3-22-20 Sermon Notes “The Book of Proverbs”
Two weeks ago, we looked at verses in the last chapter of Proverbs that that point to God’s view of women (which should also be our view as men). This week, we conclude our series on Proverbs.
Introduction
Have you ever heard the expression, “getting the cart ahead of the horse?” Well, that has happened with this series because we ‘dove’ into the proverbs without explaining the various aspects of the book. So….better late than never.
Message
This was going to be an interactive message time with those who were to be attending to pick out their favorite verses from Proverbs. (You may still participate by emailing your favorite Proverbs verse or verses and any other verses to lee@westshorecommunitychurch.org that you would like to share with the rest of us). Now, let’s take a deeper look into the book itself.
The Hebrew term mashal translated “proverb” can mean “oracle,” “parable,” or “wise saying.” Most of the sayings are meant to teach practical lessons about attitudes, behaviors or life in general. Though Proverbs represents a form of teaching that was common in the ancient Near East, its wisdom is unique. Proverbs teach about a wisdom based on respect for God His righteous standards for His people. Using proverbs to teach was popular in ancient times because the points that the listener needed to understand were clear and specific. They could easily be memorized and passed on from generation to generation.
David is the main person related to Israel’s tradition of using psalms for worship. Yet, his son Solomon, is the main person related to Israel’s use of proverbs to teach wisdom. According to 1 Kings 4:32, Solomon produced 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs in his lifetime. Other authors mentioned by name in Proverbs are Agur (30:1-30) and King Lemuel (31:1-31)
The purpose of the book is stated in chapter 1, verses 2-7 to provide and develop wisdom, discipline, insight, and guidance aimed at inspiring right and reasonable living by God’s standards. By applying this wisdom to life (1) simple people become wise thinkers (1:4), (2) youth gain knowledge and good judgment (1:4), and (3) the wise become even wiser (1:5-6). Thou Proverbs is basically a handbook of wisdom to inspire right living, there is a sure foundation (that we have mentioned numerous times) for that wisdom: “the fear of the Lord” (1:7). That means having a deep respect for God’s amazing power and authority as Creator and Judge. The holy respect for God is the most important motivation for developing wisdom. In a practical sense, “the fear of the Lord” involves a serious determination to do what God says is right and worthy of honor, and to avoid what He says is wrong and worthy of judgment.
Concluding Remarks and Application
The wisdom of Proverbs finds its full expression in Jesus, who is described as “greater than Solomon” (Luke 11:31) the one who has “become for us wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and “in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
Blessings to you all as we travel through this together. We will get through it and be stronger for it.