HEAR and increase learning. Always have an attitude the hear what God is saying, no matter how often you have heard the subject before.

You can never have enough wisdom!

What is the source of wisdom?

Job 28:12-28 NKJV “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? (13) Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. (14) The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ (15) It cannot be purchased for gold, Nor can silver be weighed for its price. (16) It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx or sapphire. (17) Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. (18) No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, For the price of wisdom is above rubies. (19) The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. (20) “From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? (21) It is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the air. (22) Destruction and Death say, ‘We have heard a report about it with our ears.’ (23) God understands its way, And He knows its place. (24) For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees under the whole heavens, (25) To establish a weight for the wind, And apportion the waters by measure. (26) When He made a law for the rain, And a path for the thunderbolt, (27) Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. (28) And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ “

• God is the source of all wisdom. 

Proverbs 1:2-7 NKJV To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, (3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; (4) To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion– (5) A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, (6) To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. (7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

• The reverence of God is the beginning of Wisdom. 

John 1:1-3 NKJV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Wisdom comes from reverencing God’s Word. 

• Knowledge is taking in the Word of God. 

• Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge from God’s Word.

Proverbs 1:1 NKJV The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

• A Proverb is a two line poem. 

Hebrew: Mashal (maw-shawl) properly a pithy maxim, usually of a metaphorical nature; hence a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse), a rule or a standard.

A stick that we use to stabilize a plant – something that does not change that will cause the plant to grow in the direction that we want it to.

Culture today says to just turn your kids loose and they will figure out the standards to live by. That is not true.

Proverbs 22:15 NKJV Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.

The Book of Proverbs are not just Proverbs recorded by Solomon. Two other Kings are mentioned in the book. Some believe these other Kings also sat at the feet of David and learned wisdom.

Proverbs 30:1 NKJV The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel–to Ithiel and Ucal:

Proverbs 31:1 NKJV The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

• Solomon was the wisest King that lived other than Jesus.

• Wisdom of Egypt: 

1 Kings 4:30 NKJV (30) Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. 

• Wisdom of Babylon (Iraq): 

Isaiah 47:10 NKJV “For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, ‘No one sees me’; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’

• Wisdom of Edom (Jordan): 

Jeremiah 49:7 NIV Concerning Edom: This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?

1 Kings 4:29-34 NKJV And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. (30) Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. (31) For he was wiser than all men–than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. (32) He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five. (33) Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish. (34) And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

Matthew 12:42 NKJV The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

1 Corinthians 1:30 NKJV (30) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–

• How did Solomon get wisdom? 

2 Chronicles 1:6-10 NKJV (6) And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. (7) On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (8) And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. (9) Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. (10) Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

James 1:5-6 NKJV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

• Wisdom comes when we ask God for it.

Wisdom is not just some deep mysterious thing that is only applicable to these spiritual things but is available to us for every area of our lives.

Job 28:28 NKJV (28)  And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ “

The potential for wisdom of God begins to enter into your life the moment that you make Jesus the Lord of your life and you are Born Again.

2 Chronicles 1:11 NKJV Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life–but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king–

Proverbs 3:13-18 NKJV Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; (14) For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. (16) Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. (17) Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. (18) She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.

In Proverbs 3:15 wisdom becomes the metaphor of a beautiful virtuous woman. Wisdom of man is likened to a harlot.

We gain wisdom by asking God for it and it comes by His Word. We hold on to wisdom by meditating in the Word of God.

Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; (2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (3) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 

Joshua 1:7-8 NKJV Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. (8) This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Don’t turn to the right hand (long-life) or to the left hand (riches and honor)

3 John 1:2 NKJV Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

There is no limit to the prosperity of your soul.

Proverbs 1:1-2 NKJV The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: (2) To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,

Hebrew: chokmâh (khok-maw’)  wisdom (in a good sense): – skillful, wisdom, wisely, wit. Literally means to pound it in!

How did you learn the multiplication tables? You pounded it in to your thinking and consciousness.