Wisdom on Rice Family Ministries

Proverbs 1:10

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

January 9, 2019

Advice for a Son #

Pro 1:10-19

Intro.

We can see the advice coming from a fatherly figure, trying to counsel his son, and help him as he goes through life. As we read this, it is often applied to young people, but it is certainly not exclusively for young people. As we march through different stages in our life, there are certainly times when we will face temptation such as is described here. It would do us all well to pay attention to what is written, and keep it in our heart to protect our way.

Proverbs 1:20

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

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!

Proverbs 2:10

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

February 13, 2019

Preserved from Corruption #

Proverbs 2:10-

Intro.

My mom did a lot of canning when I was growing up. She would boil bottles of vegetables, fruit, and even make jellies. It was a lot of work. The last thing that was needed was sealing those jars to preserve them. If they weren’t sealed, bacteria would get in there and break down the food. It would spoil. Solomon gives us a stern warning to Preserve us from Corruption.

Proverbs 3:13

Wed, 22 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 22, 2019

Wisdom and Understanding #

Pro 3:13-20

I. Promise (13) #

A. Happiness #

Most people today, are not happy! They are mad, they are frustrated, they are disappointed, they are depressed, they are discouraged… Most people want to be happy!

True happiness is not found in possessions, power, or position, but rather in the knowledge offered by God!

Happiness Is The Lord

Happiness is to know the Savior

Proverbs 3:21

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 29, 2019

Living in Wisdom and Discretion #

Pro 3:21-26

Intro.

This passage clearly describes the benefits that we reap in life from keeping sound wisdom and discretion! We have to define terms, so we are all on the same page, and understand what we are talking about before we can see the benefits.

Terms:

Sound Wisdom - I want us to notice this is a specific form of wisdom, and not relegated to just wisdom. This is a specific form of wisdom, it is sound wisdom. (Pro 2:6-7)

Proverbs 3:27

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 5, 2019

Wisdom Shining Out #

Proverbs 3:27-25

Intro.

Solomon gives us the outward actions of the wise to those around them.

I. Good to Others (27-28) Helping #

A. Do Good! #

B. To whom it is due #

1. Pay our just debts without fraud, or delay. 2. To give wages to those who have earned them. 3. To provide for our relations, and those that have dependence on us, for to them it is due. 4. To render dues bot to church and state magistrates and ministers. 5. To be ready to all acts of friendship and humanity, neighbourly, 6. Charitable to the poor and necessitous, for needs of life. - Matthew Henry

Proverbs 4:1

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 12, 2019

The Principle Thing #

Pro 4:1-13

Intro.

In these 13 verses, Wisdom is held as the most important thing! Verse 7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing”. Yet it is often the most overlooked thing! We have elevated knowledge over wisdom! Look at all the degrees that people tote, and how elevated it is when someone has an earned degree. I’m not against education, I’m just contrasting the fact that God doesn’t elevate knowledge over wisdom! Wisdom is knowing what to do with the knowledge we have. Some people know a lot of things, but they don’t know how to use what they know.

Proverbs 8:11

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 4, 2019

Wisdom’s Plea #

Proverbs 8:1-11

Intro.

In chapters 8, and 9, the theme of the Book of Proverbs has shifted. There is no longer the phrase, “My son”. We see all the reasons and benefits of Wisdom in these next two chapters.

I. The Places (1-3) #

A. High places - (2) #

God can be observed in every aspect of nature - incredible.

Proverbs 8:12

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 11, 2019

Wisdom’s Presentation #

Proverbs 8:12-

Intro.

Chapter 8, is all about Wisdom. Last week we looked at [Wisdom’s Plea]{.underline}, in verses 12-21, we can see clearly [Wisdom’s Presentation]{.underline}. Wisdom needs to be clearly displayed in our lives. We will see next week [Wisdom’s Person]{.underline}. Even in this section, it becomes very clear that Wisdom is equated to the very Person of God! The word’s Wisdom and God become synonymous in this chapter. As a result, we can clearly see the handiwork of God in our life.

Proverbs 8:22

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September 18, 2019

Wisdom Portrayed as God #

Proverbs 8:22-36

Intro.

In the beginning of Chap 8, we see Wisdom’s Plea, then we see Wisdom’s Presentation, today we will look at Wisdom portrayed as God

I. Wisdom’s Infinity (22-29) #

A. Constancy of God/Wisdom (22-26) #

Possessed of the Lord!

Infinite, without Beginning, and end!

Difficult grasp no beginning

B. Creation of God/Wisdom (27-29) #

Wisdom Witnessed Creation

Proverbs 9:1

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Psalm 107 - The Wise will Understand

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Wise will Understand #

Psalm 107:1-3, 43

Introduction

Poetry in the Psalms is often giving the same message in multiple examples, illustrations, and historical accounts. We find that to be very true in this Psalm. Of course the historical reference is that of the history of Israel, and it would be great to know it. We do not have the time to cover all the history, and the references that are brought out.

Proverbs 12:1

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 23, 2019

What Kind of a Person are you? #

Proverbs 12:1-4

Intro.

