Gaining Wisdom

For Jehovah giveth wisdom; Out of his mouth self and His wisdom easily known. Solomon
cometh knowledge and understanding: He layeth up mentions one:
sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them
that walk in integrity; . . . (Proverbs 2:6, 7; ASV). It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory
of kings is to search things out (Proverbs 25:2; KJV).
INTRODUCTION
Wisdom, Solomon said, has builded her The Lord has hidden His blueprints in the
house; she has furnished her table. She now elements and it is an advantage for rulers to
cries aloud inviting the needy to eat and encourage research. Solomon assures us the an-
drink what she has carefully prepared, to give swers to our questions and the solutions to our
heed to her thoughts and words. These are problems do exist. In fact, as we have seen, they
figurative expressions indicating what scholars are eagerly waiting for us to discover them. Of
and scientists recognizenamely, that knowl- course, the process is often slow and laborious,
edge comes through patiently researching the coming only by the sweat of our brow. Such is
laws of God in nature and holy Scripture. God the case with mankind collectively, and so it is
Himself is a spiritual being. He resides in a with each of us individually. Life involves a
different realm. What we know of Him comes to struggle to know what are the right and good
us through various material manifestations. things to do; but in the process, we develop a
better appreciation for the magnificent wisdom
I. THROUGH NATURE of God.
We can know something of His glory and Philosophers, scholars, and scientists have
majesty by observing the beauty and order of debated and tested many ways to aid in the
nature: search for knowledge and understanding. They
have developed many ingenious ways to un-
The heavens declare the glory of God: and the ravel the mysteries of the Lord in the world and
firmament showeth his handiwork (Psalms 19:1; to uncover the latent knowledge we need to live
KJV).
and progress. Much has already been uncov-
Ever since the creation of the world his invisible ered.
nature; namely, his eternal power and deity, has Over the centuries mankind has been accu-
been clearly perceived in the things that have been
made (Romans 1:20; RSV).
mulating a vast reservoir of knowledge which is
contained either in records of various kinds or in
Seeing Gods deity in nature is not done with the minds of knowledgeable people. These
the naked eye; it is perceived with the mind, sources of wisdom, knowledge, and understand-
much as we perceive otherwise invisible natural ing can be found whenever and wherever there
phenomena. For example, the ever present force are opportunities to learn. Wisdom, Solomon
of gravity is something every school child knows said, can be heard at these places:
about, but it remained unrecognized until two
centuries ago. When the force was finally re- . . . in the streets . . . in the chief places of concourse,
in the opening of the gates: in the city (Proverbs
vealed by Newton, the discovery was heralded 1:20-22; KJV).
as a milestone in the history of science. In the
same way, the Lords wisdom is not readily . . . in the top of high places, by the way in the
places of the paths . . . at the gates, at the entry of
apparent with our eyes, and the Lord has His the city, at the coming in at the doors (Proverbs
own lofty reasons why He does not make Him- 8:2, 3; KJV).
1
 What Solomon means is that knowledge is as He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; he is
a shield to them that walk in integrity (ASV)
freely available to us as is food and drink. It is no (Proverbs 2:6, 7).
less essential for our survival and good health.
When we are young, the major source of both our The collective reservoir of human knowl-
physical and our mental nurturance is our par- edge is now very large and there is no way for
ents. Therefore, Solomon repeatedly urged chil- any individual to grasp it all. We must be selec-
dren to appreciate the value of parental wisdom tive. Perhaps, attempting to understand every-
and take advantage of that excellent resource: thing is like trying to eat too much; it is un-
healthy. Nevertheless, Solomon warned:
Hear, my son, your fathers instruction, and reject
not your mothers teaching (Proverbs 1:8; RSV). . . . do not make yourself overwise; why should
you destroy yourself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16; RSV).
My son, . . . receive my words, and lay up my
commandments with thee. . . . (Proverbs 2:1; ASV).
The most serious problem, however, is that
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart our library of human knowledge (like the world
keep my commandments. . . . (Proverbs 3:1;
KJV). around us) is a jungle of conflict. Too often truth
and error are mixed up as a dark thicket. Virtu-
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and ally every area of human endeavor not only
attend to know understanding. For I give you good
doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my contains knowledge generally recognized (which
fathers son, tender and only beloved in the sight may or may not be true); but there is also much
of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto in dispute. Therefore, attempting to accept hu-
me, Let thine heart retain my words; keep my
commandments, and live (Proverbs 4:1-4; KJV).
man knowledge indiscriminately is naive and
childish; it is like one going out and eating what-
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings. . . . ever he can put in his mouth. Much of what goes
(Proverbs 4:10; KJV).
for knowledge is garbage at best and poison at
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto worst. Consequently, we must use prudence and
my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; caution, accepting only wise counsel and veri-
keep them in the midst of thine heart (Proverbs
4:20; KJV).
fied knowledge, seeking to develop correct un-
derstanding.
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine Solomon advised to look for authentic truths
ear to my understanding . . . (Proverbs 5:1; KJV). and sound wisdom. It can be seen wherever you
My son, keep thy fathers commandment, and find knowledge of excellent things, knowl-
forsake not the law of thy mother: bind them edge of clever inventions, information about
continually upon thine heart, and tie them about the ways of righteousness and the paths of
thy neck (Proverbs 6:20, 21; KJV).
justice. (See Proverbs 8.) The Lords wisdom is
My son, keep my words, and lay up my about all things noble, constructive, and bene-
commandments with thee. Keep my ficial. It contributes to the uplifting and advance-
commandments, and live. . . . (Proverbs 7:1; KJV).
ment of mankind.
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and
attend to the words of my mouth (Proverbs 7:24; Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the
KJV). opening of my lips shall be right things (Proverbs
8:6; KJV).
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and
despise not thy mother when she is old (Proverbs I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out
23:22; KJV). knowledge of witty inventions (Proverbs 8:12;
KJV).
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes
observe my ways (Proverbs 23:26; KJV). Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am
understanding; I have strength (Proverbs 8:14; KJV).
Of course the Lord is the Father of us all, and
It can be seen, for example, in the knowledge
He is the ultimate source of all our nurturance.
men use to build and manufacture successfully.
For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth Notice how they create all the precious goods of
cometh knowledge and understanding (KJV). human enterprise.
2
 Through wisdom is a house builded; and by Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind
understanding it is established; and by to govern thy people, that I may discern between
knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all good and evil . . . (1 Kings 3:9; RSV).
precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3, 4;
KJV).
There is one other problem with human
knowledge that should be recognized: The world
The Lords wisdom can also be seen at work
is dynamic and ever changing, and our knowl-
in the behavior of successful leaders and au-
edge changes with it. Much (perhaps most) of
thorities. Whenever possible, associate with wise
human knowledge is relevant only to a particu-
men and learn from them. Notice how they at-
lar place and/or time. One could even say, like
tend to their affairs and reach their decisions.
the things of nature, it lives for a time and then
Solomon said their use of wisdom gives them
dies. Some knowledge survives for but a mo-
power to succeed:
ment (like much of the advice about the stock
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By market); other knowledge may remain true and
me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of relevant for years, perhaps even for centuries.
the earth (Proverbs 8:15, 16; KJV). Some truths are timeless.
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but
a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs II. THROUGH THE BIBLE
13:20; KJV).
Solomon wrote much more than we have
contained in the Bible.
No less important is a hatred of evil of all
forms. Wickedness is an abomination to the wis- And God gave Solomon wisdom and
dom of the Lord. Solomon said that you will find understanding beyond measure, and largeness of
nothing proud, arrogant, contrary, or perverse mind like the sand on the seashore, so that
Solomons wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all
in truth. We can learn a lesson from the body. As people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
our body is attracted to the pleasing odor of For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than
good food, so it is repelled by the stench of Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Cakol, and Oarda,
the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the
garbage. Wisdom says: nations round about. He also uttered three
thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness and five. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is
is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall:
mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing he spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles,
froward or perverse in them (Proverbs 8:7, 8; KJV). and of fish. And men came from all peoples to hear
the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and the earth, who had heard of his wisdom (1 Kings
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward 4:29-34; RSV).
mouth, do I hate (Proverbs 8:13; KJV).

Concerning Solomons writings, the nine-

Happily, once seen, truth becomes clear, and teenth century Bible scholar Adam Clarke said:
sometimes even simple.
Of the three thousand proverbs which Solomon
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and spoke, we have only those contained in [The
right to them that find knowledge (Proverbs 8:9; Proverbs] and in Ecclesiastes; and of the one
KJV). thousand and five songs which he made, only
the Canticles [Song of Solomon] have been
As we have seen, because of the problem of preserved: or, in other words, of all his numerous
works in divinity, philosophy, morality, and
false knowledge and erroneous understanding, natural history, only the three above mentioned,
it is vital that we acquire the ability to discrimi- bearing his name, have been admitted into the
nate the good from the bad, what is true from sacred cannon. His natural history of trees and
plants, of beasts, fowls, and fishes, (for on all
what is false, the helpful from the harmful. In- these he wrote), is totally lost. Curiosity, which
deed, this skill is what Solomon specifically re- never says, It is enough, would give up the three
quested from the Lord when he first spoke to we have for those on the animal and vegetable
kingdom, which are lost. What God judged of
Himthe ability to judge rightly. He prayed, importance to the eternal interests of mankind,
saying: is preserved. . . .1
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 What the Lord chose to preserve from The author of the Hebrew letter said there is
Solomons writing contains lasting truthto help no other source of knowledge about the human
every generation be wise. mind that penetrates deeper than the Bible:

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of For the word of God is living and active, sharper
Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division
the words of understanding; to perceive the of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and
instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart
equity; to give subtilty to the simple, to the young (Hebrews 4:12; RSV).
man knowledge and discretion (KJV). The wise
man also may hear and increase in learning, and
the man of understanding acquire skill to
The world is constantly generating new ideas
understand a proverb and a figure, the words of and opinions. They come and go, but the Lords
the wise and their riddles (RSV) (Proverbs 1:1-6). book is always relevant. We should each begin
Have not I written unto thee excellent things of
with it and use its high standards to judge the
counsels and knowledge; to make thee know the merit of other knowledge. All authentic knowl-
certainty of the words of truth, that thou mayest edge and sound wisdom ultimately originate
carry back words of truth to them that send thee
(Proverbs 22:20, 21; KJV).
with the Lord, the one Shepherd. Use discretion
and seek for it:
And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he
still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them
good heed, and sought out, and set in order many that put their trust in him (Proverbs 30:5; KJV).
proverbs. The preacher sought to find out
acceptable words: and that which was written was The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like
upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings which
are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of
of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd anything beyond these. Of making many books
(Ecclesiastes 12:9-11; KJV). there is no end, and much study is a weariness of
the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:11, 12; KJV).
The Biblethe Word of Godis unexcelled
in the quality of its wisdom. Throughout its CONCLUSION
pages we can find knowledge that is always true As the knowledge of the world continues
and ever relevant. Its wisdom may be applied to to increase, adding to the collective wisdom of
every culture in every age. Indeed, both Moses mankind, we are able to tap deeper into the
and Jesus said it must be applied: vast cosmic wisdom of the Lord and become
increasingly able to share in His infinite cre-
. . . man shall not live by bread alone, but by every ative power. As our individual wisdom grows,
word that proceeds from the father (Deuteronomy we will be able to live more successfully, to
8:3; Matthew 4:4; RSV).
achieve more, to advance higher, and to make
a greater contribution to the progress of the
Within the Bible we find the Lords stan-
world.
dards for us to use in judging right and wrong. It
Walter Porter
also explains the meaning and purpose of our
existence. It contains both direct instructions on
FOOTNOTE
how to live and many examples or illustrations 1
Adam Clarke, Introduction to the Proverbs of Solomon, A
of ways of livingboth good and evilwith Commentary and Critical Notes: The Old Testament, vol.
their corresponding consequences. It is our great 3 (New York: Abingdon Press), p. 699.
common tutor from our great common Father. It
alone contains the key to understand how we
should live to prepare for true lifeeternal life.
Paul wrote:
ILLUSTRATION
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for A Good Piece of Advice
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness, that the man of God may be
complete, equipped for every good work A man congratulated his son who had just
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17; RSV). become a father. He added this piece of advice:
4
 Teach her as many of the seven hundred the swiftest word is Time;
thousand words of the English language as you the nearest word is Now;
have time, but be sure she knows that: the worst word is Sin;
the greatest word is God; the deepest word is Soul
the longest word is Eternity; the meanest word is Hypocrisy.
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

5
 The Blessings of Wisdom
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: . . . So shall they be life unto the soul. . . . (Proverbs
3:22; KJV).
(Proverbs 19:8; KJV).
Hear, my son, accept what I say, and the years of
INTRODUCTION your life will be many. . . . (Proverbs 4:10; KJV).
The gifts of wisdom cannot be surpassed
For they are life unto those that find them, and
because it is by the use of wisdom that all good health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:22; KJV).
things become possible. Through wisdom comes
life and health, happiness, grace and honor, For whoso findeth me findeth life. . . . (Proverbs
8:35; KJV).
material prosperity, power and strength, confi-
dence and security, and, best of all, the Lords For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the
favor. Solomon said: years of thy life shall be increased (Proverbs 9:11;
KJV).
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the
man that getteth understanding (KJV): for the gain The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that
from it is better than gain from silver, and its profit one may avoid the snares of death (Proverbs 13:14;
better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, KJV).
and nothing you desire can compare with her
(RSV). Length of days is in her right hand; and in To the wise the way of life goeth upward, that he
her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways may depart from Sheol beneath (Proverbs 15:24;
of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is ASV).
a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and
happy is everyone that retaineth her (KJV) Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that
(Proverbs 3:13-18). hath it . . . (Proverbs 16:22; KJV).

Who is as the wise? and who knoweth the

interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man II. WISDOM BRINGS
causeth his face to shine, and the hardness of his MATERIAL PROSPERITY
face is changed (Ecclesiastes 8:1; YLT).
Wisdom, the Grand Lady, brings material
prosperity.
Many times over Solomon listed her benefits,
for to love wisdom is to love oneself.
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of
the paths of justice; that I may cause those that love
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their
that keepeth understanding shall find good treasuries (proverbs 8: 20, 21; ASV).
(Proverbs 19:8; KJV).
The crown of the wise is their riches. . . . (Proverbs
I. WISDOM BRINGS LIFE 14:24; KJV).
Wisdom brings lifea long, healthy, happy A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over
one. a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in
the inheritance among the brethren (Proverbs 17:2;
For length of days, and long life, and peace; shall ASV).
they add to thee (Proverbs 3:2; KJV).
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling
. . . it will be healing to your body and nourishment of the wise. . . . (Proverbs 21:20; ASV).
to your bones (Proverbs 3:8; MLB).

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom. . . . Indeed, wisdom is better than riches:
(Proverbs 3:13; KJV).
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and
. . . happy is everyone that retaineth her (Proverbs knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is
3:18; KJV). better than rubies; and all the things that may be
1
 desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:10, A man shall be commended according to his
11; KJV). wisdom. . . . (Proverbs 12:8; KJV).

Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches Good understanding giveth favor. . . . (Proverbs
and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, 13:15; KJV).
than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver
(Proverbs 8: 18, 19; KJV). The wise heart is called a man of discernment. . . .
(Proverbs 16:21; RSV).
To get wisdom is better than gold; to get
understanding is to be chosen rather than silver The words of a wise mans mouth win him favor. . . .
(Proverbs 16:16; RSV). (Ecclesiastes 10:12; RSV).

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the

lips of knowledge are a precious jewel (Proverbs
Wisdom not only brings good to those who
20: 15; KJV). possess her, she also combats evil.

III. WISDOM BRINGS V. WISDOM BRINGS SAFETY

STRENGTH AND POWER Through her power comes safety.
Wisdom gives strength and power:
Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By excellent is it for them that see the sun. For wisdom
me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the
the earth (Proverbs 8: 15, 16; KJV). excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserveth
the life of him that hath it (Ecclesiastes 7:11, 12;
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings ASV).
down the stronghold in which they trust (Proverbs
21:22; RSV). VI. WISDOM BRINGS SECURITY
A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a Wisdom insures lasting security.
man of knowledge than he who has strength; for
by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in . . . [you] will dwell secure, and be at ease, without
abundance of counsel for there is victory (Proverbs dread of evil (Proverbs 1:33; RSV).
24:5, 6: RSV).
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy
Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and
ten rulers that are in a city (Ecclesiastes 7:19; RSV). thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down,
thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down,
Wisdom is better than weapons of war. . . . and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of
(Ecclesiastes 9:18; KJV). sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked,
when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy
IV. WISDOM BRINGS confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being
taken (Proverbs 3:22-26; KJV).
FAVOR AND HONOR
Wisdom also brings us favor and honor. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the
years of thy life shall be many (KJV). On the way
of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on
. . . for they are a fair garland for your head, and
pendants for your neck (Proverbs 1:9; RSV). straightforward paths. When you walk your step
will not be impeded, and should you run, you will
not stumble (NAB) (Proverbs 4:10-12).
So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:4; KJV).
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou
sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest,
. . . in her left hand [are] riches and honour
(Proverbs 3:16; KJV). it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a
lamp; and the law a light; and the reproofs of
instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from
The wise shall inherit glory. . . . (Proverbs 3:35; KJV).
the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a strange woman (Proverbs 6:22-24; KJV).
a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee (Proverbs
4:9; KJV). When we face a crisis, Solomon said, the
Riches and honour are with me. . . . (Proverbs 8:18; Grand Lady comes to our rescue.
KJV).
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion
favour of the Lord (Proverbs 8:35; KJV). shall preserve thee; understanding shall keep thee.
2
 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man. . . . potential for music systems, televisions, auto-
(Proverbs 2:10-12; KJV).
mobiles, air and space travel all existed then. The
It will save you from the adulteress. . . . (Proverbs laws of nature have not changed. All this lay
2:16; NEB). latent in the dirt under their feet. All that was
. . . he who walks in wisdom will be delivered
needed was the knowledge and the under-
(Proverbs 28:26; RSV). standing of how to convert this dirtthe raw
materials of the earthinto a usable material so
CONCLUSION as to construct the mechanisms desired. The
In summary, Solomon said: plans or potential for all these things have
existed since the beginning of creation. Waiting
. . . nothing you desire can compare with her patiently for us to put them into reality are the
(Proverbs 3:15; RSV). wonders that the Lord has already foreseen in
His cosmic designwisdom. And who knows
I sit in my office and at the flick of my fingers what other wonders await us lying latent in the
and the turn of my hand I summon forth the ground beneath our feet?
beautiful music of a great orchestra. Indeed, I Nevertheless, remember Solomon said, in
have my pick of many great orchestras. With spite of its great power, wisdom cannot give
other slight movements, I can talk with my par- complete freedom from sorrow and frustration
ents who live one thousand miles away, or per- because this is an imperfect world. Indeed, the
haps even with my friends, Frans and Gottfried, wiser we may become, the more we will learn of
who live in Europe. I can do all of this without the evils and sorrows here.
leaving my seat. In the comfort of my living
room several years ago, I watched as the first For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that
man set foot upon the moon. I heard him as he increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow
spoke his first words there. In my home I can (Ecclesiastes 1:18; KJV).
experience the sights and sounds of a mountain And I saw that wisdom has the advantage over
climbing expedition, watch what happens in- folly as much as light has the advantage over
side a living body, or look back in history and see darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, but
the fool walks in darkness. Yet I knew the lot befalls
the German army conquer Europe and then suf- both of them (Ecclesiastes 2:13, 14; NAB).
fer defeat. I can travel in comfort for hours at a
time at twice the speed a horse can run, virtually Moreover, unless it is used with love, wis-
anywhere in the land. For a modest fee, I can dom cannot benefit us. Paul said a man could
travel to almost anywhere in the world in less have all wisdom, and still be nothing:
than a day or two, in comfort and ease.
All these things are common everyday oc- . . . if I have prophetic powers, and understand all
currences in modern times. But what if I could mysteries and all knowledge. . . but have not love,
I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2; RSV).
somehow travel back in time to one thousand
Walter Porter
years ago to tell the people of that age all I could
do in my office or in my living room. What if I
had told them that millions of people in the
world had watched the first man step out onto ILLUSTRATION
the surface of the moon. The list of wonders
readily available to modern people is so great The Next Million
and so incredible that it is almost certain what
would have been the peoples reaction in this J. P. Morgan was once asked the follow-
imaginary trip back in timeI would have been ing question, When has a man made enough to
declared mad. be happy?
Yet, only a lunatic would deny them today. Morgan replied, with a smile, When he has
What made all these things possible for us? The made the next million.
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
3
 The Foundation of Wisdom
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; Solomons meaning of fear of the Lord
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understand- includes hatred of evil.
ing (Proverbs 9:10; ASV).
Becoming wise begins with a type of men- The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, and
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward
tal set, one consisting of a special emotional- mouth, do I [wisdom] hate (Proverbs 8:13; KJV).
motivational state or approach-avoidance ori-
entation of mind. This type of basic mentality Several other references to the fear of the
serves as the driving force for creating a wise Lord illustrate this connotation:
mind. It consists of both a love and a hatred. In
simplest terms, it is a love of good and a hatred Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and
of evil. depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; KJV).

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart

I. THE FOUNDATION OF HATRED from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27; KJV).
First, consider the hate. As beautiful and
. . . and by the fear of Jehovah men depart from
necessary as love is, love alone, lamentably, is evil (Proverbs 16:6; KJV).
inadequate in a world containing both good and
evil. Evil will overcome good if we do not com- Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in
the fear of the Lord all the day (Proverbs 23:17;
bat it. Therefore, we must also be willing to hate RSV).
evil and have the courage to oppose it if we are
to please the Lord. Speaking of Jesus, the Lord Job, quoting the Lord, said:
said:
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to
You have loved righteousness and hated depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28; RSV).
wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you
above your companions by anointing you with the II. THE FOUNDATION OF DISCIPLINE
oil of joy (Hebrews 1:9; NIV).
We are all born full of life and energy, but
It is not enough, then, only, to love righteous- without intelligence. Yet, the infants mind is not
ness; like Jesus, we must also hate wickedness. actually empty. Perhaps it is better to call it
God has created us in His image and has given us confused or primitive, like the earth at its begin-
freedom of will; but, unlike the Lord, we are ningchaotic and undeveloped. Infants do not
imperfect creatures and we have the propensity know the difference between what is good and
within us to commit evil. According to Solomon, bad; thus they are helpless and dependent. They
the first step in becoming wise is developing a do not know how to communicate their needs
hatred of the evil that is both within us and and so they just yell loudly and hope. They
around us. cannot coordinate their bodies, so they just wiggle
about and make messes. They live unwisely be-
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge cause, as Solomon said:
. . . (Proverbs 1:7; KJV).
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child. . . .
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; (Proverbs 22:15; RSV).
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding
(Proverbs 9:10; KJV). There is a natural joy and pleasure in being
The fear of the Lord is training for wisdom . . . alivedoing things and experiencing things. Be-
(Proverbs 15:33; NAB). ing unwise, babies try everything they can, good
1
and bad; and being full of energy, they possess wrongdoing and its consequences. It is devel-
potential for harm, both to themselves and oth- oped by recognizing the harm produced. It en-
ers. Hence, we must impose restrictions upon courages internalized controlself-discipline.
them. Consider gasoline. It contains energy and is This orientation of mind enables wisdom to be-
a valuable commodity providing a major source gin. Developing a healthy respect for the conse-
of the energy that activates our economy. But raw quences of doing wrong serves to bottle up and
gasoline is dangerous. Only when it is placed in a to restrain behavior. It captures and contains the
strong container and carefully metered out a little raw energy of a free life. It creates self-control by
at a time can it be used for constructive purposes. purifying and cleansing us of our natural wild-
So it is with life in the raw, this unchecked ness. It encourages humility, which opens the
pride of life within us. All energy (including the mind, making it more receptive for education.
energy of life) must be carefully restrained and This purging of impulsiveness is like plow-
channeled constructively a little at a time. There- ing a field to make it suitable for growing good
fore, inhibition and self-control are fundamental crops. It is like refining ore in a furnace to purify
qualities of the wise. the raw materials so that they can be shaped into
The well-documented effect of intoxicating useful products. It is like the pain of surgery that
liquors is to both dull the intellect and release the cuts out the diseased tissue. Punishment is de-
inhibitions. A drunk is a dangerous fool because signed to correct; its purpose is to improve and
he possesses the power of an adult with the mind make a person better. To correct someone is an
of a child. The alcohol does not generate the act of kindnessand an expression of love. The
dangerous behavior; it simply releases it. Only Lords wisdom includes correcting faults:
when a person is sober can recognition and re-
morse emerge. Give heed to my reproof; behold, I will pour out
my thoughts to you; I will make my words known
The very first step in becoming wise, then, to you (Proverbs 1:23; RSV).
involves the inhibiting power of a special atti-
tude. It is a certain emotional orientation or For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching
a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way
feeling that motivates us to reject whatever pro- of life . . . (Proverbs 6:23; RSV).
duces failure and harm. It is the desire not to
erra hatred of evil. Solomon also revealed how He who winks at a fault causes trouble, but he who
frankly reproves promotes peace (Proverbs 10:10;
it is developed: NAB).

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition will
rod of discipline drives it far from him (Proverbs abide among the wise . . . he who heeds admonition
22:15; RSV). gains understanding (Proverbs 15:31, 32; RSV).

Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

We learn to hate evil by experiencing the and reprove one that hath understanding, and he
consequences of it. This is the purpose of punish- will understand knowledge (Proverbs 19:25; ASV).
ment. It creates in us a healthy fear for whatever
Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; and strokes
produces bad consequences. John wrote: reach the innermost parts (Proverbs 20:30; ASV).

. . . fear has to do with punishment. . . . (1 John 4:18, As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold
RSV). so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear
(Proverbs 25:12; KJV).
Effective punishment produces discomfort Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are
(physical and/or mental). If wrong actions re- the kisses of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6; RSV).
sult in discomfort, wrong actions will be feared.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more
For example, knives cut. The careless use of favour than he that flattereth with the tongue
knives cause pain. Therefore, we abhor the care- (Proverbs 28:23; KJV).
less use of knives. It is similar with guns or
atomic energy. Correction inevitably involves some initial
The Lord is the ultimate avenger of all wrong- pain or discomfort. Even gentle forms of correc-
doing. Fear of the Lord, then, means to abhor tion such as criticism or reproof hurt at the time;
2
but after the necessary improvement occurs, the The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left
to himself bringeth his mother to shame (Proverbs
feeling is made better. If I am going about igno- 29:15; KJV).
rantly committing some offense (say, in the way
I look), a friend would inform me to help me Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he
shall give delight unto thy soul (Proverbs 29:17;
correct it; then we could all relax and enjoy life KJV).
more. On the other hand, an enemy (laughing
behind my back) would flatter me on my fine Punishment or correction takes many forms
appearance. and its proper use depends upon a variety of
Punishment is designed to correct error, to circumstances. For example, words alone are
make right what is wrong. Its goal is healing. It ineffective for some:
is, in fact, simply a form of communication, a
feedback mechanism, a control device to steer By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for
the deviating party back on the right path, a though he understands, he will not give heed
(Proverbs 29:19; RSV).
message regarding the value of actions to in-
form both the offending party as well as all
Physical force is necessary for children, ani-
others who can learn by observing. Failure to
mals, and fools. They need a stronger message.
administer just punishment deprives the indi-
vidual of important information. It keeps him . . . a fool [goes] to the correction of the stocks. . . .
blind to the harmful consequences of what he is (Proverbs 7:22; KJV).
doing and so both retards maturity in children
and interferes with intelligent behavior at any . . . a rod is for the back of him that is void of
understanding (Proverbs 10:13; KJV).
age.
The chastenings of punishment are designed Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging
to encourage wisdom in us; and the Lord would for the backs of fools (Proverbs 19:29; RSV).
have us wise. Indeed, nature punishes us when A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod
we transgress: that is, the Lord, through nature, for the fools back (Proverbs 26:3; KJV).
disciplines us.
Even though the application of strong pain
My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; may not penetrate the thick skull of some stub-
neither be weary of his correction: for whom the born individuals, nevertheless, the demonstra-
Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son
in whom he delighteth (Proverbs 3:11, 12; KJV). tion can benefit others.

Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence.

Its application is a necessary part of rearing . . . (Proverbs 19:25; ASV).
children. Attempting to train a child without the
use of any form of correction is like trying to When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made
wise. . . . (Proverbs 21:11; ASV).
build a house without hammers and saws. It
may keep things quiet, but little that is construc- Neither observing nor experiencing the just
tive is accomplished. application of punishment encourages violence.
On the contrary, it generates healthy fear and
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who
loves him is diligent to discipline him (Proverbs restraint. However, gentle forms are all that are
13:24; RSV). needed for the wise:
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a
thy soul spare for his crying (Proverbs 19:18; KJV). hundred stripes into a fool (Proverbs 17:10; KJV).

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: but the . . . reprove one that hath understanding, and he
rod of discipline drives it far from him (Proverbs will understand knowledge (Proverbs 19:25; KJV).
22:15; RSV).

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat Indeed, being too forceful can be unjust.
him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him
with a rod you will save his life from Sheol . . . to flog noble men is wrong (Proverbs 17:26;
(Proverbs 23:13, 14; RSV). RSV).
3
 The wise application of punishment is the beginning of wisdom. Plowing a field, refining
most powerful techinque available to restrain ore, or removing diseased tissue accomplishes
evil, both within the individual and within a nothing useful unless crops are grown, goods
community. Withholding punishment is like are manufactured, or the wound heals.
permitting the weeds to grow in a garden, or The next component of that fundamental
tolerating rust in a machine, or allowing an in- emotional motivational state of mind necessary
fection to remain in the body. Rightly used, it can to become wise is love: the energizing power of
be an act of mercy and kindness even to the point a feeling, a certain positive emotional orienta-
of saving lives. Indeed, psychologists have pun- tion, an attitude that motivates us to vigorously
ished infants with electric shock (in some cases pursue knowledge and understanding, the de-
less than ten months of age) to cure them of sire for truth, a love of wisdom. This is what
chronic ruminative vomiting (a life-threatening Solomon emphasized most.
habit) when all other forms of treatment failed. We have only a little control over the devel-
Electric shock ( a source of pain considered to be opment of our body. It is primarily genetically
more scientific) has also been used, paradoxi- determined. Its knowledge is fixed and built-in.
cally, to cure self-mutilation in children. Some, But the Lord made our minds relatively free. We
for example, would bite their fingers off, pull out are born without knowledge and have great
their fingernails with their teeth, poke out their capacity to learn. Being free means that we have
eyes, chew off their shoulders down to the bone. an independent will, and what we become in
Before discovering the effectiveness of punish- mind depends to a large extent on what we
ment, these children were kept in full body re- choose to become. If we would be wise, and so
straints, often for years at a timea cruel form of capable of productive living, we must set our
prolonged bondage. hearts to get wisdom. Unlike the growth of our
Solomon recognized the paradox three thou- arms and legs, teeth and hair, it will not happen
sand years ago: automatically. We must orient our will to get
knowledge, understanding, wisdom. It is a per-
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat sonal responsibility. No one can make me wise
him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him
with a rod you will save his life from Sheol
without my cooperation.
(Proverbs 23:13, 14; RSV). Indeed, there is a natural disinclination to
learn useful knowledge and to develop good
It should be noted, however, that certain understanding because it requires effort and hard
kinds of self-restraint and discipline involve only work. The casual trivia that we experience and
a form of pseudo-wisdom. Developing an irra- remember in our routine living rarely contrib-
tional obedience to some legalistic system does utes to the development of wisdom. It would be
not produce the kind of self-control necessary to like junk food, which may be enjoyable but does
combat evil. An example, perhaps, is the asceti- not provide much nutrition. Paul wrote of cer-
cism of some athletic and military training regi- tain foolish sinners who were
mens. Paul alluded to this when he warned
. . . ever learning, and never able to come to the
against a legalistic approach to religion: knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7; KJV).

. . . Why do you submit to regulations, Do not

handle, Do not taste, Do not touch (referring to Therefore, Solomon repeatedly urged the
things which all perish as they are used) according reader (my son . . . . and ye children. . . .) to
to human precepts and doctrines? These have cultivate the desire for knowledge and under-
indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting
rigor of devotion and self-abasement and severity standing. Fall in love with wisdom because she
to the body, but they are of no value in checking is the principle thing, the means by which the
the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:20-23; Lord gives us all things good. The following
RSV).
rather lengthy list of Scriptures from the Prov-
erbs illustrates Solomons major plea: Set your
III. THE FOUNDATION OF LOVE heart to get wisdom:
Fear of the Lordhatred of evilproduces
self-restraint and discipline. But this is just the A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
4
and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise He who heeds instruction is on the path to life . . .
counsels. . . . (Proverbs 1:5; KJV). (Proverbs 10:17; RSV).

Hear, my son, your fathers instruction, and reject Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge . . .
not your mothers teaching. . . . (Proverbs 1:8; RSV). (Proverbs 12:1; KJV).

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and . . . a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15;
attend to know understanding. For I give you good RSV).
doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my
fathers son, tender and only beloved in the sight A wise son heareth his fathers instruction. . . .
of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto (Proverbs 13:1; KJV).
me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my
commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get The mind of him who has understanding seeks
understanding; forget it not; neither decline from knowledge. . . (Proverbs 15:14; RSV).
the words of my mouth (Proverbs 4:1-5; KJV).
Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22; RSV).
wisdom; and with all thy getting, get
understanding. Exalt her and she shall promote The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and
thee; she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge (Proverbs
embrace her (Proverbs 4:7, 8; KJV). 18:15; KJV).

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings. . . . Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you
(Proverbs 4:10; KJV). may gain wisdom for the future (Proverbs 19:20;
RSV).
Take fast hold of instruction. . . . (Proverbs 4:13;
KJV). Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the
wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine (KJV). For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them
ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard within thee. If they be established together upon
discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge thy lips. That thy trust may be in Jehovah . . . (ASV)
(Proverbs 5:1, 2; KJV). (Proverbs 22:17-19).

Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears
not from the words of my mouth (Proverbs 5:7; to the words of knowledge (Proverbs 23:12; KJV).
KJV).
Hear thou my son, and be wise, and guide thine
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children and heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19; KJV).
attend to the words of my mouth (Proverbs 7:24;
KJV). Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and
instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23;
I [wisdom] love them that love me; and those that KJV).
seek me early shall find me (Proverbs 8:17; KJV).
My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know
blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it,
instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed there will be a future, and your hope will not be
is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my cut off (Proverbs 24:13, 14; RSV).
gates, waiting at the posts of my door (Proverbs
8:32-34; KJV).
As we gain wisdom, we should take great
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him care to preserve it. Against his own advice Solo-
that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, mon allowed himself to be led astray in his later
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which
I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and
years. (See 1 Kings 11.)
go in the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:4-6;
KJV). My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep
my commandments. . . . (Proverbs 3:1; KJV).
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them
learning (Proverbs 9:9; KJV). about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine
heart (Proverbs 3:3; KJV).
The wise in heart will receive commandments. . . .
(Proverbs 10:8; KJV). My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep
sound wisdom and discretion (Proverbs 3:21; KJV).
Wise men lay up knowledge. . . . (Proverbs 10:14;
KJV). . . . never leave her, and she will guard you, love
5
 her, and she will take care of you (Proverbs 4:6; wisdom comes only to those who actively pur-
MOFFATT).
sue her.
. . . let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life Thus, the process of becoming wise begins
(Proverbs 4:13; KJV). with an orientation of will away from folly and
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in
evil toward knowledge and understanding. This
the midst of thine heart (Proverbs 4:21; KJV). mentality is the foundation that supports all the
accumulated knowledge and skills a person ac-
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are
the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23; KJV).
quires as he develops his intellect.
Walter Porter
My son, keep thy fathers commandment, and
forsake not the law of thy mother; bind them
continually upon thine heart, and tie them about
thy neck (Proverbs 6:20, 21; KJV). PREACHING WITH POEMS
My son, keep my words, and lay up my
commandments with thee. Keep my
commandments, and live; and my law as the apple What a Friend
of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write
them upon the table of thine heart. Say unto I go to him when Im feeling blue
wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call
understanding thy kinswoman . . . (Proverbs 7:1- And lay my secrets bare,
4, KJV). And I know that I never need to call twice
For he is always there!
Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to stray
from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27;
RSV). He knows the pain of a loved one lost
When the hurts too great to tell,
Solomon emphasized the necessity of exer- So he comforts me like a father would
cising our will because becoming wise involves And I know that all is well.
an if-then, cause-and-effect relationship: from
voluntary effort to wisdom. He loves me even though Im weak
And my lifes been touched by sin,
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide And hell forgive me if I ask
my commandments with thee; so that thou And lead me home again.
incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine
heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after
knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for He left his home in heaven high
understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and And came to earth to give
searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt
thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find
An example of a perfect life
the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth By which all men should live.
wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge
and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom
for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that
Then when we try . . . and still we fail,
walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of For men will always fail,
judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. He went to Calvary and died
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and And shed his blood for all.
judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion If well just bathe in that great fount
shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep Which down from Calvary flows,
thee. . . . (Proverbs 2:1-11; KJV). (Italics mine.)
His blood will wash away our sins
I love them that love me; and those that seek me And make us white as snow.
diligently shall find me (Proverbs 8:17; ASV).
Hes done so much for you and me
CONCLUSION And will . . . until the end,
Solomon most urged the cultivation of an So we must show by how we live
intense love for wisdom (knowledge and under- That Jesus is our friend!
standing). It should be ones highest priority, for Marion E. Lobaugh
6 Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 The Common Qualities
Of the Wise
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth The wise value knowledge and use it to live
cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverbs successfully.
2:6; KJV).
Added to the basic orientation are certain Every prudent man worketh with knowledge. . . .
other qualities of mind common to all wise men. (Proverbs 13:16; ASV).
These qualities, together with the foundation The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his
attitude, appear to comprise what psychologists way. . . . (Proverbs 14:8; KJV).
call the general factor of intelligence. Examining
. . . a man of understanding maketh straight his
all that Solomon said about the wise reveals this going (Proverbs 15:21; ASV).
general mentality.
Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many
advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22; RSV).
I. THE BASIC QUALITIES OF THE WISE
Their hatred of evil makes them cautious. Wisdom is never out of sight of a discerning man
. . . (Proverbs 17:24; NEB).
. . . the prudent man looketh well to his going (KJV).
A wise man sees evil coming and avoids it . . . . (JB) Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance
(Proverbs 14:15, 16). wage war (Proverbs 20:18; RSV).

A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son. . . . (Proverbs
himself. . . . (Proverbs 22:3; KJV). 28:7; KJV).

A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth The wise mans heart leads him aright. . . .
himself. . . . (Proverbs 27:12; ASV). (Ecclesiastes 10:2; JB).

The wise know the dangers of even a mo- As a mans wisdom increases, he becomes
mentary careless deed or word. even more able to learn, and he increasingly
enjoys the process.
Dead flies make the perfumers ointment give off
an evil odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and . . . wisdom [is as sport] to a man of understanding
honor (Ecclesiastes 10:1; RSV). (Proverbs 10:23; ASV).

. . . knowledge is easy for a man of understanding

The desire of the wise not to err contributes (Proverbs 14:6; RSV).
to emotional control.
. . . the prudent are crowned with knowledge
. . . a man of understanding holdeth his peace (Proverbs 14:18; KJV).
(Proverbs 11:12; KJV).
In the discerning heart, wisdom finds a resting
. . . a prudent man ignores an insult (Proverbs 12:16; place. . . (Proverbs 14:33; KNOX).
MOFFATT).
Their words reflect their mentalitycon-
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding.
. . . (Proverbs 14:29; KJV).
trolled, knowledgable, and effective.

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife. . . . . he that refraineth his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19;
. . (Proverbs 20:3; RSV). KJV).

. . . a wise man quietly holds it [anger] back A prudent man concealeth knowledge. . . .
(Proverbs 29:11; RSV). (Proverbs 12:23; KJV).
1
 . . . a wise mans words are his safeguard (Proverbs cause trouble nor look for it. Indeed, given the
14:3; NEB).
opportunity they will go out of their way to
The lips of the wise spread knowledge. . . .
avoid it. When they see potential dangers, they
(Proverbs 15:7; RSV). prepare ways to avoid or escape from it. Hence,
they pay attention to warnings. If instructions
The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, specify certain things to avoid, they prudently
and adds persuasiveness to his lips (Proverbs 16:23; attend to the advice. If laws impose restrictions,
RSV).
they obey the laws. No matter how lofty their
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than station in life may be, wise men are humble and
the shouting of a ruler among fools (Ecclesiastes eager to learn. They accept correction and try to
9:17; RSV). change when proven wrong. Having discov-
ered the power and beauty of truth, they listen
II. THE GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WISE to good counsel and receive teaching and edu-
The overall pattern looks like this: Wise men cation. They are especially careful to respect the
hate evil. They have no appreciation for sense- advice and recommendations of experts and
lessness. They look with distaste upon things authorities. Indeed, they seek out many advis-
that are wasteful and destructive. ers and toil in the process of finding informa-
Physicians who work in hospital emergency tion and knowledge. They invest their time,
wards loathe drunken drivers because they con- money, and labor in the quest of learning. They
tinually face the misery it causes. Modern sur- enroll in courses of study and acquire libraries.
geons seem to be fanatics about cleanliness, As they continually accumulate their knowl-
refusing even to touch the patient with their edge, they both increase their ability to learn
bare hands during the operation. Some have and increase the pleasure they get in acquiring
even gone so far as to totally enclose each pa- it. Indeed, education and learning become a
tient in a huge plastic balloon containing puri- form of recreation for them. Notice how suc-
fied air. Fanaticism? But, oh, how successful cessful, progressive nations and private com-
these modern wise men have been. It was not panies promote activities to discover wiser ways
always so. Read the fine book, None of These to improve their efforts. They hire experts and
Diseases, by S. I. McMillen 1 to see how long and invest in research; and as they make new dis-
how vigorously they resisted the ancient Bible coveries, they carefully guard their knowledge,
teachings on the importance of cleanliness in knowing that it enables them to survive and
dealing with disease. Manufacturers of those compete.
expensive earth satellites work with the same The wise understand the true difference be-
fanaticism toward cleanliness. Scientists look tween right and wrong, good and evil. They
with contempt upon careless research because know the real meaning of justice and fair-play.
it produces false, misleading information. Me- They do not judge by appearances only, but they
chanics hate to work on poorly designed, filthy, also see with depth. They have insight and fore-
or abused machinery. Teachers lament when sight, enabling them to perceive both the under-
they must face a classroom of wild, rebellious lying dynamics of things while accurately antici-
students. pating results and consequences. Therefore, they
A wise man is patient; he controls his emo- show good judgment and make correct deci-
tions. If a quarrel erupts nearby, he does not get sions. Wise men are able to successfully perceive
caught up in it. He quietly ignores an insult. ahead because they have faith in the ultimate
Certainly he will remember and learn from the value of wisdom, even though for the moment it
experience, but he will not be provoked into a may seem to be ineffective or, perhaps, may even
meaningless fight, choosing instead to hold back appear to be an obstacle; nevertheless, the wise
his anger and to use his intellect to seek peace know that in the end, the Lords truth (whether
and reconciliation. in nature or Scripture) is always victorious. And
Notice, for example, how great national lead- so the wise are law-abiding, heedful of both
ers successfully field the challenges and criti- natural law and social law. They can see far
cisms hurled against them. Wise men neither enough ahead to know the benefits of right liv-
2
ing. The penalties for violations are too costly,
and penalties are inevitable, because Solomon
ILLUSTRATIONS
said:
What Is Wealth?
If the most righteous in the land are punished, how
much more the wicked and the sinner (Proverbs
11:31; AAT). A man had just left a friends house in his
Cadillac. The host watched enviously as he de-
Someone (a scientist, sportsman, business- parted. Some day, honey, well be rich too, he
man) may be tempted to cheat to gain fame and/ said to his wife. She reached out, took her
or fortune; but a wise man recognizes that time husbands hand, and replied: Darling, we are
catches up with the guilty, and the humiliation rich now. Someday well have money.
and loss of credibility far outweigh the brief
benefits. A Strong Will
The wise are especially noted by their skill
with words. First, they show self-control and H. E. Luccock describes the importance of
restraint in their use of language. Realizing the will power as follows: Behind an efficient body
power of words, they speak with great caution. there must be a strong will. Behind a chisel you
When they do speak, what they say is true and need a mallet to give it force and direction. A
relevant. Moreover, their words are both digni- chisel without another tool to drive it is useless.
fied and astute. What they say is uplifting and The body is a chisel that needs a strong will to
ennobling, bringing aid and comfort to others. direct it. The man who can restrain his appetite
Their wisdom and skill with words brings them and push on through discouragements and fail-
security, honor, prosperity, and power. ures is a good craftsman.

CONCLUSION The Value of Wealth

Physical strength is no match for a well-
developed mind. Men have long mastered the A pious man was once asked whether wis-
most powerful beasts. Countries that develop dom was more important than wealth. He re-
the national intellect have long towered over plied, Certainly.
those that promote only physical prowess. There Whereupon he was asked, Why then do the
is no strength like wisdom and there are no great wise wait on the rich, and not the rich on the
men like the wise. wise?
Walter Porter He answered, Because the wise, being wise,
understand the value of wealth, whereas the
FOOTNOTE
1
S. I. McMillen, None of These Diseases (New York: rich, being merely rich, are ignorant of the value
Pyramid Books), 1967. of wisdom.
Copyright, 1983, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Growing in Wisdom
The glory of young men is their strength, but the Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth
her voice? (Proverbs 8:1; KJV).
beauty of old men is their grey hair (Proverbs 20:29;
RSV). . . . I am understanding. . . . (Proverbs 8:14; KJV).

