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Part 1–"Everlasting Wisdom for Everyday Life"

Proverbs 1:1-7

June 6, 2021

"Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you." ~John C. Maxwell Sometimes we face important choices in life that are incredibly important but may not have clear answers. Choices like: - Where should I go to college? - Should I look for a new job or stick with this one? - How do I handle the coworker who drives me crazy? - What should I do with my money? - Is it time to break up with this boyfriend/girlfriend? The Bible, God's Word should be our "go to" resource for seeking wisdom and application for the nitty-gritty, daily details of our lives. Ephesians 5:15-16, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” As we begin this series on proverbs we will see how to walk wisely, to make the most of our time, and how to make the best decisions in a day filled with evil. What is a Proverb? “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living.” The purpose of a proverb is to present wisdom in a short, memorable format, think zingers/axioms. Proverbs are simple yet profound. Many deal with the commonplace yet clarify the deepest realities of life. Why Proverbs? 1. Because of the Person (Prov. 1:1) Solomon sought wisdom from God and it was pleasing to God that he asked for wisdom so God granted his request. (see 1 Kings 3:9-14; 4:29-31) Even though Solomon was "wiser than anyone..." he himself made some very unwise and sinful decisions in his life. This does not change the credibility of the Proverbs but goes to show that it is easier to preach a sermon that to practice it. Yet, the truth should still be taught and proclaimed. 2. Because of its Purpose (Prov. 1:2-4) - Teaching wisdom, discipline, and understanding - Building a wise and disciplined life "A price has to be paid for anything of value, and nothing is more valuable in life than wisdom." - Instructing the inexperienced in discernment and equipping the young in decision making (Prov. 1:4) 3. Because of the People (Prov. 1:5) - Wise people have teachable spirits - Wise people continue to grow and learn - Wise people seek counsel when making decisions Ask yourself: 1.) Do I have a teachable spirit? 2.) Do I pursue opportunities to grow and to continue to learn? 3.) Do I seek the counsel and advice of others? 4.) Do I actively seek to understand truth and those things that will increase my wisdom? 5.) Do I exercise my mental faculties and sharpen my ability to think? Do I stretch myself to understand new or difficult things? 6.) Do I ask questions and seek the help of others in learning and understanding truth? 4. Because of the focal Point The right key to genuine wisdom or knowledge is: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." How do I gain this wisdom? - Posture/Willingness - Practice - Priority Take the Daily Proverbs challenge: Read a chapter of Proverbs each day corresponding with the day's date. Ex., June 6=Proverbs 6, June 7=Proverbs 7, etc.