The word most used in this Proverb is man. This can apply to both man and woman. As the Bible says in 2 Peter 3:11 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,"

I. Wise Man (1-4) #

Not a wise guy.

Proverbs 13:1

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 30, 2019

Importance of Words #

Proverbs 13

Intro.

Words have a profound effect on people, and lives. Words are used to express an opinion, or idea that one may have. The Bible gives ample warning about the use of our tongue, mouth, and lips in the form of words. Words have been known to start a war, take the very life from people. Words have also been used to build some very successful people in the world. Words were used to frame our very Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Words can be used to accurately record history, or misconstrue historical facts. Words are important!

Psalm 119:97 - Upgrade your Life

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

September 16, 2026

Upgrade your Life #

Psalm 119:97

Introduction

If you live in your home, and never change anything, it will be outdated, and break down, and have problems. Electrical wires will start to go bad, the roof will start to leak, the plumbing will have problems, the walls will start to look bad, the flooring would start to wear, the yard would become weed ridden, the bushes, and trees would get out of hand, the driveway would crack, and crumble, your HVAC would stop working, on and on we could go.

Proverbs 17:1

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

January 15, 2020

Four Features of a Fool #

Intro.

Fool is a prominent word in Chapter 17. We do understand that the Proverbs are not a continuous flow of thoughts, but rather a collection of wise sayings. By selecting a prominent word, by no means am I covering the entirety of the chapter. I have only selected a few proverbs that appear in the same chapter, and teaching on them. There are many themes, and lessons that can be learned from chapter 17 that will not be touched tonight… so by all means, do take the time to read Proverbs 17, and see other things written in there.

Proverbs 18:1

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

January 22, 2020

I. Wise Person #

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:1-5

Wise Person (Pro 18:1)

A. Desire #

• You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink

• You can lead a fool to wisdom, but you cannot make him learn.

B. Decision (separate) #

• You decided to come to church, you choose, with purpose to arrive at church.

• People don’t always choose to do the right thing.

Proverbs 18:6

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 5, 2020

A Word to the Wise #

Proverbs 18:6-8

Introduction

Proverbs is FULL of wisdom. Reading, understanding, and applying the wisdom in the Book of Proverbs is of a great benefit to every person. This evening, we need to take just these few verses, and apply them to our life in 2020. It is a “Word to the Wise”.

Prov. 13:1 ¶ A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 18:9

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 12, 2020

Stewardship #

Prov. 18:9 ¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

I. Stewardship – slothful, Diligence #

A. Slothfulness #

1. Physical Rest is not the same as slothfulness. #

- The Bible gives us provision for rest… matter of fact, God rested on the 7^th^ day as an example to man.
- The law even provided times for the fields to be left to ‘rest’.
- Gen. 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
- Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
- Matt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2. Sin of laziness (How does God view laziness) #

Slothful – inactive; sluggish; lazy; indolent; idle

- We live in a lazy society… $50 an hour, no work.
- People are lazy spiritually… Bible reading… too much work…. They have time for a ball game, friends, and all kinds of other activities. - Preaching to the choir
- If we are not careful, laziness can creep into every one of our lives! - boiling frogs… (Gibbs)
- Rom. 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- May we not become slothful in our spiritual business.

B. Waster #

Waster – one who squanders, consumes or expends extravagantly a prodigal.
Prodigal – given to extravagant expenditure expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful

Luke 15:11-13 - “wasted his substance with riotous living”
Everyone of us know that is not right.

C. Brother – similarities #

Brothers are usually similar in appearance.

Proverbs 18:12

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 19, 2020

Which path will you choose? #

Prov. 18:12 ¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

I. Path to destruction or honor (Pro 18:12) #

There are two very distinct pathways laid out before us in this verse.
The one path, is a well worn path, it looks like the most successful of people have traveled that path before… it looks like it is the path to success if you look at it.

Proverbs 18:20

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 15, 2020

Life Lessons #

Proverbs 18:20-24

Introduction

Lord willing I would like to finish this chapter up. Again, these thoughts are not always tied together, so we will simply take each verse as it stands. The first two verses deal with the same subject matter, so we are able to put those under the same point.

I. Words to mean something (Proverbs 18:20) #

A. Power of words (Pro 18:21) #

1. Your words carry a lot of weight. #

2. Some words, are not helpful. Matter of fact, they are empty over all. #

James 3:10-12 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Proverbs 19 - Path

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 22, 2020

Path of Life #

Proverbs 19:1, 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 20, 23, 24, 27

Introduction

We will look at this Proverbs in the categories that are presented in this Proverb. This will help us maintain a consistent message as we look at each category that is presented. I have categorized this Proverb into five categories: 1. Path (10 verses), 2. Influence (6), 3. Punishment (5), 4. Family (4), 5. Anger (2), and 6. No Category (3).

Proverbs 19 - Path

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

April 29, 2020

Instruction #

Proverbs 19:20

Introduction

Last week we looked at: Path of Life: 1. Integrity, 2. Ignorance 3. Idleness 4. Intelligence

All the verses we will look at tonight pertain to Instruction. Proverbs talks a lot about instruction. Really, in the Path of life, we have access to a lot of instruction. We pick and chose the instruction we want to follow. As we study the Proverbs, understand that for the most part when instruction is mentioned, it is talking about spiritual godly instruction found in the Word of God. You will find no greater instruction.