INTRODUCTION Our wisdom, then, would be the highest

Growing in wisdom is a lifetime process. It form of our understanding, that which provides
is our duty to continue increasing our motiva- the overall organization and integration to our
tion for truth, while developing our self-control various lower levels of knowledge and under-
and adding to our knowledge and understand- standingour wisdom is the gestalt of our intel-
ing. Several times in the Bible a mans life (which, lect.
Jesus said, does not consist in the abundance of
his possessions) and his mind are compared to I. GROWTH INVOLVES PERCEPTION
the growth of a tree or the construction of a Growing in wisdom is a process involving
house. In these we can see the fundamental a continuous interaction of the intellect with
process involved in godly mental development. perception. Intellect comes from seeing, and
For example, in the first Psalm we find these seeing comes from intellect: the two work to-
words: gether. The sense organs of the body are chan-
nels through which information is sent for the
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel mind to build our cognitive structure. Through
of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in use of the eyes and the ears (primarily) we
the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates have access to knowledge. But eyes and ears
day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams only transmit the elements of information.
of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its
leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers Understanding and wisdom are created in the
(Psalms 1:1-3; RSV). mind.
Helen Keller had neither working eyes nor
Solomon referred to the process of building a ears, yet she acquired a college degree and be-
house, saying: came an accomplished speaker. Two people can
view the same thing but may see something
Through wisdom a house is builded; and by entirely different. Perceiving involves under-
understanding it is established: and by knowledge
shall the chambers be filled with all precious and standing, and this is done in the mind from the
pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3, 4; KJV). information provided by the eyes. We use our
eyes and ears together with the knowledge and
Perhaps these words also contain a meta- understanding within our hearts to perceive the
phorical meaning. In that case knowledge may world around us. Far more important than
refer to the elements of intellect: the facts and healthy eyes and ears in determining what we
pieces of information that compose itthe bricks, see and hear is the nature of our minds. The
boards, and furniture of the building. Under- author of the letter to the Hebrews spoke of the
standing could refer to the relationships that necessity of training our senses by comparing
hold the elements together. It gives meaning knowledge with food:
and comprehension to informationthe mor-
tar and nails of the building. Wisdom, perhaps, But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full
age, even those who by reason of use have their
is the integration. That Grand Lady, Wisdom, senses exercised to discern both good and evil
said: (Hebrews 5:14; KJV).
1
 II. GROWTH INVOLVES SOUNDNESS Moreover, Solomon said:
Prejudiced minds or hardened hearts can
An high look, and a proud heart, even the lamp of
make perception impossible. When the Lord the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4; RV).
began to give up on his people, ancient Israel, he
told the prophet Isaiah: The lamp of the wicked is a proud heart
. . . Go, and say to this people: Hear and hear, but misinforming them about their rightful place in
do not understand; see and see, but do not the world, perverting their perception of right
perceive. Make the heart of this people fat, and and wrong, leading them into rebellion against
their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see
with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and authority and causing them to commit selfish
understand with their hearts, and turn and be cruelty against others. Notice how Solomon uses
healed (Isaiah 6:9, 10; RSV). the word eye:

When the Bible mentions the eye, it often There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes!
refers to the eye of the mindthat part of the and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation,
whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as
heart that enables us to understand. Jesus said: knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and
the needy from among men (Proverbs 30:13, 14;
The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is KJV).
sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if
your eye is not sound, your whole body will be The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth
full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall
how great is the darkness! (Matthew 6:22, 23; RSV). pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it
(Proverbs 30:17; KJV).
We cannot perceive correctly if we do not
have correct knowledge and sound understand- There is another way the eye of the mind can
ing; nor can we obtain knowledge and under- be pervertedthrough a kind of lust. Perhaps
standing if we do not perceive correctly. The the eye is to the heart as the mouth is to the
information of the senses interacts with both the stomach. As the mouth is never satisfied, the eye
information and the attitude of the mind to give too is never full.
us the power to perceive and understand. This is
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of
one of the reasons why the ignorant learn so man are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20; KJV).
slowly and the educated learn so quickly. Per-
haps these words of Jesus apply: All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it:
the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled
For to him who has will more be given; and from with hearing (Ecclesiastes 1:8; KJV).
him who has not, even what he has will be taken
away (Mark 4:25; RSV). Like the mouth, the eye is a source of plea-
sure.
Solomon said that the wise mans eyes are in
his head; but the fool and the wicked both walk The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart. . . . eye,
neither (Proverbs 15:30; KJV).
in darkness. If the eye of the mind is sound, we
understand correctly. If it is not sound, we either Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is
for the eyes to behold the sun. . . . (Ecclesiastes 11:7;
misperceive or misunderstand the information KJV).
we receive by the senses. This is why Paul could
say: Moreover, like the mouth, it can become
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are greedy to indulge in excess. The lust of the eye
lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded appears to fuel greed for possessions.
the minds of them which believe not, lest the light
of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,
of God, should shine unto them. For we preach neither desire thou his dainty meats: for as he
not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith
ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Proverbs
who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 23:6, 7; KJV).
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches. . . .
Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-6; KJV). (Proverbs 28:22; ASV).
2
 Solomon said that having excess riches only to which he has called you. . . . (Ephesians 1:15-18;
RSV).
serves to indulge the eye:

When goods increase, they are increased that eat Our physical growth ends after fifteen or
them: and what good is thee to the owners thereof, twenty years; our physical strength grows for
saving the beholding of them with their eyes? twenty or thirty years and then declines; intel-
(Ecclesiastes 5:11; KJV).
lectual growth can continue almost to the end.
The elderly may lose their youthful vigor and
Pride and greed both corrupt the eyes and
strength, but they make up for the loss in the
ears of the mind making them blind and deaf to
quality of their wisdom (which is symbolized by
the needs of others.
grey hair).
The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor
finds no mercy in his eyes (Proverbs 21:10; RSV). A hoary head is a crown of glory; it is gained in a
righteous life (Proverbs 16:31; RSV).
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the helpless, he
will cry for help himself and not be heard (Proverbs The glory of young men is their strength, but the
21:13; NEB). beauty of old men is their grey hair (Proverbs 20:29;
RSV).
He whose eye is generous will be blessed, for he
gives food to the poor (Proverbs 22:9; MLB). Nevertheless, no matter how much wisdom
He that giveth unto the poor shaIl not lack: but he
and/or strength we may acquire, the Lord,
that hideth his eyes shaIl have many a curse through Jeremiah the prophet, said that our true
(Proverbs 28:27; KJV). glory is understanding and knowing Him:

The Lord has given us our senses to use as Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in
tools to acquire knowledge so that we can live his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his
might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but
righteously, and Solomon encouraged us to use let him who glories glory in this, that he
them well: understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who
practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the
depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; KJV). Lord (Jeremiah 9:23, 24; RSV).

Let your eyes look right in front, and your eyelids Knowing the Lord is our glory because, Sol-
be directed straight ahead of you (Proverbs 4:25;
AAT).
omon said, the knowledge and strength of this
world is vain:
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord made
even both of them (Proverbs 20:12; KJV). And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know
madness and folly: I perceived that this also is
The poor and the oppressor have a common bond: vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both (Proverbs grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth
29:13; NAB). sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:17, 18; KJV).

CONCLUSION Walter Porter

Receptiveness to knowledge helps enlighten
the eyes of the heart, thereby enabling it to grow
in wisdom, which, in turn, increases its power to
perceive. Paul wrote the Christians at Ephesus, ILLUSTRATION
saying:
The Three Wishes
For this reason because I have heard of your faith
in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the
saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, A poor woodsman was granted three wishes
remembering you in my prayers, that the God of by a fairy. Dazed by this gift, the man rushed
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give home. When he arrived, he found that his wife
you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the
knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart had not yet finished preparing supper and so he
enlightened, that you may know what is the hope said, without thinking, I wish I had a piece of
3
pudding before me. Immediately, a bowl of wish the pudding would stick to your nose, and
pudding appeared on the table and the man up it flew to the poor mans nose. He tried to pull
explained the matter of the three wishes to his it off, but to no avail. They had no alternative but
puzzled wife. His wife, furious at his folly in to use the final wish to have the pudding re-
wasting a wish declared, You are so foolish, I moved.
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

What Righteousness Includes

Better is a little with righteousness than great cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if
revenues without right. (Proverbs 16:8; KJV). I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and
INTRODUCTION if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love,
How does one go about becoming a righ- I gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; RSV).
teous person? Does righteousness include other
We may have supreme skill with words; we
traits or is it a narrow concept?
may have all wisdom and all faith; and we may
Solomon indicates that righteousness is sim-
even make the ultimate sacrifice of giving up
ply right living; he said it involves a broad ap-
everything, including our lives. Yet, what does
proach to life which includes various qualities of
all this accomplish? All of these qualities are
character.
highly desirable if they lead to some good result,
I. WISDOM but in themselves they produce nothing. More-
Righteousness depends partly upon wisdom. over, God has the power to create a machine
We cannot live and act right if we do not know (containing neither life nor love) capable of mag-
what is right. Just as a tornado passing through nificent speech, knowledge, faithful obedience,
a lumberyard cannot build a house, so ignorance and total self-sacrifice. Yet it would be only a
cannot create good. Neither random action nor machine deserving no special reward. Paul con-
impulsive living produce constructive human tinued, saying:
enterprise. Therefore, the righteous seek to learn, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
and the Lord adequately supplies them. does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is
not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil
knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always
wisdom for the upright. . . . (Proverbs 2:6, 7; RSV). trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7; NIV).
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in That critical element required to make wis-
learning (Proverbs 9:9; KJV). dom (or words or faith or self-sacrifice) worth
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight something is love. Love in a primitive form is
wisdom, and knowledge, and joy. . . . (Ecclesiastes simply an attraction or desire for something.
2:26; KJV). Love in its most exalted form seeks harmony,
unity, and constructive peaceagape love. This
II. LOVE kind of love is the force that works with wisdom
Solomon emphasized that the very purpose to generate good. Notice how similar in basic
of educating our minds is to enable us to live nature it is to Wisdom, the Grand Lady that
fruitful lives. It equips us to continue the cre- Solomon described: It contains no evil. It is not
ation processto produce good as the Lord does. jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, irri-
But being righteous involves more than becom- table, or resentful. Neither does it rejoice in
ing wise. Wisdom is necessary but not sufficient wrong. On the contrary, it rejoices in right. Love
for righteousness. There is another vital ele- seeks to promote only goodness and righteous-
ment. We must turn to Paul to learn more about ness. It is patient and kind. It always protects,
it: trusts, hopes, perseveres. It is that quality of
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but mind that permits wisdom to be fulfilled. John
have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging told how great it is when he said:
1
 God is love, and he who abides in love abides in IV. CONFIDENCE
God, and God abides in him (1 John 4:16; RSV).
With this kind of trust, the righteous have
confidence.
III. TRUST
Having the highest form of loveagape love The fear of the Lord gives life: and he who has it
means to abide in God. Therefore, Solomon ad- will have need of nothing, no evil will come his
vised trust in the Lord: way (Proverbs 19:23; BAS).

. . . the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not 28:1; KJV).
unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. . . . he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and made fat (Proverbs 28:25; KJV).
depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and
marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy . . . he who trusts in the Lord is safe (Proverbs 29:25;
substance, and with the first fruits of all thine RSV).
increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
and thy presses shall burst out with new wine
(Proverbs 3:5-10; KJV). And the Lord has confidence in the righ-
teous. Referring to Him, Solomon said:
The way of the Lord is strength to the upright
(Proverbs [Link] KJV).
. . . the upright are in his confidence (Proverbs 3:32;
He who walketh in his uprightness feareth the RSV).
Lord. . . . (Proverbs 14:2; KJV).
. . . such as are upright in their way are his delight
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts (Proverbs 11:20; KJV).
shall be established (Proverbs 16:3; KJV).
. . . the prayer of the upright is his delight (Proverbs
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: 15:8; KJV).
and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he
(Proverbs 16:20; KJV). . . . he loveth him that followeth after righteousness
(Proverbs 15:9; KJV).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the
righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs . . . he heareth the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs
18:10; KJV). 15:29; KJV).

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable

Agur agreed, saying: to Jehovah than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3; ASV).

. . . [God] is a shield unto them that put their trust With that mutual trust the Lord permits us to
in him (Proverbs 30:5; KJV).
enjoy increasingly greater freedom to unleash
our creative potential. But being irresponsible
As individuals we are small and insignifi-
limits our freedom. As we do not allow young
cant in this vast and complicated universe. Our
children or drunks to drive automobiles, neither
insight and our foresight are exceedingly lim-
will the Lord free us beyond our level of matu-
ited. Of necessity we must rely a great deal upon
rity. As we mature in righteousness, we gain
our trust in the reliability of other people and the
freedom. Jesus said:
things in our world. One benefit of knowledge is
that it can increase our confidence in the Lord If you continue in my word, you are truly my
and His ways. We can increasingly recognize disciples, and you will know the truth, and the
truth will make you free (John 8:31; RSV).
that His ways are the ways of victory because
His wisdom enables us to ultimately succeed in
Paul wrote:
our struggles.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of
wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. slavery (Galatians 5:1; RSV).
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within
thee: they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That You, my friends, were called to be free men; only
thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known do not turn your freedom into license for your
to thee this day, even to thee (Proverbs 22:17-19; lower nature, but be servants to one another in love.
KJV). For the whole law can be summed up in a single
2
 commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he
But if you go on fighting one another, tooth and that is wise winneth souls (Proverbs 11:30; KJV).
nail, all you can expect is mutual destruction
(Galatians 5:13-15; NEB). A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast . . . .
(Proverbs 12:10; KJV).
V. GOODNESS . . . the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit (Proverbs
The righteous are the Lords obedient chil- 12:12; KJV).
dren in the world. We love Him as the good
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor. . . .
Father He is and seek to imitate all the noble (Proverbs 12:26; ASV).
virtues of life personified by His Son Jesus: love,
mercy, kindness, generosity, patience, humility, . . . the conduct of the pure is right (Proverbs 21:8;
RSV).
obedience, unselfishness, self-control, indus-
triousness, etc. These are the qualities that build When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
up and promote joy and peace. The righteous (Proverbs 21:15; RSV).
seek good in their thoughts. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory
. . . . (Proverbs 28:12; ASV).
The desire of the righteous is only good. . . .
(Proverbs 11:23; KJV). When the righteous are in authority the people
rejoice. . . . (Proverbs 29:2; KJV).
He who eagerly seeks what is good finds much
favour. . . . (Proverbs 11:27; NEB). The just man has a care for the rights of the poor
. . . . (Proverbs 29:7; NAB).
The thoughts of the righteous are right. . . .
(Proverbs 12:5; KJV). . . . the upright plan how to protect him [the
blameless man] (Proverbs 29:10; MOFFATT).
The mind of the righteous ponders before
answering. . . . (Proverbs 15:28; MLB).
Like the Lord our eternal Father, the righ-
. . . as for the upright, he gives thought to his way teous hate evil and oppose it.
(Proverbs 21:29; BAS).
A righteous man hates falsehood. . . . (Proverbs 13:5;
They use their speech to promote good. RSV).

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. . . . The highway of the upright is to depart from
(Proverbs 10:11; RSV). evil. . . . (Proverbs 16:17; KJV).

The tongue of the just is as choice silver. . . . . . . he that keepeth his soul shall be far from them
(Proverbs 10:20; KJV). [the perverse] (Proverbs 22:5; ASV).

The lips of the righteous feed many. . . . (Proverbs . . . those who convict the evildoer will fare well,
10:21; KJV). and on them will come the blessing of prosperity
(Proverbs 24:25; NAB).
The lips of the righteous know what is
acceptable. . . . (Proverbs 10:32; KJV). . . . such as keep the law contend with them [the
wicked] (Proverbs 28:4; KJV).
. . . the speech of the upright saves them (Proverbs
12:6; NAB). An unjust man is an abomination to the
righteous. . . . (Proverbs 29:27; RSV).
. . . the words of the pure are pleasant words
(Proverbs 15:26; KJV). CONCLUSION
In short, the righteous have a strong affection
Indeed they use all their efforts to promote for the Lord and His noble ways, and so use both
what is right and good. They plan good works their minds and their bodies to carry out the
themselves and support the good works of others. Lords plans to promote all the ways of godliness
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life. . . . and oppose all the ways of ungodliness.
(Proverbs 10:16; KJV). Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Rewards of Righteousness

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy Right living, he said, produces good things
findeth life, righteousness and honor (Proverbs 21:21; to enjoy.
KJV).
. . . he [the Lord] blesseth the habitation of the just
(Proverbs 3:33; KJV).
INTRODUCTION
Does righteousness pay? Are there benefits Blessings are upon the head of the just. . . . (Proverbs
to right living? Solomon speaks of the intrinsic 10:6; KJV).
value of righteousness numerous times. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he
addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22; KJV).
I. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES LIFE
. . . the desire of the righteous shall be granted
He said righteousness promotes a long life of (Proverbs 10:24; KJV).
growth and progress, whose work continues to
bear fruit even after death: . . . to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure
reward (Proverbs 11:18; KJV).
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul. . . .
perfect shall remain in it (Proverbs 2:21; KJV). (Proverbs 13:25; KJV).
. . . the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, . . . the dwelling of the upright shall prosper
which shines brighter and brighter until full day (Proverbs 14:11; ABPS).
(Proverbs 4:18; RSV).
In the house of the righteous is much treasure. . . .
The memory of the righteousness continues a
(Proverbs 15:6; KJV).
blessing. . . . (Proverbs 10:7; MLB).

. . . the righteous is established for ever (Proverbs . . . the blameless will have a goodly inheritance
10:25; RSV). (Proverbs 28:10; RSV).

Surely righteousness brings life. . . . (Proverbs 11:19; Blessed is the man who fears the Lord always. . . .
MLB). (Proverbs [Link] RSV).

. . . the house of the righteous shall stand (Proverbs III. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES
12:7; KJV).
HONOR
Life is in the way of the righteous, a pathway where Righteousness gives strength and favor.
there is no death (Proverbs 12:28; MLB).

A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, The way of the Lord is strength to the upright. . . .
blessed are his children after him (Proverbs 20:7; (Proverbs 10:29; KJV).
ASV).
A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord. . . .
He that pursueth righteousness and (Proverbs 12:2; KJV).
lovingkindness shall find life. . . . (Proverbs 21:21;
RHM). He that pursueth righteousness and
lovingkindness shall find . . . honour (Proverbs
21:21; RHM).
II. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES JOY
A righteous life is a joyful life. IV. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness. . . .
SECURITY
(Proverbs 10:28; KJV). Godly living promotes peace and safety.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth. . . . (Proverbs Whoso walketh uprightly, walketh securely. . . .
13:9; KJV). (Proverbs 10:9; SPRL).
1
 . . . the seed of the righteous shall be delivered The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way
(Proverbs 11:21; KJV). straight. . . . (Proverbs 11:5; RSV).

When a mans ways please the Lord, he maketh The merciful man doeth good to his own soul. . . .
even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs (Proverbs 11:17; KJV).
16:7; KJV).
Righteousness guards him whose way is
. . . he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul upright. . . . (Proverbs 13:6; RSV).
(Proverbs 16:17; KJV).
. . . the good man gets satisfaction from his [ways]
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his (Proverbs 14:14; MLB).
soul. . . . (Proverbs 19:16; ASV).
. . . mercy and truth shall be to them that devise
good (Proverbs 14:22; KJV).
Through righteousness comes lasting secu-
rity. . . . the righteous finds refuge through his integrity
(Proverbs 14:32; RSV).
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry. . . .
(Proverbs 10:3; RSV). He that pursueth righteousness and
lovingkindness shall find. . . righteousness. . . .
The righteous shall never be removed. . . . (Proverbs (Proverbs 21:21; RHM).
10:30; KJV).
All of these benefitslong life, prosperity,
. . . the root of the righteous shall not be moved
(Proverbs 12:3; KJV). good reputation, security, and healthare natu-
ral consequences of right living. The righteous
No ill befalls the righteous. . . . (Proverbs 12:21; are the industrious, good citizens of the world.
RSV).
They earn their wages; they deserve the respect
Righteousness rescues one from crisis. of their friends and neighbors; they enjoy the
protection of the law; they maintain both their
. . . righteousness delivereth from death (Proverbs environment and their own bodiesall because
10:2; KJV). of their manner of living. Moreover, they leave
The righteous is delivered out of trouble. . . . the world a better place.
(Proverbs 11:8; KJV). Nevertheless, Solomon said that even righ-
teousness will not keep us from sorrow and pain.
. . . the just shall come out of trouble (Proverbs 12:13;
KJV).
This is a world permeated with evil, and it is the
Lords will that we patiently endure.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his
children shall have a place of refuge (Proverbs Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the
14:26; KJV). Lord delivereth him out of them all (Psalms 34:19;
RSV).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the
righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises
18:10; KJV). again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity
(Proverbs 24:16; RSV).
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved. . . .
(Proverbs 28:18; KJV).
Moreover, the worlds injustice tends to de-
CONCLUSION feat the Lords intention that righteousness be
Since the universal plans of the Lord include properly rewarded. Too often the Lord gives but
all the consequences of right living, therefore, the wicked take away. Solomon said, for ex-
the laws of nature insure blessings for righteous- ample, that many righteous people are kept poor
ness. Indeed, the very actions of the godly ini- because of oppression.
tiate a natural sequence of events designed by
the Lord to return to them the good they per- The fallow ground of the poor yields much food,
but it is swept away through injustice (Proverbs
forma rebound effect intended to reward their 13:23; RSV).
efforts.

The integrity of the upright guides them. . . . And our righteousness may even cost us our
(Proverbs 11:3; RSV). lives here on earth.
2
 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: apostles. But the Lord has a better life prepared
there is a just man that perisheth in his
righteousness. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:15; KJV).
for all the godly, no matter what happens here
under the sun.
Death was, in fact the fate of Jesus and His Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Who Is a Fool?
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: her come back nor do they regain the paths of life
(Proverbs 2:16-19; RSV).
but a man of understanding walketh uprightly (Prov-
erbs 15:21; KJV).
In other places in the Bible, sin in general is
The introductory portion of The Proverbs
characterized as adultery against the Lord. For
(the first 9 chapters) is almost entirely a plea to
example, the prophet Isaiah rebuked the people
get wisdom and to shun folly. Wisdom is per-
of Jerusalem, saying:
sonified in the form of a lovely woman, the
Grand Lady longing to supply our legitimate How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was
needs. In the last portion of the introduction full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but
(chapter 9) two pleas are heard. First, Wisdoms now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy
wine mixed with water: thy princes are rebellious,
plea is this: and companions of thieves: everyone loveth gifts
[bribes], and followeth after rewards: they judge
Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the
seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts, she widow come unto them (Isaiah 1:21-23; KJV).
has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She
has sent out her maids to call from the highest
places in the town, Whoever is simple, let him And Jeremiah spoke these words:
turn in here! To him who is without sense she says,
Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I The Lord said to me in the days of King Josiah:
have mixed. Leave simpleness, and live, and walk Have you seen what she did, that faithless one,
in the way of insight. (Proverbs 9:1-6; RSV). Israel, how she went up on every high hill and
under every green tree, and there played the harlot?
And I thought, After she has done all this she will
Then, another plea is heard, a similar plea by return to me; but she did not return, and her false
another kind of woman: sister Judah saw it. She saw that for all the
adulteries of that faithless one, Israel, I had sent
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and her away with a decree of divorce; yet her false
knoweth nothing (KJV). She sits at the door of her sister Judah did not fear, but she too went and
house, on a seat by the city highways, calling to played the harlot. Because harlotry was so light to
those who pass by, who are keeping straight on her, she polluted the land, committing adultery
their ways (AAT). Whoso is simple, let him turn in with stone and tree. Yet for all this her false sister
hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, Judah did not return to me with her whole heart,
she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread but in pretense, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 3:6-10;
eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that RSV).
the dead are there; and that her guests are in the
depths of hell (KJV) (Proverbs 9:13-18). Ezekiel gave a more lengthy example. (See
Ezekiel 23.) John, in his great vision told of,
Folly is behavior in violation of the Lords
divine plans, and it, too, is personified in the . . . Babylon the great, mother of harlots and of
form of a woman; but this one is a seductive earths abominations (Revelation 17:5; RSV).
temptress offering immediate pleasure for sin to
those ignorant of its deadly penalties. One of Only the Lord is all-wise. Everyone is igno-
wisdoms benefits is that she will protect from rant of many things! Frequently, we do not know
this wicked woman whom I call dame Folly. what to do: The wise man looks for someone who
does have knowledge, and he learns from him. If
You will be saved from the loose woman, from the this is not possible, and he is forced to act, the
adventuress with her smooth words, who forsakes wise man will rely upon all he does know to
the companion of her youth and forgets the
covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to suggest a solution; then he respondsslowly
death, and her paths to the shades; none who go to and with caution. We may fail because of un-
1
avoidable ignorance or misinformation and suf- Jesus also warned against uttering that accusa-
fer because of it, but there is no condemnation in tion rashly against a brother. He said:
not having knowledge. Jesus once told some
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with
Pharisees: his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever
insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and
If you were blind, you would have no guilt. . . . whoever says, You fool! shall be liable to the hell
(John 9:41; RSV). of fire (Matthew 5:22; RSV).

And Paul wrote: II. FOLLY SYMBOLIZED

One-fourth of the introduction to Proverbs
. . . I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and consists of a warning against adultery; not sim-
insulted Him [Jesus]; but I received mercy because ply the sex-act, but the whole process of folly and
I had acted ignorantly in unbelief. . . . (1 Timothy
1:13; RSV). evil. The cost of ignoring wisdom is not merely
the loss of her benefits. There are severe penal-
I. FOLLY DEFINED ties: distress and panic, fear and anguish, pov-
The word fool, in its broadest sense, refers to erty and disgrace, calamity, destruction, even
those who think or act without knowledge and death. Their cries for mercy will be ignored in
understanding. Such behavior may be limited to the same way they ignored the cries of wisdom.
a particular circumstance. For example, it is re- Wisdom cries aloud in the street; in the markets
corded that Jesus called some of his beloved she raises her voice; on the top of the walls she
cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
disciples fools when they could not believe How long, O simple ones, will you love being
that He had risen from the dead. Jesus admon- simple? How long will scoffers delight in their
ished them, saying: scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to
my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts
to you; I will make my words known to you.
O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
prophets have spoken! (Luke 24:25; KJV).
have stretched out my hand and no one has
heeded, and you have ignored all my counsel and
On other occasions He referred to people as would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh
fools when they did not think right. For example, at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes
you, when panic strikes you like a storm, and your
Matthew recorded an occasion when He sternly calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and
chastised the scribes and Pharisees, saying: anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon
me, but I will not answer; they will seek me
diligently but will not find me. Because they hated
Woe to you, blind guides, who say, If anyone
knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone
would have none of my counsel, and despised all
swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by
my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their
his oath. You blind fools! For which is greater, the
way and be sated with their own devices. For the
gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
simple are killed by their turning away, and the
And you say, If anyone swears by the altar, it is
complacence of fools destroys them; but he who
nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift that is on
listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease,
the altar, he is bound by his oath. You blind men!
without dread of evil. (Proverbs 1:20-32; RSV).
For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes
the gift sacred? (Matthew 23:16-19; RSV). . . . shame shall be the promotion of fools (Proverbs
3:35; KJV).
Everyone is a fool in the sense that everyone
But he that sinneth against me [wisdom] wrongeth
is a sinnerno one is perfect. Whenever one acts his own soul: all they that hate me love death
unthinkingly, he deserves that title. Neverthe- (Proverbs 8:36; KJV).
less, not everyone is a chronic fool any more than
. . . a prating fool shall fall (Proverbs 10:8; KJV).
everyone is a chronic sinner. Chronic fools are
those who willingly and persistently reject and . . . fools die for want of wisdom (Proverbs 10:21;
KJV).
forsake the Lords wisdom. It can occur in child-
hood or in adult life. Chronic fools deserve con- . . . the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart
demnation. They have willfully refused to ac- (Proverbs 11:29; KJV).
cept the gifts of the Grand Lady of God and have, . . . he that hateth reproof is brutish (Proverbs 12:1;
instead, chosen to consort with dame Folly. But KJV).
2
 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed. . . . took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the
(Proverbs 13:13; KJV). bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and
slept. But at midnight there was a cry, Behold, the
Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores bridegroom! Come out to meet him. Then all those
instruction. . . . (Proverbs 13:18; RSV). maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the
foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil,
. . . the correction of fools is their folly (Proverbs for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied,
16:22; ASV). Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for
you; go rather to the dealers and buy for
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not yourselves. And while they went to buy, the
good. . . . (Proverbs 19:2; KJV). bridegroom came, and those who were ready went
in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury. . . . shut. Afterward the other maidens came also,
(Proverbs 19:10; RSV). saying, Lord, lord, open to us. But he replied,
Truly, I say to you, I do not know you. Watch
. . . he that is careless in his ways shall die (Proverbs therefore, for you know neither the day nor the
19:16; ASV). hour (Matthew 25:1-13; RSV)

Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to stray

from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27; Children may be said to be of the acute
RSV). developmental type of fool, but the Bible does
The man that wandereth out of the way of not actually classify them fools. Children, in
understanding shall rest in the assembly of the whose heart Solomon said folly abounds, are not
dead (Proverbs 21:16; ASV). called fools because they have not had the op-
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, portunities of time and experience to learn right
even his prayer shall be abomination (Proverbs and wrong. They are simple-minded, undevel-
28:9; KJV). oped, naive, gullible. They are inexperienced to
the dangers of the worldtoo trusting and too
III. FOLLY CLASSIFIED careless.
Fools are those who have both the potential
and the opportunity to learn, but either refuse to The simple believeth every word. . . . (Proverbs
learn, to begin with, or, after having once learned, 14:15; KJV).
abandon wisdom and return back into folly.
. . . the simple pass on and are punished (Proverbs
These I call developmental and regressive fools, 22:3; KJV).
respectively. Regressive fools are those who,
having developed their minds with knowledge . . . the simple pass on, and suffer for it (Proverbs
27:12; ASV).
and understanding, abandon it and indulge
themselves in dissipation with dame Folly.
Unless children are disciplined and trained,
A special kind of fool is, perhaps, the most
their development becomes stagnant; and they
tragic of allthe spiritual fool. He is the man
degenerate into a state of mental barbarism, hav-
who ignores knowledge about his spiritual life
ing mature bodies with primitive mindsthe
and refuses to prepare for his souls eternal des-
chronic developmental fool.
tiny. No matter how brilliant a mans intellect, or
how skilled he may be in worldly affairs, if he
The simple inherit folly. . . . (Proverbs 14:18; KJV).
pays no attention to the gospel of Jesus, he is a
spiritual fool. Jesus told this parable to warn
against being spiritually foolish: CONCLUSION
Two paths diverge in front of each man: the
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to path of foolishness and the path of wisdom. One
ten maidens who took their lamps and went to leads to ruin; the other leads to happiness and
meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish,
and five were wise. For when the foolish took their joy. Which will you take?
lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Evolution of Sin

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians
10:13; KJV).
burned? (Proverbs 6:28; KJV).
Wisdom (in its fullest sense) refers to all the
A wise mind heeds warnings. But rejecting
ways of performing righteousness; folly refers to
wisdom creates a mentality that fails to appreci-
all of the ways of committing sin. Since adultery
ate the dangers of illicit pleasure. Solomon made
personifies folly, we may, therefore, generalize
this plea:
the dynamics of adultery to all forms of sin.
Examining the process of adultery, described by And now O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to
Solomon, reveals an interesting pattern involv- the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn
aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. . . .
ing what appears to be three stages. (Proverbs 7:24, 25; RSV).

I. THE FIRST STAGE: VULNERABILITY Solomon also described how those who are
For any one kind of sin, the folly process victimized by dame Folly often reflect back to
begins with a state of mindone lacking under- the beginning and make confession of their re-
standing about the sin. But a lack of understand- bellious attitude:
ing does not necessarily mean complete igno-
rance about it. Often those who succumb to the And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and
thy body are consumed, and say, How have I hated
sin have acquired an intellectual awareness of its instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and
forbidden nature. What is lacking is an accep- have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor
tance of, or trust in the knowledge. This lack of inclined my ear to them that instructed me!
(Proverbs 5:11-13; KJV).
conviction may be the result of either a tempo-
rary lapse from wisdom or it may reflect a chronic The final step in the first stage involves expe-
state of rejection. But whether for a foolish mo- riencing alluring temptations (to be found wher-
ment or a lifetime, when wisdom is forsaken the ever the spirit of Satan is active) which arouse
mind becomes defenseless; and, thus, vulner- the appetites. Sin is said to be deceitful (see
able to temptation. Dame Folly calls the simple Hebrews 3:13) because it misleads its victims. It
those without understanding: offers an immediate reward, like bait on a hook.
For at the window of my house I looked through Thus refusal to recognize warnings, plus height-
my casement: and beheld among the simple ones, ened arousal equals little resistance. Dame Folly
I discerned among the youths, a young man void (the strange woman) flatters and seduces with
of understanding, passing through the street near
her corner; and he went the way to her house. In a variety of smooth tactics, all designed to attract
the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark and captivate.
night. . . . (Proverbs 7:6-9; KJV).
. . . [wisdom will] . . . deliver thee from the strange
Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! And to woman, even from the stranger which fIattereth
him who is without sense she says. . . . (Proverbs with her words. . . . (Proverbs 2:16; KJV).
9:16; RSV).
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an
Paul said that the Lord always provides a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil . .
. . (Proverbs 5:3; KJV).
way of escape from temptation:
With much seductive speech she persuades him;
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is with her smooth talk she compels him (RSV). He
common to man: but God is faithful, who will not goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the
suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks
but will with the temptation also make a way to (KJV) (Proverbs 7:21, 22).
1
 II. THE SECOND STAGE: INDULGENCE yield yourselves to God as men who have been
brought from death to life, and your members to
Thus the stage is set for committing the for- God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will
bidden deed, which, in turn, opens the curtain have no dominion over you. . . . Do you not know
for act two of the morbid drama. When sin is that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient
slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey,
committed, it then gives its rewardimmediate either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience,
pleasureto reinforce the sin. Dame Folly says: which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to
God, that you who were once slaves of sin have
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret become obedient from the heart to the standard of
is pleasant (Proverbs 9:17; KJV). teaching to which you were committed, and,
having been set free from sin, have become slaves
of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms,
Each time the particular sin is committed, because of your natural limitations. For just as you
resistance to temptation is lowered until the once yielded your members to impurity and to
greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your
behavior becomes so habitual that the person members to righteousness for sanctification.
loses his power of choice. Pleasure and appetite When you were slaves of sin, you were free in
go together, and indulging one heightens the regard to righteousness. But then what return did
you get from the things of which you are now
other. Thus the victim no longer needs to be ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now
lured or enticed because he has become caught that you have been set free from sin and have
in the grip of his own feelingshis cultivated become slaves of God, the return you get is
sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages
appetite has become a craving which cannot be of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life
ignored. He is entrapped in a deep, narrow pit. in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:12-14, 16-23;
His sin is now a depraved need which has be- RSV).
come so much a part of his body that, somehow,
even its healthy physiochemical system is al- Peter wrote a similar warning:
tered (pierced by an arrow).
. . . those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion
and despise authority. . . . like irrational animals,
. . . till an arrow pierces its entrails: as a bird rushes
creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed,
into a snare: he does not know that it will cost him
reviling in matters of which they are ignorant. . . .
his life (Proverbs 7:23; RSV).
For, uttering loud boasts of folly, they entice with
licentious passions of the flesh men who have
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that
barely escaped from those who live in error. They
is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein (Proverbs
promise them freedom, but they themselves are
22:14; KJV).
slaves of corruption; for whatever overcomes a
man, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:10, 12, 18, 19;
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman
RSV).
is a narrow pit (Proverbs 23:27; KJV).

The behavior is now practiced, not only for In addition to adultery Solomon mentions
the pleasure it gives, but also to escape the pain the most famous addictionalcoholism:
of resistance or abstinence. The most familiar Struck me, have they? But Im not hurt. Beaten me?
modern example of this process may be seen in I dont feel anything. When shall I wake up? . . . Ill
those who are addicted to various drugs (being ask for more of it (Proverbs 23:35; JB).
such a common moral plague today). Yet addic-
tion to drugs is only one of many ways a person But Solomons words suggest other addic-
can fall victim to dame Folly. Indeed, the Bible tions or compulsions not often considered to be
teaches that all habitual sin will enslave. Jesus such. He told, for example, of the craving that
said emphatically: motivates those addicted to the excitement of
predation. He also mentioned the habitual hot-
Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits head. He spoke of the slothful man who wants to
sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34; RSV). earn a living, but, being addicted to idleness, he
loses the struggle with his body.
And Paul said:
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some
to make you obey their passions. Do not yield your to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and
members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but drink the wine of violence (Proverbs 4:16, 17; KJV).
2
 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty; for if ing spiral or a vortex. The ignorant and foolish
you deliver him, you will only have to do it again
(Proverbs 19:19; RSV).
ride along the edge enjoying the pleasure, flirt-
ing with its dangers. But once over the edge, the
The desire of the slothful killeth him, for his hands descent begins. Each time the cycle of lust-sin-
refuse to labor (Proverbs 21:25; KJV).
pleasure is repeated, they swirl downward sink-
ing deeper into the dark hole, losing control of
III. THE THIRD STAGE: DEGENERATION
themselves. They have flirted with folly and lost.
The last stage in the folly process involves
They have forsaken wisdom and made them-
the cumulative consequences of folly on the ad-
selves foolsregressive fools.
dict. Continuing with the analysis of adultery
Indulging in sin leads to the development of
the general model of follyconsider Solomons
addictions, compulsions, and foolish habits.
description of its tragic climax:
There are, of course, an enormous variety of
. . . in the end she [dame Folly] is bitter as
ways in which to sin. Moreover, there are many
wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet predisposing factors and unique circumstances
go down to death; her steps take hold on Sheol which can lead a person to become enslaved to a
(Proverbs 5:4, 5; ASV). particular sin. But the basic pattern appears com-
Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy mon: ignorance (promoted by refusing to heed
years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with warnings) creates vulnerability to temptation
thy wealth: and thy labours be in the house of a
stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh
which leads to sin. The pleasures of sin then
and thy body are consumed. . . . (Proverbs 5:9-11; encourage habitual indulgence, which eventu-
KJV). ally develops into a compulsion that threatens
A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his the health and well-being of the individual.
reproach shall not be wiped away (Proverbs 6:33;
KJV). CONCLUSION
It appears that this process which I call the
Folly, being a general term for diseases of the folly vortex is the common denominator un-
spirit, is a degenerative process that ultimately derlying every way to indulge in follywhether
leads to death. Speaking about dame Folly Solo- in mind or in body, whether in the perversion of
mon said: some natural good or in the creation of some
unnatural evil, whether in a neglect or in some
None that go unto her return again, neither take
they hold of the paths of life (Proverbs 2:19; KJV).
excess (even, it seems, in gaining wisdom and
performing righteousness if other important
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, all duties are neglected). (See Ecclesiastes 7:16.)
her slain are a mighty host (ASV). Her house is the
way to hell, going down to the chambers of death Whether it concerns the way we think, reason,
(KJV) (Proverbs 7:26, 27). feel, talk; or the way we react to our bodys
needs, appetites, and impulses; or the way we
As a process, Solomons description of dame deal with material possessions and peoplein
Folly reminds me of the pitcher planta car- any aspect of our lifehabitual sin enslaves.
nivorous one that feeds on insects. It attracts The folly process also explains, more clearly
them by displaying a colorful appearance and I believe, the relationship between personal re-
secreting sweet nectar at the region of its mouth. sponsibility and the disease components within
The nectar serves two other functions: it has an many forms of mental illness. In the past few
anesthetizing effect, and it lubricates the area years some health professionals have begun to
making it very slippery. There are also hair pro- notice the addiction threat in some of the more
jections oriented toward and down the throat common contemporary vices. William R. Miller,
making entrance easy but escape difficult. Once author of The Addictive Behaviours: Treatment of
lured inside, the victim is drawn down by the Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Smoking, & Obesity, pub-
force of gravity (accelerated by its own activity), lished in 1980, wrote about the growing aware-
eventually falling into a pool of digestive fluid. ness of . . . possible commonalities among these
In another way, perhaps, we can look upon seemingly diverse problems.1 More recently,
the entire process as something like a descend- Patrick Carnes published The Sexual Addiction, in
3
which he makes the following statement: First, though not at all conspicuous, will eventually
become known (1 Timothy 5:24, 25; PME).
addiction taps into the most fundamental hu-
man process. Whether the need is to be high, to Treatment for those who are addicted to folly
be sexual, to eat, or even to workthe addictive appears to differ little from that used to cure folly
process can turn creative, life-giving energy into in children: a spirit of humility with the right
destructive, demoralizing compulsivity.2 Al- mental orientation (penitence); a willingness to
though sin can create mental disease, the chronic endure much suffering; and the establishment of
sinner who becomes helplessly addicted to his good habits of living. These are the basic ingredi-
sin, is no more innocent than the burglar found ents in the Lords prescription for everyones
trapped inside the chimney of a house he was spiritual health. This message permeates the Bible.
trying to enter and rob. Regarding madness, The key to cure, however, is the state of a persons
Solomon said that it is an extreme form of folly: will. How a person chooses to live has a certain
effect on the health of his body, but it has an even
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to
seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to more profound effect on the health of his soul.
know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness The courageous efforts of a physician (or a team of
and madness. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:25; KJV). physicians) can save the life of a man whose body
The beginning of the words of his mouth [the fools] is in critical condition only if the body cooperates.
is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous No amount of effort in the part of another (no! not
madness (Ecclesiastes 10:13; KJV). even the Lord) can save ones soul unless his spirit
chooses to cooperate. It is the nature of freedom. For
It seems in this world we are never free from
example, Jeremiah said:
the potential for madness. Like the germs in and
around our bodies, madness is ever ready to For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though
undermine our health. Solomon said: he cause grief, he will have compassion according
to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does
not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad. . . . (Lamentations 3:31-33; RSV).
(Ecclesiastes 7:7; KJV).

. . . the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and Ezekiel said:
madness is in their heart while they live, and after
that they go to the dead (Ecclesiastes 9:3; KJV). Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked,
says the Lord God, and not rather that he should
turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23; RSV).
The modern term for chronic madness is
psychosis, and the most prevalent psychosis is Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel,
everyone according to his ways, says the Lord God.
schizophrenia. Perhaps many cases of schizo- Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest
phrenia involve the folly-vortex. For example, iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the
individuals who overindulge in careless fanta- transgressions which you have committed against
sies may become addicted to fantasizing, thereby me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new
spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I
losing control of their thought processes. have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the
Of course, just as in physical disease, the Lord God; so turn, and live (Ezekiel 18:30-32; RSV).
severity of a particular compulsion on the
persons life will vary, depending primarily upon The Lord cannot save us without our coop-
the nature of the behaviour itself. Some addic- eration because He has voluntarily limited His
tions may be only mildly irritating bad habits, omnipotence. He has limited Himself in order to
whereas others may develop into devastating share His divinity with us, so that we can be-
addictions. Moreover, some may be obvious to come sons of God. But in order to fulfill that
all, whereas others may remain hidden. Paul potential, we must use the freedom He has given
mentioned this, saying: us to model His holiness. Peter wrote these words
of encouragement:
Remember that some mens sins are obvious, and
are equally obviously bringing them to judgment. Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your
The sins of other men are not apparent, but are hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at
dogging them, nevertheless, under the surface. the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children,
Similarly some virtues are plain to see, while others, do not be conformed to the passions of your former
4
ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy FOOTNOTES
yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, 1
William Miller, The Addictive Behaviors: Treatment of
You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16; Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Smoking, & Obesity (New York:
RSV). Pergamon Press, 1980).
2
Patrick Carnes, The Sexual Addiction (Minneapolis:
Walter Porter Compucare Publications, 1983).

Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

5
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Portrait of a Fool

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish A fool despises his fathers instruction. . . . (Proverbs
15:5; KJV).
man despiseth his mother (Proverbs 15:20; KJV).
When a man so utterly rejects wisdom as a Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the
youth he retains the mentality of a child. This way; and he that hateth reproof shall die (Proverbs
15:10; KJV).
state of mind has its root in a reversal of the
desired orientation of will: one that loves what it He that refuseth correction despiseth his own
should hate and rejects what it should receive. soul. . . . (Proverbs 15:32; ASV).
His emotional-motivational orientation is in the A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only
wrong direction. in expressing his opinion (Proverbs 18:2; RSV).

I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A FOOL Fools hate discipline and education; instead,

From the first chapter of Proverbs, we find what they love is what they should hate.
that fools blindly reject all knowledge, advice,
and counsel. They hate knowledge; refuse to It is as sport to a fool to do mischief. . . . (Proverbs
listen and fail to heed; spurn advice and have 10:23; KJV).
nothing to do with wisdoms reproof; and do not . . . it is abomination to fools to depart from evil
choose the fear of the Lord; have none of (Proverbs 13:19; KJV).
wisdoms counsel and despise all her reproof; Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom. . . .
turn away from wisdom and remain complacent (Proverbs 15:21; ASV).
in ignorance. Notice their resistance to learning:
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth
How long, O simple ones, will you love being to his folly (Proverbs 26:11; KJV).
simple? How long will scoffers delight in their
scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to Having a backwards mental orientation, fools
my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts
to you; I will make my words known to you. are incapable of acquiring knowledge and un-
Because I have called and you refused to listen, derstanding.
have stretched out my hand and no one has
heeded, and you have ignored all my counsel and . . . in the heart of fools it [wisdom] is not discernable
would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh (Proverbs 14:33; LXX).
at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes
you, when panic strikes you like a storm, and your Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to
calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it (Proverbs
anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon 17:16; KJV).
me, but I will not answer; they will seek me
diligently but will not find me. Because they hated Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his
knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, mouth in the gate (Proverbs 24:7; KJV).
would have none of my counsel, and despised all
my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their
way and be sated with their own devices. For the
Thus, fools lack self-control and are slaves of
simple are killed by their turning away, and the their primitive impulses and urges.
complacence of fools destroys them. . . . (Proverbs
1:22-31; RSV). . . . a fool throws off restraint and is careless. A man
of quick temper acts foolishly. . . . (Proverbs 14:16,
Solomon continued, saying: 17; RSV).

. . . he who rejects reproof goes astray (Proverbs . . . he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly (Proverbs
10:17; RSV). 14:29; KJV).

. . . he that hateth reproof is brutish (Proverbs 12:1; . . . every fool will be quarrelling (Proverbs 20:3;
KJV). ASV).
1
 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool The fool folds his hands together and consumes
only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet his own flesh (Ecclesiastes 4:5; JB).
(Proverbs 29:9; RSV).
The toil of a fool wearies him, so that he does not
A fool gives full vent to his anger. . . . (Proverbs know the way to the city (Ecclesiastes 10:15; RSV).
29:11; RSV).
Having mature bodies governed by a childs
Be not quick to anger, for anger lodges in the bosom
of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9; RSV). mentality makes them troublesome, destructive,
and dangerous.
Their impulsiveness gives them immediate
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the
gratification and thereby, it deceives them. foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs
14:1; KJV).
. . . the folly of fools is deceiving (Proverbs 14:8;
RSV). Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs,
rather than a fool in his folly (Proverbs 17:12; RSV).
Like children they are transparent, easily . . . a foolish man swalloweth it [precious treasure]
exposed as fools. up (Proverbs 21:20; ASV).

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fools

A fool shows instantly that he is angry. . . . (Proverbs provocation is heavier than both (Proverbs 27:3;
12:16; MOFFATT). RSV).
. . . fools proclaim their folly (Proverbs 12:23; RSV).
Their speech mirrors their nature: primitive,
. . . a fool flaunteth his folly (Proverbs 13:16; ASV). unrestrained, useless and/or destructive. Like a
. . . folly is the garland of fools (Proverbs 14:24; RSV). wildfire, it wanders about both generating heat
and feeding upon it; and, because of the rebound
. . . that which is in the inward part of fools is made effect, it is a major cause of their own grief.
known (Proverbs 14:33; RV).

A fool has only to walk along the road and, having . . . the mouth of the foolish hastens ruin (Proverbs
no sense, he makes plain to all what a fool he is 10:14; MLB).
(Ecclesiastes 10:3; MLB).
. . . he that uttereth a slander is a fool (Proverbs
10:18; RV).
Their primitive minds are egocentricinca-
pable of objective judgment about right and The speech of a fool is a rod for his back. . . .
(Proverbs 14:3; NEB).
wrong.
. . . the mouth of fools poureth out folly (Proverbs
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. . . . 15:2; ASV).
(Proverbs 12:15; KJV).
. . . the mouths of fools feed on folly (Proverbs 15:14;
The foolish scoff at guilt. . . . (Proverbs 14:9; RHM). RSV).

. . . the fool rageth and is confident (Proverbs 14:16; Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is
KJV). false speech to a prince (Proverbs 17:7; RSV).

When a mans folly brings his way to ruin, his heart A fools lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a
rages against the Lord (Proverbs 19:3; RSV). flogging. A fools mouth is his ruin, and his lips
are a snare to himself (Proverbs 18:6, 7; RSV).
He who trusts in his own mind is a fool. . . .
(Proverbs 28:26; RSV). He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it
is folly and shame unto him (Proverbs 18:13; KJV).
Fools lack both the will and the ability to He who goes about gossiping reveals secrets;
perform concentrated labor, preferring to chase therefore do not associate with one who speaks
foolishly (Proverbs 20:19; RSV).
wild schemes.
Like a lame mans legs, which hang useless, is a
. . . he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense proverb in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:7; RSV).
(Proverbs 12:11; RSV).
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard,
. . . a stupid mans eyes are roving everywhere so is a parable in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:9;
(Proverbs 17:24; NEB). KJV).
2
 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool liable to erupt into a fit, and create violence of
only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet
(Proverbs 29:9; RSV).
one kind or another, depending upon whatever
impulse most directs them. Being totally self-
. . . the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning centered, their disregard for the feelings of oth-
of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the ers naturally generates friction. Thus, they are
end of his talk is wicked madness. A fool multiplies
words, though no man knows what is to be, and quarrelsome and often in conflict with others.
who can tell him what will be after him? They are easily recognized because they are so
(Ecclesiastes 10:12-14; RSV). transparent. They expose themselves like little
children. They are as obvious as a raucous, stag-
II. THE COMPOSITE PICTURE gering drunk man in a saloon. They announce to
The complete picture looks something like all that they are dumb, immature, stupid, sense-
this: Fools are those who resist developing their less dolts. They broadcast the message that they
minds. They are proud, self-satisfied, compla- are clowns and fools. They dont have sense
cent individuals who are just too lazy to put enough to care. They cannot see far enough
forth the effort to develop. They hate good ad- ahead to know the grief that they bring upon
vice because it condemns their way of life, and in themselves. If forced to labor, they quickly be-
their pride they cannot endure criticism. They come exhausted and confused. They require con-
only abuse those who try to correct them. Their stant oversight and supervision, which is deeply
dreaded enemy is pain. They cannot bear disci- resented. The results of their efforts are usually
pline and the discomfort that goes along with it. bungling failures. Like hogs in ones house, they
Therefore, they cannot endure work or study. are out of place with, and unfit for, fine things.
Knowledge is just too tiresome to achieve, and so Properly cared for, goods can last for years; but
they ignore all opportunities to learn and gain an at their hands, they age and wear out overnight.
education. Indeed, they prefer the easy way of Like everything else about them their language
remaining ignorant. Their primitive minds de- is unrestrained, excessive, abusive, vulgar, and
ceive them into thinking that they know best senseless. Having no intelligent knowledge, they
what is good for them; and what is good for them talk of stupidity and comedy. It is unproductive
is immediate pleasure. Their god is pleasure, and unhealthy; it is without redeeming value.
and they devote their lives to it. They live for the Worst, it is provocative and irritating, like the
moment. Whatever makes them feel good, what- constant barking of dogs. They hate anyone who
ever brings the most enjoyment the quickest way speaks intelligently of knowledgeable things;
is what they dobe it drug abuse, sexual license, not understanding, they just mock and laugh in
reckless driving, vandalism, brutality, theft, response. Their unrestrained use of talk often
senseless talk, or simply lazy idleness. They love gets them into trouble simply because it is so
the wild abandon of unrestrained freedom. It irritating and insulting.
gives them a thrill to vandalize, deface, plunder,
injure, and destroy. They perceive life to be a CONCLUSION
crazy game, and they love to laugh at it. They These kinds of people may look funny on a
live impulsively, and their impulsiveness and screen; but in real life they are miserable to be
lack of sense make them victims of circumstances. around. Their lives involve a constant tumultu-
Their brutish minds cannot think. They have no ous cycle between the thrills of pleasure and the
intellect to direct them or to help them solve sorrows of grief. They are tragic, pathetic crea-
problems. And so, faced with difficulty, they tures both to be pitied and condemned because
become frustrated, helpless, invalid. Under stress they are at once blind victims of their primitive
they become agitated. If the stress is threatening, nature, while at the same time, they have freely
they like cattle, panic and go berserk. When chosen to live that way; and they hurt everyone
provoked, they instantly show their wrath and who tries to improve them. This type of compos-
give full vent to it; and they are easily provoked. ite mentality appears to be such a threat to child-
They are thin-skinned, touchy, and hot- hood that almost the entire introduction to Prov-
tempered as a matter of temperament. Beware erbs (consisting of one-third of the book) is a plea
of them! At the slightest provocation they are directed toward the young, urging them to ac-
3
quire wisdomthe only treatment that will ei- will bring thee into judgment (KJV). Therefore,
remove anger from your heart, and put away evil
ther prevent or cure the malady. Solomons words from your flesh; for youth and ignorance are vanity
my son, sons, children are used to address the (LAM) (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10).
reader about twenty times within those first six
pages of Proverbs. Solomon warned the young Developing ones mind is a responsibility
against indulging in a devil-may-care, happy- that is decidedly personal; and so, too, are the
go-lucky life. Do not play it away in ignorance consequences.
and pleasure, he said:
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but
if thou scornest, thou alone shall bear it (Proverbs
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy
9:12; KJV).
heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk
in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine
eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

What to Do with Fools

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that
giveth honour to a fool (Proverbs 26:8; KJV).
thou also be like unto him (Proverbs 26:4; KJV).
As an archer that woundeth all, so is he that hireth
INTRODUCTION a fool and he that hireth them that pass by (Proverbs
26:10; ASV).
Solomon gave instructions on dealing with
fools. His instructions at places seem to be a
contradiction, but when they are viewed in con-
III. DO NOT EXCUSE THEM
text there is harmony. If you are in authority and are required to
maintain order, it is your responsibility to pun-
I. DO NOT GO DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL ish and control fools. This is especially true of
Solomon said to not go down to their level. parents, because they share in the fruits of their
He said to give them what they deserve, if it is childrens behavior.
within your power, otherwise simply avoid
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is
them. a sorrow to his mother (Proverbs 10:1; RSV).

