September 2, 2020
Three Observations about the Wise #
Proverbs 21:11
Introduction
If you want to learn something, it is best to study someone who is successful. You don’t study someone who is poor, on how to handle finances (unless you are looking for what not to do). You don’t get counsel from someone who isn’t married about marriage. You don’t get wisdom from a fool. So it is very appropriate that we would get three observations about wise people, from the wisest man that ever lived. God has preserved these timeless truths in His Word, for us to learn from.
Every one of us, can learn from this lesson and be wiser because of it.
I. Forming of the Wise (Proverbs 21:11) #
A. Learn from seeing #
“When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise”
1. Learning from the school of hard knocks. #
2. Rebellion of Korah - Numbers 16:28-35 #
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Korah was upset with Moses, because he led the people of Israel… he rallied men behind him, and led a group of people to rebel against Moses.
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The LORD, caused the earth to open, and swallow those rebellious men.
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The simple people in Israel, that day received a lesson to never be forgotten!
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Some lessons strike the fear of God in you!
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Respect the man of God! -
- What about a bad one? - Leave that to God!
B. Learn from hearing #
“When the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.”
1. Preaching/Teaching #
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Priority #1 – Preaching!
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Praising is important…
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It is good for the soul, the heart, the spirit...
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Praise exalts God, Preaching = eternal results
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After teaching, JESUS said:
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Matt. 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
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Matt. 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
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Matt. 13:43 ...Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
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Ps 40:9 – I have preached righteousness in the great congregation… Is 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek...
II. Fortitude of the Wise (Proverbs 21:22) #
David Sorenson – “The metaphor is how that wisdom can overcome great obstacles. A city of the mighty bespeaks a seemingly impregnable fortress. However, godly wisdom can overcome great difficulties.”
A. Example #
Eccl. 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
1. Gideon – had a great difficulty… #
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Midianites had invaded, and taken over Israel.
- They destroyed the crops, and livestock – food.
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Judg. 6:6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
- God calls Gideon, under qualified, not powerful, not well known
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God refused to allow muscle win this battle:
- Judg. 7:2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
- 1^st^ phase, 22,000 people left,
- 2^nd^ phase down to 300 people… +GOD!
- Judg. 7:22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.
B. Exhortation #
1. An enemy has crept into your life, seems strong… God has wisdom to overcome, God can grant victory. #
III. Foundation of the Wise (Proverbs 21:30-31) #
A. Supremacy of God! #
1. Sometimes people become wise in their own eyes or conceits. #
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They start off small, they are humble. Yet as God elevates them, the become conceited thinking they are powerful.
- Saul was like this… even though he was a head and shoulders taller than everyone, he was cowering when it came time to be anointed as king.
- Saul was not arrogant, but became great in his own eyes.
- So much so, that he thought he could ignore God’s counsel!
2. Rulers ruling against God! #
Psa. 2:2-5 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
3. It goes for individuals as well #
B. Safety from the LORD #
1. Prepare – This proverb does encourage us to be prepared. - We have security at our church. I lock my doors at home. I believe in security! #
- The horse was the strongest option for battle in Bible times.