Proverbs 19 - Anger

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

June 3, 2020

Anger #

Proverbs 19:19

Introduction

We need to be careful that we do not paint anger or wrath as a bad thing. Anger is an emotion that is felt.

Eph. 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

God is holy, and without sin. Yet, he has wrath, and anger.

I. Anger without Discretion (Pro 19:19) #

Prov. 19:19 ¶ A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Proverbs 20 - Counsel

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

July 15, 2020

Counsel #

Proverbs 20:15

Introduction

We live in the age of information. Smart phones have made us dumber. The sharpening of technology has dulled the intellectual ability to reason and remember.

The older, wiser generation, may not understand this, but the younger generation will understand, you don’t have one phone number memorized.

We don’t need to understand things, we can just look it up. Intellectual understanding has been devalued due to the in-exhaustible resources at the very tip of our fingers with a smart phone & internet.

Proverbs 21 - Wise

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Proverbs 22 - Paths

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 30, 2020

Looking ahead – Two Trails #

Watch out! Watch where you are going! Be Careful!

Proverbs 22:3

Introduction

This verse sums up what we will look at this evening. Simply put, watch where you are going! When you have kids, you are always looking out for them. Watching where they are going, and what is going on. How many times have you kept your child from running into something or someone because they were not watching where they were going! Spiritually we need to be on watching where we are going, and where we will end up.

Proverbs 23:1-8 - Wise Life Lessons

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

October 28, 2020

Wise Life Lessons #

Proverbs 23:1-8

As we wade into a new chapter, instead of each verse being it’s own proverb, these proverbs are spread out over a couple of verses. Many of the verses go together. Some Bibles indicate paragraph breaks, many do not. Alternatively, you can look for the end of a sentence.

I. Prudence (1-3) (Contentment) #

A. Consider the situation (1) #

i. Who you are – ruler = superior - #

ii. What is going on… why are you dining there? #

“Wining and Dining” – to entertain someone with lavish meals, typically in order to gain their favor in some way, either personally or professionally.
To sway someone through kind treatment.

B. Contain yourself (2) #

i. Don’t be a glutton - “knife to thy throat” - Discipline #

ii. Don’t be fooled by the lavish treatment. #

Many times people who ‘wine and dine’ have to cover up something, causing them to have to wine and dine people to gain sway.
Buying people… it is corruption at the most basic level.

C. Covetousness (3) – “be not desirous” #

i. As you sit to such a meal, you could be deceived into believing that riches provide peace, happiness, and contentment…. #

ii. Peace, happiness, and contentment do not come from riches, or physical possessions. #

Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Proverbs 24:1 - Building your Life

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

January 6, 2021

Building your life #

Proverbs 24:1-9

Introduction

1Cor. 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

Whether you realize it or not, every day you live your life, you are adding another brick to your life. Every single day, you are constantly building this thing we call your life. God would caution you to be careful, take heed, on how you build your life.

Proverbs 24:15-20 - Failing

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

January 20, 2021

Failing #

Proverbs 24:15-20

Introduction

The verses we have for tonight, could not be more appropriate or timely. I could not have planned, or picked a more timely passage. I don’t say that lightly or other than simply a statement of fact. God orchestrates things according to His will… and sometimes He very well changes our will to match His plan.

I. Falling or Failing (Pro 24:15-18) #

A. Falling of the righteous (15-16) #

i. “Lay not in wait” (15) #

Written for the wicked

Proverbs 24:23-26 - Attributes of the Wise

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

January 27, 2021

Attributes of the Wise #

Proverbs 24:23-26

Introduction

We have a nice little paragraph in which the author clearly states the purpose of this paragraph. “These things belong to the wise.” In other words, he lays out a few “Attributes of a Wise Person” to help us have a clear concise view of what they are. If you desire to be wise, you will take note of these few attributes, and strive to practice them in your life.

Proverbs 24:27 - Qualities for Leaders

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

February 3, 2021

3 Good qualities for Leaders #

Proverbs 24:27

Introduction

You may not think of yourself as a leader, but in reality, you probably are a leader in some form or fashion. Fathers are to be leaders of their families… therefore they are leaders. Mothers are to be leaders to their children and spend a great deal of time teaching, many times simply by example. You may be a manager at work, and lead people. You may be a business owner, and carry more responsibility on your shoulders. It doesn’t matter if you lead few, or lead a multitude, you should strive to do the best at whatever you do in life. Leadership is not something to be taken lightly. It is also one of those areas that we all could use improvement in.

1 Chronicles 28:8-10 - Set Your mind to it

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

September 13, 2026

Set your Mind to it #

1 Chronicles 28:8-10

Introduction

We are staying within the series of the mind, but we are expanding it a little to the future. It really is a message to the next generation. I’m 50 years old, I have more years behind me than I have in front of me. However, I want the influence, and impact of my life to count for the cause of Christ. I’m not resigning to be done, there is much work to do.