. . . a companion of fools shall be destroyed A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man
(Proverbs 13:20; KJV). despiseth his mother (Proverbs 15:20; KJV).
Leave the presence of a man who is a fool, for you Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is
will not discern words of knowledge there a companion of riotous men shameth his father
(Proverbs 14:7; MLB). (Proverbs 28:7; KJV).
Speak not in the ears of a fool; for he will despise
the wisdom of thy words (Proverbs 23:9; KJV). But no matter how much fools may be pun-
ished, the ultimate cure for this malady does not
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou
also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to come from without.
his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit (Proverbs
26:4, 5; KJV). Though you should pound the fool to bits with the
pestle, amid the grits in a mortar, his folly would
not go out of him (Proverbs 27:22; NAB).
II. DO NOT GIVE THEM
RESPONSIBILITY CONCLUSION
He also advised to neither praise them nor The fool, of his own free will, must initiate an
give them responsibility. You will only suffer for attitude change. External consequences can only
your efforts. offer encouraging incentives. If, and when, he
Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor reverses his mental orientation and becomes
is not fitting for a fool (Proverbs 26:1; RSV). motivated to shun folly and love learning, he is
no longer a fool. He can then begin the long and
He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts
off his own feet and drinks violence (Proverbs 26:6; arduous task of mental development.
RSV). Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

1
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Portrait of the Wicked

He plots mischief while in his bed; he sets himself Peter wrote this warning:
in a way that is not good; he spurns not evil (Psalms
36:4; KJV). Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some
One of wisdoms benefits is that wisdom one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. . . .
protects from the wicked man. (1 Peter 5:8, 9; RSV).

To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from This mysterious, powerful adversary of righ-
the man that speaketh froward things; who leave teousness, father of all the wicked is no ordinary
the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of
darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the
fool. He may be very subtle, but he is not wise.
frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are Better words would be cunning, sly, crafty,
crooked, and they froward in their paths. . . . shrewd, wily; and so too are those men who
(Proverbs 2:12-15; KJV).
imitate his waysthe wicked of the world. But
no matter how intelligent a wicked man may
The wicked are the very antithesis of the
appear to us, in the sight of the Lord he is,
righteous. They contrast in a special way be-
indeed, a great fool.
cause of their primary nature; the righteous ap-
ply the Lords wisdom correctly, whereas the For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,
wicked pervert and misapply it. The wicked and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities
shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be
man is a special type of regressive foolone holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die
who uses his intelligence to create folly. King without instruction: and in the greatness of his folly
David said: he shall go astray (Proverbs 5:21-23; KJV).

. . . he has ceased to act wisely and do good. He Remember, Solomon said:

plots mischief while in his bed; he sets himself in a
way that is no good; he spurns not evil (Psalms To premeditate folly is sin. . . . (Proverbs 24:9; SPRL).
36:3, 4; RSV).
It is the wicked man who premeditates folly.
Jesus told of their origin. Speaking to His
enemies He said: . . . [the wicked] deviseth evil continually. . . .
(Proverbs 6:14; ASV).
You are of your father the devil, and your will is A worthless man plots evil. . . . (Proverbs 16:27;
to do your fathers desires. He was a murderer RSV).
from the beginning, and has nothing to do with
the truth, because there is not truth in him. When He [a violent man] shutteth his eyes to devise
he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, froward things. . . . (Proverbs 16:30; KJV).
for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44;
RSV). . . . for their minds devise violence. . . . (Proverbs
24:2; RSV).
I. A DECEITFUL MAN
Deceit is the major weapon of the wicked Wisdom, Solomon said, is something like
man, and with it he gains power; power he uses money; it is a resource. Knowledge and under-
to prey upon others. John spoke of Satan as standing are assets. They give strength.
follows: A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge
increaseth strength (Proverbs 24:5; KJV).
. . . that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil
and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. . . . For wisdom is a defense; even as money is a
(Revelation 12:9; RSV). defense. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:12; ASV).
1
 II. A PERVERSIVE MAN pursue the transient pleasures of sin. Their men-
A wicked man is one who takes this resource tal orientation is similar to that of all fools
and uses it wrongfully. Sound wisdom cannot be backwards from what it should be. They love
used wrongfully. What the wicked man does is what they should hate, and they hate what they
to take what he knows of the divine plans of the should love.
Lords truth and he makes changes here and
alterations there, producing an inferior muta- . . . [they] rejoice in doing evil and delight in the
perverseness of evil (Proverbs 2:14; ASV).
tion. His knowledge, therefore, becomes per-
verted. Wisdom is somewhat like an apple. An For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
apple is food providing nourishment and energy and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause
some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness,
for the body. But an apple can rot. When it rots, and drink the wine of violence (Proverbs 4:16, 17;
we no longer call it food. The wicked mans mind KJV).
is rotten, no longer worthy to be called truly . . . he [the Lord] thwarts the craving of the wicked
wise. Because these kinds of men have freely (Proverbs 10:3; RSV).
chosen to corrupt His truth, they are an abomina-
. . . the hope of the wicked is transgression (Proverbs
tion to God even more than a rotten apple is to 11:23; YLT).
us.
The wicked desires to do evil. . . . (Proverbs 12:12;
Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose LAM).
any of his ways; for the perverse man is an
. . . he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him
abomination to the Lord. . . . The Lords curse is on
[the Lord] (Proverbs 14:2; KJV).
the house of the wicked. . . . (Proverbs 3:31-33; RSV).
An evil man seeketh only rebellion (Proverbs 17:11;
. . . in whose heart is perverseness, who deviseth KJV).
evil continually. . . . (Proverbs 6:14; ASV).
The soul of the wicked desires evil. . . . (Proverbs
. . . [the Lord hates] a heart that devises wicked 21:10; RSV).
plans. . . . (Proverbs 6:18; RSV).

. . . the heart of the wicked is little worth (Proverbs III. A HAUGHTY MAN
10:20; KJV). The wicked are men who have acquired some
Men of perverse mind are an abomination to the understanding and have come to appreciate the
Lord. . . . (Proverbs 11:20; RSV). value of knowledge, but they have become puffed
. . . a man of wicked devices will he condemn
up with pride. Solomon said:
(Proverbs 12:2; KJV).
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord and
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; KJV).
the Lord. . . . (Proverbs 15:8; KJV).
An high look, and a proud heart, even the lamp of
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4; RV).
Lord. . . . (Proverbs 15:9; KJV).

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to Paul said:

the Lord. . . . (Proverbs 15:26; KJV).
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up
The Lord is far from the wicked. . . . (Proverbs 15:29; (1 Corinthians 8:1; NIV).
KJV).

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how IV. A HYPOCRITICAL MAN

much more when he brings it with evil intent The wicked think that with the power of their
(Proverbs 21:27; MLB).
knowledge they can sin with impunity. They use
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he their major weapondeceitto prey upon oth-
overthroweth the words of the transgressor ers. Wisdom is light; it informs, it reveals what is
(Proverbs 22:12; KJV).
true and right. Paul defined light in this broad
sense, saying:
Like the fool, the wicked man is a product of
a defective will. By their own choice, the wicked . . . whatsoever doth make manifest is light
pervert their minds away from sound wisdom to (Ephesians 5:13; KJV).
2
 Darkness, then, is either absence of informa- eyes to devise froward things; moving his lips he
bringeth evil to pass (Proverbs 16:29, 30; KJV).
tion or misinformation. The fool gropes in dark-
ness because he lacks knowledge. The wicked An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar
man lurks in darkness because he creates it; he giveth ear to a mischievous tongue (Proverbs 17:4;
ASV).
deliberately misinforms to gain advantage. I do
not know whether it is possible to deceive inani- . . . and their [evil mens] lips talk of mischief
mate matter (now that science speaks of machine (Proverbs 24:2; KJV).
intelligence), but living things are vulnerable to . . . when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for
misinformation. The wicked misinform in order there are seven abominations in his heart; though
to weaken and to manipulate others (to soften his hatred be covered with guile, his wickedness
will be exposed in the assembly (Proverbs 26:25;
them up) and in order to escape the just conse- RSV).
quences of what they do.
Magicians and actors also use deception (al- They are two-faced people who speak with
though they are not necessarily deceitful). But I a forked-tongue. They utilize an underground
respect them both because they admit doing so. language to communicate with their accomplices,
They do so to entertain and/or to educate. The while misleading their hapless victims.
wicked are hypocrites pretending to be what
they are not, in order to gain selfish advantage A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with
to prey upon the unsuspecting. They are the crooked speech. He winks with his eyes, he signals
with his feet, he makes signs with his fingers
vermin of human society. Beware of what they (Proverbs 6:12, 13; LAM).
say. The messages they send out are designed to
entice, to lure, to mislead. Their signals are treach- He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow. . . .
(Proverbs 10:10; KJV).
erous ones. They are the proverbial wolves in
sheeps clothing. Paul warned:
V. A VIOLENT MAN
. . . even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Doing violence does not always refer to a
So it is not strange if his servants also disguise literal attack against the body of another. There
themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end
will correspond to their deeds (2 Corinthians 11:14,
are more subtle, indirect ways to shed blood.
15; RSV). There are (for want of a better expression) white-
collar ways to devour others: tactics especially
Solomon said: popular with the better educated predators of
the world, such as plundering, oppressing, and
. . . the mouth of the wicked conceals violence
(Proverbs 10:6; MLB). destroying peoples lives without laying a hand
upon them. Of course, in most cases it is all
. . . the mouth of the wicked concealeth violence perfectly legal, that is, according to human
(Proverbs 10:11; JPS).
law. These include ways to commit violence
. . . the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse things with ones mouth, such as the use of obscure or
(Proverbs 10:32; LAM).
ambiguous laws, fine print agreements, half-
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his truths, innuendo, gossip, flattery, and the like.
neighbor. . . . (Proverbs 11:9; RV). Isaiah rebuked the leaders of Israel, saying:
. . . the counsels of the wicked are deceit (KJV). The
words of the wicked are a deadly ambush. . . . The Lord has taken his place to contend, he stands
(NAB) (Proverbs 12:5, 6). to judge his people. The Lord enters into judgment
with the elders and princes of his people: It is you
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil. . . . who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the
(Proverbs 12:20; RSV). poor is in your houses. What do you mean by
crushing my people, by grinding the face of the
. . . the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things poor? says the Lord God of hosts (Isaiah 3:13-15;
(Proverbs 15:28; KJV). RSV).

. . . his [the worthless mans] speech is like a

scorching fire (Proverbs 16:27; RSV).
Micah said:

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil
him into a way that is not good. He shutteth his upon their beds! When the morning dawns, they
3
 perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. VII. A CRUEL MAN
They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and
take them away; they oppress a man and his house, These men of perverted mind neither know
a man and his inheritance (Micah 2:1, 2; RSV). the meaning of real justice,
And I [the Lord] said: Hear, you heads of Jacob A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom,
and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to to pervert the ways of justice (Proverbs 17:23; ASV).
know justice?you who hate the good and love
the evil, who tear the skin from off my people, and . . . but [justice done is] dismay to evildoers
their flesh from off their bones; who eat the flesh (Proverbs 21:15; RSV).
of my people, and flay their skin from off them,
and break their bones in pieces, and chop them up Evil men understand not justice (Proverbs 28:5;
like meat in a kettle, like flesh in a caldron. Then ASV).
they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer
them; he will hide his face from them at that time,
because they have made their deeds evil (Micah nor do they show mercy;
3:1-4; RSV).
. . . he [the wicked man] soweth discord (Proverbs
To a later generation Ezekiel said: 6:14; KJV).

. . . the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel

Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of (Proverbs 12:10; KJV).
Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and
execute justice and righteousness; cease your . . . his neighbor finds no mercy in his [the wicked
evictions of my people, says the Lord God (Ezekiel mans] eyes (Proverbs 21:10; RSV).
45:9; RSV).
. . . the wicked man has no such concern [for the
VI. A CROOKED MAN rights of the poor] (Proverbs 29:7; NAB).
Life, recall, is like a journey in the night. The
way of righteousness is like a pathway; and if we and they hate the upright.
walk in the light of truth, our steps will not
The bloodthirsty hate the upright. . . . (Proverbs
wander from it. But (like all fools) the wicked 29:10; KJV).
man vacillates his behavior; here obedient and
lawful, there rebellious and criminal. They may . . . he whose way is straight is an abomination to
the wicked (Proverbs 29:27; RSV).
live right or live wrong at any one time, depend-
ing upon purely selfish goals. They feel free to
walk the path of righteousness or to deviate into CONCLUSION
darkness as the situation requires. Right and The way of the wicked is an abomination to
wrong have no objective meaning for them; God, because they use both their minds and their
whatever benefits them personally counts. There- bodies to bring harm and sorrow to the innocent.
fore, they live crooked lives. Solomon said:

To deliver thee from the way to the evil man, from These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are
the man that speaketh froward things; who leave an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying
the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an
darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that
frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that
crooked, and they froward in their paths . . . . seeketh lies, and he who soweth discord among
(Proverbs 2:12-15; KJV). brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19; KJV).

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not In two of Davids psalms, there is a good
in the way of evil men, avoid it, pass not by it, turn
from it, and pass away (Proverbs 4:14, 15; KJV). summary description of these kinds of men:

. . . the hands of the wicked produce sins (Proverbs In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let
10:16; LXX). them be caught in the schemes which they have
devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his
. . . a wicked man acts shamefully and disgracefully heart, and the man greedy for gain curses and
(Proverbs 13:5; RSV). renounces the Lord. In the pride of his countenance
the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are,
The way of the guilty is crooked. . . . (Proverbs 21:8; There is no God. His ways prosper at all times;
RSV). thy judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for
4
 all his foes, he puffs at them. He thinks in his heart, into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their
I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I end. Truly thou dost set them in slippery places;
shall not meet adversity. His mouth is filled with thou dost make them fall to ruin. How they are
cursing and deceit and oppression; under his destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by
tongue are mischief and iniquity. He sits in ambush terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes,
in the villages; in hiding places he murders the on awaking you despise their phantoms. When my
innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the hapless, soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
he lurks in secret like a lion in his covert; he lurks I was stupid and ignorant, I was like a beast toward
that he may seize the poor, he seizes the poor when thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou
he draws him into his net. The hapless is crushed, dost hold my right hand. Thou dost guide me with
sinks down, and falls by his might. He thinks in thy counsel, and afterward thou wilt receive me to
his heart, God has forgotten, he has hidden his glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there
face, he will never see it (Psalms 10:2-11; RSV). is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee.
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For For lo, those who are far from thee shall perish;
he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity thou dost put an end to those who are false to thee.
cannot be found out and hated. The words of his But for me it is good to be near God; I have made
mouth are mischief and deceit; he has ceased to the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all thy
act wisely and do good. He plots mischief while works (Psalm 73; RSV).
on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he spurns not evil (Psalms 36:1-4; RSV).
When we are young and lacking in much
wisdom, we seem especially vulnerable to join-
Until the individual gains enough insight to
ing in league with the more physical kind. It
understand its deadly nature, there can be temp-
takes less skill, and they seem to offer such an
tation to enter their paths and to walk in their
easy way to get rich. Solomon said:
ways. Observing their successes can make one
envious. Solomon pleaded: My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If
they say. Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood,
Be thou not envious against evil men; neither desire let us wantonly ambush the innocent; like Sheol
to be with them (Proverbs 24:1; KJV). let us swallow them alive and whole, like those
who go down to the Pit; we shall find all precious
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers; neither be goods, we shall fill our houses with spoil; throw in
thou envious at the wicked. For there shall be no your lot among us, we will all have one purse
reward to the evil man: the lamp of the wicked shall (Proverbs 1:10-14; RSV).
be put out (Proverbs 24:19, 20; ASV).
Solomon went on to warn those who may be
One of the Psalmists describes the tempta- tempted, to look ahead toward the future:
tion with greater detail:
. . . my son, do not walk in the way with them,
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are hold back your foot from their paths; for their feet
pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost run to evil, and they make hast to shed blood. For
stumbled, my steps had well nigh slipped. For I in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird; but
was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the these men lie in wait for their own blood. They set
prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs; an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways
their bodies are sound and sleek. They are not in of all who get gain by violence; it takes away the
trouble as other men are; they are not stricken like life of its possessors (Proverbs 1:15-19; RSV).
other men. Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes swell
out with fatness, their hearts overflow with follies.
The wicked are, indeed, shortsighted fools;
They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they playing a deadly game of Russian roulette. For
threaten oppression. They set their mouths against any one act the odds are in their favor. Thus, they
the heavens, and their tongue struts through the usually get away with their mischief for a while.
earth. Therefore the people turn and praise them,
and find no fault in them. And they say, How can But the longer they indulge in it, and the more
God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? they play the vicious game, sooner or later the
Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they hammer finds the full chamber.
increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart
clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all Jesus issued a special warning about certain
the day long I have been stricken, and chastened kinds of wicked men who prey upon others,
every morning. If I had said, I will speak thus, I while claiming to speak for God. They can be
would have been untrue to the generation of thy
children. But when I thought how to understand detected by the way they live and by the results
this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went of their manner of living.
5
 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in rational thought in a poem which she called
sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes
Motele.
gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So,
every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree From tomorrow on,
bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, I shall be sad
nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that From tomorrow on!
does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown Today I shall be gay.
into the fire. Thus you will know them by their What is the use of sadnesstell me that?
fruits (Matthew 7:15-20; RSV). Because these evil winds begin to blow?
Why should I grieve tomorrowtoday?
Walter Porter Tomorrow may be so good, so sunny,
Tomorrow the sun may shine for us again,
We will no longer need to be sad.
From tomorrow on, I shall be sad
ILLUSTRATION From tomorrow on!
Not today; no! today I will be glad.
And every day, no matter how bitter it be,
From Tomorrow On I shall say:
From tomorrow on, I shall be sad.
A Child in the Warsaw Ghetto left this inspi- Not today!

Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

6
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Punishment of the Wicked

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not risks. But they are incapable of either anticipat-
be unpunished: . . . (Proverbs 11:21; KJV). ing or preventing what will ruin them because
Solomon expressed many times over the vari- they walk in darkness surrounded by traps (see
ous harsh penalties to expect for those who lived Proverbs 13:15, 21; 24:15, 16; 28:1).
wickedly. He also said their punishment is guar-
anteed (see Proverbs 14:22; 24:20). The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know
not at what they stumble (Proverbs 4:19; KJV).
. . . certainly the evil-doer will not go free from
punishment. . . . (Proverbs 11:21; BAS). The crooked mans path is set with snares and
pitfalls. . . . (Proverbs 22:5; NEB).
A man shall not be established by wickedness. . . .
(Proverbs 12:3; KJV). But the wicked are eventually exposed to
people and justly condemned (see Proverbs 12:8;
Like fast-growing weeds, the wicked may 18:3; 24:8).
quickly become big and overbearingdepend-
ing upon their opportunities and their cunning . . . he who perverts his ways will be found out
but their successes are deceptive because they (Proverbs 10:9; RSV).
have no future (see Proverbs 10:24, 28; 11:7, 18;
15:6; 17:20). II. THE WICKED ARE PURSUED
BY THE LAW
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing. . . . The power of law enforcement and the jus-
(Proverbs 10:2; KJV).
tice system is designed to oppose and punish
them (see Proverbs 17:11; 21:15).
I. THE WICKED ARE REJECTED
BY THE LORD A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth
If the Lord sees any hope for a man, in His the wheel over them (Proverbs 20:26; KJV).
great mercy and patience He will try to correct
him. But if he continually rebels, even the Lord Most awesome is the curse of God that is upon
will give up on him (see Proverbs 28:14; 29:1). the wicked (see Proverbs 10:3; 12:2; 15:29; 22:12).

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; The curse of the Lord is in the house of the
neither be weary of his correction: for whom the wicked. . . . (Proverbs 3:33; KJV).
Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son
in whom he delighteth (Proverbs 3:11, 12; KJV). III. THE WICKED ARE AFFLICTED
BY EVIL
When the Lords wrath descends upon them,
Indeed, having anticipated rebellion, the Lord
their end will be swift. Catastrophe will strike
made provision within His divine plans for deal-
them from any one of a host of directionslegal
ing with the rebellious. Remember, Solomon said:
or illegal, human or accidental (see Prov-
erbs 3:25; 10:25; 28:18). The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even
the wicked for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4; KJV).
. . . therefore calamity will come upon them
suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond
healing (Proverbs 6:15; RSV).
Paul also said:
What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to
These kinds of transgressors know they are make known his power, has endured with much
doing wrong, and they know there are many patience the vessels of wrath made for destruction,
1
 in order to make known the riches of his glory for exceptions to everything; and a wicked man may
the vessels of mercy, which he has prepared
beforehand for glory, even us whom he had called,
live long and prosper (see Ecclesiastes 8:14).
. . . (Romans 9:22-24; RSV).
In my vain life I have seen everything; there is a
righteous man who perishes in his righteousness,
In his infinite wisdom the Lord has built into and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in
the laws of nature the consequences of wicked- his evil-doings (Ecclesiastes 7:15; RSV).
ness, even as the rewards of righteousness are
built into the universal design plans of God. Yet Solomon said the days of the wicked are
Ironically, the very behavior of the wicked ini- numbered:
tiates their own punishment; it sets in motion a Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his
train of events (often imperceptible to us) that days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be
causes the evil they create to rebound upon their well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall
own heads. It may be years in coming, but the he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because
consequences are as inevitable as are the growth he feareth not before God (Ecclesiastes 8:12, 13; KJV).
of crops when the farmer buries seeds beneath
the surface (see Proverbs 11:3, 5, 6, 17, 19, 27; Even though crooked men may escape their
12:13, 26; 13:6; 14:14, 32; 21:7; 22:8; 28:10; 29:6). punishment here on earth, hell awaits them in
the next life. Jesus uttered a curse upon these
. . . these men lie in wait for their own blood, they kinds of men (Matthew 23:23-33).
set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the
ways of all who get gain by violence; it takes away CONCLUSION
the life of its possessors (Proverbs 1:18, 19; RSV). Many people have been deceived into thinking
By his own iniquities the wicked man will be that since the coming of Christ, the Lord is more
caught, in the meshes of his own sin he will be held tolerant and forgiving toward sin. Such is not the
fast (Proverbs 5:22; NAB). case. Jesus often told of the greater strictness de-
manded of the Christian life. For example, He said:
IV. THE WICKED ARE HAUNTED
BY THE FUTURE You have heard that it was said to the men of old,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable
Like the Nazis of Germany, the glory of the to judgment But I say to you that every one who
wicked soon perishes and fades into a contemptuous is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment;
memory (see Proverbs 10:29, 30; 12:7; 13:9; 14:11). whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the
counsel, and whoever says, You fool! shall be
liable to the hell of fire (Matthew 5:21, 22; RSV).
. . . the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and
the treacherous shall be rooted out of it (Proverbs You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit
2:22; ASV). adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks
at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery
. . . the name of the wicked shall rot (Proverbs 10:7; with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27, 28; RSV).
KJV).
The letter to the Hebrews was written to
. . . the years of the wicked will be shortened
(Proverbs 10:27; KJV). contrast the old (Mosaic) and the new (Chris-
tian) covenants. Its writer warned of the fate of
V. THE WICKED ARE CURSED those who reject Jesus (see Hebrews 10:26-31;
BY ETERNITY 12:25). How shall we escape if we neglect so
great a salvation?
Those that do survive lose their freedom, and
whatever goods they may have accumulated are For if the message declared by angels was valid
given to the righteous (see Proverbs 21:12, 18). and every transgression or disobedience received
a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect
such a great salvation? It was declared at first by
. . . the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who
(Proverbs 13:22; KJV). heard him, while God also bore witness by signs
and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own
the gates of the righteous (Proverbs 14: 19; KJV). will (Hebrews 2:2-4; RSV).

But remember, in this vain world, there are Walter Porter

2 Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Feelings: Self-Love
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love Better is open rebuke than secret love (Proverbs
27:5; KJV).
thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39; KJV).
Love of self is a desirable quality. We have
INTRODUCTION worthgreat worth. The value of one human
Feelings are a vital part of the mind, helping soul exceeds that of all the wealth of the world.
to arouse the body to action. A wise man will Remember, Jesus said:
know how and when to express them.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the
To everything there is a season, . . . a time to weep, whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall
and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to the man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew
dance; . . . a time to embrace, and a time to refrain 16:26; KJV).
from embracing; . . . a time to love, and a time to
hate; . . . (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, 8; KJV).
I. THE ARROGANT SPIRIT
Excessive self-love is a vice. We call it pride
A wise man will also know how and when to
and arrogance. It includes an emotional compo-
restrain them. Self-control is a fundamental part
nent called a haughty spirit, which generates
of living wisely; and, Solomon said, without it a
aggressiveness, rashness, and wantonness that
man is weak and defenseless.
leads to strife and trouble. It also includes an
intellectual componentexcessive self-esteem
A man without self-control is like a city broken into
and left without walls (Proverbs 25:28; RSV). which is a value judgment about self-worth that
reflects a false perception of ones strengths and
Happiness/unhappiness involves feelings of weaknesses. Being a false perception, it inevita-
joy and pleasure, sorrow and pain, which are bly leads to conflicts with reality. Arrogance
related to the state of the soul. Hope and fear typically includes belittling other people, caus-
refer to anticipated happiness/unhappiness. ing one to behave unjustly by overstepping
Pride, humility, anger, jealousy, and envy all proper bounds and restrictions. When people
involve forms of love and hate. discover it, they naturally resent it and oppose
The concept of love (like wisdom) has a its unfairness (see Proverbs 3:34; 11:2; 12:9; 15:25;
very deep meaning. Indeed it appears that 16:5, 18; 17:19; 18:12; 26:12; 29:23; 30:32).
love is even greater than wisdom, for the Lord
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife. . . .
Himself is said to personify love (see 1 John (Proverbs 28:25; KJV).
4:8, 16). It would require a whole book to even
attempt to do justice to this great concept. The scoffer appears to be a special kind of
Love involves a force that works with wisdom proud man. He is another type of foolone who
to manifest productive behavior. Solomon not only rejects knowledge, but also actively and
urged that we cultivate our loves and hates openly opposes it (see Proverbs 1:22; 14:6; 21:24).
carefully and wisely. Loving and hating by Scoffers are especially troublesome and dan-
instinct, reflex, and chemistry are the ways gerous (see Proverbs 22:10; 24:9).
of fools. Loving and hating with hypocrisy are
the ways of the wicked. As with every kind of Scoffers set a city in flame. . . . (Proverbs 29:8; ASV).
force, love should be restrained and directed
properly; but Solomon said that prolonged However, as in dealing with ordinary fools,
restraint is undesirable: unless one is in a position of authority, it is not
1
advisable to contend with fools (see Proverbs . . . to the humble he [the Lord] shows favor
(Proverbs 3:34; RSV).
9:7, 8; 13:1; 15:12).
Pride is probably the most deadly vice of the . . . with the humble is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2; RSV).
mind. It appears to be a root cause of rebellion
. . . before honour is humility (Proverbs 15:33; KJV).
against the Lord.

A high look, and a proud heart, even the lamp of Humility does not involve timidity or cow-
the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4; RV). ardice. Jesus was certainly not timid, and Paul
was not a coward. For example, Paul once wrote:
Pride (the lamp of the wicked) leads one
away from the paths of righteousness. Satan I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and
gentleness of ChristI who am humble when face
that powerful dragon who sent an army, a bolt of to face with you, but bold to you when I am
lightning, and a tornado against all that Job away!I beg of you that when I am present I may
possessedwas described by the Lord as, not have to show boldness with such confidence
as I count on showing against some who suspect
us of acting in worldly fashion (2 Corinthians 10:1,
. . . king over all the children of pride (Job 41:34; 2; RSV).
RSV).

There is danger in receiving more than we

When Paul wrote Timothy, warning him
are prepared to receive. Remember, Paul said
against exalting someone prematurely, he said:
that knowledge puffs up; and both Solomon and
. . . pride might turn his head and then he might be Agur said that wealth brings pride. Agur added
condemned as the devil was condemned heady success (see Proverbs 30:1-4, 7-9, 18, 19,
(1 Timothy 3:6; JB). 21-23).

II. THE HUMBLE SPIRIT The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor
Humility involves the right kind of self- man who is intelligent sees through him (Proverbs
28:11; NAB).
love, and it is a vital quality of the mind if one
is to be wise and righteous. Humility includes
Agurs meaning is unclear to me, but I sug-
an accurate self-perception, a realistic and hon-
gest the following: He is greatly humbled by his
est appraisal of ones strengths and weak-
terrible ignorance; he cannot know the Lord and
nesses, an appreciation for ones relative in-
His Son who created all things, nor can he under-
significance in this vast universe. But humility
stand all of the complexity of even the simplest
goes beyond simple self-perception. It also
ordinary things. Perhaps the lesson, then, is that
includes a subdued, submissive, and gentle
the facts of reality should be enough to keep each
spirit reflecting self-control of feelingsa qual-
of us humble. No matter how much we may
ity of maturity that Jesus praised, saying that
learn, we still know so little.
kind of spirit will inherit both heaven and
earth: Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest
not what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1;
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the KJV).
kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3; KJV).

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth Paul wrote in like manner to discourage us
(Matthew 5:5; KJV). from insisting on understanding the deepest mys-
teries:
An honest self-concept, a gentle spirit, and
an attitude of submission are all qualities of Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into
heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down) or Who
humility that make for a willingness to elevate will descend into the abyss? (that is, to bring Christ
others over oneself for a higher good. A humble up from the dead) (Romans 10:6, 7; RSV).
spirit reflects a wise mind; and, in gratitude,
others will reward and honor the humble man as III. THE BROKEN SPIRIT
he becomes known (see Proverbs 16:19; 18:12; Humility appears to be a balance between
22:4; 25:27; 27:2; 29:23; Ecclesiastes 7:8). two extremes: pride, which involves excessive
2
self-love, and a broken spirit, that involves a loss Remember, too, that excessive punishment
of self-love, which can be a tragic disease of the can break the spirit. It takes not only love and
soul. wisdom, but also courage to apply just punish-
ment, because the application of punishment
A mans spirit will endure sickness; but a broken hurts its administrator as well as its recipient.
spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14; RSV).
When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian
church, it contained many criticisms against
Not only can a broken spirit paralyze the
them. In his second letter, he revealed the sorrow
mind, but it can also afflict the body.
he felt as he wrote that first letter:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a
broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22; KJV). For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me
glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote
as I did, so that when I come I might not be pained
There appears to be only one circumstance by those who should have made me rejoice, for I
when a broken spirit is desirable, and that is felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the
joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much
during penance following guilt, when self- affliction and anguish of heart and with many
mortification is necessary. After Davids great tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know
sin, he asked the Lords forgiveness. That prayer the abundant love that I have for you
(2 Corinthians 2:2-4; RSV).
was recorded in one of the Psalms where he
said:
Paul knew that excessive or unjust punish-
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a ment can break the spirit, because to another
broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not church he said:
despise (Psalm 51:17; RSV).
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they
Normally, however, a broken spirit is not a become discouraged (Colossians 3:21; RSV).
healthy reaction. But like many aspects of this
troubled life, it is an ever present threat, and all Therefore, when Paul wrote the Corinthian
of the things that cause sorrow predispose us to church later, he gave these instructions regard-
it. ing a man that he had rebuked:

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not
by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken (Proverbs to me, but in some measurenot to put it too
15:13; KJV). severelyto you all. For such a one this
punishment by the majority is enough; so you
should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or
And the loss of hope is a major contributor to he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I
a broken spirit. beg you to reaffirm your love for him (2 Corinthians
2:5-8; RSV).
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the
desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12; IV. THE PERFECTIONIST SPIRIT
KJV).
There is another threat. Perfectionism results
in never-ending feelings of dissatisfaction, which
Remember the tragedy Solomon spoke about
can destroy self-esteem. Perhaps this is included
that broke a mans spirit?
in the meaning of these words:
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under
the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, Be not righteous over much, and do not make
and those riches were lost in a bad venture; and he yourself overwise; why should you destroy
is a father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. yourself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16; RSV).
As he came from his mothers womb he shall go
again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing But Solomon also warned against going too
for his toil, which he may carry away in his hand.
This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall far in the other direction:
he go; and what gain has he that he toiled for the
wind, and spent all his days in darkness and grief, Be not wicked over much, neither be a fool; why
in much vexation and sickness and resentment? should you die before your time? (Ecclesiastes 7:17;
(Ecclesiastes 5:13-17; RSV). RSV).
3
 CONCLUSION We must take care that the right kind of self-
A wholesome self-respect and love is neces- love is created and developed. The wrong kind
sary for happy and righteous living. Jesus said, can destroy; the right kind can bring happiness
Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). and balance.
He implied that a kind of self-love is proper. Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Feelings: The Anger Triplets

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous
words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1; KJV).
city that is broken down, and without walls (Prov-
erbs 25:28; KJV). A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a reward in the
bosom strong wrath (Proverbs 21:14; KJV).
INTRODUCTION
Anger, jealousy, and envy are related. There- Many times daily we experience irritations
fore we will call them the anger triplets. Solomon and frustrations. The wise keep control of their
discusses each of these triplets. emotions, but there are those who indulge
themselves in ventilating their wrath. They are
I. ANGER fools, easily provoked, who carry anger to
Anger appears to be a type of hatred. It is an excess. It becomes an addiction. They create
emotion of displeasure, and is a natural reaction much trouble for themselves and for others.
to being offended. There is no sin in becoming Those who try to correct them waste their
angry (although uncontrolled anger, such as rage, time. Solomon also warned others against frat-
is wrong). The Bible mentions many times the ernizing with them lest they, too, succumb to
wrath of God. For example the prophet the vice (see Proverbs 14:17, 29; 19:19; Ecclesi-
Zephaniah said: astes 7:9).

A fool shows instantly that he is angry. . . . (Proverbs

Therefore wait for me, says the Lord, for the
12:16; MOFFATT).
day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to
gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out
Make no friendship with a man that is given to
upon them in indignation, all the heat of my anger:
anger; and with a wrathful man thou shalt not go;
for in the fire of my jealous wrath all the earth shall
lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul
be consumed (Zephaniah 3:8; RSV).
(Proverbs 22:24, 25; ASV).

But whether justified or not, our anger rarely These men are always fomenting trouble and
motivates constructive or creative enterprises. It strife (see Proverbs 29:22).
typically fuels punishment and destructiveness.
James said: A hot tempered man stirs up strife. . . . (Proverbs
15:18; RSV).
Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man
be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for
the anger of man does not work the righteousness
The right use of anger takes great self-
of God (James 1:19, 20; RSV). control. Understanding helps a man be slow in
developing it. For example, infants and young
Anger can be painfully violent. Wise men children quickly become angry at things because
will seek ways to turn it away (see Proverbs 27:4; they do not understand the basic laws of nature,
29:8). whereas adults rarely become angry at things.
Wise men also understand the basic nature of
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but people, and it is a mark of distinction for them to
a wise man will pacify it (Proverbs 16:14; KJV).
overlook an offense. Patience has always been a
Solomon said the best defense against wrath, characteristic of wisdom (see Proverbs 16:32;
once aroused, is to calm it down, perhaps with a 19:11; Ecclesiastes 7:9).
gentle word, or perhaps by providing compen- He that is slow to wrath is of great
sation privately for the offense that provoked it: understanding. . . . (Proverbs 14:29; KJV).
1
 And Paul warned against harboring anger: compensation nor be appeased though you
multiply gifts (Proverbs 6:32-35; RSV).
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down
on your anger (Ephesians 4:26; RSV). III. ENVY
Envy is undesirable since it involves unjusti-
II. JEALOUSY fied anger and love. Solomon especially warned
Jealousy and envy appear to be compound against envying the wicked who may appear
emotions involving both anger and love. Jealousy successful and happy (see Proverbs 24:1, 19).
is a desirable emotion when used to guard lawful
relationships. In the Bible, the Lord is often said to Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of
his ways (Proverbs 3:31; KJV).
be jealous of His people. Husbands are justly
jealous of their wives and children when someone Let not thine heart envy sinners; but be thou in the
or something threatens the relationship. Jealousy fear of the Lord all the day long (Proverbs 23:17;
KJV).
can be the most fierce emotion. Solomon said:
Envy is an unhealthy state of mind that can
Fury is fierce, and anger is overflowing; but who
standeth before jealousy (Proverbs 27:4; ASV). afflict the body like a deadly disease. A wise man
will keep it out of his heart.
. . . jealousy is cruel as the grave: . . . (Song of
Solomon 8:6; RSV). The life of the body is a tranquil heart, but envy is
a cancer in the bones (Proverbs 14:30; JB).
When Solomon warned about adultery, he
said: CONCLUSION
Let us take care that the anger triplets are not
He who commits adultery has no sense; he who our downfall. We have been adequately warned
does it destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will by Solomon. The wise listen to the words of
he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not Scripture.
spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Feelings: Happiness and Sorrow

There is nothing better for a man than that he Other sources of joy that Solomon mentions
should . . . find enjoyment in his toil (Ecclesiastes (which I quote under separate headings) include
2:24; RSV). good words, wise children, successful achieve-
ment, various other physical comfortsindeed,
INTRODUCTION all the fruits of righteousness are designed to
Joy and pleasure, sorrow and pain are oppo- bring us the kind of joy and happiness that the
site feelings related to the state of the body and the pleasure-seeking sinner cannot experience (see
spirit. Solomon mentioned many honorable Ecclesiastes 2:26).
sources of joy and pleasure. Most important is the
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but
happiness obtained through acquiring wisdom. he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh (Proverbs
11:17; KJV).
I. HAPPINESS AND THE EVERYDAY
JOYS OF LIFE II. SORROW AND THE COMMON
Remember our common everyday sources of STRUGGLES OF LIFE
comfort. Of course they do not comprise the There are senseless, wasteful forms of plea-
whole of life, but the Lord has provided them for sure.
us all to help compensate for the sorrows of
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the
existence in this world. These include: the satis- laughter of the fool: this also is vanity (Ecclesiastes
faction of our daily needs (see Ecclesiastes 3:12, 7:6; KJV).
13; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7),
There are pleasures that eventually cause
There is nothing better for a man than that he sorrow and lead to grief. These are the many
should eat and drink. . . . (Ecclesiastes 2:24; KJV). different vices practiced by foolsthose imme-
diate pleasures which eventually add to the sor-
our work (see Ecclesiastes 3:13, 22; 5:18), rows of the world and bring grief to those who
indulge in them.
There is nothing better for a man than that he
should . . . find enjoyment in his toil (Ecclesiastes
There are many sources of sorrow and pain.
2:24; RSV). Indeed, this whole existence is a perpetual state
of sorrow mixed with joy. Even the greatest of
our possessions (see Ecclesiastes 9:8), our pleasures are inevitably accompanied with
some degree of discomfort.
Any man to whom God gives riches and property,
and grants power to partake of them, so that he Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of
receives his lot and finds joy in the fruits of his toil, joy is grief (Proverbs 14:13; RSV).
has a gift from God. For he will hardly dwell on
the shortness of his life, because God lets him busy And the more we expand our conscious-
himself with the joy of his heart (Ecclesiastes 5:19,
20; NAB). ness of reality, the more we experience sorrow.
Remember these words:
and our wives.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that
increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days (Ecclesiastes 1:18; KJV).
of your vain life, which he has given you under
the sun, because that is your portion in life and in
your toil at which you toil under the sun Yet there is value in sorrow. It tends to make
(Ecclesiastes 9:9; RSV). us more serious, and life is best taken seriously.
1
The wise do not let themselves forget that sor- Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those
who weep (Romans 12:15; RSV).
row is a natural part of this life, and every mans
earthly happiness ends in the tragedy of death.
All of the things that bring joy and pleasure
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to can be used to combat sorrow and pain; includ-
go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all ing drugs that anesthetize and sedate (intended
men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow for medicinal purposes).
is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the
countenance the heart is made better. The heart of Procure strong drink for a man about to perish,
the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart wine for the heart that is full of bitterness: let him
of fools is in the house of mirth (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4; drink and forget his misfortune, and remember his
KJV). misery no more (Proverbs 31:6, 7; JB).

CONCLUSION Walter Porter

Feelings of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain,
are used to promote wisdom and to encourage
righteous living. Justly applied, they can be pow- THOUGHTS ON WISDOM
erful and effective sources of feedback regarding
the consequences of actions. But justice does not To all mankind He has given her in some mea-
always prevail in this life, and sometimes the sure, but in plenty to those who love Him.
consequences of actions seem to reward sin and The Apocrypha, Ecclesiasticus 1:10
punish godliness, thus encouraging more evil.
Wisdom was first of all created things; intelli-
Because sentence against an evil work is not gent purpose has been there from the begin-
executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons ning.
of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes
8:11; KJV). The Apocrypha, Ecclesiasticus 1:4

The innocent often suffer with the guilty. Wisdom shines bright and never fades; she is
Nevertheless, it is wise to reflect carefully upon easily discerned by those who love her, and by
ones life when many sorrows come, in order to those who seek her she is found.
see what may perhaps need correcting, because, The Apocrypha, Wisdom 6:12
recall, the Lord chastens those whom He loves.
The true beginning of wisdom is the desire to
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of learn.
adversity consider. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:14; RSV). The Apocrypha, Wisdom 6:17

The experiences of sorrow and joy are perva- The intellect of the wise is like glass; it admits
sive feelings and deeply personal. the light of heaven and reflects it.
Augustus William and Julius Charles Hare
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider
shares its joy (Proverbs 14:10; MOFFATT).
The wise know too well their weakness to as-
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is sume infallibility; and he who knows most,
of a merry heart hath a continual feast (Proverbs knows best how little he knows.
15:15; KJV).
Thomas Jefferson, Writings

Be gentle and sympathetic with the afflicted. By wisdom wealth is won;

Solomon said: But riches purchased wisdom yet for none.
Bayard Taylor, The Wisdom of Ali
As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather,
and as vinegar upon soda, so is he that singeth
songs to a heavy heart (Proverbs 25:20; ASV). The chief aim of wisdom is to enable one to bear
with the stupidity of the ignorant.
And Paul said: Pope Xystus I, The Ring
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
2 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Sin of Adultery

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his wife violates her commitment both to the Lord
own soul: . . . (Proverbs 8:36; KJV). and to her husband, and prowls about like a
viper seeking prey (see Proverbs 5:6; 9:14; 23:28).
INTRODUCTION
Our bodies have appetites and the Lord pro- . . . [the adulteress] forsakes the companion of her
youth, and forgets her pledge to her God (Proverbs
vides for them. He also made our bodies such 2:17; AAT).
that the gratification of our appetites gives plea-
sure. These are the simple pleasures intended to (. . . her feet abide not in her house: Now is she
without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at
ease the sorrows of this life. But there are those every comer) (Proverbs 7:11, 12; KJV).
who become greedy for pleasure and who over-
indulge themselves in these lusts of the flesh. II. THE ADULTERESS DESCRIBED
The evils of both gluttony and drunkenness are With animal cunning the adulteress uses two
well documented. Solomon warned about them major weapons: her sensual beauty and her
both (see Proverbs 23:29-35; 25:16, 27; Ecclesias- smooth talk (see Proverbs 5:3; 6:24, 25; 7:5, 10, 21;
tes 10:16, 17). 9:14-17; 22:14).
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and
whosoever erreth thereby is not wise (Proverbs . . . [wisdom will] deliver thee from the strange
20:1; ASV). woman, even from the stranger which flattereth
with her words (Proverbs 2:16; KJV).
Be not among winebibbers, or among gluttonous
eaters of meat (RSV). For the drunkard and the Solomon gives a graphic portrayal of how
glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall
clothe a man with rags (KJV) (Proverbs 23:20, 21).
the adulteress operates in the following story:
For at the window of my house I looked through
Sins of sex are many and varied. Solomon my casement, and beheld among the simple ones,
gives advice on only the most common kindthe I discerned among the youths, a young man void
illicit union between a man and a woman. The of understanding, passing through the street near
her comer; and he went the way to her house, in
focus of Solomons words is upon the woman. She the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark
is most often called by two names: strange and night: and, behold, there met him a woman with
foreign, implying that she does not lawfully the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is
loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
belong. There are two kinds of women involved: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in
the professional looking for a living and the ama- wait at every comer.) So she caught him, and kissed
teur looking for a thrill. Only a little is written by him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I
have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid
Solomon about the prostitutenone of it good:
my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee,
diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I
My son, give me thine heart and let thine eyes have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry,
observe my ways. For a whore is a deep ditch; and with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have
a strange woman is a narrow pit (Proverbs 23:26, perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and
27; KJV). cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until
the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves
. . . [a son] who keeps company with harlots (KJV). For my husband is not at home, he is gone a
squanders his wealth (Proverbs 29:3; NEB). long journey; he took in his hand a roll of silver,
and will return to his house after many days (LXX).
I. THE SIN DEFINED With much seductive speech she persuades him;
with her smooth talk she compels him (RSV). He
The deadly one is the adulteress. (Remem- goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the
ber, adultery personifies all folly.) An unfaithful slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks
1
 (KJV); till an arrow pierces its entrails; as a bird found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all
rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will the substance of his house. But whoso committeth
cost him his life (RSV) (Proverbs 7:6-23). adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he
that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound
and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall
The adulteress is, for all her craftiness, a not be wiped away (KJV); for jealousy makes a man
primitive foolcallous and brazen (see Prov- furious, and he will not spare when he takes
erbs 7:11; 9:13). revenge. He will accept no compensation nor be
appeased though you multiply gifts (RSV)
(Proverbs 6:27-35).
The way of an unfaithful wife is this: she eats, then
she wipes her mouth and says, I have done no
harm (Proverbs 30:20; NEB). The many penalties for practicing adultery
include bitterness, abuse and wounds, dishonor
Of course, those addicted to adultery (or and unforgiven reproach, loss of wealth, even
similar sex sins) who prowl about preying upon death and the destruction of ones soul (see Prov-
the ignorant of mind and weak of character are erbs 5:4, 5, 9-14; 6:26; 7:22, 23, 26, 27; 9:18).
not always women. Under Moses law adultery
carried the death penalty for both parties. It is a For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths
unto the dead. None that go unto her return again,
cardinal sin in its effects. It divides that holy neither take they hold of the paths of life (Proverbs
union between a man and his wife. 2:18, 19; KJV).

