January 17, 2019
Advice for the Simple and Scorners #
Pro 1:20-23
Intro.
In the last verses we were able to see the advice from a father to a son, in this passage we can see the advice for a simple person, as well as a scorner. There is a real contrast in the idea of a relationship between a father and son, and that of wisdom, and the simple, scorner, or fool. A father deals has a great deal of interest and love for his son, as does a son for his father. The same cannot be said of a simple person, a scorner, or a fool!
Two types of wisdom, Man’s wisdom, and God’s Wisdom. God’s wisdom is where God’s word is, and begins with a proper, ‘fear of the Lord’. That of being in awed, reverence of God.
PART 1 —- Where can Wisdom be heard?
I. Availability & Audience (20-21) #
A. All - "In the streets" #
- Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
B. Authority - Chief places of the concourse) #
God ordained government authorities:
Rom. 13:1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
God commands us to pray for those in authority!
1Tim. 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Pray that they would have GOD'S WISDOM and the fear of God!
a) They are continually offered man's wisdom, and it sounds good...
but it is contrary to the Word of God!
The highest person in the human chain of authority, is still
offered wisdom!
b) CEO's, Presidents, Mayors, or anyone in any position of
Authority, Wisdom is offered to you!
C. Activity - Openings of the gates #
Cities were walled, and had few openings. Could you imagine they would put up a wall for security… They could accurately control who came in and went out of the city at night. During the day, it was open.
Markets at the city gates - logical entry point (even today as you drive into a city, there are many stores, restaurants at the entry).
a) The business of the markets.
b) Italy, setup table with Bibles, tracts, literature. By and large, people are not looking for wisdom! Th
**Meetings** at the city gates
c) Important meetings would often take place at the gate of the city.
d) Boaz officially became the kinsman redeemer at the gate.
e) Absalom met with the people in the gate (2 Sam 15:2)
D. Abode - In the City - #
1. Where people lived. #
PART 2 —— What is wisdom saying:
II. Refusal - How long? (22) #
A. Willingly Simple - Refusal to apply oneself #
Refusal to apply yourself (Lazy)
Psa. 19:7 ¶ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa. 119:130 ¶ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
The Word of God is the remedy for the simple, but if you refuse to
take the medicine... you will stay in your simplicity!
How long will you love your simplicity? How long will you refuse the
Word of God, and His wisdom?
B. Willingly Scorner - Refusal to believe #
scorner - A scoffer; a derider; in Scripture, one who scoffs at religion, its ordinances and teachers, and who makes a mock of sin and the judgments and threatenings of God against sinners. - Used primarily in Proverbs!
Mock God, and the Bible, they are bold in their sin!
a) They would chose the rainbow colors to represent them in a mockery to God’s promise never to flood the earth again!
C. Willingly Foolish - Refusal to learn. #
Psa. 14:1 ¶ The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Thinks they are enough! Nobody is going to tell them what to do!
D. How long will you refuse??? #
III. Repent! Call to turn! (23) #
A. Repent - Turn! #
Until you recognize the direction of your life is wrong… you will NEVER change that direction and look for, or accept a new direction!
Salvation without repentance is not salvation! Because there is no need to be saved, and nothing to be saved from.
B. Knocking of the Spirit! #
Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
The Spirit came to the world to 1. Exalt Jesus Christ. 2. Reprove
sin.
Subtle signs.
C. Knowing of the Word! #
God wants His Word known in the world! That is why He has commanded us as christians to "preach the gospel to every creature"!
It cries out in the streets! Because christians are in the streets!
It cries out in the ‘chief places’, in the ‘gates' and in the cities!
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
IV. Results of refusal, selfish living: (24-25) #
A. Calamity and fear (26-27) #
’laugh at your calamity’ - You become an example of what not to do.
B. Call… too late (28) #
Rich man in hell cried out for water to wet his tongue!
“How can a loving God send people to hell?” They:
a) Refused knowledge (29)
b) Refused the fear of the LORD (29)
c) Refused the word of God (30)
d) Refused reproof (30)
C. Law! (31) #
Gal. 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.