September 25, 2019

Wisdom, Your Choice #

Proverbs 9

Intro.

In Chapter 8 and 9 we can see the total Praise of Wisdom.

This chapter shows a real contrast between right and wrong at work! We can see God’s invitation to man, as well as Satan’s invitation to man. Man is in the middle, and being called both ways! Clearly it is a picture of life, and the choice, and decision made in life.

When looking at the options presented here, there is no real option. You can be foolish if you so choose, and go your own way, but it would be foolish.

I. Invitation of the Wisdom (1-6) #

A. Preparation (1-3) #

Wisdom’s Work - Building - work -

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

a) [Builded]{.underline} her house, [hewn]{.underline} out seven pillars, [killed]{.underline} her beasts, [mingled]{.underline} her wine, [furnished]{.underline} her table, [sent]{.underline} forth her maidens, [crieth]{.underline} upon the highest places. - 7 Works,

b) Laziness is a character trait of wickedness, while work is a character trait of the wise.

"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;"
(Romans 12:11)

Wisdom's Selflessness - Builded, killed (food), mingled, furnished,
sent forth her maidens (inviting)

B. People invited (4-5) - #

Simple - those who lack opportunity or understanding

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Seeking - Those conscientious of their lack.

All who would take an interest

C. Place of invitation (5) #

To her house! - Serving the Bread of Life, @ church, hot, fresh

To her table where the bread is served.

D. Invitation (6) #

Turn from your way

a) This is the same message that Jesus gives! -

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke
9:23)

Take New path

II. Invitation of the Wicked (13-18) #

A. Person of foolishness (13) #

Simple - weak in intellect, not wise or sagacious.

a) The phrase after helps clarify.

Clamourus - speaking and repeating loud words, noisy, loud turbulent

Lazy - Knoweth nothing

b) She has not taken the initiative to learn, or put forth the work.

c) IN verses 1-3, we see wisdom working, building (edifying), making meals to feed others, harvesting.

B. Position (14) #

Watching the world go by… nothing else to do

Looks for positions of prominence, at ease

C. People invited (15-16) #

Those who pass by - easy, simple prey

Simple - looking for understanding…

a) She has no understanding/wisdom herself!

D. Message (17) #

Stolen …

Secret …

E. End, Consequence (18) #

Death!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:25)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

III. Individual Way (7-12) (Responsibility) #

A. Way of Wicked (7-8) #

i. Harmful (7) #

a) It becomes very apparent, that the scorner cares about no one but himself.

b) Those who help him, are harmed by him.

c) It is kind of like owning a snake as a pet. It never becomes attached to you.

Hateful (8) Try to help, and they hate you. (8)

d) There is so much selfishness in a scorner, they can only see themself.

e) They hate you because you pointed out their error.

B. Way of the Wise (9-11) #

i. Difference (8) #

a) Wise man, will accept rebuke, and change, and appreciate the correction.

b) He will accept you as a help.

Growing (9) - yet wiser, increase in learning.

Wisdom is not possible without God! (10)

C. Which Way? (12) #

The choice is left in your lap!

Choosing is not a matter of words, but of action that is displayed in your life.