She lies in wait like a robber and increaseth the CONCLUSION

faithless among men (Proverbs 23:28; RSV).
Adultery has been the downfall of a great
The prophet Ezekiel called these women many people. Solomon said:
murderers because they destroy the sacred bond:
Yea, all her slain are a mighty host (Proverbs 7:26;
ASV).
. . . righteous men shall pass judgment on them
with the sentence of adulteresses, and with the
sentence of women that shed blood; because they Consider only famous people whose lives
are adulteresses, and blood is upon their hands are in the public eye. How long a list could be
(Ezekiel 23:45; RSV). made of those (especially in high, responsible
positions) who fell from the top in a moment
III. THE PENALTIES DELINEATED because they succumbed to sins of sex, who fell
Solomon gave strict warning against suc- and never regained their position. Furthermore,
cumbing to the temptation of adultery. One of Paul wrote this special warning:
the benefits of knowledge and understanding is
that it will open ones eyes to its danger, even as Shun immorality. Every other sin which man
a child playing on a busy street learns to appre- commits is outside of the body: but the immoral man
sins against his own body (1 Corinthians 6:18; RSV).
ciate the deadly dangers there (see Proverbs 5:7,
8; 6:24; 7:5, 24, 25).
The Lord intended for marriage to satisfy the
. . . [wisdom will] deliver thee from the strange appetite. Marriage is Gods way of fulfillment
woman. . . . (Proverbs 2:16; KJV). for husband and wife. Solomon pleaded:

A man who commits adultery, Solomon said, Drink from your own well, my sonbe faithful to
lacks sense because the penalties are both severe your wife. Why should you beget children with
women of the street? (LB). Let them be only thine
and inevitable. Let no one think he will get away own, and not strangers with thee. Let thy fountain
with it. Exposure will come, and once exposed be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
there will be no escaping the sorrows. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let
her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou
ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou,
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and
not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his embrace the bosom of a stranger? (KJV) (Proverbs
feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his 5:15-20).
neighbours wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not
be innocent. Men do not despise a thief, if he steal
to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; but if he be Walter Porter
2 Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Watch Your Words

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and and with them he can help others (see Proverbs
they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 10:13, 20, 21; 12:6; 15:26; 16:23; Ecclesiastes 10:12).
18:21; KJV).
The mouth, the tongue, and the lips are all The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. . . .
(Proverbs 10:11; RSV).
mechanisms of speech mentioned often by Solo-
mon. They are parts of the body designed by the . . . the lips of the wise shall preserve them (Proverbs
Lord to help us communicate our thoughts. How- 14:3; ASV).
ever, words, in the broadest sense of meaning,
take many forms; but whatever their form, they If one has enough wisdom, he can use them
provide the medium through which information to understand even the inner thoughts of people
is transmitted. (see Proverbs 18:4).
Information initiates successful endeavor.
The purpose of a mans mind is like deep waters,
In the book of Genesis, we are told that the but a man of understanding will draw it out
Lord spoke and the various parts of the world (Proverbs 20:5; RSV).
came into existence. How this happened, no
one knows. We do know that the creation of If one uses his words skillfully he can earn a
the various life forms in the world occurs by living by them; as many people do (see Proverbs
means of molecular words within the chro- 13:2; 18:20).
mosomes of the cells in the body. Moreover, all
of our activity, mental or physical, occurs A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of
his mouth. . . . (Proverbs 12:14; KJV).
through the transmission of electrochemical
words in the nerves; and it is by means of
If one is a fool, his words will hurt him
spoken and printed symbols we gain knowl-
because he will not know how to use their power
edge and understanding making us capable of
(see Proverbs 14:3; 18:6, 7; Ecclesiastes 10:12, 13).
constructive endeavor.
. . . the mouth of the foolish hastens ruin (Proverbs
I. THE POWER OF WORDS 10:14; MLB).
Solomon said words have great power for
both good and evil: Words well spoken can be very beautiful,
bringing joy and happiness (see Proverbs 15:26;
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and 24:26; 25:11, 12).
they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs
18:21; KJV). To make an apt answer is a joy to a man. And a
word in season, how good it is (Proverbs 15:23;
RSV).
James also wrote of their power:
Words well spoken are good words, pleas-
If we put bits into the mouths of horses that they
may obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Look ant and gracious. They refresh the soul, in-
at the ships also; though they are so great and are crease persuasiveness and make important
driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very people our friends. They are even good for our
small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great health. As every health professional knows,
things (James 3:3-5; RSV). soft, gentle words have remarkable healing
power (see Proverbs 12:25; 15:1, 4, 30; 16:21;
If one has wisdom his words will help him; 22:11; 25:25; 27:9).
1
 The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, no slumber; save yourself like a gazelle from the
and adds persuasiveness to his lips (RSV). Pleasant hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler
words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and (Proverbs 6:1-5; RSV).
health to the bones (KJV) (Proverbs 16:23, 24).
It is a danger to a man to say without thought, It is
holy, and, after taking his oaths, to be questioning
But we all learn early in life that words can if it is necessary to keep them (Proverbs 20:25; BAS).
hurt (see Proverbs 15:4; 25:20).
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God;
There are those whose speech is like the piercing for to draw nigh to hear is better than to give the
of an sword. . . . (Proverbs 12:18; LAM). sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do
evil (ASV). Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not
thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God:
Harsh words arouse anger, although some- for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore
times they may be necessary. (See Luke 11 and let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through
the multitude of business; and a fools voice is
Acts 7 for examples.) known by multitude of words. When thou vowest
a vow unto God, defer not to pay it. For he hath no
. . . harsh words stir anger (Proverbs 15:1; AAT). pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that
Good words are true words, honest and faith- thou shouldest vow and not pay (KJV). Let not your
mouth bring you into sin, and say not before the
ful. They bring welcome relief, and they endure messenger, It was a mistake. Why should God
(see Proverbs 12:19; 13:17; 14:5, 25; 16:13; 25:13). be angered at your voice and destroy the work of
your hands? For through many empty dreams
come many vows. But do you fear God! (AAT)
He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence. . . .
(Ecclesiastes 5:1-7).
(Proverbs 12:17; RSV).

Although James warned about the lack of

II. THE MISUSE OF WORDS
control over ones speech, he also pointed out
Words, like all powerful things, should be
the difficulty involved.
used with caution and great care. They should be
used the way a surgeon uses his scalpel. They If anyone thinks he is religious, and does not bridle
should be treated like a live electric wiresome- his tongue but deceives his heart, this mans
thing to be carefully guarded until needed. James religion is vain (James 1:26; RSV).
warned about this, saying: For we all make many mistakes, and if anyone
makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And man, able to bridle the whole body also (James 3:2;
the tongue is a fire (James 3:5, 6; RSV). RSV).

Solomon also warned about the use of our One especially insidious overuse of words is
words (see Proverbs 12:23; 13:3; 17:27, 28; 18:13; the common practice of gossip. Remember, a
21:23; 29:20; Ecclesiastes 5:2, 3; 6:11; 7:5, 6; 9:17; gossip is not necessarily a liar; what he says may
10:14). be perfectly true. But, like a Peeping Tom, he
exposes what should be kept concealed. What
In the multitude of words there wanteth not makes it appealing is that it is both entertaining
transgression; but he that refraineth his lips doeth
wisely (Proverbs 10:19; ASV). and seemingly harmless. But it is a poison that
creates conflict and destroys friendships. More-
Solomon urged special care when making over, it can snap back and ruin ones own reputa-
promises, whether to the Lord or to men. Both tion. Solomon told of its evils (see Proverbs 10:18;
expect them to be kept, and we will suffer if we 16:28; 17:9; 18:8; 25:9, 10; 26:20, 22; 30:10).
do not.
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a
My son, if you have become surety for your faithful spirit concealeth the matter (Proverbs 11:13;
neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger; if KJV).
you are snared in the utterance of your lips, caught
in the words of your mouth; then do this, my son, It is best to neither practice gossip nor listen
and save yourself, for you have come into your
neighbors power: go, hasten, and importune your to it. Solomon said only fools indulge them-
neighbor. Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids selves in it (see Proverbs 25:23).
2
 He who goes about gossiping reveals secrets: said, that the deceiver will not escape his punish-
therefore do not associate with one who speaks
foolishly (Proverbs 20:19; RSV).
ment. Indeed, it is better to live in desperate
poverty than to be a liar (see Proverbs 4:24; 10:18;
Words are often used to deceive. One insidi- 11:9; 12:17, 19, 22; 14:5, 25; 19:5, 9, 22, 28; 20:17;
ous example is flattery. It, too, appears innocu- 21:28; 24:28; 25:18; 26:18, 19; 30:7, 8).
ous, but, in fact, flattery is a device used to
Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are smooth
disarm the defenses of its victim in order to take lips with an evil heart. He who hates, dissembles
advantage of him (see Proverbs 26:28; 27:6; 29:5). with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when
he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are
Flattering lips with a wicked heart, are like a seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred
potsherd overlaid with silver dross (Proverbs 26:23; be covered with guile, his wickedness will be
SPRL). exposed in the assembly (Proverbs 26:23-26; RSV).

The liar and the false witness are an abomi- CONCLUSION

nation to God because they promote injustice. Words, then, are a great power for good or
Deceit is often used to conceal malice. It is per- destruction. They must be chosen with wisdom.
haps the major weapon of the wicked, for both Jesus said, By thy words thou shalt be justified,
offense and defense. Deceit can be very effective and by thy words thou shalt be condemned
in the short-run, but time brings exposure, and (Matthew 12:37; KJV).
exposure brings penalties. Be assured, Solomon Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Labor and Wealth

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with Fools work only destruction, and they reap
thy might; . . . (Ecclesiastes 9:10; KJV). poverty (see Proverbs 19:10; 21:20).

INTRODUCTION Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores

instruction. . . . (Proverbs 13:18; RSV).
The Lord gave us hands to work with, and
Solomon encouraged industriousness:
The wicked labor in vain. No matter how
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
much they may prosper, there is no lasting profit
might; for there is no work, nor device, nor in sin: their gains merely deceive them (see Prov-
knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou erbs 11:18; 13:22; 14:11; 15:6; 17:20; 21:6, 12).
goest (Ecclesiastes 9:10; KJV).
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing. . . .
He mentioned two things that motivate (Proverbs 10:2; KJV).
people to work: earning a living and competi-
tion, or keeping up with the Joneses. Both are II. LABOR AND REST
intended to be honorable motives energizing Rest is pleasant, and sleep is a blessing. Both
our collective progress in the world. When they are a reward for our labor, and the more we
fail, stagnation tends to occur (see Ecclesiastes labor, the more we enjoy it.
4:4; 6:7).
The sleep of the labouring man is sweet, whether
A workers appetite works for him; his mouth he eat little or much. . . . (Ecclesiastes 5:12; KJV).
urges him on (Proverbs 16:26; RSV).
But a common temptation is to overdo sleep
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another
(Proverbs 27:17; RSV).
and rest. We call it laziness. It is the vice of the
sluggard or slothful man. He loves his sleep, and
I. LABOR AND DILIGENCE he wallows in it.
As everyone knows, work is hard. Work and
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep. . . . (Proverbs
labor are synonymous with arduous effort, be it 19:15; KJV).
mental or physical. But it is through arduous
effort guided by wisdom that we can survive As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the
slothful upon his bed (Proverbs 26:14; KJV).
and improve our world. Sin brought the curse
that makes work arduous. Obedience makes
The sluggard is also a fool deceiving himself.
work prosperous (see Proverbs 14:11, 24; 15:6;
His warped reasoning defends him. Work, he
21:20; 22:4).
argues, is bad for his healthbesides countless
. . . [I, wisdom,] cause those that love me to inherit
other explanations and farfetched excuses (see
substance; and I will fill their treasures (Proverbs Proverbs 26:13, 16).
8:21; KJV).
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold. . . .
(Proverbs 20:4; KJV).
And obedience involves diligent effort (see
Proverbs 10:4; 11:16; 12:11, 24, 27; 13:11; 14:23; The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I
20:13; 21:5; 22:29; 28:19). shall be slain in the streets (Proverbs 22:13; KJV).

. . . the soul of the diligent is richly supplied As the condition worsens, the sluggards
(Proverbs 13:4; RSV). possessions degenerate, and poverty begins to
1
descend upon him (see Proverbs 10:4; 12:27; 15:19; The lazy man deserves no sympathy because
19:15; 20:4, 13; 23:21; 24:30-34; Ecclesiastes 10:18). he only contributes to the worlds problems (see
Proverbs 10:26; 18:9).
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways,
and be wise: Without having any chief, officer, or
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he
ruler, she prepares her food in summer, and gathers
that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame
her sustenance in harvest. How long will you lie
(Proverbs 10:5; KJV).
there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your
sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding
of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon Like the other common vices of the world,
you like a vagabond, and want like an armed man
(Proverbs 6:6-11; RSV).
laziness is amoral disease caused by a failure of
the will, a failure to resist temptation, a failure to
The lazy man reaps an even more severe pen- exercise self-control. Like the other common
alty in himself. His overindulgence becomes ad- vices, it can enslave a person so that he is no
dictive, making him a victim of his own body. He longer able to overcome it by self-control. And in
desires the good things of life like everyone else, its final stage he must be managed like a child.
but his lack of self-control keeps him from earn-
ing wages. Even the simple effort involved in self- . . . the slothful will be put to forced labour
(Proverbs 12:24; RSV).
care exhausts him, and his body and appearance
degenerate (see Proverbs 21:25, 26; 26:15).
CONCLUSION
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath Labor is a blessing to man. God gave Adam
nothing. . . . (Proverbs 13:4; KJV). responsibilities in the garden of Eden before the
fall. The proper view of work is helpful and
The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will
not so much as bring it to his mouth again encouraging to man.
(Proverbs 19:24; ASV). Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Business and Possessions

Wealth dishonestly obtained shall waste Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that
rolleth a stone, it will return upon him (Proverbs
away. . . . (Proverbs 13:11; SPRL). 26:27; KJV).
Solomon gave various kinds of advice about
business and endeavor. Adversity tests our strength.

I. ABOUT SUNDRY MATTERS If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is
small (Proverbs 24:10; KJV).
Make careful preparation before being com-
mitted to a project, he said. Do not wait until
Solomon advised against being afraid to
disaster strikes before seeking protection for ones
take some risks. That is an excuse of the lazy.
goods and ones job.
However, he also advised against committing
First put all in order out of doors and make everything on a single venture. A cardinal rule
everything ready on the land. Then establish your of good finance is to diversify (see Ecclesiastes
house and home (Proverbs 24:27; NEB). 11:4).
If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then there
is no advantage in the charmer (Ecclesiastes 10:11; In the morning sow your seed betimes, and do not
ASV). stop work until evening, for you do not know
whether this or that sowing will be successful, or
whether both alike will do well (Ecclesiastes 11:6;
Solomon also advised care in maintaining all NEB).
possessions. In this imperfect world everything
tends to continual degeneration, and neglect will In trade dealings with people, remember that
ruin as much as active destruction (see Proverbs frankness and objectivity are rare. We should
29:21). not naively trust all that a trader says.

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; but when he is
attention to your herd; for riches do not last for gone his way, then he boasteth (Proverbs 20:14;
ever; and does a crown endure to all generations? ASV).
When the grass is gone, and the new growth
appears, and the herbage of the mountains is
gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and
Solomon advised against being hasty to bor-
the goats the price of a field; there will be enough row. Debt puts one in a kind of bind. And when
goats milk for your food, for the food of your one does become indebted to another, whether
household and maintenance for your maidens from borrowing or wages, it is prudent to pay
(Proverbs 27:23-27; RSV).
promptly (see Proverbs 22:7).
Good tools and a good head make ones
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,
efforts more successful. when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say
not unto they neighbor, Go and come again, and
If for want of sharpening the axe is blunt, you have tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee
to strike very hard, but the reward given by (Proverbs 3:27, 28; KJV).
wisdom is success (Ecclesiastes 10:10; JB).
Solomon strongly warned about the danger
Every occupation in life carries some haz- of becoming suretymaking a financial com-
ards with it. We should be prepared to suffer mitment for another. It is a highly risky thing,
injury from time to time (see Ecclesiastes 10:8, usually leading to loss. He said that only fools
9). practice it (see Proverbs 17:18; 22:26, 27).
1
 My son, if you have become surety for your Moreover, accumulating wealth will not bring
neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger; if
you are snared in the utterance of your lips, caught
satisfaction. Someone may own twenty cars, but
in the words of your mouth. Then do this, my son, he can only drive one at a time (besides, it usu-
and save yourself, for you have come into your ally takes time and effort to learn to enjoy any
neighbors power: go, hasten and importune your
neighbor. Give your eyes no sleep, and your eyelids
one thing). He will also need many employees to
no slumber; save yourself like a gazelle from the care for them, and they likely will enjoy them all
hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler as much, perhaps even more so than he does.
(Proverbs 6:1-5; RSV).
He who loves money will not be satisfied with
It is especially wise to shun financial deal- money; nor he who loves wealth with gain: this
ings with recent acquaintances. Police files bulge also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase
who eat them; and what gain has their owner but
with pathetic cases of people taken in by confi- to see them with his eyes (Ecclesiastes 5:10, 11;
dence men and bunco artists who prey on the RSV).
gullible. The swindlers deal may look like a sure
thing; that is because he has worked hard to Remember Solomons description of certain
make it appear that way. He relies on peoples kinds of rich people:
naivety and/or greed to entice them, and who-
ever goes along with him deserves to lose it all There is an evil which I have seen under the sun,
and it lies heavy upon men: a man to whom God
(see Proverbs 20:16; 27:13). gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he
lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does
He who makes himself responsible for a strange not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger
man will undergo much loss; but the hater of such enjoys them; this is vanity; it is a sore affliction. If a
undertakings will be safe (Proverbs 11:15; BAS). man begets a hundred children, and lives many
years, so that the days of his years are many, but
he does not enjoy lifes good things, and also has
II. ABOUT MONEY no burial, I say that an untimely birth is better off
No one needs to be told that money is good to than he. For it comes into vanity and goes into
have. It not only protects, but, as a universal darkness, and in darkness its name is covered;
moreover it has not seen the sun or known
medium of exchange, it can also bring one al- anything; yet it finds rest rather than he. Even
most anything. though he should live a thousand years twice told,
yet enjoy no gooddo not all go to the one place?
For the protection of wisdom is like the protection (Ecclesiastes 6:1-6; RSV).
of money. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:12; RSV).
A person may inherit some wealth, but there
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh
merry; but money answereth all things (Ecclesiastes are serious risks in the sudden acquisition of
10:19; KJV). money unless he is well prepared for how to use
it (see Proverbs 19:14).
But the protection of money is limited, Solo-
mon said. Whoever puts all of his trust in money An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the
beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed
will eventually be betrayed. Moreover, money is (Proverbs 20:21; KJV).
useless when disaster strikesalthough it may
be able to help some of the survivors (see Prov-
III. ABOUT GREED
erbs 11:28).
Excessive appetite for riches is called ava-
Riches profit not in the day of wrath. . . . (Proverbs rice, greed, or covetousness. As earlier stated,
11:4; KJV). this lust is another common vice, a type of
gluttony for money involving the lust of the
Both Solomon and Agur advised against even eye. Its dynamics are similar to all the others; its
trying to become rich. Money is an unreliable, pleasures are deceptive and ultimately unsat-
slippery commodity (see Proverbs 30:7-9). isfying. Moreover, greed provokes one to ille-
galities. It tempts people to commit dishonesty
Do not toil to acquire wealth; be wise enough to and fraud. But, Solomon said, these kinds of
desist. When your eyes light upon it, it is gone; for
suddenly it takes to itself wings, flying like an eagle profits are short-lived (see Proverbs 15:27; 21:6;
toward heaven (Proverbs 23:4, 5; RSV). 28:20, 22).
2
 Wealth dishonestly obtained shall waste away. . . . Bribery involves an unjust exchange where
(Proverbs 13:11; SPRL).
both parties seek more than they deserve. It is a
corruption of justice and is condemned by the
Greed is another moral disease of the will,
Lord. Nevertheless, a bribe can have power
and, like all the others, it is in plague proportions
almost magical power. It can solve a mans prob-
today. My intuition tells me that the frantic in-
lems when nothing else can. Therefore, it is an-
creasing of prices and wages of our recent over-
other widespread moral disease (see Proverbs
heated economy was the result of overheated
17:8, 23; 18:16; 28:21; Ecclesiastes 7:7).
greed in the hearts of too many people. And now
it seems that we are fighting greed with greed. He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
Solomon disapproved of profiteering by interest but he that hateth bribes shall live (Proverbs 15:27;
and overcharge regardless of who does it: ASV).

He who increases his wealth by interest and CONCLUSION

overcharge gathers it for him who is kind to the A mans business and possessions can bring
poor (Proverbs 28:8; NAB).
blessings or misery. Happiness is found in a wise
approach to business and a wise use of our
Paul said that greed fuels all manner of evils:
possessions.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil
(1 Timothy 6:10; NIV).
THOUGHTS ON WISDOM
Solomon mentions a few of these evils. He
referred to theft when he warned about adultery: Wisdom is not finally tested in the schools,
Wisdom cannot be passed from one having it to
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his another not having it,
soul when he is hungry; but if he be found, he shall Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its
restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of own proof.
his house (Proverbs 6:30, 31; KJV). Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road

Effective and just penalties for theft include To have a low opinion of our merits and to think
full compensation for the victim paid by the thief highly of others is an evidence of wisdom.
out of his own pocket, compensation being much Thomas Kempis
more (sevenfold) than simply returning in good
condition what was taken. Moses law (a model Wisdom precedes, religion follows: for the
for any government) contains many guidelines knowledge of God comes first, His worship is
for the application of justice in both criminal the result of knowledge.
cases and civil disputes. Solomon also warned Lacantius, Divine Institutes
about cooperating with thieves, even when it
involves simply not informing about them. The good Lord set definite limits on mans
wisdom, but set no limits on his stupidityand
The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the
curse, but discloses nothing (Proverbs 29:24; RSV). thats just not fair!
Konrad Adenauer, The Churchman
Fraud and bribery are the other evils Solo-
mon mentions. He spoke of two kinds of fraud: He who provides for this life, but takes no care for
altering measuring scales and changing prop- eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever.
erty boundaries. The list of possible ways to John Tillotson
commit fraud is mammoth and is growing. These
Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.
two were apparently common examples during
Theodore Roosevelt,
Solomons time (see Proverbs 16:11; 20:10, 23;
Speech delivered in 1917
22:28; 23:10, 11).

A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a The greatest good is wisdom.
just weight is his delight (Proverbs 11:1; KJV). St. Augustine, Soliloquies, I
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today 3
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Rich and Poor

A rich man must buy himself off, but a poor man I. THE ADVANTAGES AND
is immune from threats (Proverbs 13:8; NEB). DISADVANTAGES OF THE RICH
Solomon pointed out many advantages to
INTRODUCTION being rich (see Proverbs 19:4).
Wealth and money are not equally distrib-
uted any more than anything else is. They never A rich mans wealth is his protection. . . . (Proverbs
10:15; MOFFATT)
have been, and they never will be. Jesus said:
. . . the rich hath many friends (Proverbs 14:20; KJV).
For you always have the poor with you. . . .
(Matthew 26:11; RSV). The rich ruleth over the poor. . . . (Proverbs 22:7;
KJV).
But in the eyes of the Lord we are all alikewhat
we own is irrelevant to our true worth. Solomon But he also pointed out some disadvantages.
said: The rich are often targets for extortion; wealth
tends to create arrogance; and the easy life of the
The rich and the poor are alike before the Lord who rich dulls the pleasures of simple things (see
made them all (Proverbs 22:2; LB). Proverbs 13:8; 18:11, 23; 27:7; 28:11).

And Jesus warned: Sweet is the sleep of the laborer, whether he eat
little or much. But the surfeit of the rich allows him
Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a no sleep (Ecclesiastes 5:12; AAT).
mans life does not consist in the abundance of his
possessions (Luke 12:15; RSV). Agur added:

The Bible defines poverty in both an absolute . . . give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me
and a relative sense. In Moses law, for example, with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny
thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor,
the word poor is used both ways. In the relative and steal, and take the name of my God in vain
sense, the poor are simply people at the lowest (Proverbs 30:8, 9; KJV).
economic level of a society. In that sense the poor
of a prosperous country are probably better off Solomon warned against reviling anyone who
than the rich of a primitive, backward society. In is wealthy even in private. It wiIl somehow leak
the absolute sense of the word, poverty refers to out, and they have power to take cruel revenge.
the state of being impoverishedgoing hungry,
being clothed in rags, living in shacks. In some . . . in the inmost recesses of thy bed-chamber curse
countries there may be few, if any, of this kind of not a rich man: for a bird of the air will carry thy
voice, and that which hath wings will tell thy
poor people. In other countries they may com- saying (Ecclesiastes 10:20; LXX).
prise the majority. The same differences in conno-
tation can be applied to the definition of the rich. II. THE ADVANTAGES AND
Recognizing who is rich and who is poor is
DISADVANTAGES OF THE POOR
not always obvious. Solomon said one cannot
Although Solomon was rich all his life, he
tell by a casual glance who is rich and who is not.
wrote twice as much about the poor. There are
not many advantages to poverty. The poor can-
One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another man pretends to be poor, yet has great not lose what they do not have, and they enjoy
wealth (Proverbs 13:7; AAT). more pleasure from common things.
1
 . . . a poor man is immune from threats (Proverbs sures, and joining up with known losers (see
13:8; NEB).
Proverbs 21:5, 17; 23:19-21; 28:19).
. . . to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet
(Proverbs 27:7; RSV). Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores
instruction, but he who heeds reproof is honored
(Proverbs 13:18; RSV).
But James also said:
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to
Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen want (Proverbs 14:23; RSV).
those who are poor in the world to be rich in
faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has
promised to those who love him? But you have
These kinds of poor people deserve rebuke.
dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who But there are other causes of poverty not associ-
oppress you, is it not they who drag you into ated with moral failures. A person can be born
court? Is it not they who blaspheme that
honorable name by which you are called? (James
into poverty, or he can fall into it later in life
2:5-7; RSV). because of unforeseen consequences. Remember
this sad story:
Moreover, in this vain life under certain
circumstances it is better to be poor than rich. There is a grievous evil which I have seen under
the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt,
Poverty is better where there is love, peace, and and those riches were lost in a bad venture; and he
harmony, than having riches where there is ha- is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand.
tred, trouble, and strife. And a God-fearing man As he came from his mothers womb he shall go
again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing
who has a good reputation and walks in his for his toil, which he may carry away in his hand.
uprightness, though poor, is better off than a This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall
perverse rich man living in unrighteousness (see he go; and what gain has he that he toiled for the
wind, and spent all his days in darkness and grief,
Proverbs 16:8; 17:1; 19:1; 22:1; 28:6; Ecclesiastes in much vexation and sickness and resentment?
4:6). (Ecclesiastes 5:13-17; RSV).

Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great Poverty tends to perpetuate itself. It leaves
treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner
of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred the individual without resources, and limits his
therewith (Proverbs 15:16, 17; KJV). opportunities. Being without money and the help
that it gives is almost like being without hands
Poverty is truly a handicap. For one thing, and feet (see Proverbs 14:4).
justified or not, people resent the poor, and they
must plead humbly to mostly deaf ears (see . . . poverty is the ruin of the poor (Proverbs 10:15;
MOFFATT).
Proverbs 18:23; 19:7).

The poor man is hated even of his own neighbor. . . . Moreover, the poor are most vulnerable to
(Proverbs 14:20; KJV). exploitation. They have no influential friends;
they cannot hire clever lawyers; they can only
Moreover, poverty increases the temptation weakly defend themselves against the predators
to commit theft. Agur said: of the world (see Proverbs 17:5; 22:16, 22, 23;
28:3).
. . . give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me
with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny
thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his
and steal, and take the name of my God in vain Maker. . . . (Proverbs 14:31; KJV).
(Proverbs 30:8, 9; KJV).
CONCLUSION
There are many causes of poverty, some of The rich and the poor must honor Godthe
which are self-imposed. Perhaps the major one is rich with his substance, the poor with his humble
laziness. Others Solomon mentioned include station in life. Whether we are rich or poor, God
neglecting ones education, impatience with the must be first in our hearts.
drudgery of work, overindulging in sensual plea- Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
2 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Generosity
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt The people will curse the man who holds back the
grain, but a blessing will be on the head of the one
find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and selling it (Proverbs 11:26; MLB).
also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be
upon the earth (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2; KJV). Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds
and wind without rain (Proverbs 25:14; KJV).

INTRODUCTION
Solomon advised against accepting a gift from
The Lord is the ultimate source of all good
a miserly man when he offers it. Your gratitude
things, and He is generous beyond measure. He
means nothing to him. He is a hypocrite, already
expects us, as His sons and daughters, to be
calculating how to force it back from you, per-
generous.
haps with interest.
. . . the righteous giveth and spareth not (Proverbs
21:26; KJV). Do not eat the bread of the man who is stingy: do
not desire his delicacies; for he is like one who is
inwardly reckoning. Eat and drink! he says to
Throughout the Bible, we are commanded to you; but his heart is not with you. You will vomit
share the first benefits of our laborour harvest, up the morsels which you have eaten, and waste
your pleasant words (Proverbs 23:6-8; RSV).
our salary, our profitswith the Lord. But, of
course, who can give Him anything who owns III. ASSISTING THE POOR
everything? Our gifts are for His kingdom here
It is not only a responsibility but a privilege
under the sun, to promote His cause here on
to give to the deserving poor, to help him climb
earth.
out of the pit of poverty. Solomon said the Lord
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the
will repay the liberal man for his kindness (see
first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 21:13; 22:9; 28:27).
be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst
out with new wine (Proverbs 3:9, 10; KJV). . . . he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he
(Proverbs 14:21; KJV).
I. GIVING BLESSES
Here is another paradox: Liberalitythe giv- And Jesus said:
ing of our money, goods, laboractually serves
It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35;
to multiply and enrich both our financial secu- RSV).
rity and our reputation, whereas stinginess tends
to erode both (see Proverbs 22:9; Ecclesiastes IV. WHEN NOT TO GIVE
11:1, 2). But Paul warned against supporting indolence:
One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; . . . we gave you this command: If anyone will not
another withholds what he should give, and only work, let him not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10; RSV).
suffers want. A liberal man will be enriched, and
one who waters will himself be watered (Proverbs
11:24, 25; RSV). Solomon said it was inadvisable to give to
the rich, no matter how noble ones motives.
II. HOARDING HURTS Like oppressing the poor, those who do will only
suffer loss in the end.
There are two special kinds of withholding
that Solomon said hurt a mans reputation: hoard- . . . he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to
ing necessities and making vain promises. want (Proverbs 22:16; KJV).
1
Agur wrote these words: gives to some people, they always come back
for more, never satisfied. They are a type of
The leech has two daughters: Give, give, they sinner who preys upon other people in a more
cry. Three things are never satisfied; four never insidious parasitic fashionthe leeches of soci-
says, Enough: Sheol, the barren womb, the earth
ever thirsty for water, and the fire which never says, ety.
Enough (Proverbs 30:15, 16; RSV).
CONCLUSION
This saying is not clear to me, but perhaps it God does not need mans money, but man
refers to certain kinds of people who beg per- needs to give. We cannot grow without giving.
petually. Sheol and the barren womb represent Giving is the royal route to maturity before God.
the end and the beginning of the cycle of life Give that you may grow! Give that you may
which goes on perpetually. Rain falls upon the glorify God! Give that you may receive Gods
earth, never satisfying its need, and a fire would best!
live forever if it was kept fed. Whenever one Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Making Marriage Succeed

INTRODUCTION II. THE PLACE OF THE WOMAN
Marriage is Gods plan, but it requires dili- Although a wife is clearly to be submissive and
gent work and wisdom to reach its peak of hap- obedient to her husband, she is by no means to be
piness. Successful families do not just happen. helpless and burdensome, lying around like a pet
waiting for her call to play. King Lemuel gives a
I. THE PARTNER CONCEPT beautiful description, from his own mothers teach-
From the time of the wedding, the husband ings, of what he calls a worthy womanan ideal
should be supportive, and the wife should be wife at the apex of her maturity. She is a rare and
submissive. Moreover, during the honeymoon precious asset like the Lords own Grand Lady. She
period when the marriage is consummated, each is both strong and dignified with the inner confi-
awaken the other to the joys of holy matrimony. He dence of the righteous. She uses her words wisely
(the apple treesee Song of Solomon 2:3) bows and kindly. She conducts business by manufac-
over her in the location where offspring appear. turing and agriculture, managing her affairs well,
not indulging in idleness. She enjoys much free-
Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning dom because she uses it responsiblywisely and
upon her beloved? Under the apple tree I righteously. With energetic zeal she works dili-
awakened you. There your mother was in travail
with you, there she who bore you was in travail gently with her hands from early morning to late
(Song of Solomon 8:5; RSV). night. Thus, her family is secure and well provided
for. And her house is filled with fine furnishings.
A wife may ask her husband what she must She is also kind and generous to the deprived,
do to bind their relationship closer together and sharing what she has. Her husband trusts her fully
to rest secure in his care. He should tell her (if she because she both adds to his prosperity and his
really needs to know) to submit herself to his prominence in the community. Her children and
leadership. her husband all justly praise her. She deserves to
reap the benefits of her labor and enjoy the reputa-
Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you tion of her industriousness (see Proverbs 31:10-31).
pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at Marriage is a good thing in the Lords eyes,
noon; for why should I be like one who wanders
beside the flocks of your companions? and a good woman is a gift from the Lord. She
If you do not know, O fairest among women, will ennoble and enrichen a mans life (see Prov-
follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your erbs 12:4; 19:14).
kids beside the shepherds tents (Song of Solomon
1:7, 8; RSV).
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, . . .
(Proverbs 18:22; KJV).
A man needs a source of income to support
his family. A wife may also have a source of An evil wife destroys her own home and
income, and she should be willing to contribute afflicts her husband like a deadly disease (see
her share to the family treasury under her Proverbs 14:1).
husbands management.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but
Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out she that doeth shamefully is a rottenness in his
the vineyard to keepers; each one was to bring for bones (Proverbs 12:4; KJV).
its fruit a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard,
my very own, is for myself; you O Solomon, may
have the thousand, and the keepers of the fruit two Besides that most grievous of all women
hundred (Song of Solomon 8:11, 12; RSV). the adulteressSolomon mentions another kind
1
that is grievous to have to live with. It is better, It is very unpopular in todays world to ad-
he said, to live in a closet or in the hot desert than mit that the Lord made the masculine gender
have to endure a contentious, fretful, quarrel- both stronger and wiser (although not so ex-
some woman. This type of woman is like the treme that there is no overlapping). But the fact
infamous Chinese water torture, and she is im- is obvious not only in Scripture but also in na-
possible to restrain. No wonder so many hus- ture. In Solomons three books we find only one
bands of her kind flee. rather abstruse reference to this difference.

. . . the contentions of a wife are a continual Behold, this is what I found, says the Preacher,
dropping (Proverbs 19:13; KJV). adding one thing to another to find the sum, which
my mind has sought repeatedly, but I have not
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than found. One man among a thousand I found, but a
in a roomy house with a quarrelsome woman woman among all these I have not found
(Proverbs 21:9; 25:24; NAB). (Ecclesiastes 7:27, 28; RSV).

It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a

contentious and fretful woman (Proverbs 21:19; RV).
But Paul said plainly:

A constant drip on a rainy day and a quarrelsome Let a woman learn in silence with all
wife are alike; he who would restrain her would submissiveness. I permit no woman to teach or to
restrain the wind, or grasp oil with his right hand have authority over men; she is to keep silent. For
(Proverbs 27:15, 16; AAT). Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was
not deceived, but the woman was deceived and
became a transgressor (1 Timothy 2:11-14; RSV).
A beautiful woman is a joy to behold, and
truly a beautiful body is a gift from God; but, like
And Peter said:
all material things it is ultimately a futile bless-
ing. Moreover, Solomon said that a beautiful Likewise you husbands, live considerately with
woman who is a fool is a bizarre spectacle your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the
admirable for what she has, repulsive for what weaker sex, since you are joint heirs of the grace of
life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered
she is. No matter how charming or beautiful a (1 Peter 3:7; RSV).
woman may be, if she is treacherous and
domineering, she is a bitter tormentera suit- III. PARENTHOOD
able reward for the wicked. Charm is appealing Rearing children is one of the most reward-
and entertaining, but, in truth, it is dishonest. If ing experiences of life. They, too, are a gift of
a woman wants respect and appreciation, let her God. Solomon, no doubt, had many of them, and
be genuinely gracious. The Bible teaches that he said:
regardless of how a woman may look, if she fears
the Lord, she deserves praise and recognition Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of
it is more just (see Proverbs 11:22; 31:30; Ecclesi- the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a
warrior are the sons of ones youth. Happy is the
astes 7:26). Solomon wrote: man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not
be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies
A gracious woman retaineth honour; and strong in the gate (Psalm 127:3-5; RSV).
men retain riches (Proverbs 11:16; KJV).
Of course, daughters are desirable too; but,
The potentially beautiful relationship be- as Chinas recent only-child policy is demon-
tween men and women has not escaped the strating, parents typically prefer sons. Being
corrupting influence of modern times. Men and worried about having too many children is like
women together are truly made in the image of being worried about having too much property.
God and precious in His sight; but they have Managed wisely, they eventually bring strength
differences in body, mind, and role. The Lord and prosperity. Those weak in faith may worry
intended from the beginning that men have au- about too many children. The righteous of the
thority over women. Paul said: Bible worried about not having enough; and the
barren womb was likened to poverty and
For man was not made from woman, but woman
from man. Neither was man created for woman, drought. Be fruitful and multiply was the first
but woman for man (1 Corinthians 11:8, 9; RSV). command God gave to mankind.
2
 Nevertheless, as every parent knows, rear- well with thee and thou mayest live long on the
earth (Ephesians 6:1-3; KJV).
ing children is also one of the most challenging
tasks of life. The pain is not over after the deliv-
Parents should not have to worry about earn-
ery. Suffering and sacrifice go along with proper
ing respect from their children. Of course, par-
child rearing. We all owe our parents an incalcu-
ents should so live as to encourage love in their
lable debt. One could not hire someone to pro-
children, but honor is their natural right, and the
vide all the attention and tender loving care that
Lord does not take lightly the dishonoring of
righteous parents give free of charge. To do the
parents. Simply cursing or striking a parent was
job right, parents need honor and respect. Chil-
a capital offense. (See Exodus 21:15, 17.) It, too, is
dren have a grave responsibility to honor and
a deadly moral poison contributing to social
obey their parents. One of the original ten com-
decay (see Proverbs 20:20; 23:22; 28:24; 30:11, 12,
mandments states:
17).
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth
giveth thee (Exodus 20:12; KJV). away his mother, is a son that causeth shame and
bringeth reproach (Proverbs 19:26; ASV).

Jeremiah gives an example. He tells of a

A strong father in a healthy home is a great
special blessing the Lord gave to a certain mans
asset to a child, and so he has a vested interest in
sons because they were so careful to respect their
supporting his parents.
fathers orders.
. . . the glory of sons is their fathers (Proverbs 17:6;
Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Go RSV).
and say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, will you not receive instruction and
listen to my words? says the Lord. The command Parents have a grave responsibility to train
which Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, their children. They do not develop well on their
to drink no wine, has been kept; and they drink
none to this day, for they have obeyed their fathers
own. Parents must chasten and encourage them
command. I have spoken to you persistently, but to hate the evil and love the goodnot abu-
you have not listened to me. I have sent to you all sively, but with love. Remember Paul said:
my servants the prophets, sending them
persistently, saying, Turn now every one of you
from his evil way, and amend your doings, and do Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead,
not go after other gods to serve them, and then bring them up in the training and instruction of
you shall dwell in the land which I gave to you the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; NIV).
and your fathers. But you did not incline your ear
or listen to me. The sons of Jonadab the son of And Solomon said (see Proverbs 19:18; 23:13-
Rechab have kept the command which their father
16; 27:11):
gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.
Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of hosts,
the God of Israel: behold I am bringing on Judah He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that loves him is diligent to discipline him (Proverbs
I have pronounced against them; because I have 13:24; RSV).
spoken to them and they have not listened, I have
called to them and they have not answered. But Both parents and children must cooperate in
to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said, Thus
says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Because the process of education and development (see
you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your Proverbs 4:1; 6:20-23; 13:1; 15:5).
father, and kept all his precepts, and done all that
he commanded you, therefore thus says the Lord
Hear, my son, your fathers instruction, and reject
of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of
not your mothers teaching, for they are a fair
Rechab shall never lack a man to stand before me
garland for your head, and pendants for your neck
(Jeremiah 35:13-19; RSV).
(Proverbs 1:8, 9; RSV).

Paul restated Moses command by saying; If both children and parents succeed in work-
ing together, both will reap the rewards. If either
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is
right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the parents or children, or both, neglect their duty,
first commandment with promise; that it may be both will suffer the consequences (see Proverbs
3
15:20; 17:21, 25; 19:13; 22:6; 23:24, 25; 28:7; 29:3, He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the
wind (Proverbs 11:29; KJV).
15).
Like a bird that strays from her nest, is a man that
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is strays from his home (Proverbs 27:8; AAT).
a sorrow to his mother (Proverbs 10:1; RSV).
CONCLUSION
But each personfather, mother, son, daugh- God has a plan for the husband and the wife.
teris ultimately responsible for his own soul. They can be a strong family unit for Him as they
(See Ezekiel 18 for amplification.) work together and rear children to honor the Lord.
Solomons advice is to take good care of your Their hard work will pay off in success and honor.
family: neither trouble nor neglect it. Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Friends and Community

Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; Solomon said that loyalty promotes a good
bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet reputation, and a good reputation is worth more
of your heart. So you will find favor and good reputa- than lots of money:
tion in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:3, 4;
RSV). The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and a man is judged by his praise (Proverbs 27:21;
RSV).
INTRODUCTION
Solomon had much to say concerning rela- A good name is better than precious ointment. . . .
(Ecclesiastes 7:1; KJV).
tionships between men in a community setting
and also between men who are rulers and those
Many people claim to be loyal, but not all are.
who are subject to them. This wisdom certainly
Loyalty is, indeed, like precious ointmentrather
can be applied to our day-to-day living.
scarce.
I. COOPERATION There are friends who pretend to be friends, but
Solomon said there is strength in coopera- there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
tion: (Proverbs 18:24; RSV).

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but a

Two are better than one; because they have a good faithful man who can find? (Proverbs 20:6; RSV).
reward for their labour. For if they fall the one will
lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when
he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Adversity reveals true loyalty.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but
how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born
against him, two shall withstand him; and a for adversity (Proverbs 17:17; KJV).
threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes
4:9-12; KJV).
Unfaithfulness is a painful disease.
And loyalty appears to be the glue that main-
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
tains cooperation. It is a desirable virtue re- is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint
warded by both men and the Lord. (Proverbs 25:19; KJV).

Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind It is everyones duty to come to the aid of
them about your neck, write them on the tablet of
your heart. So you will find favor and good any man in danger (those not condemned for
reputation in the sight of God and man (Proverbs their guilt). The Lord will hold accountable
3:3, 4; RSV). those who think of excuses and close their
Thine own friend and thy fathers friend cast not eyes.
off, then shalt thou not need to go to thy brothers
house in the day of calamity; for better is a neighbor Deliver them that are carried away to death, and
dwelling near than a brother far off (Proverbs 27:10; those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold
SPRL). not back (RV). If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it
not; doth not he that pondereth the heart
He who planteth a fig tree shall eat of its fruit; and consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth
he who guardeth his master shall be honored not he know it? and shall not he render to every
(Proverbs 27:18; LXX). man according to his works? (KJV) (Proverbs
24:11, 12).
A faithful man shall abound with blessings. . . .
(Proverbs 28:20; KJV). It is wise to reward good for good.
1
 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but
when it is in the power of thy hand to do it such as keep the law contend with them (Proverbs
(Proverbs 3:27; KJV). 28:4; KJV).

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not

depart from his house (Proverbs 17:13; KJV). But it is certainly wrong to contend without
justification.
But when doing good to another, one needs
to use good judgment. Plot no mischief against your neighbor, when he
lives in confidence beside you (AAT). Strive not
with a man without cause, if he have done thee no
He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
harm (KJV) (Proverbs 3:29, 30).
rising early in the morning, will be counted as
cursing (Proverbs 27:14; RSV).
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor
(Proverbs 11:12; KJV).
Indeed, it is best not to overdo a friendship.
Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbors house, And, like anger, it rarely leads to constructive or
lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee (Proverbs creative endeavor. For the most part, it is to be
25:17; ASV). avoided.

II. STRIFE The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out

Disagreements among people are inevitable; water; therefore leave off contention, before there
is quarreling (Proverbs 17:14; ASV).
but Solomon warned against both prejudice and
hasty judgments (see Proverbs 17:23; 18:16; 28:21; It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife
Ecclesiastes 7:7). (Proverbs 20:3; ASV).

He who states his case first seems right, until the Jesus also said:
other comes and examines him (Proverbs 18:17;
RSV).
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
Partiality in judging is not good (Proverbs 24:23; sons of God (Matthew 5:9; RSV).
RSV).
Solomon advised against getting involved in
It is wise to try to settle disputes privately. It is other peoples disputes. It is best to mind ones
unwise to be quick to lodge formal accusa- own business. According to a news report I once
tions. Solomon advised: read, Lyndon Johnson was seen lifting someones
dog by its ears. Three thousand years ago Solo-
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not mon said:
what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor
hath put thee to shame (KJV). Debate thy cause with
thy neighbor himself. And disclose not the secret of Like a man who seizes a passing cur by the ears is
another; lest he that heareth it revile thee, and thy he who meddles in anothers quarrel (Proverbs
infamy turn not away (ASV) (Proverbs 25:8-10). 26:17; NEB).

Agur added: Strife can create a wall between people that

becomes very hard to tear down. Moreover, it
Slander not a servant unto his master, lest he curse can lead a person into committing injustice.
thee, and thou be held guilty (Proverbs 30:10; ASV).
He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out
Remember this too: Unjustified charges have against all sound judgment (Proverbs 18:1; RSV).
no power before either men or the Lord.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a
strong city: and their contentions are like the bars
Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its
of a castle (Proverbs 18:19; KJV).
flying, a curse that is causeless does not alight
(Proverbs 26:2; RSV).
There are many causes of strife including
Strife or contention in itself is not wrong. hatred, pride, greed;
Indeed, it is a responsibility of the law-abiding to
contend with the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strife. . . . (Proverbs 10:12; KJV).
2
 By pride cometh only contention. . . . (Proverbs He is puffed up with conceit, he knows nothing;
13:10; ASV). he has a morbid craving for controversy and for
disputes about words, which produce envy,
A greedy man stirs up strife. . . . (Proverbs 28:25; dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling
RSV). among men who are depraved in mind and bereft
of the truth. . . . (1 Timothy 6:4, 5; RSV).
the wicked;
Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless
controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
In whose heart is perverseness, who deviseth evil And the Lords servant must not be quarrelsome
continually, who soweth discord (Proverbs 6:14; but kindly to everyone. . . . (2 Timothy 2:23, 24;
ASV). RSV).
A perverse man sows strife. . . . (Proverbs 16:28;
BER). Quarreling and strife should be avoided.
While they are generally unhealthy, the strivings
the fool, and the scoffer; of friendly competition can be constructive (see
Ecclesiastes 4:4).
A fools lips bring strife. . . . (Proverbs 18:6; RSV).
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another
Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and (Proverbs 27:17; RSV).
quarreling and abuse will cease (Proverbs 22:10;
RSV).
III. FORGIVENESS
the gossip (who is especially cruel); Solomon said confession with repentance
must precede forgiveness. This, too, is an often-
. . . a whisperer separateth chief friends (Proverbs stated Bible truth.
16:28; KJV).
He who conceals his trangressions will not prosper,
For lack of wood the fire goeth out; and where there
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain
is no whisperer, contention ceaseth (Proverbs 26:20;
mercy (Proverbs 28:13; RSV).
ASV).

the drunkard; But it is wrong to laugh and rejoice when an

adversary or competitor has problems, even if he
Who scream? Who shriek? Who have strife? . . . deserves them and remains unrepentant.
Those who tarry long over wine (Proverbs 23:29,
30; NAB). Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not
thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: lest the Lord
excessive anger; see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his
wrath from him (Proverbs 24:17, 18; KJV).
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is
slow to anger quiets contention (Proverbs 15:18; We should be willing to forgive some of-
RSV). fenses. We all offend others (even our friends) in
A man prone to anger provokes a quarrel. . . . countless little ways. Hypersensitivity only am-
(Proverbs 29:22; NEB). plifies conflict. Shock absorbers on a car give
stability and greater control. In the same way we
For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose
produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife should act as shock absorbers toward our mi-
(Proverbs 30:33; RSV). nor social conflictsit promotes peace. In sup-
port of this Jesus said:
and some people addicted to it.
You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye,
He loveth trangression that loveth strife. . . . and a tooth for a tooth. But now I tell you; do not
(Proverbs 17:19; KJV). take revenge on someone who does you wrong. If
anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap
As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a you on the left cheek too. And if someone takes you
quarrelsome man for kindling strife (Proverbs to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your
26:21; RSV). coat as well. And if one of the occupation troops
forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it another
mile. When someone asks you for something, give
Regarding this latter kind of quarrelsome it to him; when someone wants to borrow
person, Paul wrote: something, lend it to him (Matthew 5:38-42; TEV).
3
And Solomon said: people. He had, twenty-seven years before, mur-
dered his own mothera cardinal sin against
Do not give heed to every word that is spoken lest both her and God. Refusing to carry out justice
you hear your servant speaking ill of you, for you
know in your heart that you have many times
and execute the murderer (as the Lord has re-
spoken ill of others (Ecclesiastes 7:21, 22; NEB). quired from the beginning according to Genesis
9:6), the authorities later released him. That der-
Love is great medicine; it is a prime quality of eliction of duty on their part (which may have
the Lord. An adversary or competitor deserves appeared to be an act of compassion) was, in fact,
the same courtesy and kindness that we show to a cruel sentence of death passed on one hundred
others. In so doing, we may melt his heart, innocent people who would likely be alive to-
and, perhaps, even become friends. But if not, at day. Abolishing capital punishment in society is
least we may prick his conscience, and he will like abolishing pasteurization in milk. It multi-
have no excuses to harm us (see Proverbs 17:9; plies disease and misery just as the other would
20:22; 24:29; 25:21, 22). Solomon said: multiply disease.
Regarding forgiveness for the wicked, Solo-
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses mon had this to say (see Proverbs 18:5; 24:24, 25;
(Proverbs 10:12; ABPS).
25:26; 28:17):
Paul (quoting both Moses and Solomon) To acquit the wicked and condemn the righteous,
wrote the same thing: both are abominable in the Lords sight (Proverbs
17:15; NEB).
Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for
what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far Therefore, let no one claim that the Lord
as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to
loves wicked, bloodthirsty men. The Bible does
the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is not teach this. For example, Malachi the prophet
mine, I will repay, says the Lord. No, if your said:
enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals
You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet
upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but
you say, How have we wearied him? By saying,
overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21; RSV).
Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of
the Lord, and he delights in them (Malachi 2:17;
But Paul also went on to add (a few words RSV).
later) that governing authorities have no right to
forgive. The right to forgive can come only from King David wrote:
the one offendedbe he man or God. Authori-
For thou art not a God who delights in wickedness;
ties are the Lords servants to execute His wrath evil may not sojourn with thee. The boastful may
against the guilty. They have no right to forgive not stand before thy eyes; thou hatest all evildoers.
and thus to deprive justice from the one of- Thou destroyest those who speak lies; the Lord
abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful men (Psalm 5:4-
fendedbe he man or God: 6; RSV).

Let every person be subject to the governing

authorities. For there is no authority except from Moreover, the Lord, through the prophet
God, and those that exist have been instituted by Ezekiel, addressed those kinds of professional
God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists hypocrites who promote aborting the lives of the
what God has appointed, and those who resist will
incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good
most innocent, while at the same time opposing
conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of capital punishment for the most guilty, saying:
him who is in authority? Then do what is good,
and you will receive his approval, for he is Gods And will ye pollute me among my people for
servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay
afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the souls that should not die, and to save the souls
the servant of God to execute his wrath on the alive that should not live, by your lying to my
wrongdoer (Romans 13:1-4; RSV). people that hear your lies? (Ezekiel 13:19; KJV).

Recently, a news story appeared about a man Nevertheless, during periods of extreme
who had murdered an estimated one hundred moral decay with widespread guilt, even the
4
Lord will not promote harsh penalties against Three things have a stately stride, four things have
a stately tread; a lion, mightiest of beasts that never
specific acts of sin. When almost everyone is runs away; a strutting cock, and a he-goat, and a
guilty, law enforcement degenerates to the pun- king at the head of a host (Proverbs 30:29-31;
ishment of only those who are caught. The Lord MOFFATT).
will have no part in that kind of perverted jus-
tice. His wrath will be directed against the whole With their power and authority kings have
community. For example, the Lord, through the great ability to provide benefits, and their ser-
prophet Hosea, said: vants who act wisely can best enjoy them. Their
favor, Solomon said, is like dew on the grass and
I will not punish your daughters when they play like the spring rainboth precede life and
the harlot, nor your brides when they commit growth. On the other hand, because of their
adultery; for the men themselves go aside with
harlots, and sacrifice with cult prostitutes, and a power and authority, Solomon sternly warned
people without understanding shall come to ruin about rebelling against them, or even reviling
(Hosea 4:14; RSV). them in ones thoughts. It will become known
somehow and the guilty party may find himself
Jesus refused to punish the woman brought to locked up in some unpleasant place or worse.
Him who had been caught in the act of adultery Their anger is especially directed against those
because all of her accusers were guilty. (See John who cause shame and/or commit crime. Be as-
8:2-11.) During more stable times, when respect sured that they are able to bring destruction and
for law and morality is high, such tolerance is not ruin. Solomon said they are like a roaring lion or
recommended. For example, concerning the ex- a herald of death to the wicked; and those who
ecution of murderers, Moses urged the people, provoke them to wrath pass a bitter sentence
saying: against themselves (see Proverbs 14:35; 19:6; 20:2;
24:21, 22; Ecclesiastes 10:20).
Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge
the guilt of the innocent blood from Israel, so that The kings wrath is the herald of death, but a wise
it may be well with you (Deuteronomy 19:13; RSV). man will appease it. When the kings face brightens
it spells life, his favour is like the rain in spring
Remember the words of Solomon: (Proverbs 16:14, 15; JB).

The kings wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his

For everything there is a season, and a time for favor is as dew upon the grass (Proverbs 19:12;
every matter under heaven . . . a time to kill and a KJV).
time to heal . . . a time to love and a time to hate; a
time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1,
3, 8; KJV). For those who find themselves in the pres-
ence of a top official, Solomon advised restraint
There is a time for mercy and a time for and caution (a quality of the wise). It is prudent
vengeance. Minor personal offenses should be to keep back humbly until noticed:
forgiven. Major social crimes must be punished.
Do not put yourself forward in the presence of the
king and do not stand in the place of great men;
IV. KINGS for it is better to be told, Come up here, than that
you should be put lower in the princes presence,
Heads of state in todays complex societies as your eyes have seen (Proverbs 25:6, 7; MLB).
are rarely like the monarchs of the past with
the power of life and death in their hands. A Those who are invited to dine with a high au-
king, president, chancellor, or prime minister thority should eat with dignity and refinement.
is simply an instrument of governmental au- It is foolish to rush in and overeat. They watch
thority. Without government support he is an others in order to examine their personal quali-
ordinary man. When Solomon refers to kings ties.
he is referring to high governmental rulers,
and the truths found in his words remain ap- When thou sittest down to eat bread with a ruler,
plicable today. discreetly discern what is placed before thee; and
put restrain upon thine appetite, if thou be inclined
The possession of power and authority typi- to indulgence (SPRL). Do not desire his delicacies,
cally generates dignified confidence. Augur said: for they are deceptive food (RSV) (Proverbs 23:1-3).
5
 One should also choose his words well, and And here is King Solomons advice for rul-
speak the truth, for their power rests upon accu- ers: Love truth and work at increasing wisdom
rate information. And after making the request, both in oneself and in others. Promote scholar-
one should wait patiently. ship and research; discoveries thereby will bring
honor both to the researcher and to the authority
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they who encouraged him. It is out of place for offi-
love him that speaketh right (Proverbs 16:13; KJV).
cials to lie, and those who give ear to liars will
He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is find their entire staff corrupted. No matter how
gracious, will have the king as his friend (Proverbs many great obstacles a ruler may have overcome
22:11; RSV).
in the past, and no matter how many subjects he
With patience a ruler may be persuaded. . . . may reign over, if he indulges in ignorance and
(Proverbs 25:15; RSV). refuses to be corrected, he will contribute to the
miseries of the populace. They will end up hat-
If a ruler gives an order to one who has ing him, even preferring an unknown but wise
committed his allegiance to him (no matter youth above him (see Proverbs 8:15, 16; 17:7;
how difficult and/or distasteful it may be), 28:16).
Solomon advised to commence at once. No
matter how challenging it may be, there is It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the
always a way. Solomon said to use wisdom to honour of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs
25:2; KJV).
make the method and timing right and then
take ones chances: If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked
(Proverbs 29:12; KJV).
Keep the kings command, and because of your
sacred oath be not dismayed; go from his Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and
presence, do not delay when the matter is foolish king, who will no longer take advice, even
unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases. For though he had gone from prison to the throne or
the word of the king is supreme, and who may in his own kingdom had been born poor. I saw all
say to him, What are you doing? He who obeys the living who move about under the sun, as well
a command will meet no harm, and the mind of a as that youth, who was to stand in his place; there
wise man will know the time and the way. For was no end of all the people; he was over all of
every matter has its time and way, although mans them. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in
trouble lies heavy upon him. For he does not know him. Surely this also is a vanity and a striving after
what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? wind (Ecclesiastes 4:13-16; RSV).
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-7; RSV).
No matter how great may be the power and
Here is some advice for rulers from King knowledge of a ruler, if he loses the support of
Lemuel: Rulers should resist the temptation to the people, then he will suffer ruin. Loyalty,
indulge in sensual pleasures. He said intoxicat- faithfulness, and righteousness make a rulers
ing beverages are especially to be avoided. They position secure (see Proverbs 14:28; 20:28).
cloud judgment and impair functioning. It is
folly and/or craftiness when drinking is encour- It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness:
for the throne is established by righteousness
aged at official functions. Rulers should both aid (Proverbs 16:12; KJV).
and defend the poor and the disadvantaged,
guaranteeing them their rights. A vital duty of rulers is to defend the rights of
The words of Lemuel, king of Massa. The advice
the weak and helplessthe handicapped and
which his mother gave him (NAB). What, my son? the impoverished. The rich and the strong can
And what, O son of my womb? What, O son of my look out for themselves, and they will. The poor
vows? Do not give your strength to women, nor and needy are counting on the authorities to
your ways to what destroys kings (MLB). It is not
for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, defend them. Only they have that power and
or for rulers to desire strong drink; lest they drink legal right. When rulers do all these things, they
and forget what has been decreed, and pervert the also make themselves secure. Solomon said:
rights of all the afflicted. . . . Open your mouth for
the dumb, for the rights of all who are left desolate.
Open your mouth, judge righteously, maintain the If a king judges the poor with equity his throne
rights of the poor (RSV) (Proverbs 31:1-5, 8, 9). will be established forever (Proverbs 29:14; RSV).
6
 Also remember Lemuels words in Proverbs He mentioned several specific things that con-
31:8, 9. And Moses said (for all of us): tribute to a nations health: when the people
have knowledge and understanding; when they
You shall do no justice in judgment; you shall not rely on many wise counsellors; when they are
be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in
righteousness shall you judge your neighbor
law-abiding; and when the righteous are secure
(Leviticus 19:15; RSV). in the streets. These are the benefits: peace,
progress, happiness, and long stability.
A wise king also makes his position secure Solomon also mentioned several things that
by promoting just economic dealings and by contribute to a nations woes: when the people
opposing fraud, bribery, profiteering, and such ignore Gods Word; when they fail to use counsel;
like: when they become lawless and run wild; when
they have crooked, corrupt, degenerate rulers;
. . . he [a king] who hates unjust gain will promote and when they are influenced by the words of
his days (Proverbs 28:16; RSV).
wicked men and scoffers. These are the penalties:
instability of leadership; contemptuous interna-
Another vital duty of rulers is to punish
tional reputation; fear and insecurity among the
criminals. Ordinary citizens have neither the
citizens; and burning and destruction.
means nor the authority to enforce sanctions
Observe the righteousness or unrighteous-
against the wrongdoer. A wise ruler will not
ness of a people; then notice their condition (see
neglect to do it because it also contributes to his
Proverbs 28:2, 12, 15, 28; 29:2, 4, 8, 18).
own stability. Paul said they are the Lords ser-
vants to execute His wrath against wrong-doers. When it goes well with the righteous, the city
Solomon said: rejoices; and when the wicked perish there are
shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright
A king who sits on the throne of judgment the city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth
winnows all evils with his eyes (Proverbs 20:8; of the wicked (Proverbs 11:10, 11; RSV).
RSV).
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the
A wise king winnoweth the wicked and bringeth multitude of counsellors there is safety (Proverbs
the threshing wheel over them (Proverbs 20:26; 11:14; KJV).
RV).
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall
come forth a vessel for the finer. Take away the (Proverbs 29:16; KJV).
wicked from before the king, and his throne shall
be established in righteousness (Proverbs 25:4, 5; Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and
KJV). thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O
land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy
princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for
In summary, these things make a rulers drunkenness! (Ecclesiastes 10:16, 17; KJV).
position secure: resisting the temptation to in-
dulge in sensuality; avoiding intoxicating drink; Finally, one may expect to find some injus-
seeking knowledge and understanding; loving tice by government officials here or there; but
honesty and fairness; encouraging loyalty, faith- nations have organization, and even chief rulers
fulness, and righteousness; defending the rights are dependent upon the national health. Like an
of the poor and needy; opposing crookedness in infection in some part of the body, it cannot
finance; and punishing criminals. Righteous- remain hidden or ignored very long.
ness not only exalts a nation but also it exalts a
ruler by making him effective in serving the If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent
perverting of judgment and justice in a province,
people. marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than
the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
V. NATIONS Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king
himself is served by the field (Ecclesiastes 5:8, 9; KJV).
Solomon said:

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a Remember, the Lord God has the ultimate
reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34; KJV). authority, and if one sees chief rulers do strange
7
things (wise or foolish), the Lord may be behind Many seek favor of a ruler, but from the Lord a
man gets justice (Proverbs 29:26; RSV).
it all, perhaps to reward, or perhaps to chastise a
people (see Proverbs 21:1).
CONCLUSION
Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his
For man to have an acceptable relationship to
mouth does not sin in judgment (Proverbs 16:10; God, he must have an acceptable relationship
RSV). with his fellow man. A lack of cooperation or
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
forgiveness, constant strife, or too little love can
so the heart of kings is unsearchable (Proverbs 25:3; damage mans relationship. His conduct in the
RSV). home, community, and nation all must be as God
would have it. Solomons wisdom extends to
And it is comforting to know that the King of every area of life.
Kings guarantees ultimate justice. Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

8
 Proverbs 4

Five Things Every Child

Needs to Know
by David Roper

The book of Proverbs is written like a father child getting what he needs.
teaching his son whom he loves. Again and again For instance, every child needs a dad and a
the writer begins a new section of teaching with mom. In Gods arrangement, that is what it takes
My son, . . .1 or its equivalent. Chapter 4 2 be- to get a child into this world. More than that,
gins in this same vein: Hear, ye children, the every child needs a dad and a mom who love
instruction of a father, and attend to know un- him so that he feels special to them. Even more,
derstanding. For I give you good doctrine, for- every child needs a dad and a mom who love
sake ye not my law (vv. 1, 2). him so much that they will teach him what he
Then there is a new twist, what one writer needs to know.
calls a charming little piece of autobiography:3 The latter point is what Solomon is empha-
For I was my fathers son, tender and only be- sizing in verses 1 through 4. Because I was
loved in the sight of my mother. He taught me loved, he says, my parents taught me. They
also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my realized that I needed to know certain things and
words: keep my commandments, and live (vv. that it was their God-given responsibility to
3, 4). teach me those things. As my parents taught me
The writer is Solomon. 4 The father referred these things because they loved me, I am teach-
to is David, and the mother is Bathsheba. I was ing you these things because I love you.
my father s son may sound redundant, but we The most meaningful teaching, life-changing
use a similar phrase much like it today: Hes teaching, takes place in an atmosphere of love.
his daddys boy, to refer to the similarities be- This says something to the preacher, the Bible
tween father and son. Solomon uses the phrase class teacher, the personal evangelist, but most
to indicate the closeness between himself and his of all it says something to parents. The most natu-
father, David. ral place in which to teach is the home. The most
Tender and only beloved in the sight of my powerful place in which to teach is a home where
mother also refers to a special relationship. love abounds. Parents, we dare not neglect this
Bathsheba had other children besides Solomon, 5 opportunity!
but Solomon obviously believed as if he was What needs to be taught? What does every
treated in a special manner.6 The mother of a child need to know? Solomon begins to tell what
dozen children said, I love each one of them the David taught him. In a modern translation, quo-
best. Only a mother understands that apparent tation marks are around all or part of the re-
contradiction. mainder of the chapter to indicate that
Solomon is quoting his father. No quotation
EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW HE marks are in the original manuscripts, so we do
HAS PARENTS WHO LOVE not know where Solomon ceased to quote his
HIM (vv. 1-4) father and where he resumed his own instruc-
Every child has certain needs, and God has tion. Some translations have only the first third
arranged it so that the possibility exists for the of the chapter in quotes and some only the
1
first two-thirds. 7 For our purposes, we will saying, Ive been over this ground before. Ive
study the entire chapter. From this chapter, I had experiences you have not had. Ive been to
want to pull Five Things Every Child Needs To the top of the mountain while youve just started
Know. up the slope.
One of these five things has already been He does not limit his reasons to these two,
stressed: Every child needs to know he has par- as important as they are. He says, third, that they
ents who love him enough to teach him what he should listen because this will be best for them.
needs to know. One thing every child needs to He says that clinging to his admonitions will
know will come from the opening words of the bring multiplied blessings (vv. 8, 9). Further, he
three sections. (There are three sections in the says, if you receive my sayings . . . the years of
chapter, each beginning with Hear, my son or thy life shall be many (v. 10). Again he says that
its equivalent.) Three of the five will be the three his teaching is life . . . and health to all their
main topics discussed in the chapter. flesh (v. 22). To fail to listen is to go in the way
of evil, the way of danger, the way of destruc-
EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW THE tion (vv. 14-19). To encourage the young person
IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING TO to listen and take heed, the father uses every pos-
HIS PARENTS (vv. 1-4, 10, 11, 20-22) sible approach. He appeals to the young persons
Each of the three sections in the chapter be- intellect, emotions, and will.
gin with a powerful plea for children to listen to There is a message here for us today. Chil-
their father: dren did not automatically listen to their par-
ents then; they do not automatically listen to
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a fa- their parents now. Children must be taught to lis-
ther, and attend to know understanding. For I ten, to be receptive, to the instructions of their
give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law parents.11
(vv. 1, 2).
This says something to children: Learn to
listen to your parents; listen with respect. What
My son, attend to my words; incline thine
ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from they have to say is important. Try your hardest
thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine to have an open mind. (Teens often charge their
heart. For they are life unto all those that find parents with having closed minds, but teens
them, and health unto all their flesh (vv. 20- are frequently guilty of having closed minds
22).8
also.)
This says something to parents: You must
Solomon is pleading for receptive hearts.
teach your child to be respectful and receptive.
Notice the variety of words he uses: Hear the
At the same time, you need to try to be worthy
instruction and attend to it (vv. 1, 20), receive
of respect. One way you do this is to live a life
my sayings (v. 10), incline your heart to hear
consistent with your teachings. Our text, how-
(v. 20), do not let the teaching depart but
ever, implies that one of the most important ways
keep it (v. 21). He is asking for a basic attitude
you do this is to treat your child with respect!
of hearthearts that will be attentive, receptive,
Solomon does not talk down to his sons, but
appreciative, retentive, obedient.
takes care to explain both what is right and why
Solomon does not merely tell his children9
it is right. He not only affirms his authority; he
that they should listen; he also tells them why
also shows his affection.
they should listen. (There is a lesson here for
every parent.) First, they should listen because
the things he says come from God. In chapter 4 EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT
he urges his readers to get wisdom (v. 5), but THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN
earlier he stressed that the Lord giveth wisdom LIFE IS A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND
(2:6).10 Second, they should listen because his own A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM
experience in life has confirmed what God has (vv. 5-9)
said. He is able to speak with personal author- Let us go from these two general principles
ity. Note the phrases my law (v. 2), my say- to the first section of the chapter and note the
ings (vv. 10, 20), my words (v. 20), etc. He is first specific truth that was passed from David
2
to Solomon to Solomons children. It has to do twice-repeated command stresses the urgency of
with the essentiality of acquiring wisdom. acquiring wisdom.
To this point in Proverbs, the writer has again Perhaps we need to define this wisdom
and again stressed the importance of wisdom. that every young person needs. Solomon is not
For instance: talking about what often passes for wisdom, a
worldly sophistication or philosophy of life that
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David,
Paul calls the wisdom of the world (1 Corin-
king of Israel; to know wisdom and under-
standing. . . . Incline thine ear unto wisdom, thians 1:20 cf.) and James calls the wisdom that
and apply thine heart to understanding. . . . is earthly, sensual, devilish (James 3:15).
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and Rather he is talking about the wisdom that is
the man that getteth understanding (1:1, 2; 2:2; from above (James 3:17), that has its origin in
3:13; see also 1:7, 20ff.).
the very nature and character of God.
Now Solomon notes that his father had em- Writers and speakers often spend time dis-
phasized the same thing in teaching him: tinguishing between wisdom and knowl-
edge and between wisdom and understand-
For I was my fathers son. . . . He taught ing, but Solomon uses these terms more or less
me also, and said unto me, . . . Get wisdom, interchangeably.13 Wisdom begins with a fear (or
get understanding. . . . Forsake her not, and
she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall
respect) for the Lord (Proverbs 9:10; see also Job
keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; there- 28:28) which causes us to be receptive to His
fore get wisdom: and with all they getting get teaching and instructionand to put forth ev-
understanding (vv. 3-7). ery effort to learn Gods will. But the mere ac-
quiring of knowledge in the mind is not within
Most of us have heard the story of God com-
itself wisdom; there has to be an understand-
ing to young Solomon and offering, as it were,
ing or comprehension of what has been learned.
to give him whatever he desiredpower, honor,
This includes the ability to apply what we have
wealth, etc. We have been impressed with the
learned to the varied challenges of life. To the
fact that instead of such fleeting things, Solomon
Jews, wisdom was the application of divine truth
asked for an understanding heart, for wisdom
to human experience. 14 This ability to make
(1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12). In Proverbs
application when troubles beset us is the aspect
4 we are told how this young man was able to
of wisdom for which James tells us to pray
make such a wise choice; this was what he had
(James 1:5).
been taught by his father.
The best way I know to define this wisdom
David taught Solomon many fine lessons, 12
is this: to begin to see things as God sees them,
but none more important than the need for wis-
to understand them as God understands them,
dom. Listen, for instance, to Davids words to
to strive to have (as best we can) the mind of
Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:11-13:
God.15 This comes through the intensive study
Now, my son, the Lord be with thee; and of the Bible followed by heart-felt obedience to
prosper thou. . . . Only the Lord give thee wis- what we learn, all of which draws us into the
dom and understanding . . . that thou mayest presence of God: Draw nigh to God, and he will
keep the law of the Lord thy God. . . . Be strong,
draw nigh to you (James 4:8).
and of good courage; dread not, nor be dis-
mayed. To impress upon his sons that nothing is
more important than acquiring this wisdom, in
No doubt verses 5 through 9 of chapter 4 are verses 6 and 8, Solomon compares wisdom with
a summary of all David said to Solomon on the a woman greatly to be desired. Forsake her
subject of wisdom. The passage begins abruptly: not, he says; love her (v. 6). Again he says,
Get wisdom, get understanding (v. 5). The Exalt her and embrace her (v. 8). 16 As a
Hebrew word translated get means to acquire young person should search for the best com-
or purchase. It is the same word used later in panion, and when the choice has been made,
[Link] Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wis- make a lifetime commitment to that one, even
dom, and instruction, and understanding. The more should the young person seek for, and then
word stresses the value of wisdom while the hold on to wisdom. When I was a young per-
3
son, I spent a lot of time thinking about girls; and that at the top of the list is the attainment of
Solomon tells me that I should have spent that what the Bible calls wisdom. Attaining wisdom
much time and more thinking about God and must be the most important thing to me regard-
my relationship with Him! ing my agenda for my child, more important
Verse 7 summarizes the point: Wisdom is than my child being popular, making good
the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and grades, making the team, etc. Like all parents I
with all thy getting get understanding.17 The am proud of what my girls achieve (and Ill be
world today would say, Money is the principal glad to tell you about those achievements!), but
thing; therefore get money: and with all thy get- most of all, I am proud that my girls are Chris-
ting get money; Success is the principal thing; tians and striving to serve the Lord!
therefore get success: and with all thy getting We must also convey to our childrenthat
get success; or (appealing to young people) their knowledge of Gods Word and being right
Popularity is the principal thing; therefore get with God is more important than having a date,
popularity: and with all thy getting get popu- clearing up the face, having a car, having money
larity. But Solomon says, Wisdom is the princi- in their pockets, or developing a masculine or
pal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy feminine physique.
getting get understanding.
With all thy getting does not mean that EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT
along with everything else you get, you need to THERE ARE TWO WAYS HE CAN GO,
get wisdom. Rather it means with all that you AND THE NECESSITY OF CHOOSING
have gotten, you need to get wisdom. The NIV THE RIGHT WAY (vv. 10-19)
says, Though it cost all you have, get under- The next section (vv. 10-19) expands on the
standing!18 Wisdom is like the pearl of great idea of going in the right way. After saying again
price, worth selling all one has to obtain! (Mat- that his children should hear him, the writer
thew 13:46 cf.). says, I have led thee in right paths. In this sec-
Why is wisdom worth such a sacrifice? tion there is a contrast between the right path
Solomon says, She shall preserve thee: . . . she (vv. 11-13, 18) and the wrong path (vv. 14-17, 19).
shall keep thee (v. 6). The Amplified Bible has This concept of two ways, one acceptable to God
She will keep, defend, and protect you; . . . she and the other unacceptable, is found through-
will guard you. Every young person needs pro- out the Bible. Jesus, for instance, encouraged His
tection. Solomon says the most important pro- listeners:
tection is what is put in ones hearta knowl-
edge of and a right relationship with God! Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the
Further, Solomon says, She shall promote gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to de-
thee: . . . she shall bring thee to honor, . . . She struction, and many there be which go in there
at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the
shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a way which leadeth unto life, and few there be
crown of glory shall she deliver to thee (vv. 8, that find it (Matthew 7:13, 14).
9). In those days ornaments for the head and
crowns were used in times of festival and rejoic- Today the world has largely lost sight of the
ing, times of victory, times of inauguration. concepts of right and wrong. Men seldom think
Solomon is saying that if you make the wisdom in terms of black and white; most everything has
from above your chief aim, you will be blessed become a shade of gray. But it is important for
both in this life and in the life to come.19 Solomon our young people to know that there are things
himself is a prime example of this. When he that are right and things that are wrong, and that
chose wisdom above riches and power, God ex- it is imperative that they choose the way that is
alted him in an almost unbelievable way. It was right.
only when Solomon did not take his own advice To encourage his listeners to choose the right,
that his fortunes plummeted. Solomon draws a sharp contrast between the two
In short, as parents we must teach our chil- paths.
dren prioritiesthat many things may be impor- First, he says, the path that is right is the
tant, but that some things are more important, way of true freedom: When thou goest, thy steps
4
shall not be straitened [or restricted]; and when sures, but the picture is more vivid. That which
thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble (v. 12). The can be lost is not merely something of great
right path is a straight and level pathway on value; it is life itself. Perhaps we might visual-
which one can travel with speed and safety. This ize a man lost in the wilderness grasping his
is in contrast with the evil pathway that twists compass or the drowning sailor clinging to a
up and down and from side to side. piece of floating wreckage.
It will come as a surprise to some young In contrast, the wrong path is the way of de-
people that the right way is designated as a way struction: the way of wickedness and violence (v.
of freedom. Many teens think of the good path- 17), the way of stumbling (v. 19).
way only in terms of being narrow (as Jesus Third, the writer says that the right way is
expressed it), having boundaries on the sides. the way of light: But the path of the just is as the
As they exhaust themselves by trying first to shining light, that shineth more and more unto
break through the boundary on the left and then the perfect day (v. 18). The picture is that of the
to crash through the boundary on the right, they sunrise, the sun peeking over the horizon, and
cry out against the restrictions. But if they would then climbing higher and higher in the sky until
learn that Gods way is the right way and that all the earth is bathed in its life-giving rays. As
those boundaries have been set up for their pro- the young person strives to walk as God wants
tection, and would set their hearts to go in that him to walk, the way of God will become clearer
way, they would learn that this road is not that as the days go by. As the old song says, he will
hard to follow. It is the road that is least exhaust- be walking in sunlight all of his journey until
ing and the road on which they can travel the at last he enters that place where the Lamb is
fastest! the light thereof (Revelation 22:23).
In contrast, the path of the wicked is the In contrast, the wrong path is the way of dark-
way of bondage: For they [the wicked] sleep not, ness, the way of ignorance, the way of danger:
except they have done mischief; and their sleep The way of the wicked is as darkness: they
is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For know not at what they stumble (v. 19). The word
they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the translated darkness means thick darkness, the
wine of violence (vv. 16, 17). Here is an upside- kind of darkness that can be felt, like the plague
down morality; here are people with perverted that came upon Egypt (Exodus 10:22). Those who
consciences. The conscience of a righteous man disobey God may believe that they are the smart
will not let him sleep if he has done wrong; the ones, the enlightened ones, but really they are
conscience of the unrighteous will not let him pitiful creatures, living in ignorance, stumbling
sleep unless he has done wrong. Doing wrong along in the darkness, heading toward the place
becomes like a drug; the addict cannot rest until of outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).
he gets his fix, so the wicked cannot rest until he As the father used urgent repetition to en-
has done all the evil he can. As food nourishes courage his son to seek the right (v. 13), now he
the body, so evil nourishes his twisted soul.20 The almost exhausts his vocabulary to urge his boy
young person who does wrong may think he is to stay away from the wrong path: Enter not
in control of that wrong, but if he does not re- into the path of the wicked and go not in the
pent and turn back, in the end that wrong will way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn
control him! (Romans 6:16). from it, and pass away (vv. 14, 15).
Second, Solomon says that the right path, the A teen-ager might call this repetition nag-
path of wisdom, is the way of life: Take fast hold ging; parents would call it trying to get across
of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is the point. Teen-agers complain, My parents
thy life (v. 13). The wise man says that going in dont understand me. The truth is that parents
the right way is not just a good thing to do, it is often understand them all too well. They them-
a matter of life and death! One must put forth selves were young once; they know how vulner-
every effort to hold on to what is right. Take able young people are. This father certainly un-
fast hold! he is saying; let it not go: guard it! derstood how easily his son could be tempted,
One might imagine an armored car guarding its so he begs his child again and again to avoid
bags of money or a museum guarding its trea- temptation:
5
 Enter not into the path of the wicked. Do ter of the will 23to the heart, soul, and mind of
not check it out. Do not take a peek to see what the individual. Solomon says that if we are to be
it is like. Stay away from it. right and do right we must keep the heart right.
Go not in the way of evil men. Do not as- Verse 23 needs to be underlined in every young
sociate with those who encourage you to do persons Bible: Keep thy heart with all dili-
wrong. gence; for out of it are the issues of life.24
Avoid it. Stay away from it. The word translated keep can be also trans-
Pass not by it. Do not see how close you lated as guard. The phrase translated with
can come to it. See how far away you can get! all diligence literally means above all keeping
Turn from it. If you feel yourself getting [or guarding]. He is saying, Above all other
caught up in that which is wrong, get outfast! things you guard, you must guard your heart
Pass away (pass on, NASB). Keep on and protect it. No doubt every young person
moving away from that evil! has something that is precious to him which he
This father is saying to his son, Stay as far protects with all his might; he must come to see
away from sin as you can. Stay away from that that the most precious thing, the thing to be
first drink, that first joint, that first bet, that first guarded with the greatest diligence, is his
dance, that first pornographic magazine! heart.
How our young people need this message! The reason it is to be guarded so zealously is
It has always been true that many young people because out of it are the issues of life. The heart
want to get as close to danger as possible. A is compared with a fountain from which flows
deadly fascination is there. It has always been life-sustaining water. We may have a hard time
true that most young people feel invulnerable fully appreciating this figure since we can turn
and invincible. One thing that worries authori- a knob and have all the water we want. But in
ties regarding the present AIDS epidemic is that Eastern countries in those days, there were long
most young people think it only happens to periods without rain during which most surface
other people; it could never happen to them. bodies of water would dry up. Then their lives
Parents, it is your job to tell your children to depended on their fountains and wells. From
stay away from these paths of temptationfar, these came the water not only for drinking and
far away. Their souls are at stake! cooking, but also to water their animals and
grow their crops. There was no more precious
EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT possession than a good fountain, and such were
THE WAY TO DO RIGHT IS TO protected jealously lest an enemy destroy their
KEEP HIS HEART RIGHT (vv. 20-27) water supply.25
The final section (vv. 20-27) is a fascinating As already noted, verses 24 through 27 give
one. One writer called the passage a series of a series of golden rules that feature various
golden rules. In these verses, one is given a thor- parts of the body. In every case, the way to carry
ough spiritual medical examination. Notice all out the commandment is to keep the heart with
the parts of the body mentioned: the ear (v. 20), all diligence.
the eyes (vv. 21-25), the heart (vv. 21, 23), the Verse 24 says, Put away from thee a froward
mouth (v. 24), the lips (v. 24), the eyelids (v. 25), mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. In
the foot (vv. 26, 27), the hand (v. 27). The em- the original language, the reader is literally told
phasis, however, is on the heart. Having told his to put away a crooked mouth and twisted
children that they should do what is right, lips. Today we would say, Stop lying; stop
Solomon now tells them how they can do soby your hypocrisy; dont slander other people.
keeping their heart. The son had been admon- What is the key to doing this? The heart. Jesus
ished, Let thine heart retain my words (v. 4); said, Out of the abundance of the heart the
now he is told, Keep them [my teachings] in mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34).
the midst of thine heart (v. 21). In verse 25 we are told, Let thine eyes look
The heart is used in this passage, as it of- right on, and let thine eyelids look straight be-
ten is by Solomon, to refer to the center of the fore thee. He is saying, Keep your eyes fas-
intellect, 21 the center of the emotions,22 the cen- tened on the goal of serving God and pleasing
6
God. This is another way of saying, Keep your same sense it was used of Isaac (Genesis 18:19; 22:2, 16;
heart stayed on God (Isaiah 26:3). Hebrews 11:17); Solomon was Gods chosen one to con-
tinue the line of David, to build the temple, etc. (2 Samuel
Finally, in verse 26 this challenge is given: 7:12, 13; 12:24; 1 Chronicles 22:9; 28:5; 29:1).
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways 7
Only a few writers seem to think that Solomon is
be established. The word translated ponder quoting David in the third (and final) segment in chapter
literally means to weigh. He says, You need 4, but the topic in that section is Keeping the Heart. Since
we know David did instruct Solomon on the importance
to carefully weigh the alternatives before decid-
of the heart (1 Chronicles 28:9; see also 1 Chronicles 29:19),
ing which way to go, and once you have decided the final section is certainly in keeping with the special
which way is right, you need to make a commit- admonitions David gave Solomon.
8
ment of heart to that way. He says, Let all thy The writer also noted that his father had made a simi-
ways be established [literally, made firm]. Turn lar request (v. 4).
9
The terms children and son probably include
not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy Solomons students.
foot from evil (vv. 26b, 27). 10
Many writers, who believe in a naturalistic explana-
Parents, you have no more important task tion of Scripture, believe that the only authority of chap-
than to teach your children to guard their hearts ter 4 is Solomons experience, but in the book of Proverbs
wisdom is always vitally related to God.
and mindst o become sensitive to the long- 11
Note Proverbs 1:8.
lasting effects of what they think, see, and listen 12
See 2 Samuel 23:4; 1 Kings 2:2ff.; 1 Chronicles 22:7ff.;
to. Their minds are being programmed all the 28:5, 9; 29:19.
13
timefor good or for ill. How important that we Compare Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; and 15:33.
14
as parents and concerned adults teach our young Drumwright, Wisdom, The Zondervan Pictorial En-
cyclopedia, 942.
people how to control their thoughts, so they 15
Compare with the phrase the mind of Christ (1 Cor-
think on things that are honest, just, pure, inthians 2:16; see also Philippians 2:5). Of course, we can
lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). never fully have the mind of God (Isaiah 40:13; Romans
11:34; 1 Corinthians 2:16).
16
Some excellent applications could be made here con-
CONCLUSION cerning how a young man should love and appreciate his
Chapter 5 begins with another important bride and how a young woman should so conduct herself
thing every child needs to knowhow to re- as to bring honor to her husband. See also verses 13 and
21.
main sexually purebut with these five I will 17
There are a number of textual difficulties with verse
close.26 7. First, there is some question as to whether it should be
There are two ways we can go. One leads to in the text. It is missing in the Septuagint, and the text
life; the other leads to destruction. 27 The way of makes perfect sense without it (some say more sense). Then
wisdom is to do what is rightto stay as far there is the question of whether the Hebrew word trans-
lated principal means beginning or primary; either
away as possible from evil and to obey God in translation makes a valid point. Other difficulties can be
all things. The need of every life is to make a seen in the varying translations. For my purposes, I will
heart commitment to the Lordto obey Him work with the English text as it appears in the KJV.
18
now and to keep obeying Him throughout ones This involves another textual problem of verse 7.
Modern translations vary but will put the alternative in
life.
the footnote.
19
In the New Testament the crown is associated with
Endnotes everlasting life (Hebrews 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 4:4;
1
1:8; 2:1; 3:1, 11, 21; etc. Revelation 2:20).
2 20
As you work through Proverbs 4, it will soon be ob- Some think that verse 17 is saying the sinful make
vious that there is more material in this chapter than can their living by wickedness and violence, but I agree with
satisfactorily be covered in one sermon. Any of the sec- the writer who noted that these not only live by evil, they
tions would make a great sermon. Personally, I made this live for evil.
21
a two-part lesson. I covered verses 1 through 9 in the morn- Proverbs 3:3; 6:23a; 7:7b.
22
ing. In the evening, I briefly reviewed and then covered Proverbs 15:15, 30.
23
the rest of the chapter. Proverbs 11:20; 14:14.
3 24
AMr. Horton, quoted in Cambridge Bible: Proverbs, 57. Professor Willis would say, Thats not supposed to
4
There is some minor controversy over the author of be in the Old Testament, but it is! With great passages
these passages, but everything in the chapter, especially like these in the Old Testament how sad that, by the time
the first part, fits Solomon and his parents too perfectly to of Jesus, the Jews had sunk to formalism.
25
allow for any major controversy. Note Song of Solomon 4:12.
5 26
2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Chronicles 3:5. Review as needed.
6 27
It is possible that only is used of Solomon in the Matthew 7:13, 14. Include the conditions of salvation.
7
Copyright, 1988, 1999 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 Gaining Wisdom
For Jehovah giveth wisdom; Out of his mouth self and His wisdom easily known. Solomon
cometh knowledge and understanding: He layeth up mentions one:
sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to them
that walk in integrity; . . . (Proverbs 2:6, 7; ASV). It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory
of kings is to search things out (Proverbs 25:2; KJV).
INTRODUCTION
Wisdom, Solomon said, has builded her The Lord has hidden His blueprints in the
house; she has furnished her table. She now elements and it is an advantage for rulers to
cries aloud inviting the needy to eat and encourage research. Solomon assures us the an-
drink what she has carefully prepared, to give swers to our questions and the solutions to our
heed to her thoughts and words. These are problems do exist. In fact, as we have seen, they
figurative expressions indicating what scholars are eagerly waiting for us to discover them. Of
and scientists recognizenamely, that knowl- course, the process is often slow and laborious,
edge comes through patiently researching the coming only by the sweat of our brow. Such is
laws of God in nature and holy Scripture. God the case with mankind collectively, and so it is
Himself is a spiritual being. He resides in a with each of us individually. Life involves a
different realm. What we know of Him comes to struggle to know what are the right and good
us through various material manifestations. things to do; but in the process, we develop a
better appreciation for the magnificent wisdom
I. THROUGH NATURE of God.
We can know something of His glory and Philosophers, scholars, and scientists have
majesty by observing the beauty and order of debated and tested many ways to aid in the
nature: search for knowledge and understanding. They
have developed many ingenious ways to un-
The heavens declare the glory of God: and the ravel the mysteries of the Lord in the world and
firmament showeth his handiwork (Psalms 19:1; to uncover the latent knowledge we need to live
KJV).
and progress. Much has already been uncov-
Ever since the creation of the world his invisible ered.
nature; namely, his eternal power and deity, has Over the centuries mankind has been accu-
been clearly perceived in the things that have been
made (Romans 1:20; RSV).
mulating a vast reservoir of knowledge which is
contained either in records of various kinds or in
Seeing Gods deity in nature is not done with the minds of knowledgeable people. These
the naked eye; it is perceived with the mind, sources of wisdom, knowledge, and understand-
much as we perceive otherwise invisible natural ing can be found whenever and wherever there
phenomena. For example, the ever present force are opportunities to learn. Wisdom, Solomon
of gravity is something every school child knows said, can be heard at these places:
about, but it remained unrecognized until two
centuries ago. When the force was finally re- . . . in the streets . . . in the chief places of concourse,
in the opening of the gates: in the city (Proverbs
vealed by Newton, the discovery was heralded 1:20-22; KJV).
as a milestone in the history of science. In the
same way, the Lords wisdom is not readily . . . in the top of high places, by the way in the
places of the paths . . . at the gates, at the entry of
apparent with our eyes, and the Lord has His the city, at the coming in at the doors (Proverbs
own lofty reasons why He does not make Him- 8:2, 3; KJV).
1
 What Solomon means is that knowledge is as He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; he is
a shield to them that walk in integrity (ASV)
freely available to us as is food and drink. It is no (Proverbs 2:6, 7).
less essential for our survival and good health.
When we are young, the major source of both our The collective reservoir of human knowl-
physical and our mental nurturance is our par- edge is now very large and there is no way for
ents. Therefore, Solomon repeatedly urged chil- any individual to grasp it all. We must be selec-
dren to appreciate the value of parental wisdom tive. Perhaps, attempting to understand every-
and take advantage of that excellent resource: thing is like trying to eat too much; it is un-
healthy. Nevertheless, Solomon warned:
Hear, my son, your fathers instruction, and reject
not your mothers teaching (Proverbs 1:8; RSV). . . . do not make yourself overwise; why should
you destroy yourself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16; RSV).
My son, . . . receive my words, and lay up my
commandments with thee. . . . (Proverbs 2:1; ASV).
The most serious problem, however, is that
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart our library of human knowledge (like the world
keep my commandments. . . . (Proverbs 3:1;
KJV). around us) is a jungle of conflict. Too often truth
and error are mixed up as a dark thicket. Virtu-
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and ally every area of human endeavor not only
attend to know understanding. For I give you good
doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my contains knowledge generally recognized (which
fathers son, tender and only beloved in the sight may or may not be true); but there is also much
of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto in dispute. Therefore, attempting to accept hu-
me, Let thine heart retain my words; keep my
commandments, and live (Proverbs 4:1-4; KJV).
man knowledge indiscriminately is naive and
childish; it is like one going out and eating what-
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings. . . . ever he can put in his mouth. Much of what goes
(Proverbs 4:10; KJV).
for knowledge is garbage at best and poison at
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto worst. Consequently, we must use prudence and
my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; caution, accepting only wise counsel and veri-
keep them in the midst of thine heart (Proverbs
4:20; KJV).
fied knowledge, seeking to develop correct un-
derstanding.
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine Solomon advised to look for authentic truths
ear to my understanding . . . (Proverbs 5:1; KJV). and sound wisdom. It can be seen wherever you
My son, keep thy fathers commandment, and find knowledge of excellent things, knowl-
forsake not the law of thy mother: bind them edge of clever inventions, information about
continually upon thine heart, and tie them about the ways of righteousness and the paths of
thy neck (Proverbs 6:20, 21; KJV).
justice. (See Proverbs 8.) The Lords wisdom is
My son, keep my words, and lay up my about all things noble, constructive, and bene-
commandments with thee. Keep my ficial. It contributes to the uplifting and advance-
commandments, and live. . . . (Proverbs 7:1; KJV).
ment of mankind.
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and
attend to the words of my mouth (Proverbs 7:24; Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the
KJV). opening of my lips shall be right things (Proverbs
8:6; KJV).
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and
despise not thy mother when she is old (Proverbs I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out
23:22; KJV). knowledge of witty inventions (Proverbs 8:12;
KJV).
My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes
observe my ways (Proverbs 23:26; KJV). Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am
understanding; I have strength (Proverbs 8:14; KJV).
Of course the Lord is the Father of us all, and
It can be seen, for example, in the knowledge
He is the ultimate source of all our nurturance.
men use to build and manufacture successfully.
For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth Notice how they create all the precious goods of
cometh knowledge and understanding (KJV). human enterprise.
2
 Through wisdom is a house builded; and by Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind
understanding it is established; and by to govern thy people, that I may discern between
knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all good and evil . . . (1 Kings 3:9; RSV).
precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3, 4;
KJV).
There is one other problem with human
knowledge that should be recognized: The world
The Lords wisdom can also be seen at work
is dynamic and ever changing, and our knowl-
in the behavior of successful leaders and au-
edge changes with it. Much (perhaps most) of
thorities. Whenever possible, associate with wise
human knowledge is relevant only to a particu-
men and learn from them. Notice how they at-
lar place and/or time. One could even say, like
tend to their affairs and reach their decisions.
the things of nature, it lives for a time and then
Solomon said their use of wisdom gives them
dies. Some knowledge survives for but a mo-
power to succeed:
ment (like much of the advice about the stock
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By market); other knowledge may remain true and
me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of relevant for years, perhaps even for centuries.
the earth (Proverbs 8:15, 16; KJV). Some truths are timeless.
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but
a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs II. THROUGH THE BIBLE
13:20; KJV).
Solomon wrote much more than we have
contained in the Bible.
No less important is a hatred of evil of all
forms. Wickedness is an abomination to the wis- And God gave Solomon wisdom and
dom of the Lord. Solomon said that you will find understanding beyond measure, and largeness of
nothing proud, arrogant, contrary, or perverse mind like the sand on the seashore, so that
Solomons wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all
in truth. We can learn a lesson from the body. As people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
our body is attracted to the pleasing odor of For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than
good food, so it is repelled by the stench of Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Cakol, and Oarda,
the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the
garbage. Wisdom says: nations round about. He also uttered three
thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness and five. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is
is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall:
mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing he spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles,
froward or perverse in them (Proverbs 8:7, 8; KJV). and of fish. And men came from all peoples to hear
the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and the earth, who had heard of his wisdom (1 Kings
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward 4:29-34; RSV).
mouth, do I hate (Proverbs 8:13; KJV).

Concerning Solomons writings, the nine-

Happily, once seen, truth becomes clear, and teenth century Bible scholar Adam Clarke said:
sometimes even simple.
Of the three thousand proverbs which Solomon
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and spoke, we have only those contained in [The
right to them that find knowledge (Proverbs 8:9; Proverbs] and in Ecclesiastes; and of the one
KJV). thousand and five songs which he made, only
the Canticles [Song of Solomon] have been
As we have seen, because of the problem of preserved: or, in other words, of all his numerous
works in divinity, philosophy, morality, and
false knowledge and erroneous understanding, natural history, only the three above mentioned,
it is vital that we acquire the ability to discrimi- bearing his name, have been admitted into the
nate the good from the bad, what is true from sacred cannon. His natural history of trees and
plants, of beasts, fowls, and fishes, (for on all
what is false, the helpful from the harmful. In- these he wrote), is totally lost. Curiosity, which
deed, this skill is what Solomon specifically re- never says, It is enough, would give up the three
quested from the Lord when he first spoke to we have for those on the animal and vegetable
kingdom, which are lost. What God judged of
Himthe ability to judge rightly. He prayed, importance to the eternal interests of mankind,
saying: is preserved. . . .1
3
 What the Lord chose to preserve from The author of the Hebrew letter said there is
Solomons writing contains lasting truthto help no other source of knowledge about the human
every generation be wise. mind that penetrates deeper than the Bible:

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of For the word of God is living and active, sharper
Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to perceive than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division
the words of understanding; to perceive the of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and
instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart
equity; to give subtilty to the simple, to the young (Hebrews 4:12; RSV).
man knowledge and discretion (KJV). The wise
man also may hear and increase in learning, and
the man of understanding acquire skill to
The world is constantly generating new ideas
understand a proverb and a figure, the words of and opinions. They come and go, but the Lords
the wise and their riddles (RSV) (Proverbs 1:1-6). book is always relevant. We should each begin
Have not I written unto thee excellent things of
with it and use its high standards to judge the
counsels and knowledge; to make thee know the merit of other knowledge. All authentic knowl-
certainty of the words of truth, that thou mayest edge and sound wisdom ultimately originate
carry back words of truth to them that send thee
(Proverbs 22:20, 21; KJV).
with the Lord, the one Shepherd. Use discretion
and seek for it:
And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he
still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them
good heed, and sought out, and set in order many that put their trust in him (Proverbs 30:5; KJV).
proverbs. The preacher sought to find out
acceptable words: and that which was written was The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like
upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings which
are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of
of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd anything beyond these. Of making many books
(Ecclesiastes 12:9-11; KJV). there is no end, and much study is a weariness of
the flesh (Ecclesiastes 12:11, 12; KJV).
The Biblethe Word of Godis unexcelled
in the quality of its wisdom. Throughout its CONCLUSION
pages we can find knowledge that is always true As the knowledge of the world continues
and ever relevant. Its wisdom may be applied to to increase, adding to the collective wisdom of
every culture in every age. Indeed, both Moses mankind, we are able to tap deeper into the
and Jesus said it must be applied: vast cosmic wisdom of the Lord and become
increasingly able to share in His infinite cre-
. . . man shall not live by bread alone, but by every ative power. As our individual wisdom grows,
word that proceeds from the father (Deuteronomy we will be able to live more successfully, to
8:3; Matthew 4:4; RSV).
achieve more, to advance higher, and to make
a greater contribution to the progress of the
Within the Bible we find the Lords stan-
world.
dards for us to use in judging right and wrong. It
Walter Porter
also explains the meaning and purpose of our
existence. It contains both direct instructions on
FOOTNOTE
how to live and many examples or illustrations 1
Adam Clarke, Introduction to the Proverbs of Solomon, A
of ways of livingboth good and evilwith Commentary and Critical Notes: The Old Testament, vol.
their corresponding consequences. It is our great 3 (New York: Abingdon Press), p. 699.
common tutor from our great common Father. It
alone contains the key to understand how we
should live to prepare for true lifeeternal life.
Paul wrote:
ILLUSTRATION
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for A Good Piece of Advice
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness, that the man of God may be
complete, equipped for every good work A man congratulated his son who had just
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17; RSV). become a father. He added this piece of advice:
4
 Teach her as many of the seven hundred the swiftest word is Time;
thousand words of the English language as you the nearest word is Now;
have time, but be sure she knows that: the worst word is Sin;
the greatest word is God; the deepest word is Soul
the longest word is Eternity; the meanest word is Hypocrisy.
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

5
 The Blessings of Wisdom
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: . . . So shall they be life unto the soul. . . . (Proverbs
3:22; KJV).
(Proverbs 19:8; KJV).
Hear, my son, accept what I say, and the years of
INTRODUCTION your life will be many. . . . (Proverbs 4:10; KJV).
The gifts of wisdom cannot be surpassed
For they are life unto those that find them, and
because it is by the use of wisdom that all good health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:22; KJV).
things become possible. Through wisdom comes
life and health, happiness, grace and honor, For whoso findeth me findeth life. . . . (Proverbs
8:35; KJV).
material prosperity, power and strength, confi-
dence and security, and, best of all, the Lords For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the
favor. Solomon said: years of thy life shall be increased (Proverbs 9:11;
KJV).
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the
man that getteth understanding (KJV): for the gain The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that
from it is better than gain from silver, and its profit one may avoid the snares of death (Proverbs 13:14;
better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, KJV).
and nothing you desire can compare with her
(RSV). Length of days is in her right hand; and in To the wise the way of life goeth upward, that he
her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways may depart from Sheol beneath (Proverbs 15:24;
of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is ASV).
a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and
happy is everyone that retaineth her (KJV) Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that
(Proverbs 3:13-18). hath it . . . (Proverbs 16:22; KJV).

Who is as the wise? and who knoweth the

interpretation of a thing? The wisdom of man II. WISDOM BRINGS
causeth his face to shine, and the hardness of his MATERIAL PROSPERITY
face is changed (Ecclesiastes 8:1; YLT).
Wisdom, the Grand Lady, brings material
prosperity.
Many times over Solomon listed her benefits,
for to love wisdom is to love oneself.
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of
the paths of justice; that I may cause those that love
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their
that keepeth understanding shall find good treasuries (proverbs 8: 20, 21; ASV).
(Proverbs 19:8; KJV).
The crown of the wise is their riches. . . . (Proverbs
I. WISDOM BRINGS LIFE 14:24; KJV).
Wisdom brings lifea long, healthy, happy A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over
one. a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in
the inheritance among the brethren (Proverbs 17:2;
For length of days, and long life, and peace; shall ASV).
they add to thee (Proverbs 3:2; KJV).
There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling
. . . it will be healing to your body and nourishment of the wise. . . . (Proverbs 21:20; ASV).
to your bones (Proverbs 3:8; MLB).

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom. . . . Indeed, wisdom is better than riches:
(Proverbs 3:13; KJV).
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and
. . . happy is everyone that retaineth her (Proverbs knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is
3:18; KJV). better than rubies; and all the things that may be
1
 desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:10, A man shall be commended according to his
11; KJV). wisdom. . . . (Proverbs 12:8; KJV).

Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches Good understanding giveth favor. . . . (Proverbs
and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, 13:15; KJV).
than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver
(Proverbs 8: 18, 19; KJV). The wise heart is called a man of discernment. . . .
(Proverbs 16:21; RSV).
To get wisdom is better than gold; to get
understanding is to be chosen rather than silver The words of a wise mans mouth win him favor. . . .
(Proverbs 16:16; RSV). (Ecclesiastes 10:12; RSV).

There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the

lips of knowledge are a precious jewel (Proverbs
Wisdom not only brings good to those who
20: 15; KJV). possess her, she also combats evil.

III. WISDOM BRINGS V. WISDOM BRINGS SAFETY

STRENGTH AND POWER Through her power comes safety.
Wisdom gives strength and power:
Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By excellent is it for them that see the sun. For wisdom
me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the
the earth (Proverbs 8: 15, 16; KJV). excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserveth
the life of him that hath it (Ecclesiastes 7:11, 12;
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings ASV).
down the stronghold in which they trust (Proverbs
21:22; RSV). VI. WISDOM BRINGS SECURITY
A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a Wisdom insures lasting security.
man of knowledge than he who has strength; for
by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in . . . [you] will dwell secure, and be at ease, without
abundance of counsel for there is victory (Proverbs dread of evil (Proverbs 1:33; RSV).
24:5, 6: RSV).
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy
Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and
ten rulers that are in a city (Ecclesiastes 7:19; RSV). thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down,
thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down,
Wisdom is better than weapons of war. . . . and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of
(Ecclesiastes 9:18; KJV). sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked,
when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy
IV. WISDOM BRINGS confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being
taken (Proverbs 3:22-26; KJV).
FAVOR AND HONOR
Wisdom also brings us favor and honor. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the
years of thy life shall be many (KJV). On the way
of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on
. . . for they are a fair garland for your head, and
pendants for your neck (Proverbs 1:9; RSV). straightforward paths. When you walk your step
will not be impeded, and should you run, you will
not stumble (NAB) (Proverbs 4:10-12).
So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3:4; KJV).
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou
sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest,
. . . in her left hand [are] riches and honour
(Proverbs 3:16; KJV). it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a
lamp; and the law a light; and the reproofs of
instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from
The wise shall inherit glory. . . . (Proverbs 3:35; KJV).
the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a strange woman (Proverbs 6:22-24; KJV).
a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee (Proverbs
4:9; KJV). When we face a crisis, Solomon said, the
Riches and honour are with me. . . . (Proverbs 8:18; Grand Lady comes to our rescue.
KJV).
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion
favour of the Lord (Proverbs 8:35; KJV). shall preserve thee; understanding shall keep thee.
2
 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man. . . . potential for music systems, televisions, auto-
(Proverbs 2:10-12; KJV).
mobiles, air and space travel all existed then. The
It will save you from the adulteress. . . . (Proverbs laws of nature have not changed. All this lay
2:16; NEB). latent in the dirt under their feet. All that was
. . . he who walks in wisdom will be delivered
needed was the knowledge and the under-
(Proverbs 28:26; RSV). standing of how to convert this dirtthe raw
materials of the earthinto a usable material so
CONCLUSION as to construct the mechanisms desired. The
In summary, Solomon said: plans or potential for all these things have
existed since the beginning of creation. Waiting
. . . nothing you desire can compare with her patiently for us to put them into reality are the
(Proverbs 3:15; RSV). wonders that the Lord has already foreseen in
His cosmic designwisdom. And who knows
I sit in my office and at the flick of my fingers what other wonders await us lying latent in the
and the turn of my hand I summon forth the ground beneath our feet?
beautiful music of a great orchestra. Indeed, I Nevertheless, remember Solomon said, in
have my pick of many great orchestras. With spite of its great power, wisdom cannot give
other slight movements, I can talk with my par- complete freedom from sorrow and frustration
ents who live one thousand miles away, or per- because this is an imperfect world. Indeed, the
haps even with my friends, Frans and Gottfried, wiser we may become, the more we will learn of
who live in Europe. I can do all of this without the evils and sorrows here.
leaving my seat. In the comfort of my living
room several years ago, I watched as the first For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that
man set foot upon the moon. I heard him as he increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow
spoke his first words there. In my home I can (Ecclesiastes 1:18; KJV).
experience the sights and sounds of a mountain And I saw that wisdom has the advantage over
climbing expedition, watch what happens in- folly as much as light has the advantage over
side a living body, or look back in history and see darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, but
the fool walks in darkness. Yet I knew the lot befalls
the German army conquer Europe and then suf- both of them (Ecclesiastes 2:13, 14; NAB).
fer defeat. I can travel in comfort for hours at a
time at twice the speed a horse can run, virtually Moreover, unless it is used with love, wis-
anywhere in the land. For a modest fee, I can dom cannot benefit us. Paul said a man could
travel to almost anywhere in the world in less have all wisdom, and still be nothing:
than a day or two, in comfort and ease.
All these things are common everyday oc- . . . if I have prophetic powers, and understand all
currences in modern times. But what if I could mysteries and all knowledge. . . but have not love,
I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2; RSV).
somehow travel back in time to one thousand
Walter Porter
years ago to tell the people of that age all I could
do in my office or in my living room. What if I
had told them that millions of people in the
world had watched the first man step out onto ILLUSTRATION
the surface of the moon. The list of wonders
readily available to modern people is so great The Next Million
and so incredible that it is almost certain what
would have been the peoples reaction in this J. P. Morgan was once asked the follow-
imaginary trip back in timeI would have been ing question, When has a man made enough to
declared mad. be happy?
Yet, only a lunatic would deny them today. Morgan replied, with a smile, When he has
What made all these things possible for us? The made the next million.
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
3
 The Foundation of Wisdom
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; Solomons meaning of fear of the Lord
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understand- includes hatred of evil.
ing (Proverbs 9:10; ASV).
Becoming wise begins with a type of men- The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, and
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward
tal set, one consisting of a special emotional- mouth, do I [wisdom] hate (Proverbs 8:13; KJV).
motivational state or approach-avoidance ori-
entation of mind. This type of basic mentality Several other references to the fear of the
serves as the driving force for creating a wise Lord illustrate this connotation:
mind. It consists of both a love and a hatred. In
simplest terms, it is a love of good and a hatred Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and
of evil. depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; KJV).

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart

I. THE FOUNDATION OF HATRED from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27; KJV).
First, consider the hate. As beautiful and
. . . and by the fear of Jehovah men depart from
necessary as love is, love alone, lamentably, is evil (Proverbs 16:6; KJV).
inadequate in a world containing both good and
evil. Evil will overcome good if we do not com- Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in
the fear of the Lord all the day (Proverbs 23:17;
bat it. Therefore, we must also be willing to hate RSV).
evil and have the courage to oppose it if we are
to please the Lord. Speaking of Jesus, the Lord Job, quoting the Lord, said:
said:
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to
You have loved righteousness and hated depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28; RSV).
wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you
above your companions by anointing you with the II. THE FOUNDATION OF DISCIPLINE
oil of joy (Hebrews 1:9; NIV).
We are all born full of life and energy, but
It is not enough, then, only, to love righteous- without intelligence. Yet, the infants mind is not
ness; like Jesus, we must also hate wickedness. actually empty. Perhaps it is better to call it
God has created us in His image and has given us confused or primitive, like the earth at its begin-
freedom of will; but, unlike the Lord, we are ningchaotic and undeveloped. Infants do not
imperfect creatures and we have the propensity know the difference between what is good and
within us to commit evil. According to Solomon, bad; thus they are helpless and dependent. They
the first step in becoming wise is developing a do not know how to communicate their needs
hatred of the evil that is both within us and and so they just yell loudly and hope. They
around us. cannot coordinate their bodies, so they just wiggle
about and make messes. They live unwisely be-
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge cause, as Solomon said:
. . . (Proverbs 1:7; KJV).
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child. . . .
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; (Proverbs 22:15; RSV).
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding
(Proverbs 9:10; KJV). There is a natural joy and pleasure in being
The fear of the Lord is training for wisdom . . . alivedoing things and experiencing things. Be-
(Proverbs 15:33; NAB). ing unwise, babies try everything they can, good
1
and bad; and being full of energy, they possess wrongdoing and its consequences. It is devel-
potential for harm, both to themselves and oth- oped by recognizing the harm produced. It en-
ers. Hence, we must impose restrictions upon courages internalized controlself-discipline.
them. Consider gasoline. It contains energy and is This orientation of mind enables wisdom to be-
a valuable commodity providing a major source gin. Developing a healthy respect for the conse-
of the energy that activates our economy. But raw quences of doing wrong serves to bottle up and
gasoline is dangerous. Only when it is placed in a to restrain behavior. It captures and contains the
strong container and carefully metered out a little raw energy of a free life. It creates self-control by
at a time can it be used for constructive purposes. purifying and cleansing us of our natural wild-
So it is with life in the raw, this unchecked ness. It encourages humility, which opens the
pride of life within us. All energy (including the mind, making it more receptive for education.
energy of life) must be carefully restrained and This purging of impulsiveness is like plow-
channeled constructively a little at a time. There- ing a field to make it suitable for growing good
fore, inhibition and self-control are fundamental crops. It is like refining ore in a furnace to purify
qualities of the wise. the raw materials so that they can be shaped into
The well-documented effect of intoxicating useful products. It is like the pain of surgery that
liquors is to both dull the intellect and release the cuts out the diseased tissue. Punishment is de-
inhibitions. A drunk is a dangerous fool because signed to correct; its purpose is to improve and
he possesses the power of an adult with the mind make a person better. To correct someone is an
of a child. The alcohol does not generate the act of kindnessand an expression of love. The
dangerous behavior; it simply releases it. Only Lords wisdom includes correcting faults:
when a person is sober can recognition and re-
morse emerge. Give heed to my reproof; behold, I will pour out
my thoughts to you; I will make my words known
The very first step in becoming wise, then, to you (Proverbs 1:23; RSV).
involves the inhibiting power of a special atti-
tude. It is a certain emotional orientation or For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching
a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way
feeling that motivates us to reject whatever pro- of life . . . (Proverbs 6:23; RSV).
duces failure and harm. It is the desire not to
erra hatred of evil. Solomon also revealed how He who winks at a fault causes trouble, but he who
frankly reproves promotes peace (Proverbs 10:10;
it is developed: NAB).

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the He whose ear heeds wholesome admonition will
rod of discipline drives it far from him (Proverbs abide among the wise . . . he who heeds admonition
22:15; RSV). gains understanding (Proverbs 15:31, 32; RSV).

Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;

We learn to hate evil by experiencing the and reprove one that hath understanding, and he
consequences of it. This is the purpose of punish- will understand knowledge (Proverbs 19:25; ASV).
ment. It creates in us a healthy fear for whatever
Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; and strokes
produces bad consequences. John wrote: reach the innermost parts (Proverbs 20:30; ASV).

. . . fear has to do with punishment. . . . (1 John 4:18, As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold
RSV). so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear
(Proverbs 25:12; KJV).
Effective punishment produces discomfort Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are
(physical and/or mental). If wrong actions re- the kisses of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6; RSV).
sult in discomfort, wrong actions will be feared.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more
For example, knives cut. The careless use of favour than he that flattereth with the tongue
knives cause pain. Therefore, we abhor the care- (Proverbs 28:23; KJV).
less use of knives. It is similar with guns or
atomic energy. Correction inevitably involves some initial
The Lord is the ultimate avenger of all wrong- pain or discomfort. Even gentle forms of correc-
doing. Fear of the Lord, then, means to abhor tion such as criticism or reproof hurt at the time;
2
but after the necessary improvement occurs, the The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left
to himself bringeth his mother to shame (Proverbs
feeling is made better. If I am going about igno- 29:15; KJV).
rantly committing some offense (say, in the way
I look), a friend would inform me to help me Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he
shall give delight unto thy soul (Proverbs 29:17;
correct it; then we could all relax and enjoy life KJV).
more. On the other hand, an enemy (laughing
behind my back) would flatter me on my fine Punishment or correction takes many forms
appearance. and its proper use depends upon a variety of
Punishment is designed to correct error, to circumstances. For example, words alone are
make right what is wrong. Its goal is healing. It ineffective for some:
is, in fact, simply a form of communication, a
feedback mechanism, a control device to steer By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for
the deviating party back on the right path, a though he understands, he will not give heed
(Proverbs 29:19; RSV).
message regarding the value of actions to in-
form both the offending party as well as all
Physical force is necessary for children, ani-
others who can learn by observing. Failure to
mals, and fools. They need a stronger message.
administer just punishment deprives the indi-
vidual of important information. It keeps him . . . a fool [goes] to the correction of the stocks. . . .
blind to the harmful consequences of what he is (Proverbs 7:22; KJV).
doing and so both retards maturity in children
and interferes with intelligent behavior at any . . . a rod is for the back of him that is void of
understanding (Proverbs 10:13; KJV).
age.
The chastenings of punishment are designed Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging
to encourage wisdom in us; and the Lord would for the backs of fools (Proverbs 19:29; RSV).
have us wise. Indeed, nature punishes us when A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod
we transgress: that is, the Lord, through nature, for the fools back (Proverbs 26:3; KJV).
disciplines us.
Even though the application of strong pain
My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; may not penetrate the thick skull of some stub-
neither be weary of his correction: for whom the born individuals, nevertheless, the demonstra-
Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son
in whom he delighteth (Proverbs 3:11, 12; KJV). tion can benefit others.

Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence.

Its application is a necessary part of rearing . . . (Proverbs 19:25; ASV).
children. Attempting to train a child without the
use of any form of correction is like trying to When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made
wise. . . . (Proverbs 21:11; ASV).
build a house without hammers and saws. It
may keep things quiet, but little that is construc- Neither observing nor experiencing the just
tive is accomplished. application of punishment encourages violence.
On the contrary, it generates healthy fear and
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who
loves him is diligent to discipline him (Proverbs restraint. However, gentle forms are all that are
13:24; RSV). needed for the wise:
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a
thy soul spare for his crying (Proverbs 19:18; KJV). hundred stripes into a fool (Proverbs 17:10; KJV).

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: but the . . . reprove one that hath understanding, and he
rod of discipline drives it far from him (Proverbs will understand knowledge (Proverbs 19:25; KJV).
22:15; RSV).

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat Indeed, being too forceful can be unjust.
him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him
with a rod you will save his life from Sheol . . . to flog noble men is wrong (Proverbs 17:26;
(Proverbs 23:13, 14; RSV). RSV).
3
 The wise application of punishment is the beginning of wisdom. Plowing a field, refining
most powerful techinque available to restrain ore, or removing diseased tissue accomplishes
evil, both within the individual and within a nothing useful unless crops are grown, goods
community. Withholding punishment is like are manufactured, or the wound heals.
permitting the weeds to grow in a garden, or The next component of that fundamental
tolerating rust in a machine, or allowing an in- emotional motivational state of mind necessary
fection to remain in the body. Rightly used, it can to become wise is love: the energizing power of
be an act of mercy and kindness even to the point a feeling, a certain positive emotional orienta-
of saving lives. Indeed, psychologists have pun- tion, an attitude that motivates us to vigorously
ished infants with electric shock (in some cases pursue knowledge and understanding, the de-
less than ten months of age) to cure them of sire for truth, a love of wisdom. This is what
chronic ruminative vomiting (a life-threatening Solomon emphasized most.
habit) when all other forms of treatment failed. We have only a little control over the devel-
Electric shock ( a source of pain considered to be opment of our body. It is primarily genetically
more scientific) has also been used, paradoxi- determined. Its knowledge is fixed and built-in.
cally, to cure self-mutilation in children. Some, But the Lord made our minds relatively free. We
for example, would bite their fingers off, pull out are born without knowledge and have great
their fingernails with their teeth, poke out their capacity to learn. Being free means that we have
eyes, chew off their shoulders down to the bone. an independent will, and what we become in
Before discovering the effectiveness of punish- mind depends to a large extent on what we
ment, these children were kept in full body re- choose to become. If we would be wise, and so
straints, often for years at a timea cruel form of capable of productive living, we must set our
prolonged bondage. hearts to get wisdom. Unlike the growth of our
Solomon recognized the paradox three thou- arms and legs, teeth and hair, it will not happen
sand years ago: automatically. We must orient our will to get
knowledge, understanding, wisdom. It is a per-
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you beat sonal responsibility. No one can make me wise
him with a rod, he will not die. If you beat him
with a rod you will save his life from Sheol
without my cooperation.
(Proverbs 23:13, 14; RSV). Indeed, there is a natural disinclination to
learn useful knowledge and to develop good
It should be noted, however, that certain understanding because it requires effort and hard
kinds of self-restraint and discipline involve only work. The casual trivia that we experience and
a form of pseudo-wisdom. Developing an irra- remember in our routine living rarely contrib-
tional obedience to some legalistic system does utes to the development of wisdom. It would be
not produce the kind of self-control necessary to like junk food, which may be enjoyable but does
combat evil. An example, perhaps, is the asceti- not provide much nutrition. Paul wrote of cer-
cism of some athletic and military training regi- tain foolish sinners who were
mens. Paul alluded to this when he warned
. . . ever learning, and never able to come to the
against a legalistic approach to religion: knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7; KJV).

. . . Why do you submit to regulations, Do not

handle, Do not taste, Do not touch (referring to Therefore, Solomon repeatedly urged the
things which all perish as they are used) according reader (my son . . . . and ye children. . . .) to
to human precepts and doctrines? These have cultivate the desire for knowledge and under-
indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting
rigor of devotion and self-abasement and severity standing. Fall in love with wisdom because she
to the body, but they are of no value in checking is the principle thing, the means by which the
the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:20-23; Lord gives us all things good. The following
RSV).
rather lengthy list of Scriptures from the Prov-
erbs illustrates Solomons major plea: Set your
III. THE FOUNDATION OF LOVE heart to get wisdom:
Fear of the Lordhatred of evilproduces
self-restraint and discipline. But this is just the A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
4
and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise He who heeds instruction is on the path to life . . .
counsels. . . . (Proverbs 1:5; KJV). (Proverbs 10:17; RSV).

Hear, my son, your fathers instruction, and reject Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge . . .
not your mothers teaching. . . . (Proverbs 1:8; RSV). (Proverbs 12:1; KJV).

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and . . . a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15;
attend to know understanding. For I give you good RSV).
doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my
fathers son, tender and only beloved in the sight A wise son heareth his fathers instruction. . . .
of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto (Proverbs 13:1; KJV).
me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my
commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get The mind of him who has understanding seeks
understanding; forget it not; neither decline from knowledge. . . (Proverbs 15:14; RSV).
the words of my mouth (Proverbs 4:1-5; KJV).
Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22; RSV).
wisdom; and with all thy getting, get
understanding. Exalt her and she shall promote The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and
thee; she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge (Proverbs
embrace her (Proverbs 4:7, 8; KJV). 18:15; KJV).

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings. . . . Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you
(Proverbs 4:10; KJV). may gain wisdom for the future (Proverbs 19:20;
RSV).
Take fast hold of instruction. . . . (Proverbs 4:13;
KJV). Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the
wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine (KJV). For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them
ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard within thee. If they be established together upon
discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge thy lips. That thy trust may be in Jehovah . . . (ASV)
(Proverbs 5:1, 2; KJV). (Proverbs 22:17-19).

Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears
not from the words of my mouth (Proverbs 5:7; to the words of knowledge (Proverbs 23:12; KJV).
KJV).
Hear thou my son, and be wise, and guide thine
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children and heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19; KJV).
attend to the words of my mouth (Proverbs 7:24;
KJV). Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and
instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23;
I [wisdom] love them that love me; and those that KJV).
seek me early shall find me (Proverbs 8:17; KJV).
My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know
blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it,
instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed there will be a future, and your hope will not be
is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my cut off (Proverbs 24:13, 14; RSV).
gates, waiting at the posts of my door (Proverbs
8:32-34; KJV).
As we gain wisdom, we should take great
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him care to preserve it. Against his own advice Solo-
that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, mon allowed himself to be led astray in his later
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which
I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and
years. (See 1 Kings 11.)
go in the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:4-6;
KJV). My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep
my commandments. . . . (Proverbs 3:1; KJV).
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them
learning (Proverbs 9:9; KJV). about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine
heart (Proverbs 3:3; KJV).
The wise in heart will receive commandments. . . .
(Proverbs 10:8; KJV). My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep
sound wisdom and discretion (Proverbs 3:21; KJV).
Wise men lay up knowledge. . . . (Proverbs 10:14;
KJV). . . . never leave her, and she will guard you, love
5
 her, and she will take care of you (Proverbs 4:6; wisdom comes only to those who actively pur-
MOFFATT).
sue her.
. . . let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life Thus, the process of becoming wise begins
(Proverbs 4:13; KJV). with an orientation of will away from folly and
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in
evil toward knowledge and understanding. This
the midst of thine heart (Proverbs 4:21; KJV). mentality is the foundation that supports all the
accumulated knowledge and skills a person ac-
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are
the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23; KJV).
quires as he develops his intellect.
Walter Porter
My son, keep thy fathers commandment, and
forsake not the law of thy mother; bind them
continually upon thine heart, and tie them about
thy neck (Proverbs 6:20, 21; KJV). PREACHING WITH POEMS
My son, keep my words, and lay up my
commandments with thee. Keep my
commandments, and live; and my law as the apple What a Friend
of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write
them upon the table of thine heart. Say unto I go to him when Im feeling blue
wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call
understanding thy kinswoman . . . (Proverbs 7:1- And lay my secrets bare,
4, KJV). And I know that I never need to call twice
For he is always there!
Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to stray
from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27;
RSV). He knows the pain of a loved one lost
When the hurts too great to tell,
Solomon emphasized the necessity of exer- So he comforts me like a father would
cising our will because becoming wise involves And I know that all is well.
an if-then, cause-and-effect relationship: from
voluntary effort to wisdom. He loves me even though Im weak
And my lifes been touched by sin,
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide And hell forgive me if I ask
my commandments with thee; so that thou And lead me home again.
incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine
heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after
knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for He left his home in heaven high
understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and And came to earth to give
searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt
thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find
An example of a perfect life
the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth By which all men should live.
wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge
and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom
for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that
Then when we try . . . and still we fail,
walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of For men will always fail,
judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. He went to Calvary and died
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and And shed his blood for all.
judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion If well just bathe in that great fount
shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep Which down from Calvary flows,
thee. . . . (Proverbs 2:1-11; KJV). (Italics mine.)
His blood will wash away our sins
I love them that love me; and those that seek me And make us white as snow.
diligently shall find me (Proverbs 8:17; ASV).
Hes done so much for you and me
CONCLUSION And will . . . until the end,
Solomon most urged the cultivation of an So we must show by how we live
intense love for wisdom (knowledge and under- That Jesus is our friend!
standing). It should be ones highest priority, for Marion E. Lobaugh
6 Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 The Common Qualities
Of the Wise
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth The wise value knowledge and use it to live
cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverbs successfully.
2:6; KJV).
Added to the basic orientation are certain Every prudent man worketh with knowledge. . . .
other qualities of mind common to all wise men. (Proverbs 13:16; ASV).
These qualities, together with the foundation The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his
attitude, appear to comprise what psychologists way. . . . (Proverbs 14:8; KJV).
call the general factor of intelligence. Examining
. . . a man of understanding maketh straight his
all that Solomon said about the wise reveals this going (Proverbs 15:21; ASV).
general mentality.
Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many
advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22; RSV).
I. THE BASIC QUALITIES OF THE WISE
Their hatred of evil makes them cautious. Wisdom is never out of sight of a discerning man
. . . (Proverbs 17:24; NEB).
. . . the prudent man looketh well to his going (KJV).
A wise man sees evil coming and avoids it . . . . (JB) Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance
(Proverbs 14:15, 16). wage war (Proverbs 20:18; RSV).

A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son. . . . (Proverbs
himself. . . . (Proverbs 22:3; KJV). 28:7; KJV).

A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth The wise mans heart leads him aright. . . .
himself. . . . (Proverbs 27:12; ASV). (Ecclesiastes 10:2; JB).

The wise know the dangers of even a mo- As a mans wisdom increases, he becomes
mentary careless deed or word. even more able to learn, and he increasingly
enjoys the process.
Dead flies make the perfumers ointment give off
an evil odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and . . . wisdom [is as sport] to a man of understanding
honor (Ecclesiastes 10:1; RSV). (Proverbs 10:23; ASV).

. . . knowledge is easy for a man of understanding

The desire of the wise not to err contributes (Proverbs 14:6; RSV).
to emotional control.
. . . the prudent are crowned with knowledge
. . . a man of understanding holdeth his peace (Proverbs 14:18; KJV).
(Proverbs 11:12; KJV).
In the discerning heart, wisdom finds a resting
. . . a prudent man ignores an insult (Proverbs 12:16; place. . . (Proverbs 14:33; KNOX).
MOFFATT).
Their words reflect their mentalitycon-
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding.
. . . (Proverbs 14:29; KJV).
trolled, knowledgable, and effective.

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife. . . . . he that refraineth his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19;
. . (Proverbs 20:3; RSV). KJV).

. . . a wise man quietly holds it [anger] back A prudent man concealeth knowledge. . . .
(Proverbs 29:11; RSV). (Proverbs 12:23; KJV).
1
 . . . a wise mans words are his safeguard (Proverbs cause trouble nor look for it. Indeed, given the
14:3; NEB).
opportunity they will go out of their way to
The lips of the wise spread knowledge. . . .
avoid it. When they see potential dangers, they
(Proverbs 15:7; RSV). prepare ways to avoid or escape from it. Hence,
they pay attention to warnings. If instructions
The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, specify certain things to avoid, they prudently
and adds persuasiveness to his lips (Proverbs 16:23; attend to the advice. If laws impose restrictions,
RSV).
they obey the laws. No matter how lofty their
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than station in life may be, wise men are humble and
the shouting of a ruler among fools (Ecclesiastes eager to learn. They accept correction and try to
9:17; RSV). change when proven wrong. Having discov-
ered the power and beauty of truth, they listen
II. THE GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WISE to good counsel and receive teaching and edu-
The overall pattern looks like this: Wise men cation. They are especially careful to respect the
hate evil. They have no appreciation for sense- advice and recommendations of experts and
lessness. They look with distaste upon things authorities. Indeed, they seek out many advis-
that are wasteful and destructive. ers and toil in the process of finding informa-
Physicians who work in hospital emergency tion and knowledge. They invest their time,
wards loathe drunken drivers because they con- money, and labor in the quest of learning. They
tinually face the misery it causes. Modern sur- enroll in courses of study and acquire libraries.
geons seem to be fanatics about cleanliness, As they continually accumulate their knowl-
refusing even to touch the patient with their edge, they both increase their ability to learn
bare hands during the operation. Some have and increase the pleasure they get in acquiring
even gone so far as to totally enclose each pa- it. Indeed, education and learning become a
tient in a huge plastic balloon containing puri- form of recreation for them. Notice how suc-
fied air. Fanaticism? But, oh, how successful cessful, progressive nations and private com-
these modern wise men have been. It was not panies promote activities to discover wiser ways
always so. Read the fine book, None of These to improve their efforts. They hire experts and
Diseases, by S. I. McMillen 1 to see how long and invest in research; and as they make new dis-
how vigorously they resisted the ancient Bible coveries, they carefully guard their knowledge,
teachings on the importance of cleanliness in knowing that it enables them to survive and
dealing with disease. Manufacturers of those compete.
expensive earth satellites work with the same The wise understand the true difference be-
fanaticism toward cleanliness. Scientists look tween right and wrong, good and evil. They
with contempt upon careless research because know the real meaning of justice and fair-play.
it produces false, misleading information. Me- They do not judge by appearances only, but they
chanics hate to work on poorly designed, filthy, also see with depth. They have insight and fore-
or abused machinery. Teachers lament when sight, enabling them to perceive both the under-
they must face a classroom of wild, rebellious lying dynamics of things while accurately antici-
students. pating results and consequences. Therefore, they
A wise man is patient; he controls his emo- show good judgment and make correct deci-
tions. If a quarrel erupts nearby, he does not get sions. Wise men are able to successfully perceive
caught up in it. He quietly ignores an insult. ahead because they have faith in the ultimate
Certainly he will remember and learn from the value of wisdom, even though for the moment it
experience, but he will not be provoked into a may seem to be ineffective or, perhaps, may even
meaningless fight, choosing instead to hold back appear to be an obstacle; nevertheless, the wise
his anger and to use his intellect to seek peace know that in the end, the Lords truth (whether
and reconciliation. in nature or Scripture) is always victorious. And
Notice, for example, how great national lead- so the wise are law-abiding, heedful of both
ers successfully field the challenges and criti- natural law and social law. They can see far
cisms hurled against them. Wise men neither enough ahead to know the benefits of right liv-
2
ing. The penalties for violations are too costly,
and penalties are inevitable, because Solomon
ILLUSTRATIONS
said:
What Is Wealth?
If the most righteous in the land are punished, how
much more the wicked and the sinner (Proverbs
11:31; AAT). A man had just left a friends house in his
Cadillac. The host watched enviously as he de-
Someone (a scientist, sportsman, business- parted. Some day, honey, well be rich too, he
man) may be tempted to cheat to gain fame and/ said to his wife. She reached out, took her
or fortune; but a wise man recognizes that time husbands hand, and replied: Darling, we are
catches up with the guilty, and the humiliation rich now. Someday well have money.
and loss of credibility far outweigh the brief
benefits. A Strong Will
The wise are especially noted by their skill
with words. First, they show self-control and H. E. Luccock describes the importance of
restraint in their use of language. Realizing the will power as follows: Behind an efficient body
power of words, they speak with great caution. there must be a strong will. Behind a chisel you
When they do speak, what they say is true and need a mallet to give it force and direction. A
relevant. Moreover, their words are both digni- chisel without another tool to drive it is useless.
fied and astute. What they say is uplifting and The body is a chisel that needs a strong will to
ennobling, bringing aid and comfort to others. direct it. The man who can restrain his appetite
Their wisdom and skill with words brings them and push on through discouragements and fail-
security, honor, prosperity, and power. ures is a good craftsman.

CONCLUSION The Value of Wealth

Physical strength is no match for a well-
developed mind. Men have long mastered the A pious man was once asked whether wis-
most powerful beasts. Countries that develop dom was more important than wealth. He re-
the national intellect have long towered over plied, Certainly.
those that promote only physical prowess. There Whereupon he was asked, Why then do the
is no strength like wisdom and there are no great wise wait on the rich, and not the rich on the
men like the wise. wise?
Walter Porter He answered, Because the wise, being wise,
understand the value of wealth, whereas the
FOOTNOTE
1
S. I. McMillen, None of These Diseases (New York: rich, being merely rich, are ignorant of the value
Pyramid Books), 1967. of wisdom.
Copyright, 1983, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Growing in Wisdom
The glory of young men is their strength, but the Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth
her voice? (Proverbs 8:1; KJV).
beauty of old men is their grey hair (Proverbs 20:29;
RSV). . . . I am understanding. . . . (Proverbs 8:14; KJV).

INTRODUCTION Our wisdom, then, would be the highest

Growing in wisdom is a lifetime process. It form of our understanding, that which provides
is our duty to continue increasing our motiva- the overall organization and integration to our
tion for truth, while developing our self-control various lower levels of knowledge and under-
and adding to our knowledge and understand- standingour wisdom is the gestalt of our intel-
ing. Several times in the Bible a mans life (which, lect.
Jesus said, does not consist in the abundance of
his possessions) and his mind are compared to I. GROWTH INVOLVES PERCEPTION
the growth of a tree or the construction of a Growing in wisdom is a process involving
house. In these we can see the fundamental a continuous interaction of the intellect with
process involved in godly mental development. perception. Intellect comes from seeing, and
For example, in the first Psalm we find these seeing comes from intellect: the two work to-
words: gether. The sense organs of the body are chan-
nels through which information is sent for the
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel mind to build our cognitive structure. Through
of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in use of the eyes and the ears (primarily) we
the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates have access to knowledge. But eyes and ears
day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams only transmit the elements of information.
of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its
leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers Understanding and wisdom are created in the
(Psalms 1:1-3; RSV). mind.
Helen Keller had neither working eyes nor
Solomon referred to the process of building a ears, yet she acquired a college degree and be-
house, saying: came an accomplished speaker. Two people can
view the same thing but may see something
Through wisdom a house is builded; and by entirely different. Perceiving involves under-
understanding it is established: and by knowledge
shall the chambers be filled with all precious and standing, and this is done in the mind from the
pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3, 4; KJV). information provided by the eyes. We use our
eyes and ears together with the knowledge and
Perhaps these words also contain a meta- understanding within our hearts to perceive the
phorical meaning. In that case knowledge may world around us. Far more important than
refer to the elements of intellect: the facts and healthy eyes and ears in determining what we
pieces of information that compose itthe bricks, see and hear is the nature of our minds. The
boards, and furniture of the building. Under- author of the letter to the Hebrews spoke of the
standing could refer to the relationships that necessity of training our senses by comparing
hold the elements together. It gives meaning knowledge with food:
and comprehension to informationthe mor-
tar and nails of the building. Wisdom, perhaps, But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full
age, even those who by reason of use have their
is the integration. That Grand Lady, Wisdom, senses exercised to discern both good and evil
said: (Hebrews 5:14; KJV).
1
 II. GROWTH INVOLVES SOUNDNESS Moreover, Solomon said:
Prejudiced minds or hardened hearts can
An high look, and a proud heart, even the lamp of
make perception impossible. When the Lord the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4; RV).
began to give up on his people, ancient Israel, he
told the prophet Isaiah: The lamp of the wicked is a proud heart
. . . Go, and say to this people: Hear and hear, but misinforming them about their rightful place in
do not understand; see and see, but do not the world, perverting their perception of right
perceive. Make the heart of this people fat, and and wrong, leading them into rebellion against
their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see
with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and authority and causing them to commit selfish
understand with their hearts, and turn and be cruelty against others. Notice how Solomon uses
healed (Isaiah 6:9, 10; RSV). the word eye:

When the Bible mentions the eye, it often There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes!
refers to the eye of the mindthat part of the and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation,
whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as
heart that enables us to understand. Jesus said: knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and
the needy from among men (Proverbs 30:13, 14;
The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is KJV).
sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if
your eye is not sound, your whole body will be The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth
full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall
how great is the darkness! (Matthew 6:22, 23; RSV). pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it
(Proverbs 30:17; KJV).
We cannot perceive correctly if we do not
have correct knowledge and sound understand- There is another way the eye of the mind can
ing; nor can we obtain knowledge and under- be pervertedthrough a kind of lust. Perhaps
standing if we do not perceive correctly. The the eye is to the heart as the mouth is to the
information of the senses interacts with both the stomach. As the mouth is never satisfied, the eye
information and the attitude of the mind to give too is never full.
us the power to perceive and understand. This is
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of
one of the reasons why the ignorant learn so man are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20; KJV).
slowly and the educated learn so quickly. Per-
haps these words of Jesus apply: All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it:
the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled
For to him who has will more be given; and from with hearing (Ecclesiastes 1:8; KJV).
him who has not, even what he has will be taken
away (Mark 4:25; RSV). Like the mouth, the eye is a source of plea-
sure.
Solomon said that the wise mans eyes are in
his head; but the fool and the wicked both walk The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart. . . . eye,
neither (Proverbs 15:30; KJV).
in darkness. If the eye of the mind is sound, we
understand correctly. If it is not sound, we either Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is
for the eyes to behold the sun. . . . (Ecclesiastes 11:7;
misperceive or misunderstand the information KJV).
we receive by the senses. This is why Paul could
say: Moreover, like the mouth, it can become
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are greedy to indulge in excess. The lust of the eye
lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded appears to fuel greed for possessions.
the minds of them which believe not, lest the light
of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,
of God, should shine unto them. For we preach neither desire thou his dainty meats: for as he
not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith
ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Proverbs
who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 23:6, 7; KJV).
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches. . . .
Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-6; KJV). (Proverbs 28:22; ASV).
2
 Solomon said that having excess riches only to which he has called you. . . . (Ephesians 1:15-18;
RSV).
serves to indulge the eye:

When goods increase, they are increased that eat Our physical growth ends after fifteen or
them: and what good is thee to the owners thereof, twenty years; our physical strength grows for
saving the beholding of them with their eyes? twenty or thirty years and then declines; intel-
(Ecclesiastes 5:11; KJV).
lectual growth can continue almost to the end.
The elderly may lose their youthful vigor and
Pride and greed both corrupt the eyes and
strength, but they make up for the loss in the
ears of the mind making them blind and deaf to
quality of their wisdom (which is symbolized by
the needs of others.
grey hair).
The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor
finds no mercy in his eyes (Proverbs 21:10; RSV). A hoary head is a crown of glory; it is gained in a
righteous life (Proverbs 16:31; RSV).
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the helpless, he
will cry for help himself and not be heard (Proverbs The glory of young men is their strength, but the
21:13; NEB). beauty of old men is their grey hair (Proverbs 20:29;
RSV).
He whose eye is generous will be blessed, for he
gives food to the poor (Proverbs 22:9; MLB). Nevertheless, no matter how much wisdom
He that giveth unto the poor shaIl not lack: but he
and/or strength we may acquire, the Lord,
that hideth his eyes shaIl have many a curse through Jeremiah the prophet, said that our true
(Proverbs 28:27; KJV). glory is understanding and knowing Him:

The Lord has given us our senses to use as Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in
tools to acquire knowledge so that we can live his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his
might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but
righteously, and Solomon encouraged us to use let him who glories glory in this, that he
them well: understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who
practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the
depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; KJV). Lord (Jeremiah 9:23, 24; RSV).

Let your eyes look right in front, and your eyelids Knowing the Lord is our glory because, Sol-
be directed straight ahead of you (Proverbs 4:25;
AAT).
omon said, the knowledge and strength of this
world is vain:
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord made
even both of them (Proverbs 20:12; KJV). And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know
madness and folly: I perceived that this also is
The poor and the oppressor have a common bond: vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much
the Lord gives light to the eyes of both (Proverbs grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth
29:13; NAB). sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:17, 18; KJV).

CONCLUSION Walter Porter

Receptiveness to knowledge helps enlighten
the eyes of the heart, thereby enabling it to grow
in wisdom, which, in turn, increases its power to
perceive. Paul wrote the Christians at Ephesus, ILLUSTRATION
saying:
The Three Wishes
For this reason because I have heard of your faith
in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the
saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, A poor woodsman was granted three wishes
remembering you in my prayers, that the God of by a fairy. Dazed by this gift, the man rushed
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give home. When he arrived, he found that his wife
you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the
knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart had not yet finished preparing supper and so he
enlightened, that you may know what is the hope said, without thinking, I wish I had a piece of
3
pudding before me. Immediately, a bowl of wish the pudding would stick to your nose, and
pudding appeared on the table and the man up it flew to the poor mans nose. He tried to pull
explained the matter of the three wishes to his it off, but to no avail. They had no alternative but
puzzled wife. His wife, furious at his folly in to use the final wish to have the pudding re-
wasting a wish declared, You are so foolish, I moved.
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

What Righteousness Includes

Better is a little with righteousness than great cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if
revenues without right. (Proverbs 16:8; KJV). I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and
INTRODUCTION if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love,
How does one go about becoming a righ- I gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; RSV).
teous person? Does righteousness include other
We may have supreme skill with words; we
traits or is it a narrow concept?
may have all wisdom and all faith; and we may
Solomon indicates that righteousness is sim-
even make the ultimate sacrifice of giving up
ply right living; he said it involves a broad ap-
everything, including our lives. Yet, what does
proach to life which includes various qualities of
all this accomplish? All of these qualities are
character.
highly desirable if they lead to some good result,
I. WISDOM but in themselves they produce nothing. More-
Righteousness depends partly upon wisdom. over, God has the power to create a machine
We cannot live and act right if we do not know (containing neither life nor love) capable of mag-
what is right. Just as a tornado passing through nificent speech, knowledge, faithful obedience,
a lumberyard cannot build a house, so ignorance and total self-sacrifice. Yet it would be only a
cannot create good. Neither random action nor machine deserving no special reward. Paul con-
impulsive living produce constructive human tinued, saying:
enterprise. Therefore, the righteous seek to learn, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
and the Lord adequately supplies them. does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is
not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil
knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always
wisdom for the upright. . . . (Proverbs 2:6, 7; RSV). trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7; NIV).
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in That critical element required to make wis-
learning (Proverbs 9:9; KJV). dom (or words or faith or self-sacrifice) worth
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight something is love. Love in a primitive form is
wisdom, and knowledge, and joy. . . . (Ecclesiastes simply an attraction or desire for something.
2:26; KJV). Love in its most exalted form seeks harmony,
unity, and constructive peaceagape love. This
II. LOVE kind of love is the force that works with wisdom
Solomon emphasized that the very purpose to generate good. Notice how similar in basic
of educating our minds is to enable us to live nature it is to Wisdom, the Grand Lady that
fruitful lives. It equips us to continue the cre- Solomon described: It contains no evil. It is not
ation processto produce good as the Lord does. jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, irri-
But being righteous involves more than becom- table, or resentful. Neither does it rejoice in
ing wise. Wisdom is necessary but not sufficient wrong. On the contrary, it rejoices in right. Love
for righteousness. There is another vital ele- seeks to promote only goodness and righteous-
ment. We must turn to Paul to learn more about ness. It is patient and kind. It always protects,
it: trusts, hopes, perseveres. It is that quality of
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but mind that permits wisdom to be fulfilled. John
have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging told how great it is when he said:
1
 God is love, and he who abides in love abides in IV. CONFIDENCE
God, and God abides in him (1 John 4:16; RSV).
With this kind of trust, the righteous have
confidence.
III. TRUST
Having the highest form of loveagape love The fear of the Lord gives life: and he who has it
means to abide in God. Therefore, Solomon ad- will have need of nothing, no evil will come his
vised trust in the Lord: way (Proverbs 19:23; BAS).

. . . the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not 28:1; KJV).
unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. . . . he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and made fat (Proverbs 28:25; KJV).
depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and
marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy . . . he who trusts in the Lord is safe (Proverbs 29:25;
substance, and with the first fruits of all thine RSV).
increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
and thy presses shall burst out with new wine
(Proverbs 3:5-10; KJV). And the Lord has confidence in the righ-
teous. Referring to Him, Solomon said:
The way of the Lord is strength to the upright
(Proverbs [Link] KJV).
. . . the upright are in his confidence (Proverbs 3:32;
He who walketh in his uprightness feareth the RSV).
Lord. . . . (Proverbs 14:2; KJV).
. . . such as are upright in their way are his delight
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts (Proverbs 11:20; KJV).
shall be established (Proverbs 16:3; KJV).
. . . the prayer of the upright is his delight (Proverbs
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: 15:8; KJV).
and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he
(Proverbs 16:20; KJV). . . . he loveth him that followeth after righteousness
(Proverbs 15:9; KJV).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the
righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs . . . he heareth the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs
18:10; KJV). 15:29; KJV).

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable

Agur agreed, saying: to Jehovah than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3; ASV).

. . . [God] is a shield unto them that put their trust With that mutual trust the Lord permits us to
in him (Proverbs 30:5; KJV).
enjoy increasingly greater freedom to unleash
our creative potential. But being irresponsible
As individuals we are small and insignifi-
limits our freedom. As we do not allow young
cant in this vast and complicated universe. Our
children or drunks to drive automobiles, neither
insight and our foresight are exceedingly lim-
will the Lord free us beyond our level of matu-
ited. Of necessity we must rely a great deal upon
rity. As we mature in righteousness, we gain
our trust in the reliability of other people and the
freedom. Jesus said:
things in our world. One benefit of knowledge is
that it can increase our confidence in the Lord If you continue in my word, you are truly my
and His ways. We can increasingly recognize disciples, and you will know the truth, and the
truth will make you free (John 8:31; RSV).
that His ways are the ways of victory because
His wisdom enables us to ultimately succeed in
Paul wrote:
our struggles.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of
wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. slavery (Galatians 5:1; RSV).
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within
thee: they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That You, my friends, were called to be free men; only
thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known do not turn your freedom into license for your
to thee this day, even to thee (Proverbs 22:17-19; lower nature, but be servants to one another in love.
KJV). For the whole law can be summed up in a single
2
 commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he
But if you go on fighting one another, tooth and that is wise winneth souls (Proverbs 11:30; KJV).
nail, all you can expect is mutual destruction
(Galatians 5:13-15; NEB). A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast . . . .
(Proverbs 12:10; KJV).
V. GOODNESS . . . the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit (Proverbs
The righteous are the Lords obedient chil- 12:12; KJV).
dren in the world. We love Him as the good
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor. . . .
Father He is and seek to imitate all the noble (Proverbs 12:26; ASV).
virtues of life personified by His Son Jesus: love,
mercy, kindness, generosity, patience, humility, . . . the conduct of the pure is right (Proverbs 21:8;
RSV).
obedience, unselfishness, self-control, indus-
triousness, etc. These are the qualities that build When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
up and promote joy and peace. The righteous (Proverbs 21:15; RSV).
seek good in their thoughts. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory
. . . . (Proverbs 28:12; ASV).
The desire of the righteous is only good. . . .
(Proverbs 11:23; KJV). When the righteous are in authority the people
rejoice. . . . (Proverbs 29:2; KJV).
He who eagerly seeks what is good finds much
favour. . . . (Proverbs 11:27; NEB). The just man has a care for the rights of the poor
. . . . (Proverbs 29:7; NAB).
The thoughts of the righteous are right. . . .
(Proverbs 12:5; KJV). . . . the upright plan how to protect him [the
blameless man] (Proverbs 29:10; MOFFATT).
The mind of the righteous ponders before
answering. . . . (Proverbs 15:28; MLB).
Like the Lord our eternal Father, the righ-
. . . as for the upright, he gives thought to his way teous hate evil and oppose it.
(Proverbs 21:29; BAS).
A righteous man hates falsehood. . . . (Proverbs 13:5;
They use their speech to promote good. RSV).

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life. . . . The highway of the upright is to depart from
(Proverbs 10:11; RSV). evil. . . . (Proverbs 16:17; KJV).

The tongue of the just is as choice silver. . . . . . . he that keepeth his soul shall be far from them
(Proverbs 10:20; KJV). [the perverse] (Proverbs 22:5; ASV).

The lips of the righteous feed many. . . . (Proverbs . . . those who convict the evildoer will fare well,
10:21; KJV). and on them will come the blessing of prosperity
(Proverbs 24:25; NAB).
The lips of the righteous know what is
acceptable. . . . (Proverbs 10:32; KJV). . . . such as keep the law contend with them [the
wicked] (Proverbs 28:4; KJV).
. . . the speech of the upright saves them (Proverbs
12:6; NAB). An unjust man is an abomination to the
righteous. . . . (Proverbs 29:27; RSV).
. . . the words of the pure are pleasant words
(Proverbs 15:26; KJV). CONCLUSION
In short, the righteous have a strong affection
Indeed they use all their efforts to promote for the Lord and His noble ways, and so use both
what is right and good. They plan good works their minds and their bodies to carry out the
themselves and support the good works of others. Lords plans to promote all the ways of godliness
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life. . . . and oppose all the ways of ungodliness.
(Proverbs 10:16; KJV). Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Rewards of Righteousness

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy Right living, he said, produces good things
findeth life, righteousness and honor (Proverbs 21:21; to enjoy.
KJV).
. . . he [the Lord] blesseth the habitation of the just
(Proverbs 3:33; KJV).
INTRODUCTION
Does righteousness pay? Are there benefits Blessings are upon the head of the just. . . . (Proverbs
to right living? Solomon speaks of the intrinsic 10:6; KJV).
value of righteousness numerous times. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he
addeth no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22; KJV).
I. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES LIFE
. . . the desire of the righteous shall be granted
He said righteousness promotes a long life of (Proverbs 10:24; KJV).
growth and progress, whose work continues to
bear fruit even after death: . . . to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure
reward (Proverbs 11:18; KJV).
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul. . . .
perfect shall remain in it (Proverbs 2:21; KJV). (Proverbs 13:25; KJV).
. . . the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, . . . the dwelling of the upright shall prosper
which shines brighter and brighter until full day (Proverbs 14:11; ABPS).
(Proverbs 4:18; RSV).
In the house of the righteous is much treasure. . . .
The memory of the righteousness continues a
(Proverbs 15:6; KJV).
blessing. . . . (Proverbs 10:7; MLB).

. . . the righteous is established for ever (Proverbs . . . the blameless will have a goodly inheritance
10:25; RSV). (Proverbs 28:10; RSV).

Surely righteousness brings life. . . . (Proverbs 11:19; Blessed is the man who fears the Lord always. . . .
MLB). (Proverbs [Link] RSV).

. . . the house of the righteous shall stand (Proverbs III. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES
12:7; KJV).
HONOR
Life is in the way of the righteous, a pathway where Righteousness gives strength and favor.
there is no death (Proverbs 12:28; MLB).

A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, The way of the Lord is strength to the upright. . . .
blessed are his children after him (Proverbs 20:7; (Proverbs 10:29; KJV).
ASV).
A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord. . . .
He that pursueth righteousness and (Proverbs 12:2; KJV).
lovingkindness shall find life. . . . (Proverbs 21:21;
RHM). He that pursueth righteousness and
lovingkindness shall find . . . honour (Proverbs
21:21; RHM).
II. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES JOY
A righteous life is a joyful life. IV. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROMOTES
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness. . . .
SECURITY
(Proverbs 10:28; KJV). Godly living promotes peace and safety.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth. . . . (Proverbs Whoso walketh uprightly, walketh securely. . . .
13:9; KJV). (Proverbs 10:9; SPRL).
1
 . . . the seed of the righteous shall be delivered The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way
(Proverbs 11:21; KJV). straight. . . . (Proverbs 11:5; RSV).

When a mans ways please the Lord, he maketh The merciful man doeth good to his own soul. . . .
even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs (Proverbs 11:17; KJV).
16:7; KJV).
Righteousness guards him whose way is
. . . he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul upright. . . . (Proverbs 13:6; RSV).
(Proverbs 16:17; KJV).
. . . the good man gets satisfaction from his [ways]
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his (Proverbs 14:14; MLB).
soul. . . . (Proverbs 19:16; ASV).
. . . mercy and truth shall be to them that devise
good (Proverbs 14:22; KJV).
Through righteousness comes lasting secu-
rity. . . . the righteous finds refuge through his integrity
(Proverbs 14:32; RSV).
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry. . . .
(Proverbs 10:3; RSV). He that pursueth righteousness and
lovingkindness shall find. . . righteousness. . . .
The righteous shall never be removed. . . . (Proverbs (Proverbs 21:21; RHM).
10:30; KJV).
All of these benefitslong life, prosperity,
. . . the root of the righteous shall not be moved
(Proverbs 12:3; KJV). good reputation, security, and healthare natu-
ral consequences of right living. The righteous
No ill befalls the righteous. . . . (Proverbs 12:21; are the industrious, good citizens of the world.
RSV).
They earn their wages; they deserve the respect
Righteousness rescues one from crisis. of their friends and neighbors; they enjoy the
protection of the law; they maintain both their
. . . righteousness delivereth from death (Proverbs environment and their own bodiesall because
10:2; KJV). of their manner of living. Moreover, they leave
The righteous is delivered out of trouble. . . . the world a better place.
(Proverbs 11:8; KJV). Nevertheless, Solomon said that even righ-
teousness will not keep us from sorrow and pain.
. . . the just shall come out of trouble (Proverbs 12:13;
KJV).
This is a world permeated with evil, and it is the
Lords will that we patiently endure.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his
children shall have a place of refuge (Proverbs Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the
14:26; KJV). Lord delivereth him out of them all (Psalms 34:19;
RSV).
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the
righteous runneth into it, and is safe (Proverbs For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises
18:10; KJV). again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity
(Proverbs 24:16; RSV).
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved. . . .
(Proverbs 28:18; KJV).
Moreover, the worlds injustice tends to de-
CONCLUSION feat the Lords intention that righteousness be
Since the universal plans of the Lord include properly rewarded. Too often the Lord gives but
all the consequences of right living, therefore, the wicked take away. Solomon said, for ex-
the laws of nature insure blessings for righteous- ample, that many righteous people are kept poor
ness. Indeed, the very actions of the godly ini- because of oppression.
tiate a natural sequence of events designed by
the Lord to return to them the good they per- The fallow ground of the poor yields much food,
but it is swept away through injustice (Proverbs
forma rebound effect intended to reward their 13:23; RSV).
efforts.

The integrity of the upright guides them. . . . And our righteousness may even cost us our
(Proverbs 11:3; RSV). lives here on earth.
2
 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: apostles. But the Lord has a better life prepared
there is a just man that perisheth in his
righteousness. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:15; KJV).
for all the godly, no matter what happens here
under the sun.
Death was, in fact the fate of Jesus and His Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Who Is a Fool?
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: her come back nor do they regain the paths of life
(Proverbs 2:16-19; RSV).
but a man of understanding walketh uprightly (Prov-
erbs 15:21; KJV).
In other places in the Bible, sin in general is
The introductory portion of The Proverbs
characterized as adultery against the Lord. For
(the first 9 chapters) is almost entirely a plea to
example, the prophet Isaiah rebuked the people
get wisdom and to shun folly. Wisdom is per-
of Jerusalem, saying:
sonified in the form of a lovely woman, the
Grand Lady longing to supply our legitimate How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was
needs. In the last portion of the introduction full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but
(chapter 9) two pleas are heard. First, Wisdoms now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy
wine mixed with water: thy princes are rebellious,
plea is this: and companions of thieves: everyone loveth gifts
[bribes], and followeth after rewards: they judge
Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the
seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts, she widow come unto them (Isaiah 1:21-23; KJV).
has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She
has sent out her maids to call from the highest
places in the town, Whoever is simple, let him And Jeremiah spoke these words:
turn in here! To him who is without sense she says,
Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I The Lord said to me in the days of King Josiah:
have mixed. Leave simpleness, and live, and walk Have you seen what she did, that faithless one,
in the way of insight. (Proverbs 9:1-6; RSV). Israel, how she went up on every high hill and
under every green tree, and there played the harlot?
And I thought, After she has done all this she will
Then, another plea is heard, a similar plea by return to me; but she did not return, and her false
another kind of woman: sister Judah saw it. She saw that for all the
adulteries of that faithless one, Israel, I had sent
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and her away with a decree of divorce; yet her false
knoweth nothing (KJV). She sits at the door of her sister Judah did not fear, but she too went and
house, on a seat by the city highways, calling to played the harlot. Because harlotry was so light to
those who pass by, who are keeping straight on her, she polluted the land, committing adultery
their ways (AAT). Whoso is simple, let him turn in with stone and tree. Yet for all this her false sister
hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, Judah did not return to me with her whole heart,
she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread but in pretense, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 3:6-10;
eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that RSV).
the dead are there; and that her guests are in the
depths of hell (KJV) (Proverbs 9:13-18). Ezekiel gave a more lengthy example. (See
Ezekiel 23.) John, in his great vision told of,
Folly is behavior in violation of the Lords
divine plans, and it, too, is personified in the . . . Babylon the great, mother of harlots and of
form of a woman; but this one is a seductive earths abominations (Revelation 17:5; RSV).
temptress offering immediate pleasure for sin to
those ignorant of its deadly penalties. One of Only the Lord is all-wise. Everyone is igno-
wisdoms benefits is that she will protect from rant of many things! Frequently, we do not know
this wicked woman whom I call dame Folly. what to do: The wise man looks for someone who
does have knowledge, and he learns from him. If
You will be saved from the loose woman, from the this is not possible, and he is forced to act, the
adventuress with her smooth words, who forsakes wise man will rely upon all he does know to
the companion of her youth and forgets the
covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to suggest a solution; then he respondsslowly
death, and her paths to the shades; none who go to and with caution. We may fail because of un-
1
avoidable ignorance or misinformation and suf- Jesus also warned against uttering that accusa-
fer because of it, but there is no condemnation in tion rashly against a brother. He said:
not having knowledge. Jesus once told some
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with
Pharisees: his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever
insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and
If you were blind, you would have no guilt. . . . whoever says, You fool! shall be liable to the hell
(John 9:41; RSV). of fire (Matthew 5:22; RSV).

And Paul wrote: II. FOLLY SYMBOLIZED

One-fourth of the introduction to Proverbs
. . . I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and consists of a warning against adultery; not sim-
insulted Him [Jesus]; but I received mercy because ply the sex-act, but the whole process of folly and
I had acted ignorantly in unbelief. . . . (1 Timothy
1:13; RSV). evil. The cost of ignoring wisdom is not merely
the loss of her benefits. There are severe penal-
I. FOLLY DEFINED ties: distress and panic, fear and anguish, pov-
The word fool, in its broadest sense, refers to erty and disgrace, calamity, destruction, even
those who think or act without knowledge and death. Their cries for mercy will be ignored in
understanding. Such behavior may be limited to the same way they ignored the cries of wisdom.
a particular circumstance. For example, it is re- Wisdom cries aloud in the street; in the markets
corded that Jesus called some of his beloved she raises her voice; on the top of the walls she
cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
disciples fools when they could not believe How long, O simple ones, will you love being
that He had risen from the dead. Jesus admon- simple? How long will scoffers delight in their
ished them, saying: scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to
my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts
to you; I will make my words known to you.
O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
prophets have spoken! (Luke 24:25; KJV).
have stretched out my hand and no one has
heeded, and you have ignored all my counsel and
On other occasions He referred to people as would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh
fools when they did not think right. For example, at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes
you, when panic strikes you like a storm, and your
Matthew recorded an occasion when He sternly calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and
chastised the scribes and Pharisees, saying: anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon
me, but I will not answer; they will seek me
diligently but will not find me. Because they hated
Woe to you, blind guides, who say, If anyone
knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone
would have none of my counsel, and despised all
swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by
my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their
his oath. You blind fools! For which is greater, the
way and be sated with their own devices. For the
gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
simple are killed by their turning away, and the
And you say, If anyone swears by the altar, it is
complacence of fools destroys them; but he who
nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift that is on
listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease,
the altar, he is bound by his oath. You blind men!
without dread of evil. (Proverbs 1:20-32; RSV).
For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes
the gift sacred? (Matthew 23:16-19; RSV). . . . shame shall be the promotion of fools (Proverbs
3:35; KJV).
Everyone is a fool in the sense that everyone
But he that sinneth against me [wisdom] wrongeth
is a sinnerno one is perfect. Whenever one acts his own soul: all they that hate me love death
unthinkingly, he deserves that title. Neverthe- (Proverbs 8:36; KJV).
less, not everyone is a chronic fool any more than
. . . a prating fool shall fall (Proverbs 10:8; KJV).
everyone is a chronic sinner. Chronic fools are
those who willingly and persistently reject and . . . fools die for want of wisdom (Proverbs 10:21;
KJV).
forsake the Lords wisdom. It can occur in child-
hood or in adult life. Chronic fools deserve con- . . . the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart
demnation. They have willfully refused to ac- (Proverbs 11:29; KJV).
cept the gifts of the Grand Lady of God and have, . . . he that hateth reproof is brutish (Proverbs 12:1;
instead, chosen to consort with dame Folly. But KJV).
2
 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed. . . . took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the
(Proverbs 13:13; KJV). bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and
slept. But at midnight there was a cry, Behold, the
Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores bridegroom! Come out to meet him. Then all those
instruction. . . . (Proverbs 13:18; RSV). maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the
foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil,
. . . the correction of fools is their folly (Proverbs for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied,
16:22; ASV). Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for
you; go rather to the dealers and buy for
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not yourselves. And while they went to buy, the
good. . . . (Proverbs 19:2; KJV). bridegroom came, and those who were ready went
in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury. . . . shut. Afterward the other maidens came also,
(Proverbs 19:10; RSV). saying, Lord, lord, open to us. But he replied,
Truly, I say to you, I do not know you. Watch
. . . he that is careless in his ways shall die (Proverbs therefore, for you know neither the day nor the
19:16; ASV). hour (Matthew 25:1-13; RSV)

Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to stray

from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27; Children may be said to be of the acute
RSV). developmental type of fool, but the Bible does
The man that wandereth out of the way of not actually classify them fools. Children, in
understanding shall rest in the assembly of the whose heart Solomon said folly abounds, are not
dead (Proverbs 21:16; ASV). called fools because they have not had the op-
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, portunities of time and experience to learn right
even his prayer shall be abomination (Proverbs and wrong. They are simple-minded, undevel-
28:9; KJV). oped, naive, gullible. They are inexperienced to
the dangers of the worldtoo trusting and too
III. FOLLY CLASSIFIED careless.
Fools are those who have both the potential
and the opportunity to learn, but either refuse to The simple believeth every word. . . . (Proverbs
learn, to begin with, or, after having once learned, 14:15; KJV).
abandon wisdom and return back into folly.
. . . the simple pass on and are punished (Proverbs
These I call developmental and regressive fools, 22:3; KJV).
respectively. Regressive fools are those who,
having developed their minds with knowledge . . . the simple pass on, and suffer for it (Proverbs
27:12; ASV).
and understanding, abandon it and indulge
themselves in dissipation with dame Folly.
Unless children are disciplined and trained,
A special kind of fool is, perhaps, the most
their development becomes stagnant; and they
tragic of allthe spiritual fool. He is the man
degenerate into a state of mental barbarism, hav-
who ignores knowledge about his spiritual life
ing mature bodies with primitive mindsthe
and refuses to prepare for his souls eternal des-
chronic developmental fool.
tiny. No matter how brilliant a mans intellect, or
how skilled he may be in worldly affairs, if he
The simple inherit folly. . . . (Proverbs 14:18; KJV).
pays no attention to the gospel of Jesus, he is a
spiritual fool. Jesus told this parable to warn
against being spiritually foolish: CONCLUSION
Two paths diverge in front of each man: the
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to path of foolishness and the path of wisdom. One
ten maidens who took their lamps and went to leads to ruin; the other leads to happiness and
meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish,
and five were wise. For when the foolish took their joy. Which will you take?
lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

3
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Evolution of Sin

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians
10:13; KJV).
burned? (Proverbs 6:28; KJV).
Wisdom (in its fullest sense) refers to all the
A wise mind heeds warnings. But rejecting
ways of performing righteousness; folly refers to
wisdom creates a mentality that fails to appreci-
all of the ways of committing sin. Since adultery
ate the dangers of illicit pleasure. Solomon made
personifies folly, we may, therefore, generalize
this plea:
the dynamics of adultery to all forms of sin.
Examining the process of adultery, described by And now O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to
Solomon, reveals an interesting pattern involv- the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn
aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. . . .
ing what appears to be three stages. (Proverbs 7:24, 25; RSV).

I. THE FIRST STAGE: VULNERABILITY Solomon also described how those who are
For any one kind of sin, the folly process victimized by dame Folly often reflect back to
begins with a state of mindone lacking under- the beginning and make confession of their re-
standing about the sin. But a lack of understand- bellious attitude:
ing does not necessarily mean complete igno-
rance about it. Often those who succumb to the And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and
thy body are consumed, and say, How have I hated
sin have acquired an intellectual awareness of its instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and
forbidden nature. What is lacking is an accep- have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor
tance of, or trust in the knowledge. This lack of inclined my ear to them that instructed me!
(Proverbs 5:11-13; KJV).
conviction may be the result of either a tempo-
rary lapse from wisdom or it may reflect a chronic The final step in the first stage involves expe-
state of rejection. But whether for a foolish mo- riencing alluring temptations (to be found wher-
ment or a lifetime, when wisdom is forsaken the ever the spirit of Satan is active) which arouse
mind becomes defenseless; and, thus, vulner- the appetites. Sin is said to be deceitful (see
able to temptation. Dame Folly calls the simple Hebrews 3:13) because it misleads its victims. It
those without understanding: offers an immediate reward, like bait on a hook.
For at the window of my house I looked through Thus refusal to recognize warnings, plus height-
my casement: and beheld among the simple ones, ened arousal equals little resistance. Dame Folly
I discerned among the youths, a young man void (the strange woman) flatters and seduces with
of understanding, passing through the street near
her corner; and he went the way to her house. In a variety of smooth tactics, all designed to attract
the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark and captivate.
night. . . . (Proverbs 7:6-9; KJV).
. . . [wisdom will] . . . deliver thee from the strange
Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! And to woman, even from the stranger which fIattereth
him who is without sense she says. . . . (Proverbs with her words. . . . (Proverbs 2:16; KJV).
9:16; RSV).
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an
Paul said that the Lord always provides a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil . .
. . (Proverbs 5:3; KJV).
way of escape from temptation:
With much seductive speech she persuades him;
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is with her smooth talk she compels him (RSV). He
common to man: but God is faithful, who will not goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the
suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks
but will with the temptation also make a way to (KJV) (Proverbs 7:21, 22).
1
 II. THE SECOND STAGE: INDULGENCE yield yourselves to God as men who have been
brought from death to life, and your members to
Thus the stage is set for committing the for- God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will
bidden deed, which, in turn, opens the curtain have no dominion over you. . . . Do you not know
for act two of the morbid drama. When sin is that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient
slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey,
committed, it then gives its rewardimmediate either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience,
pleasureto reinforce the sin. Dame Folly says: which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to
God, that you who were once slaves of sin have
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret become obedient from the heart to the standard of
is pleasant (Proverbs 9:17; KJV). teaching to which you were committed, and,
having been set free from sin, have become slaves
of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms,
Each time the particular sin is committed, because of your natural limitations. For just as you
resistance to temptation is lowered until the once yielded your members to impurity and to
greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your
behavior becomes so habitual that the person members to righteousness for sanctification.
loses his power of choice. Pleasure and appetite When you were slaves of sin, you were free in
go together, and indulging one heightens the regard to righteousness. But then what return did
you get from the things of which you are now
other. Thus the victim no longer needs to be ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now
lured or enticed because he has become caught that you have been set free from sin and have
in the grip of his own feelingshis cultivated become slaves of God, the return you get is
sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages
appetite has become a craving which cannot be of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life
ignored. He is entrapped in a deep, narrow pit. in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:12-14, 16-23;
His sin is now a depraved need which has be- RSV).
come so much a part of his body that, somehow,
even its healthy physiochemical system is al- Peter wrote a similar warning:
tered (pierced by an arrow).
. . . those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion
and despise authority. . . . like irrational animals,
. . . till an arrow pierces its entrails: as a bird rushes
creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed,
into a snare: he does not know that it will cost him
reviling in matters of which they are ignorant. . . .
his life (Proverbs 7:23; RSV).
For, uttering loud boasts of folly, they entice with
licentious passions of the flesh men who have
The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that
barely escaped from those who live in error. They
is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein (Proverbs
promise them freedom, but they themselves are
22:14; KJV).
slaves of corruption; for whatever overcomes a
man, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:10, 12, 18, 19;
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman
RSV).
is a narrow pit (Proverbs 23:27; KJV).

The behavior is now practiced, not only for In addition to adultery Solomon mentions
the pleasure it gives, but also to escape the pain the most famous addictionalcoholism:
of resistance or abstinence. The most familiar Struck me, have they? But Im not hurt. Beaten me?
modern example of this process may be seen in I dont feel anything. When shall I wake up? . . . Ill
those who are addicted to various drugs (being ask for more of it (Proverbs 23:35; JB).
such a common moral plague today). Yet addic-
tion to drugs is only one of many ways a person But Solomons words suggest other addic-
can fall victim to dame Folly. Indeed, the Bible tions or compulsions not often considered to be
teaches that all habitual sin will enslave. Jesus such. He told, for example, of the craving that
said emphatically: motivates those addicted to the excitement of
predation. He also mentioned the habitual hot-
Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits head. He spoke of the slothful man who wants to
sin is a slave to sin (John 8:34; RSV). earn a living, but, being addicted to idleness, he
loses the struggle with his body.
And Paul said:
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some
to make you obey their passions. Do not yield your to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and
members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but drink the wine of violence (Proverbs 4:16, 17; KJV).
2
 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty; for if ing spiral or a vortex. The ignorant and foolish
you deliver him, you will only have to do it again
(Proverbs 19:19; RSV).
ride along the edge enjoying the pleasure, flirt-
ing with its dangers. But once over the edge, the
The desire of the slothful killeth him, for his hands descent begins. Each time the cycle of lust-sin-
refuse to labor (Proverbs 21:25; KJV).
pleasure is repeated, they swirl downward sink-
ing deeper into the dark hole, losing control of
III. THE THIRD STAGE: DEGENERATION
themselves. They have flirted with folly and lost.
The last stage in the folly process involves
They have forsaken wisdom and made them-
the cumulative consequences of folly on the ad-
selves foolsregressive fools.
dict. Continuing with the analysis of adultery
Indulging in sin leads to the development of
the general model of follyconsider Solomons
addictions, compulsions, and foolish habits.
description of its tragic climax:
There are, of course, an enormous variety of
. . . in the end she [dame Folly] is bitter as
ways in which to sin. Moreover, there are many
wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet predisposing factors and unique circumstances
go down to death; her steps take hold on Sheol which can lead a person to become enslaved to a
(Proverbs 5:4, 5; ASV). particular sin. But the basic pattern appears com-
Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy mon: ignorance (promoted by refusing to heed
years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with warnings) creates vulnerability to temptation
thy wealth: and thy labours be in the house of a
stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh
which leads to sin. The pleasures of sin then
and thy body are consumed. . . . (Proverbs 5:9-11; encourage habitual indulgence, which eventu-
KJV). ally develops into a compulsion that threatens
A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his the health and well-being of the individual.
reproach shall not be wiped away (Proverbs 6:33;
KJV). CONCLUSION
It appears that this process which I call the
Folly, being a general term for diseases of the folly vortex is the common denominator un-
spirit, is a degenerative process that ultimately derlying every way to indulge in follywhether
leads to death. Speaking about dame Folly Solo- in mind or in body, whether in the perversion of
mon said: some natural good or in the creation of some
unnatural evil, whether in a neglect or in some
None that go unto her return again, neither take
they hold of the paths of life (Proverbs 2:19; KJV).
excess (even, it seems, in gaining wisdom and
performing righteousness if other important
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, all duties are neglected). (See Ecclesiastes 7:16.)
her slain are a mighty host (ASV). Her house is the
way to hell, going down to the chambers of death Whether it concerns the way we think, reason,
(KJV) (Proverbs 7:26, 27). feel, talk; or the way we react to our bodys
needs, appetites, and impulses; or the way we
As a process, Solomons description of dame deal with material possessions and peoplein
Folly reminds me of the pitcher planta car- any aspect of our lifehabitual sin enslaves.
nivorous one that feeds on insects. It attracts The folly process also explains, more clearly
them by displaying a colorful appearance and I believe, the relationship between personal re-
secreting sweet nectar at the region of its mouth. sponsibility and the disease components within
The nectar serves two other functions: it has an many forms of mental illness. In the past few
anesthetizing effect, and it lubricates the area years some health professionals have begun to
making it very slippery. There are also hair pro- notice the addiction threat in some of the more
jections oriented toward and down the throat common contemporary vices. William R. Miller,
making entrance easy but escape difficult. Once author of The Addictive Behaviours: Treatment of
lured inside, the victim is drawn down by the Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Smoking, & Obesity, pub-
force of gravity (accelerated by its own activity), lished in 1980, wrote about the growing aware-
eventually falling into a pool of digestive fluid. ness of . . . possible commonalities among these
In another way, perhaps, we can look upon seemingly diverse problems.1 More recently,
the entire process as something like a descend- Patrick Carnes published The Sexual Addiction, in
3
which he makes the following statement: First, though not at all conspicuous, will eventually
become known (1 Timothy 5:24, 25; PME).
addiction taps into the most fundamental hu-
man process. Whether the need is to be high, to Treatment for those who are addicted to folly
be sexual, to eat, or even to workthe addictive appears to differ little from that used to cure folly
process can turn creative, life-giving energy into in children: a spirit of humility with the right
destructive, demoralizing compulsivity.2 Al- mental orientation (penitence); a willingness to
though sin can create mental disease, the chronic endure much suffering; and the establishment of
sinner who becomes helplessly addicted to his good habits of living. These are the basic ingredi-
sin, is no more innocent than the burglar found ents in the Lords prescription for everyones
trapped inside the chimney of a house he was spiritual health. This message permeates the Bible.
trying to enter and rob. Regarding madness, The key to cure, however, is the state of a persons
Solomon said that it is an extreme form of folly: will. How a person chooses to live has a certain
effect on the health of his body, but it has an even
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to
seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to more profound effect on the health of his soul.
know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness The courageous efforts of a physician (or a team of
and madness. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:25; KJV). physicians) can save the life of a man whose body
The beginning of the words of his mouth [the fools] is in critical condition only if the body cooperates.
is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous No amount of effort in the part of another (no! not
madness (Ecclesiastes 10:13; KJV). even the Lord) can save ones soul unless his spirit
chooses to cooperate. It is the nature of freedom. For
It seems in this world we are never free from
example, Jeremiah said:
the potential for madness. Like the germs in and
around our bodies, madness is ever ready to For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though
undermine our health. Solomon said: he cause grief, he will have compassion according
to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does
not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad. . . . (Lamentations 3:31-33; RSV).
(Ecclesiastes 7:7; KJV).

. . . the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and Ezekiel said:
madness is in their heart while they live, and after
that they go to the dead (Ecclesiastes 9:3; KJV). Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked,
says the Lord God, and not rather that he should
turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23; RSV).
The modern term for chronic madness is
psychosis, and the most prevalent psychosis is Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel,
everyone according to his ways, says the Lord God.
schizophrenia. Perhaps many cases of schizo- Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest
phrenia involve the folly-vortex. For example, iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the
individuals who overindulge in careless fanta- transgressions which you have committed against
sies may become addicted to fantasizing, thereby me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new
spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I
losing control of their thought processes. have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the
Of course, just as in physical disease, the Lord God; so turn, and live (Ezekiel 18:30-32; RSV).
severity of a particular compulsion on the
persons life will vary, depending primarily upon The Lord cannot save us without our coop-
the nature of the behaviour itself. Some addic- eration because He has voluntarily limited His
tions may be only mildly irritating bad habits, omnipotence. He has limited Himself in order to
whereas others may develop into devastating share His divinity with us, so that we can be-
addictions. Moreover, some may be obvious to come sons of God. But in order to fulfill that
all, whereas others may remain hidden. Paul potential, we must use the freedom He has given
mentioned this, saying: us to model His holiness. Peter wrote these words
of encouragement:
Remember that some mens sins are obvious, and
are equally obviously bringing them to judgment. Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your
The sins of other men are not apparent, but are hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at
dogging them, nevertheless, under the surface. the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children,
Similarly some virtues are plain to see, while others, do not be conformed to the passions of your former
4
ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy FOOTNOTES
yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, 1
William Miller, The Addictive Behaviors: Treatment of
You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16; Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Smoking, & Obesity (New York:
RSV). Pergamon Press, 1980).
2
Patrick Carnes, The Sexual Addiction (Minneapolis:
Walter Porter Compucare Publications, 1983).

Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

5
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Portrait of a Fool

A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish A fool despises his fathers instruction. . . . (Proverbs
15:5; KJV).
man despiseth his mother (Proverbs 15:20; KJV).
When a man so utterly rejects wisdom as a Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the
youth he retains the mentality of a child. This way; and he that hateth reproof shall die (Proverbs
15:10; KJV).
state of mind has its root in a reversal of the
desired orientation of will: one that loves what it He that refuseth correction despiseth his own
should hate and rejects what it should receive. soul. . . . (Proverbs 15:32; ASV).
His emotional-motivational orientation is in the A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only
wrong direction. in expressing his opinion (Proverbs 18:2; RSV).

I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A FOOL Fools hate discipline and education; instead,

From the first chapter of Proverbs, we find what they love is what they should hate.
that fools blindly reject all knowledge, advice,
and counsel. They hate knowledge; refuse to It is as sport to a fool to do mischief. . . . (Proverbs
listen and fail to heed; spurn advice and have 10:23; KJV).
nothing to do with wisdoms reproof; and do not . . . it is abomination to fools to depart from evil
choose the fear of the Lord; have none of (Proverbs 13:19; KJV).
wisdoms counsel and despise all her reproof; Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom. . . .
turn away from wisdom and remain complacent (Proverbs 15:21; ASV).
in ignorance. Notice their resistance to learning:
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth
How long, O simple ones, will you love being to his folly (Proverbs 26:11; KJV).
simple? How long will scoffers delight in their
scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to Having a backwards mental orientation, fools
my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts
to you; I will make my words known to you. are incapable of acquiring knowledge and un-
Because I have called and you refused to listen, derstanding.
have stretched out my hand and no one has
heeded, and you have ignored all my counsel and . . . in the heart of fools it [wisdom] is not discernable
would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh (Proverbs 14:33; LXX).
at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes
you, when panic strikes you like a storm, and your Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to
calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it (Proverbs
anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon 17:16; KJV).
me, but I will not answer; they will seek me
diligently but will not find me. Because they hated Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his
knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, mouth in the gate (Proverbs 24:7; KJV).
would have none of my counsel, and despised all
my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their
way and be sated with their own devices. For the
Thus, fools lack self-control and are slaves of
simple are killed by their turning away, and the their primitive impulses and urges.
complacence of fools destroys them. . . . (Proverbs
1:22-31; RSV). . . . a fool throws off restraint and is careless. A man
of quick temper acts foolishly. . . . (Proverbs 14:16,
Solomon continued, saying: 17; RSV).

. . . he who rejects reproof goes astray (Proverbs . . . he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly (Proverbs
10:17; RSV). 14:29; KJV).

. . . he that hateth reproof is brutish (Proverbs 12:1; . . . every fool will be quarrelling (Proverbs 20:3;
KJV). ASV).
1
 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool The fool folds his hands together and consumes
only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet his own flesh (Ecclesiastes 4:5; JB).
(Proverbs 29:9; RSV).
The toil of a fool wearies him, so that he does not
A fool gives full vent to his anger. . . . (Proverbs know the way to the city (Ecclesiastes 10:15; RSV).
29:11; RSV).
Having mature bodies governed by a childs
Be not quick to anger, for anger lodges in the bosom
of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9; RSV). mentality makes them troublesome, destructive,
and dangerous.
Their impulsiveness gives them immediate
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the
gratification and thereby, it deceives them. foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs
14:1; KJV).
. . . the folly of fools is deceiving (Proverbs 14:8;
RSV). Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs,
rather than a fool in his folly (Proverbs 17:12; RSV).
Like children they are transparent, easily . . . a foolish man swalloweth it [precious treasure]
exposed as fools. up (Proverbs 21:20; ASV).

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fools

A fool shows instantly that he is angry. . . . (Proverbs provocation is heavier than both (Proverbs 27:3;
12:16; MOFFATT). RSV).
. . . fools proclaim their folly (Proverbs 12:23; RSV).
Their speech mirrors their nature: primitive,
. . . a fool flaunteth his folly (Proverbs 13:16; ASV). unrestrained, useless and/or destructive. Like a
. . . folly is the garland of fools (Proverbs 14:24; RSV). wildfire, it wanders about both generating heat
and feeding upon it; and, because of the rebound
. . . that which is in the inward part of fools is made effect, it is a major cause of their own grief.
known (Proverbs 14:33; RV).

A fool has only to walk along the road and, having . . . the mouth of the foolish hastens ruin (Proverbs
no sense, he makes plain to all what a fool he is 10:14; MLB).
(Ecclesiastes 10:3; MLB).
. . . he that uttereth a slander is a fool (Proverbs
10:18; RV).
Their primitive minds are egocentricinca-
pable of objective judgment about right and The speech of a fool is a rod for his back. . . .
(Proverbs 14:3; NEB).
wrong.
. . . the mouth of fools poureth out folly (Proverbs
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. . . . 15:2; ASV).
(Proverbs 12:15; KJV).
. . . the mouths of fools feed on folly (Proverbs 15:14;
The foolish scoff at guilt. . . . (Proverbs 14:9; RHM). RSV).

. . . the fool rageth and is confident (Proverbs 14:16; Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is
KJV). false speech to a prince (Proverbs 17:7; RSV).

When a mans folly brings his way to ruin, his heart A fools lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a
rages against the Lord (Proverbs 19:3; RSV). flogging. A fools mouth is his ruin, and his lips
are a snare to himself (Proverbs 18:6, 7; RSV).
He who trusts in his own mind is a fool. . . .
(Proverbs 28:26; RSV). He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it
is folly and shame unto him (Proverbs 18:13; KJV).
Fools lack both the will and the ability to He who goes about gossiping reveals secrets;
perform concentrated labor, preferring to chase therefore do not associate with one who speaks
foolishly (Proverbs 20:19; RSV).
wild schemes.
Like a lame mans legs, which hang useless, is a
. . . he who follows worthless pursuits has no sense proverb in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:7; RSV).
(Proverbs 12:11; RSV).
As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard,
. . . a stupid mans eyes are roving everywhere so is a parable in the mouth of fools (Proverbs 26:9;
(Proverbs 17:24; NEB). KJV).
2
 If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool liable to erupt into a fit, and create violence of
only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet
(Proverbs 29:9; RSV).
one kind or another, depending upon whatever
impulse most directs them. Being totally self-
. . . the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning centered, their disregard for the feelings of oth-
of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the ers naturally generates friction. Thus, they are
end of his talk is wicked madness. A fool multiplies
words, though no man knows what is to be, and quarrelsome and often in conflict with others.
who can tell him what will be after him? They are easily recognized because they are so
(Ecclesiastes 10:12-14; RSV). transparent. They expose themselves like little
children. They are as obvious as a raucous, stag-
II. THE COMPOSITE PICTURE gering drunk man in a saloon. They announce to
The complete picture looks something like all that they are dumb, immature, stupid, sense-
this: Fools are those who resist developing their less dolts. They broadcast the message that they
minds. They are proud, self-satisfied, compla- are clowns and fools. They dont have sense
cent individuals who are just too lazy to put enough to care. They cannot see far enough
forth the effort to develop. They hate good ad- ahead to know the grief that they bring upon
vice because it condemns their way of life, and in themselves. If forced to labor, they quickly be-
their pride they cannot endure criticism. They come exhausted and confused. They require con-
only abuse those who try to correct them. Their stant oversight and supervision, which is deeply
dreaded enemy is pain. They cannot bear disci- resented. The results of their efforts are usually
pline and the discomfort that goes along with it. bungling failures. Like hogs in ones house, they
Therefore, they cannot endure work or study. are out of place with, and unfit for, fine things.
Knowledge is just too tiresome to achieve, and so Properly cared for, goods can last for years; but
they ignore all opportunities to learn and gain an at their hands, they age and wear out overnight.
education. Indeed, they prefer the easy way of Like everything else about them their language
remaining ignorant. Their primitive minds de- is unrestrained, excessive, abusive, vulgar, and
ceive them into thinking that they know best senseless. Having no intelligent knowledge, they
what is good for them; and what is good for them talk of stupidity and comedy. It is unproductive
is immediate pleasure. Their god is pleasure, and unhealthy; it is without redeeming value.
and they devote their lives to it. They live for the Worst, it is provocative and irritating, like the
moment. Whatever makes them feel good, what- constant barking of dogs. They hate anyone who
ever brings the most enjoyment the quickest way speaks intelligently of knowledgeable things;
is what they dobe it drug abuse, sexual license, not understanding, they just mock and laugh in
reckless driving, vandalism, brutality, theft, response. Their unrestrained use of talk often
senseless talk, or simply lazy idleness. They love gets them into trouble simply because it is so
the wild abandon of unrestrained freedom. It irritating and insulting.
gives them a thrill to vandalize, deface, plunder,
injure, and destroy. They perceive life to be a CONCLUSION
crazy game, and they love to laugh at it. They These kinds of people may look funny on a
live impulsively, and their impulsiveness and screen; but in real life they are miserable to be
lack of sense make them victims of circumstances. around. Their lives involve a constant tumultu-
Their brutish minds cannot think. They have no ous cycle between the thrills of pleasure and the
intellect to direct them or to help them solve sorrows of grief. They are tragic, pathetic crea-
problems. And so, faced with difficulty, they tures both to be pitied and condemned because
become frustrated, helpless, invalid. Under stress they are at once blind victims of their primitive
they become agitated. If the stress is threatening, nature, while at the same time, they have freely
they like cattle, panic and go berserk. When chosen to live that way; and they hurt everyone
provoked, they instantly show their wrath and who tries to improve them. This type of compos-
give full vent to it; and they are easily provoked. ite mentality appears to be such a threat to child-
They are thin-skinned, touchy, and hot- hood that almost the entire introduction to Prov-
tempered as a matter of temperament. Beware erbs (consisting of one-third of the book) is a plea
of them! At the slightest provocation they are directed toward the young, urging them to ac-
3
quire wisdomthe only treatment that will ei- will bring thee into judgment (KJV). Therefore,
remove anger from your heart, and put away evil
ther prevent or cure the malady. Solomons words from your flesh; for youth and ignorance are vanity
my son, sons, children are used to address the (LAM) (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10).
reader about twenty times within those first six
pages of Proverbs. Solomon warned the young Developing ones mind is a responsibility
against indulging in a devil-may-care, happy- that is decidedly personal; and so, too, are the
go-lucky life. Do not play it away in ignorance consequences.
and pleasure, he said:
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but
if thou scornest, thou alone shall bear it (Proverbs
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy
9:12; KJV).
heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk
in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine
eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

What to Do with Fools

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that
giveth honour to a fool (Proverbs 26:8; KJV).
thou also be like unto him (Proverbs 26:4; KJV).
As an archer that woundeth all, so is he that hireth
INTRODUCTION a fool and he that hireth them that pass by (Proverbs
26:10; ASV).
Solomon gave instructions on dealing with
fools. His instructions at places seem to be a
contradiction, but when they are viewed in con-
III. DO NOT EXCUSE THEM
text there is harmony. If you are in authority and are required to
maintain order, it is your responsibility to pun-
I. DO NOT GO DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL ish and control fools. This is especially true of
Solomon said to not go down to their level. parents, because they share in the fruits of their
He said to give them what they deserve, if it is childrens behavior.
within your power, otherwise simply avoid
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is
them. a sorrow to his mother (Proverbs 10:1; RSV).

. . . a companion of fools shall be destroyed A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man
(Proverbs 13:20; KJV). despiseth his mother (Proverbs 15:20; KJV).
Leave the presence of a man who is a fool, for you Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is
will not discern words of knowledge there a companion of riotous men shameth his father
(Proverbs 14:7; MLB). (Proverbs 28:7; KJV).
Speak not in the ears of a fool; for he will despise
the wisdom of thy words (Proverbs 23:9; KJV). But no matter how much fools may be pun-
ished, the ultimate cure for this malady does not
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou
also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to come from without.
his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit (Proverbs
26:4, 5; KJV). Though you should pound the fool to bits with the
pestle, amid the grits in a mortar, his folly would
not go out of him (Proverbs 27:22; NAB).
II. DO NOT GIVE THEM
RESPONSIBILITY CONCLUSION
He also advised to neither praise them nor The fool, of his own free will, must initiate an
give them responsibility. You will only suffer for attitude change. External consequences can only
your efforts. offer encouraging incentives. If, and when, he
Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor reverses his mental orientation and becomes
is not fitting for a fool (Proverbs 26:1; RSV). motivated to shun folly and love learning, he is
no longer a fool. He can then begin the long and
He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts
off his own feet and drinks violence (Proverbs 26:6; arduous task of mental development.
RSV). Walter Porter
Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

1
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Portrait of the Wicked

He plots mischief while in his bed; he sets himself Peter wrote this warning:
in a way that is not good; he spurns not evil (Psalms
36:4; KJV). Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some
One of wisdoms benefits is that wisdom one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith. . . .
protects from the wicked man. (1 Peter 5:8, 9; RSV).

To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from This mysterious, powerful adversary of righ-
the man that speaketh froward things; who leave teousness, father of all the wicked is no ordinary
the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of
darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the
fool. He may be very subtle, but he is not wise.
frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are Better words would be cunning, sly, crafty,
crooked, and they froward in their paths. . . . shrewd, wily; and so too are those men who
(Proverbs 2:12-15; KJV).
imitate his waysthe wicked of the world. But
no matter how intelligent a wicked man may
The wicked are the very antithesis of the
appear to us, in the sight of the Lord he is,
righteous. They contrast in a special way be-
indeed, a great fool.
cause of their primary nature; the righteous ap-
ply the Lords wisdom correctly, whereas the For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,
wicked pervert and misapply it. The wicked and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities
shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be
man is a special type of regressive foolone holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die
who uses his intelligence to create folly. King without instruction: and in the greatness of his folly
David said: he shall go astray (Proverbs 5:21-23; KJV).

. . . he has ceased to act wisely and do good. He Remember, Solomon said:

plots mischief while in his bed; he sets himself in a
way that is no good; he spurns not evil (Psalms To premeditate folly is sin. . . . (Proverbs 24:9; SPRL).
36:3, 4; RSV).
It is the wicked man who premeditates folly.
Jesus told of their origin. Speaking to His
enemies He said: . . . [the wicked] deviseth evil continually. . . .
(Proverbs 6:14; ASV).
You are of your father the devil, and your will is A worthless man plots evil. . . . (Proverbs 16:27;
to do your fathers desires. He was a murderer RSV).
from the beginning, and has nothing to do with
the truth, because there is not truth in him. When He [a violent man] shutteth his eyes to devise
he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, froward things. . . . (Proverbs 16:30; KJV).
for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44;
RSV). . . . for their minds devise violence. . . . (Proverbs
24:2; RSV).
I. A DECEITFUL MAN
Deceit is the major weapon of the wicked Wisdom, Solomon said, is something like
man, and with it he gains power; power he uses money; it is a resource. Knowledge and under-
to prey upon others. John spoke of Satan as standing are assets. They give strength.
follows: A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge
increaseth strength (Proverbs 24:5; KJV).
. . . that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil
and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. . . . For wisdom is a defense; even as money is a
(Revelation 12:9; RSV). defense. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:12; ASV).
1
 II. A PERVERSIVE MAN pursue the transient pleasures of sin. Their men-
A wicked man is one who takes this resource tal orientation is similar to that of all fools
and uses it wrongfully. Sound wisdom cannot be backwards from what it should be. They love
used wrongfully. What the wicked man does is what they should hate, and they hate what they
to take what he knows of the divine plans of the should love.
Lords truth and he makes changes here and
alterations there, producing an inferior muta- . . . [they] rejoice in doing evil and delight in the
perverseness of evil (Proverbs 2:14; ASV).
tion. His knowledge, therefore, becomes per-
verted. Wisdom is somewhat like an apple. An For they sleep not, except they have done mischief;
apple is food providing nourishment and energy and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause
some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness,
for the body. But an apple can rot. When it rots, and drink the wine of violence (Proverbs 4:16, 17;
we no longer call it food. The wicked mans mind KJV).
is rotten, no longer worthy to be called truly . . . he [the Lord] thwarts the craving of the wicked
wise. Because these kinds of men have freely (Proverbs 10:3; RSV).
chosen to corrupt His truth, they are an abomina-
. . . the hope of the wicked is transgression (Proverbs
tion to God even more than a rotten apple is to 11:23; YLT).
us.
The wicked desires to do evil. . . . (Proverbs 12:12;
Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose LAM).
any of his ways; for the perverse man is an
. . . he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him
abomination to the Lord. . . . The Lords curse is on
[the Lord] (Proverbs 14:2; KJV).
the house of the wicked. . . . (Proverbs 3:31-33; RSV).
An evil man seeketh only rebellion (Proverbs 17:11;
. . . in whose heart is perverseness, who deviseth KJV).
evil continually. . . . (Proverbs 6:14; ASV).
The soul of the wicked desires evil. . . . (Proverbs
. . . [the Lord hates] a heart that devises wicked 21:10; RSV).
plans. . . . (Proverbs 6:18; RSV).

. . . the heart of the wicked is little worth (Proverbs III. A HAUGHTY MAN
10:20; KJV). The wicked are men who have acquired some
Men of perverse mind are an abomination to the understanding and have come to appreciate the
Lord. . . . (Proverbs 11:20; RSV). value of knowledge, but they have become puffed
. . . a man of wicked devices will he condemn
up with pride. Solomon said:
(Proverbs 12:2; KJV).
Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord and
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; KJV).
the Lord. . . . (Proverbs 15:8; KJV).
An high look, and a proud heart, even the lamp of
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4; RV).
Lord. . . . (Proverbs 15:9; KJV).

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to Paul said:

the Lord. . . . (Proverbs 15:26; KJV).
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up
The Lord is far from the wicked. . . . (Proverbs 15:29; (1 Corinthians 8:1; NIV).
KJV).

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how IV. A HYPOCRITICAL MAN

much more when he brings it with evil intent The wicked think that with the power of their
(Proverbs 21:27; MLB).
knowledge they can sin with impunity. They use
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he their major weapondeceitto prey upon oth-
overthroweth the words of the transgressor ers. Wisdom is light; it informs, it reveals what is
(Proverbs 22:12; KJV).
true and right. Paul defined light in this broad
sense, saying:
Like the fool, the wicked man is a product of
a defective will. By their own choice, the wicked . . . whatsoever doth make manifest is light
pervert their minds away from sound wisdom to (Ephesians 5:13; KJV).
2
 Darkness, then, is either absence of informa- eyes to devise froward things; moving his lips he
bringeth evil to pass (Proverbs 16:29, 30; KJV).
tion or misinformation. The fool gropes in dark-
ness because he lacks knowledge. The wicked An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar
man lurks in darkness because he creates it; he giveth ear to a mischievous tongue (Proverbs 17:4;
ASV).
deliberately misinforms to gain advantage. I do
not know whether it is possible to deceive inani- . . . and their [evil mens] lips talk of mischief
mate matter (now that science speaks of machine (Proverbs 24:2; KJV).
intelligence), but living things are vulnerable to . . . when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for
misinformation. The wicked misinform in order there are seven abominations in his heart; though
to weaken and to manipulate others (to soften his hatred be covered with guile, his wickedness
will be exposed in the assembly (Proverbs 26:25;
them up) and in order to escape the just conse- RSV).
quences of what they do.
Magicians and actors also use deception (al- They are two-faced people who speak with
though they are not necessarily deceitful). But I a forked-tongue. They utilize an underground
respect them both because they admit doing so. language to communicate with their accomplices,
They do so to entertain and/or to educate. The while misleading their hapless victims.
wicked are hypocrites pretending to be what
they are not, in order to gain selfish advantage A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with
to prey upon the unsuspecting. They are the crooked speech. He winks with his eyes, he signals
with his feet, he makes signs with his fingers
vermin of human society. Beware of what they (Proverbs 6:12, 13; LAM).
say. The messages they send out are designed to
entice, to lure, to mislead. Their signals are treach- He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow. . . .
(Proverbs 10:10; KJV).
erous ones. They are the proverbial wolves in
sheeps clothing. Paul warned:
V. A VIOLENT MAN
. . . even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Doing violence does not always refer to a
So it is not strange if his servants also disguise literal attack against the body of another. There
themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end
will correspond to their deeds (2 Corinthians 11:14,
are more subtle, indirect ways to shed blood.
15; RSV). There are (for want of a better expression) white-
collar ways to devour others: tactics especially
Solomon said: popular with the better educated predators of
the world, such as plundering, oppressing, and
. . . the mouth of the wicked conceals violence
(Proverbs 10:6; MLB). destroying peoples lives without laying a hand
upon them. Of course, in most cases it is all
. . . the mouth of the wicked concealeth violence perfectly legal, that is, according to human
(Proverbs 10:11; JPS).
law. These include ways to commit violence
. . . the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse things with ones mouth, such as the use of obscure or
(Proverbs 10:32; LAM).
ambiguous laws, fine print agreements, half-
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his truths, innuendo, gossip, flattery, and the like.
neighbor. . . . (Proverbs 11:9; RV). Isaiah rebuked the leaders of Israel, saying:
. . . the counsels of the wicked are deceit (KJV). The
words of the wicked are a deadly ambush. . . . The Lord has taken his place to contend, he stands
(NAB) (Proverbs 12:5, 6). to judge his people. The Lord enters into judgment
with the elders and princes of his people: It is you
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil. . . . who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the
(Proverbs 12:20; RSV). poor is in your houses. What do you mean by
crushing my people, by grinding the face of the
. . . the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things poor? says the Lord God of hosts (Isaiah 3:13-15;
(Proverbs 15:28; KJV). RSV).

. . . his [the worthless mans] speech is like a

scorching fire (Proverbs 16:27; RSV).
Micah said:

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil
him into a way that is not good. He shutteth his upon their beds! When the morning dawns, they
3
 perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. VII. A CRUEL MAN
They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and
take them away; they oppress a man and his house, These men of perverted mind neither know
a man and his inheritance (Micah 2:1, 2; RSV). the meaning of real justice,
And I [the Lord] said: Hear, you heads of Jacob A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom,
and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to to pervert the ways of justice (Proverbs 17:23; ASV).
know justice?you who hate the good and love
the evil, who tear the skin from off my people, and . . . but [justice done is] dismay to evildoers
their flesh from off their bones; who eat the flesh (Proverbs 21:15; RSV).
of my people, and flay their skin from off them,
and break their bones in pieces, and chop them up Evil men understand not justice (Proverbs 28:5;
like meat in a kettle, like flesh in a caldron. Then ASV).
they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer
them; he will hide his face from them at that time,
because they have made their deeds evil (Micah nor do they show mercy;
3:1-4; RSV).
. . . he [the wicked man] soweth discord (Proverbs
To a later generation Ezekiel said: 6:14; KJV).

. . . the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel

Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of (Proverbs 12:10; KJV).
Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and
execute justice and righteousness; cease your . . . his neighbor finds no mercy in his [the wicked
evictions of my people, says the Lord God (Ezekiel mans] eyes (Proverbs 21:10; RSV).
45:9; RSV).
. . . the wicked man has no such concern [for the
VI. A CROOKED MAN rights of the poor] (Proverbs 29:7; NAB).
Life, recall, is like a journey in the night. The
way of righteousness is like a pathway; and if we and they hate the upright.
walk in the light of truth, our steps will not
The bloodthirsty hate the upright. . . . (Proverbs
wander from it. But (like all fools) the wicked 29:10; KJV).
man vacillates his behavior; here obedient and
lawful, there rebellious and criminal. They may . . . he whose way is straight is an abomination to
the wicked (Proverbs 29:27; RSV).
live right or live wrong at any one time, depend-
ing upon purely selfish goals. They feel free to
walk the path of righteousness or to deviate into CONCLUSION
darkness as the situation requires. Right and The way of the wicked is an abomination to
wrong have no objective meaning for them; God, because they use both their minds and their
whatever benefits them personally counts. There- bodies to bring harm and sorrow to the innocent.
fore, they live crooked lives. Solomon said:

To deliver thee from the way to the evil man, from These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are
the man that speaketh froward things; who leave an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying
the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an
darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that
frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that
crooked, and they froward in their paths . . . . seeketh lies, and he who soweth discord among
(Proverbs 2:12-15; KJV). brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19; KJV).

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not In two of Davids psalms, there is a good
in the way of evil men, avoid it, pass not by it, turn
from it, and pass away (Proverbs 4:14, 15; KJV). summary description of these kinds of men:

. . . the hands of the wicked produce sins (Proverbs In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let
10:16; LXX). them be caught in the schemes which they have
devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his
. . . a wicked man acts shamefully and disgracefully heart, and the man greedy for gain curses and
(Proverbs 13:5; RSV). renounces the Lord. In the pride of his countenance
the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are,
The way of the guilty is crooked. . . . (Proverbs 21:8; There is no God. His ways prosper at all times;
RSV). thy judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for
4
 all his foes, he puffs at them. He thinks in his heart, into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their
I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I end. Truly thou dost set them in slippery places;
shall not meet adversity. His mouth is filled with thou dost make them fall to ruin. How they are
cursing and deceit and oppression; under his destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by
tongue are mischief and iniquity. He sits in ambush terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes,
in the villages; in hiding places he murders the on awaking you despise their phantoms. When my
innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the hapless, soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
he lurks in secret like a lion in his covert; he lurks I was stupid and ignorant, I was like a beast toward
that he may seize the poor, he seizes the poor when thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou
he draws him into his net. The hapless is crushed, dost hold my right hand. Thou dost guide me with
sinks down, and falls by his might. He thinks in thy counsel, and afterward thou wilt receive me to
his heart, God has forgotten, he has hidden his glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there
face, he will never see it (Psalms 10:2-11; RSV). is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee.
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For For lo, those who are far from thee shall perish;
he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity thou dost put an end to those who are false to thee.
cannot be found out and hated. The words of his But for me it is good to be near God; I have made
mouth are mischief and deceit; he has ceased to the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all thy
act wisely and do good. He plots mischief while works (Psalm 73; RSV).
on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he spurns not evil (Psalms 36:1-4; RSV).
When we are young and lacking in much
wisdom, we seem especially vulnerable to join-
Until the individual gains enough insight to
ing in league with the more physical kind. It
understand its deadly nature, there can be temp-
takes less skill, and they seem to offer such an
tation to enter their paths and to walk in their
easy way to get rich. Solomon said:
ways. Observing their successes can make one
envious. Solomon pleaded: My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If
they say. Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood,
Be thou not envious against evil men; neither desire let us wantonly ambush the innocent; like Sheol
to be with them (Proverbs 24:1; KJV). let us swallow them alive and whole, like those
who go down to the Pit; we shall find all precious
Fret not thyself because of evil-doers; neither be goods, we shall fill our houses with spoil; throw in
thou envious at the wicked. For there shall be no your lot among us, we will all have one purse
reward to the evil man: the lamp of the wicked shall (Proverbs 1:10-14; RSV).
be put out (Proverbs 24:19, 20; ASV).
Solomon went on to warn those who may be
One of the Psalmists describes the tempta- tempted, to look ahead toward the future:
tion with greater detail:
. . . my son, do not walk in the way with them,
Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are hold back your foot from their paths; for their feet
pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost run to evil, and they make hast to shed blood. For
stumbled, my steps had well nigh slipped. For I in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird; but
was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the these men lie in wait for their own blood. They set
prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs; an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways
their bodies are sound and sleek. They are not in of all who get gain by violence; it takes away the
trouble as other men are; they are not stricken like life of its possessors (Proverbs 1:15-19; RSV).
other men. Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment. Their eyes swell
out with fatness, their hearts overflow with follies.
The wicked are, indeed, shortsighted fools;
They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they playing a deadly game of Russian roulette. For
threaten oppression. They set their mouths against any one act the odds are in their favor. Thus, they
the heavens, and their tongue struts through the usually get away with their mischief for a while.
earth. Therefore the people turn and praise them,
and find no fault in them. And they say, How can But the longer they indulge in it, and the more
God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? they play the vicious game, sooner or later the
Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they hammer finds the full chamber.
increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart
clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all Jesus issued a special warning about certain
the day long I have been stricken, and chastened kinds of wicked men who prey upon others,
every morning. If I had said, I will speak thus, I while claiming to speak for God. They can be
would have been untrue to the generation of thy
children. But when I thought how to understand detected by the way they live and by the results
this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went of their manner of living.
5
 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in rational thought in a poem which she called
sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes
Motele.
gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So,
every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree From tomorrow on,
bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, I shall be sad
nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that From tomorrow on!
does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown Today I shall be gay.
into the fire. Thus you will know them by their What is the use of sadnesstell me that?
fruits (Matthew 7:15-20; RSV). Because these evil winds begin to blow?
Why should I grieve tomorrowtoday?
Walter Porter Tomorrow may be so good, so sunny,
Tomorrow the sun may shine for us again,
We will no longer need to be sad.
From tomorrow on, I shall be sad
ILLUSTRATION From tomorrow on!
Not today; no! today I will be glad.
And every day, no matter how bitter it be,
From Tomorrow On I shall say:
From tomorrow on, I shall be sad.
A Child in the Warsaw Ghetto left this inspi- Not today!

Copyright, 1984, 2004 by Truth for Today

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

6
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

The Punishment of the Wicked

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not risks. But they are incapable of either anticipat-
be unpunished: . . . (Proverbs 11:21; KJV). ing or preventing what will ruin them because
Solomon expressed many times over the vari- they walk in darkness surrounded by traps (see
ous harsh penalties to expect for those who lived Proverbs 13:15, 21; 24:15, 16; 28:1).
wickedly. He also said their punishment is guar-
anteed (see Proverbs 14:22; 24:20). The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know
not at what they stumble (Proverbs 4:19; KJV).
. . . certainly the evil-doer will not go free from
punishment. . . . (Proverbs 11:21; BAS). The crooked mans path is set with snares and
pitfalls. . . . (Proverbs 22:5; NEB).
A man shall not be established by wickedness. . . .
(Proverbs 12:3; KJV). But the wicked are eventually exposed to
people and justly condemned (see Proverbs 12:8;
Like fast-growing weeds, the wicked may 18:3; 24:8).
quickly become big and overbearingdepend-
ing upon their opportunities and their cunning . . . he who perverts his ways will be found out
but their successes are deceptive because they (Proverbs 10:9; RSV).
have no future (see Proverbs 10:24, 28; 11:7, 18;
15:6; 17:20). II. THE WICKED ARE PURSUED
BY THE LAW
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing. . . . The power of law enforcement and the jus-
(Proverbs 10:2; KJV).
tice system is designed to oppose and punish
them (see Proverbs 17:11; 21:15).
I. THE WICKED ARE REJECTED
BY THE LORD A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth
If the Lord sees any hope for a man, in His the wheel over them (Proverbs 20:26; KJV).
great mercy and patience He will try to correct
him. But if he continually rebels, even the Lord Most awesome is the curse of God that is upon
will give up on him (see Proverbs 28:14; 29:1). the wicked (see Proverbs 10:3; 12:2; 15:29; 22:12).

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; The curse of the Lord is in the house of the
neither be weary of his correction: for whom the wicked. . . . (Proverbs 3:33; KJV).
Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son
in whom he delighteth (Proverbs 3:11, 12; KJV). III. THE WICKED ARE AFFLICTED
BY EVIL
When the Lords wrath descends upon them,
Indeed, having anticipated rebellion, the Lord
their end will be swift. Catastrophe will strike
made provision within His divine plans for deal-
them from any one of a host of directionslegal
ing with the rebellious. Remember, Solomon said:
or illegal, human or accidental (see Prov-
erbs 3:25; 10:25; 28:18). The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even
the wicked for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4; KJV).
. . . therefore calamity will come upon them
suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond
healing (Proverbs 6:15; RSV).
Paul also said:
What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to
These kinds of transgressors know they are make known his power, has endured with much
doing wrong, and they know there are many patience the vessels of wrath made for destruction,
1
 in order to make known the riches of his glory for exceptions to everything; and a wicked man may
the vessels of mercy, which he has prepared
beforehand for glory, even us whom he had called,
live long and prosper (see Ecclesiastes 8:14).
. . . (Romans 9:22-24; RSV).
In my vain life I have seen everything; there is a
righteous man who perishes in his righteousness,
In his infinite wisdom the Lord has built into and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in
the laws of nature the consequences of wicked- his evil-doings (Ecclesiastes 7:15; RSV).
ness, even as the rewards of righteousness are
built into the universal design plans of God. Yet Solomon said the days of the wicked are
Ironically, the very behavior of the wicked ini- numbered:
tiates their own punishment; it sets in motion a Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his
train of events (often imperceptible to us) that days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be
causes the evil they create to rebound upon their well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall
own heads. It may be years in coming, but the he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because
consequences are as inevitable as are the growth he feareth not before God (Ecclesiastes 8:12, 13; KJV).
of crops when the farmer buries seeds beneath
the surface (see Proverbs 11:3, 5, 6, 17, 19, 27; Even though crooked men may escape their
12:13, 26; 13:6; 14:14, 32; 21:7; 22:8; 28:10; 29:6). punishment here on earth, hell awaits them in
the next life. Jesus uttered a curse upon these
. . . these men lie in wait for their own blood, they kinds of men (Matthew 23:23-33).
set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the
ways of all who get gain by violence; it takes away CONCLUSION
the life of its possessors (Proverbs 1:18, 19; RSV). Many people have been deceived into thinking
By his own iniquities the wicked man will be that since the coming of Christ, the Lord is more
caught, in the meshes of his own sin he will be held tolerant and forgiving toward sin. Such is not the
fast (Proverbs 5:22; NAB). case. Jesus often told of the greater strictness de-
manded of the Christian life. For example, He said:
IV. THE WICKED ARE HAUNTED
BY THE FUTURE You have heard that it was said to the men of old,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable
Like the Nazis of Germany, the glory of the to judgment But I say to you that every one who
wicked soon perishes and fades into a contemptuous is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment;
memory (see Proverbs 10:29, 30; 12:7; 13:9; 14:11). whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the
counsel, and whoever says, You fool! shall be
liable to the hell of fire (Matthew 5:21, 22; RSV).
. . . the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and
the treacherous shall be rooted out of it (Proverbs You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit
2:22; ASV). adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks
at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery
. . . the name of the wicked shall rot (Proverbs 10:7; with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27, 28; RSV).
KJV).
The letter to the Hebrews was written to
. . . the years of the wicked will be shortened
(Proverbs 10:27; KJV). contrast the old (Mosaic) and the new (Chris-
tian) covenants. Its writer warned of the fate of
V. THE WICKED ARE CURSED those who reject Jesus (see Hebrews 10:26-31;
BY ETERNITY 12:25). How shall we escape if we neglect so
great a salvation?
Those that do survive lose their freedom, and
whatever goods they may have accumulated are For if the message declared by angels was valid
given to the righteous (see Proverbs 21:12, 18). and every transgression or disobedience received
a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect
such a great salvation? It was declared at first by
. . . the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who
(Proverbs 13:22; KJV). heard him, while God also bore witness by signs
and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own
the gates of the righteous (Proverbs 14: 19; KJV). will (Hebrews 2:2-4; RSV).

But remember, in this vain world, there are Walter Porter

2 Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Feelings: Self-Love
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love Better is open rebuke than secret love (Proverbs
27:5; KJV).
thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39; KJV).
Love of self is a desirable quality. We have
INTRODUCTION worthgreat worth. The value of one human
Feelings are a vital part of the mind, helping soul exceeds that of all the wealth of the world.
to arouse the body to action. A wise man will Remember, Jesus said:
know how and when to express them.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the
To everything there is a season, . . . a time to weep, whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall
and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to the man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew
dance; . . . a time to embrace, and a time to refrain 16:26; KJV).
from embracing; . . . a time to love, and a time to
hate; . . . (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, 8; KJV).
I. THE ARROGANT SPIRIT
Excessive self-love is a vice. We call it pride
A wise man will also know how and when to
and arrogance. It includes an emotional compo-
restrain them. Self-control is a fundamental part
nent called a haughty spirit, which generates
of living wisely; and, Solomon said, without it a
aggressiveness, rashness, and wantonness that
man is weak and defenseless.
leads to strife and trouble. It also includes an
intellectual componentexcessive self-esteem
A man without self-control is like a city broken into
and left without walls (Proverbs 25:28; RSV). which is a value judgment about self-worth that
reflects a false perception of ones strengths and
Happiness/unhappiness involves feelings of weaknesses. Being a false perception, it inevita-
joy and pleasure, sorrow and pain, which are bly leads to conflicts with reality. Arrogance
related to the state of the soul. Hope and fear typically includes belittling other people, caus-
refer to anticipated happiness/unhappiness. ing one to behave unjustly by overstepping
Pride, humility, anger, jealousy, and envy all proper bounds and restrictions. When people
involve forms of love and hate. discover it, they naturally resent it and oppose
The concept of love (like wisdom) has a its unfairness (see Proverbs 3:34; 11:2; 12:9; 15:25;
very deep meaning. Indeed it appears that 16:5, 18; 17:19; 18:12; 26:12; 29:23; 30:32).
love is even greater than wisdom, for the Lord
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife. . . .
Himself is said to personify love (see 1 John (Proverbs 28:25; KJV).
4:8, 16). It would require a whole book to even
attempt to do justice to this great concept. The scoffer appears to be a special kind of
Love involves a force that works with wisdom proud man. He is another type of foolone who
to manifest productive behavior. Solomon not only rejects knowledge, but also actively and
urged that we cultivate our loves and hates openly opposes it (see Proverbs 1:22; 14:6; 21:24).
carefully and wisely. Loving and hating by Scoffers are especially troublesome and dan-
instinct, reflex, and chemistry are the ways gerous (see Proverbs 22:10; 24:9).
of fools. Loving and hating with hypocrisy are
the ways of the wicked. As with every kind of Scoffers set a city in flame. . . . (Proverbs 29:8; ASV).
force, love should be restrained and directed
properly; but Solomon said that prolonged However, as in dealing with ordinary fools,
restraint is undesirable: unless one is in a position of authority, it is not
1
advisable to contend with fools (see Proverbs . . . to the humble he [the Lord] shows favor
(Proverbs 3:34; RSV).
9:7, 8; 13:1; 15:12).
Pride is probably the most deadly vice of the . . . with the humble is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2; RSV).
mind. It appears to be a root cause of rebellion
. . . before honour is humility (Proverbs 15:33; KJV).
against the Lord.

A high look, and a proud heart, even the lamp of Humility does not involve timidity or cow-
the wicked is sin (Proverbs 21:4; RV). ardice. Jesus was certainly not timid, and Paul
was not a coward. For example, Paul once wrote:
Pride (the lamp of the wicked) leads one
away from the paths of righteousness. Satan I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and
gentleness of ChristI who am humble when face
that powerful dragon who sent an army, a bolt of to face with you, but bold to you when I am
lightning, and a tornado against all that Job away!I beg of you that when I am present I may
possessedwas described by the Lord as, not have to show boldness with such confidence
as I count on showing against some who suspect
us of acting in worldly fashion (2 Corinthians 10:1,
. . . king over all the children of pride (Job 41:34; 2; RSV).
RSV).

There is danger in receiving more than we

When Paul wrote Timothy, warning him
are prepared to receive. Remember, Paul said
against exalting someone prematurely, he said:
that knowledge puffs up; and both Solomon and
. . . pride might turn his head and then he might be Agur said that wealth brings pride. Agur added
condemned as the devil was condemned heady success (see Proverbs 30:1-4, 7-9, 18, 19,
(1 Timothy 3:6; JB). 21-23).

II. THE HUMBLE SPIRIT The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor
Humility involves the right kind of self- man who is intelligent sees through him (Proverbs
28:11; NAB).
love, and it is a vital quality of the mind if one
is to be wise and righteous. Humility includes
Agurs meaning is unclear to me, but I sug-
an accurate self-perception, a realistic and hon-
gest the following: He is greatly humbled by his
est appraisal of ones strengths and weak-
terrible ignorance; he cannot know the Lord and
nesses, an appreciation for ones relative in-
His Son who created all things, nor can he under-
significance in this vast universe. But humility
stand all of the complexity of even the simplest
goes beyond simple self-perception. It also
ordinary things. Perhaps the lesson, then, is that
includes a subdued, submissive, and gentle
the facts of reality should be enough to keep each
spirit reflecting self-control of feelingsa qual-
of us humble. No matter how much we may
ity of maturity that Jesus praised, saying that
learn, we still know so little.
kind of spirit will inherit both heaven and
earth: Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest
not what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1;
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the KJV).
kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3; KJV).

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth Paul wrote in like manner to discourage us
(Matthew 5:5; KJV). from insisting on understanding the deepest mys-
teries:
An honest self-concept, a gentle spirit, and
an attitude of submission are all qualities of Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into
heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down) or Who
humility that make for a willingness to elevate will descend into the abyss? (that is, to bring Christ
others over oneself for a higher good. A humble up from the dead) (Romans 10:6, 7; RSV).
spirit reflects a wise mind; and, in gratitude,
others will reward and honor the humble man as III. THE BROKEN SPIRIT
he becomes known (see Proverbs 16:19; 18:12; Humility appears to be a balance between
22:4; 25:27; 27:2; 29:23; Ecclesiastes 7:8). two extremes: pride, which involves excessive
2
self-love, and a broken spirit, that involves a loss Remember, too, that excessive punishment
of self-love, which can be a tragic disease of the can break the spirit. It takes not only love and
soul. wisdom, but also courage to apply just punish-
ment, because the application of punishment
A mans spirit will endure sickness; but a broken hurts its administrator as well as its recipient.
spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14; RSV).
When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthian
church, it contained many criticisms against
Not only can a broken spirit paralyze the
them. In his second letter, he revealed the sorrow
mind, but it can also afflict the body.
he felt as he wrote that first letter:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a
broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22; KJV). For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me
glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote
as I did, so that when I come I might not be pained
There appears to be only one circumstance by those who should have made me rejoice, for I
when a broken spirit is desirable, and that is felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the
joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much
during penance following guilt, when self- affliction and anguish of heart and with many
mortification is necessary. After Davids great tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know
sin, he asked the Lords forgiveness. That prayer the abundant love that I have for you
(2 Corinthians 2:2-4; RSV).
was recorded in one of the Psalms where he
said:
Paul knew that excessive or unjust punish-
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a ment can break the spirit, because to another
broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not church he said:
despise (Psalm 51:17; RSV).
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they
Normally, however, a broken spirit is not a become discouraged (Colossians 3:21; RSV).
healthy reaction. But like many aspects of this
troubled life, it is an ever present threat, and all Therefore, when Paul wrote the Corinthian
of the things that cause sorrow predispose us to church later, he gave these instructions regard-
it. ing a man that he had rebuked:

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not
by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken (Proverbs to me, but in some measurenot to put it too
15:13; KJV). severelyto you all. For such a one this
punishment by the majority is enough; so you
should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or
And the loss of hope is a major contributor to he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I
a broken spirit. beg you to reaffirm your love for him (2 Corinthians
2:5-8; RSV).
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but when the
desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12; IV. THE PERFECTIONIST SPIRIT
KJV).
There is another threat. Perfectionism results
in never-ending feelings of dissatisfaction, which
Remember the tragedy Solomon spoke about
can destroy self-esteem. Perhaps this is included
that broke a mans spirit?
in the meaning of these words:
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under
the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, Be not righteous over much, and do not make
and those riches were lost in a bad venture; and he yourself overwise; why should you destroy
is a father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. yourself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16; RSV).
As he came from his mothers womb he shall go
again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing But Solomon also warned against going too
for his toil, which he may carry away in his hand.
This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall far in the other direction:
he go; and what gain has he that he toiled for the
wind, and spent all his days in darkness and grief, Be not wicked over much, neither be a fool; why
in much vexation and sickness and resentment? should you die before your time? (Ecclesiastes 7:17;
(Ecclesiastes 5:13-17; RSV). RSV).
3
 CONCLUSION We must take care that the right kind of self-
A wholesome self-respect and love is neces- love is created and developed. The wrong kind
sary for happy and righteous living. Jesus said, can destroy; the right kind can bring happiness
Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). and balance.
He implied that a kind of self-love is proper. Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Feelings: The Anger Triplets

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous
words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1; KJV).
city that is broken down, and without walls (Prov-
erbs 25:28; KJV). A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a reward in the
bosom strong wrath (Proverbs 21:14; KJV).
INTRODUCTION
Anger, jealousy, and envy are related. There- Many times daily we experience irritations
fore we will call them the anger triplets. Solomon and frustrations. The wise keep control of their
discusses each of these triplets. emotions, but there are those who indulge
themselves in ventilating their wrath. They are
I. ANGER fools, easily provoked, who carry anger to
Anger appears to be a type of hatred. It is an excess. It becomes an addiction. They create
emotion of displeasure, and is a natural reaction much trouble for themselves and for others.
to being offended. There is no sin in becoming Those who try to correct them waste their
angry (although uncontrolled anger, such as rage, time. Solomon also warned others against frat-
is wrong). The Bible mentions many times the ernizing with them lest they, too, succumb to
wrath of God. For example the prophet the vice (see Proverbs 14:17, 29; 19:19; Ecclesi-
Zephaniah said: astes 7:9).

A fool shows instantly that he is angry. . . . (Proverbs

Therefore wait for me, says the Lord, for the
12:16; MOFFATT).
day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to
gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out
Make no friendship with a man that is given to
upon them in indignation, all the heat of my anger:
anger; and with a wrathful man thou shalt not go;
for in the fire of my jealous wrath all the earth shall
lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul
be consumed (Zephaniah 3:8; RSV).
(Proverbs 22:24, 25; ASV).

But whether justified or not, our anger rarely These men are always fomenting trouble and
motivates constructive or creative enterprises. It strife (see Proverbs 29:22).
typically fuels punishment and destructiveness.
James said: A hot tempered man stirs up strife. . . . (Proverbs
15:18; RSV).
Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man
be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for
the anger of man does not work the righteousness
The right use of anger takes great self-
of God (James 1:19, 20; RSV). control. Understanding helps a man be slow in
developing it. For example, infants and young
Anger can be painfully violent. Wise men children quickly become angry at things because
will seek ways to turn it away (see Proverbs 27:4; they do not understand the basic laws of nature,
29:8). whereas adults rarely become angry at things.
Wise men also understand the basic nature of
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but people, and it is a mark of distinction for them to
a wise man will pacify it (Proverbs 16:14; KJV).
overlook an offense. Patience has always been a
Solomon said the best defense against wrath, characteristic of wisdom (see Proverbs 16:32;
once aroused, is to calm it down, perhaps with a 19:11; Ecclesiastes 7:9).
gentle word, or perhaps by providing compen- He that is slow to wrath is of great
sation privately for the offense that provoked it: understanding. . . . (Proverbs 14:29; KJV).
1
 And Paul warned against harboring anger: compensation nor be appeased though you
multiply gifts (Proverbs 6:32-35; RSV).
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down
on your anger (Ephesians 4:26; RSV). III. ENVY
Envy is undesirable since it involves unjusti-
II. JEALOUSY fied anger and love. Solomon especially warned
Jealousy and envy appear to be compound against envying the wicked who may appear
emotions involving both anger and love. Jealousy successful and happy (see Proverbs 24:1, 19).
is a desirable emotion when used to guard lawful
relationships. In the Bible, the Lord is often said to Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of
his ways (Proverbs 3:31; KJV).
be jealous of His people. Husbands are justly
jealous of their wives and children when someone Let not thine heart envy sinners; but be thou in the
or something threatens the relationship. Jealousy fear of the Lord all the day long (Proverbs 23:17;
KJV).
can be the most fierce emotion. Solomon said:
Envy is an unhealthy state of mind that can
Fury is fierce, and anger is overflowing; but who
standeth before jealousy (Proverbs 27:4; ASV). afflict the body like a deadly disease. A wise man
will keep it out of his heart.
. . . jealousy is cruel as the grave: . . . (Song of
Solomon 8:6; RSV). The life of the body is a tranquil heart, but envy is
a cancer in the bones (Proverbs 14:30; JB).
When Solomon warned about adultery, he
said: CONCLUSION
Let us take care that the anger triplets are not
He who commits adultery has no sense; he who our downfall. We have been adequately warned
does it destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will by Solomon. The wise listen to the words of
he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not Scripture.
spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no Walter Porter
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2
 PREACHING FROM WISDOM LITERATURE

Feelings: Happiness and Sorrow

There is nothing better for a man than that he Other sources of joy that Solomon mentions
should . . . find enjoyment in his toil (Ecclesiastes (which I quote under separate headings) include
2:24; RSV). good words, wise children, successful achieve-
ment, various other physical comfortsindeed,
INTRODUCTION all the fruits of righteousness are designed to
Joy and pleasure, sorrow and pain are oppo- bring us the kind of joy and happiness that the
site feelings related to the state of the body and the pleasure-seeking sinner cannot experience (see
spirit. Solomon mentioned many honorable Ecclesiastes 2:26).
sources of joy and pleasure. Most important is the
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but
happiness obtained through acquiring wisdom. he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh (Proverbs
11:17; KJV).
I. HAPPINESS AND THE EVERYDAY
JOYS OF LIFE II. SORROW AND THE COMMON
Remember our common everyday sources of STRUGGLES OF LIFE
comfort. Of course they do not comprise the There are senseless, wasteful forms of plea-
whole of life, but the Lord has provided them for sure.
us all to help compensate for the sorrows of
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the
existence in this world. These include: the satis- laughter of the fool: this also is vanity (Ecclesiastes
faction of our daily needs (see Ecclesiastes 3:12, 7:6; KJV).
13; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7),
There are pleasures that eventually cause
There is nothing better for a man than that he sorrow and lead to grief. These are the many
should eat and drink. . . . (Ecclesiastes 2:24; KJV). different vices practiced by foolsthose imme-
diate pleasures which eventually add to the sor-
our work (see Ecclesiastes 3:13, 22; 5:18), rows of the world and bring grief to those who
indulge in them.
There is nothing better for a man than that he
should . . . find enjoyment in his toil (Ecclesiastes
There are many sources of sorrow and pain.
2:24; RSV). Indeed, this whole existence is a perpetual state
of sorrow mixed with joy. Even the greatest of
our possessions (see Ecclesiastes 9:8), our pleasures are inevitably accompanied with
some degree of discomfort.
Any man to whom God gives riches and property,
and grants power to partake of them, so that he Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of
receives his lot and finds joy in the fruits of his toil, joy is grief (Proverbs 14:13; RSV).
has a gift from God. For he will hardly dwell on
the shortness of his life, because God lets him busy And the more we expand our conscious-
himself with the joy of his heart (Ecclesiastes 5:19,
20; NAB). ness of reality, the more we experience sorrow.
Remember these words:
and our wives.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that
increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days (Ecclesiastes 1:18; KJV).
of your vain life, which he has given you under
the sun, because that is your portion in life and in
your toil at which you toil under the sun Yet there is value in sorrow. It tends to make
(Ecclesiastes 9:9; RSV). us more serious, and life is best taken seriously.
1
The wise do not let themselves forget that sor- Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those
who weep (Romans 12:15; RSV).
row is a natural part of this life, and every mans
earthly happiness ends in the tragedy of death.
All of the things that bring joy and pleasure
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to can be used to combat sorrow and pain; includ-
go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all ing drugs that anesthetize and sedate (intended
men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow for medicinal purposes).
is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the
countenance the heart is made better. The heart of Procure strong drink for a man about to perish,
the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart wine for the heart that is full of bitterness: let him
of fools is in the house of mirth (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4; drink and forget his misfortune, and remember his
KJV). misery no more (Proverbs 31:6, 7; JB).

CONCLUSION Walter Porter

Feelings of joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain,
are used to promote wisdom and to encourage
righteous living. Justly applied, they can be pow- THOUGHTS ON WISDOM
erful and effective sources of feedback regarding
the consequences of actions. But justice does not To all mankind He has given her in some mea-
always prevail in this life, and sometimes the sure, but in plenty to those who love Him.
consequences of actions seem to reward sin and The Apocrypha, Ecclesiasticus 1:10
punish godliness, thus encouraging more evil.
Wisdom was first of all created things; intelli-
Because sentence against an evil work is not gent purpose has been there from the begin-
executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons ning.
of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes
8:11; KJV). The Apocrypha, Ecclesiasticus 1:4

The innocent often suffer with the guilty. Wisdom shines bright and never fades; she is
Nevertheless, it is wise to reflect carefully upon easily discerned by those who love her, and by
ones life when many sorrows come, in order to those who seek her she is found.
see what may perhaps need correcting, because, The Apocrypha, Wisdom 6:12
recall, the Lord chastens those whom He loves.
The true beginning of wisdom is the desire to
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of learn.
adversity consider. . . . (Ecclesiastes 7:14; RSV). The Apocrypha, Wisdom 6:17

The experiences of sorrow and joy are perva- The intellect of the wise is like glass; it admits
sive feelings and deeply personal. the light of heaven and reflects it.
Augustus William and Julius Charles Hare
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no outsider
shares its joy (Proverbs 14:10; MOFFATT).
The wise know too well their weakness to as-
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is sume infallibility; and he who knows most,
of a merry heart hath a continual feast (Proverbs knows best how little he knows.
15:15; KJV).
Thomas Jefferson, Writings

Be gentle and sympathetic with the afflicted. By wisdom wealth is won;

Solomon said: But riches purchased wisdom yet for none.
Bayard Taylor, The Wisdom of Ali
As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather,
and as vinegar upon soda, so is he that singeth
songs to a heavy heart (Proverbs 25:20; ASV). The chief aim of wisdom is to enable one to bear
with the stupidity of the ignorant.
And Paul said: Pope Xystus I, The Ring
Copyright, 1985, 2004 by Truth for Today
2 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 Wisdom: The Blueprint
Of the World
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24;
KJV).
wisdom. . . . (Proverbs 4:7; KJV).
Do not think that I have come to bring peace on
INTRODUCTION earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man against his father,
Solomon revealed the incurable vanity of the and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
world. The New Testament writers explain why and a mans foes will be those of his own
it is that way. Paul told the Roman Christians: household. He who loves father or mother more
than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves
son or daughter more than me is not worthy of
. . . the creation was subjected to futility, not of its me; and he who does not take his cross and follow
own will but by the will of him who subjected it in me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will
hope; because the creation itself will be set free from lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will
its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty find it (Matthew 10:34-39; RSV).
of the children of God. We know that the whole
creation has been groaning in travail together until
now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, Certainly the Lord anticipated evil from the
who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan beginning. He foresaw the abuse of freedom,
inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the
redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:20-23; RSV).
and from the beginning He planned how to
overcome evil and restore peace and harmony,
This is a vain and trouble-filled world be- as we find in Pauls words:
cause the Lord is tolerating (for now) forces For he has made known to us in all wisdom and
hostile to Him. Paul reminded the Ephesian insight the mystery of his will, according to his
Christians that they, too, were once: purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for
the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things
in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:9, 10;
. . . following the course of this world, following RSV).
the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is
now at work in the sons of disobedience. Among . . . and to make all men see what is the plan of the
these we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, mystery hidden for ages in God who created all
following the desires of body and mind, and so things. . . . (Ephesians 3:9; RSV).
we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest
of mankind (Ephesians 2:2-4; RSV).
Indeed, the Lord rules the world according
This world is a divided cosmos at war with to a great plan, but we mortals cannot know all
itself because there are two vast empires en- His purposes. We cannot even understand our
gaged in mortal combat: the kingdom of God own minds; how can we possibly know His?
and the kingdom of Satan. There can be no neu- Isaiah said:
tral observers, for Jesus said:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the
Blessed are they which are persecuted for heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways
righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of higher than your ways and my thoughts than your
heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, thoughts (Isaiah 55:8, 9; RSV).
and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be
exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: Paul also said:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were
before you (Matthew 5:10-12; KJV). O the depth of the riches and wisdom and
knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his
No one can serve two masters; for either he will judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who
hate the one and love the other, or he will be has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been
devoted to the one and despise the other. You his counselor? (Romans 11:33, 34; RSV).
1
 Solomon revealed the marvelous truth that of natural things which we find suited to different
times and places could arise from nothing but the
before the world began, the Lord (in a manner of ideas and will of a Being necessarily existing. But,
speaking) prepared blueprints for its construc- by way of allegory, God is said to see, to speak, to
tion, blueprints comprising a design plan Solo- laugh, to love, to hate, to desire, to give, to receive,
to rejoice, to be angry, to fight, to frame, to work, to
mon called wisdom. build; for all our notions of God are taken from the
ways of mankind by a certain similitude, which,
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by though not perfect, has some likeness, however. And
understanding hath he established the heavens. By this much concerning God; to discourse of whom
his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the from the appearances of things, does certainly
clouds drop down the dew (Proverbs 3:19, 20; KJV). belong to natural philosophy [natural philosophy
being what men of our day call science].1
The Lord created me [wisdom] at the beginning of
his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was
set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth And in 1934 Albert Einstein spoke of his . . .
(RSV). When there were no depths, I was brought rapturous amazement at the harmony of natural
forth; when there were no fountains abounding law, which reveals an intelligence of such supe-
with water. Before the mountains were settled,
before the hills was I brought forth: while as yet he riority that, compared with it, all the systematic
had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the thinking and acting of human beings is an ut-
highest part of the dust of the world. When he terly insignificant reflection.2
prepared the heavens, I was there; when he set a
compass upon the face of the deep; when he God, the Creator, is indeed a master de-
established the clouds above: when he signer. The universe never ceases to amaze sci-
strengthened the fountains of the deep: when he entists as they continually discover more about
gave to the sea his decree, that the water should
not pass his commandment: when he appointed its astonishingly elaborate and complex orderly
the foundations of the earth: then I was by him, as systems ranging from the tiniest atomic particles
one brought up with him: and I was daily his to the most gigantic celestial formations. Solo-
delight, rejoicing always before him. Rejoicing in
the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were mon said that wisdom can be seen in the order of
with the sons of men (KJV) (Proverbs 8:22-31 ). nature because, like a master engineer, the Lord
planned ahead before He began to build.
I. HIS WISDOM AND NATURE Consider the creation of biological life forms.
The very first words of the Bible tell us: All contain the Lords design instructions within
their bodies. These instructions, biologists tell
In the beginning God created the heaven and us, involve a molecular code within the chromo-
the earth. The earth was without form and void,
and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and
somes of each cell. These are detailed blue-
the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters prints directing the molecular assembly of the
(Genesis 1:1, 2; KJV). biological system called an organism. These in-
structions also contain provisions for defense
Out of this chaotic and dark mass of raw against various diseases and repair of possible
materials, the Lord brought order and light. Cre- injury. Normal growth and healthy life demand
ative intelligence and ingenious design are very careful adherence to these instructions. Devia-
apparent throughout nature. Concerning this tions and violations caused by accident and/or
fact two of the worlds greatest scientists did not disease result in various kinds of deformities
doubt. In 1686 Isaac Newton, referring to the and deficiencies. If the violations are severe
newly discovered solar system, said: enough, the animal cannot survive. The amount
of knowledge needed to assemble the body of an
This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and organism varies with each kind. Microorgan-
comets could only proceed from the counsel and
dominion of an intelligent and powerful being. . . . isms require only a relatively small amount of
We know him only by his most wise and excellent information. On the other hand, each of the many
contrivances of things, and final causes; we admire trillions of cells in a human body contains the
him for his perfections; but we reverence and adore
him on account of his dominion: for we adore him equivalent of a library full of information, all
as his servants; and a God without dominion, necessary to construct our body. In multi-celled
providence, and a final causes, is nothing else but organisms the instructions direct not only the
Fate and Nature. Blind metaphysical necessity,
which is certainly the same always and everywhere, internal activity of each member cell, but also the
could produce no variety of things. All that diversity cooperative functioning of all the cells together
2
to produce the entire working system. Scientists mals most capable of learning, paradoxically,
have found that the amount of information possess the least amount of genetic wisdom to
needed to direct the inner workings of our bod- govern their behavior. In fact, rodents employ
ies far exceeds our own personal knowledge. more skill in building nests, for example, than do
One medical scientist (Lewis Thomas) wrote the apes whose hands and brain give them much
humbly: greater potential.
Nevertheless, our lack of instinct is a benefit,
If I were informed tomorrow that I was in direct because, together with our superior intellect and
communication with my liver, and could now take
over, I would become deeply depressed. Id sooner language ability, it contributes to our creative
be told, forty thousand feet over Denver, that the potential. It makes us free to learn, which, in
747 jet in which I had a coach seat was now mine turn, enables us to live according to the demands
to operate as I pleased; at least I would have the
hope of bailing out, if I could find a parachute and of whatever age in the progress of civilization we
discover quickly how to open a door. Nothing find ourselves. Indeed, human progress would
would save me and my liver, if I were in charge. not be possible without this freedom from built-
For I am, to face the facts squarely, considerably
less intelligent than my liver.3 in knowledge. God created man in his image,
and through mans wisdom the world is a dy-
The evolution myth is based upon the belief namic system, ever-developing in contrast to the
that unintelligence can create intelligence. It will biological wisdom that is fixed and static.
eventually go the way of the once popular scien-
tific theory of spontaneous generation, which is II. HIS WISDOM AND HISTORY
also based upon the same false premise. This is a great mystery, yet the evidence is
In some organisms the genetic instructions strong: the Lords master blueprints were
also govern virtually all of their overt behavior originally formulated not only to guide the cre-
as well. Consider the lowly ant. Admiring the ation of our universe in space but also in time,
complexity of their society, Thomas said: They from its formless beginning to its fiery climax.
do everything but watch televison.4 I would Newton appears to have believed this for he
add, they do not even have to go to school. They wrote, . . . [God] knows all things that are or can
are born with their knowledge and their skills. It be done.5 And Solomon said:
is genetically endowed by the Lord and marvel-
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be;
ously effectivejudged by the simple standards and that which is done is that which shall be done;
of survival and population size. Solomon, too, and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there
admired the genetic wisdom reflected in animal any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new?
it hath been already of old time, which was before
instinct, saying: us. There is no remembrance of former things;
neither shall there be any remembrance of things
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and that are to come with those that shall come after
be wise. Without having any chief, officer or ruler, (Ecclesiastes 1:9-11; KJV).
she prepares her food in summer, and gathers her
sustenance in harvest (Proverbs 6:6-8; RSV). I know that whatever God does endures forever;
nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from
And Agur said: it; God has made it so, in order that men should
fear before him (RSV). Whatever is has been before,
and what is to be is now; because God makes search
Four things on earth are small, but they are
for the things which are past (BAS) (Ecclesiastes
exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong,
3:14, 15).
yet they provide their food in the summer; the
badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make
Whatever has come to be has already been named.
their homes in the rocks; the locusts have no king,
. . . (Ecclesiastes 6:10; RSV).
yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can
take in your hands, yet it is in kings palaces
(Proverbs 30:24-28; RSV). Solomon was not the only Bible writer who al-
luded to this view of history. David said:
It is a paradox that those organisms with the
greatest intellectual potential are born less wise. For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst
knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise
And man with the greatest brain is born least thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful
endowed with knowledge and skill. Those ani- are thy works! Thou knowest me right well; my
3
 frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being That is, He seeks to manifest His design
made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths
of the earth. Thy eyes beheld my unformed
plans; to turn His ideas, His plans, His will into
substance; in thy book were written, everyone of reality. We must conclude, then, that nothing is
them, the days that were formed for me, when as outside His providence. Indeed, the Bible em-
yet there was none of them (Psalms 139:13-16; RSV).
phasizes that the Lord is, and always has been,
the ultimate ruler of all things. Although amaz-
In the book of Isaiah we find these words:
ing in our eyes, the Lords control is absolute
. . . for I am God, and there is no other; I am God,
and fully comprehensive from the greatest to
and there is none like me, declaring the end from the smallest of things. For example, Solomon
the beginning and from ancient times things not told of the Lords control over the nations of the
yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I
will accomplish all my purpose, . . . (Isaiah 46:9,
earth:
10; RSV).
Inspired decisions are on the lips of a king; his
mouth does not sin in judgment (Proverbs 16:10;
Speaking to Jeremiah, the Lord said: RSV).

Before I found you in the womb, I knew you, and The kings heart is a stream of water in the hand of
before you were formed I consecrated you; I the Lord; he turns it wherever he will (Proverbs
appointed you a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 21:1; RSV).
1:5; RSV).
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but
the victory belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 21:31;
And Paul wrote: RSV).

. . . even as he chose us in him [Christ] before the

foundation of the world, that we should be holy
He spoke of the Lords control over each one
and blameless before him (Ephesians 1:4; RSV). of us:

In the book of Daniel we find another ex- The plans of the heart belong to man; but the
answer of the tongue is from Jehovah (Proverbs
ample. When an angel appeared to Daniel, he 16:1; ASV).
revealed to him things of the future which, he
said, are written in the book of truth. A mans mind plans his way, but the Lord directs
his steps (Proverbs 16:9; RSV).
. . . [I] came to make you understand what is to Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is
befall your people in the latter days. For the vision the purpose of the Lord that will be established
is for days yet to come. . . . I will tell you what is (Proverbs 19:21; RSV).
inscribed in the book of truth, . . . and now I will
show you the truth. Behold, three more kings shall A mans steps are ordered by the Lord; how then
arise. (Daniel 10:14, 21; 11:2; RSV). can man understand his way (Proverbs 20:24; RSV).

Moreover, Jesus, quoting from the Wisdom And more astonishing, Solomon said the Lord
of God, foretold the fate of the Jews who re- controls even those things we perceive as merely
jected him, saying: random and unpredictable:
Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, I will send
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing
them prophets and apostles, some of whom they thereof is of the Lord (Proverbs 16:33; KJV).
will kill and persecute, that the blood of all the
prophets, shed from the foundation of the world,
may be required of this generation. . . . (Luke 11:49, Solomon affirmed that His sovereignty is
50; RSV). absolute; nothing is outside His realm of control.
It appears, then, that all the past and all the Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build
future are contained in those magnificent divine it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the
blueprints created before the world began. city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalms
127:1; RSV).
And God ever,
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even
. . . makes search for the things which are past the wicked for the day of trouble (Proverbs 16:4;
(Ecclesiastes 3:15; BAS). RSV).
4
 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel Satan, Whence have you come? Satan answered
against the Lord (Proverbs 21:30; KJV) the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth, and
from walking up and down on it And the Lord
said to Satan, Have you considered my servant
There are many other Bible references on this Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a
point. For example, the Lord told Moses the law- blameless and upright man, who fears God and
giver: turns away from evil? Then Satan answered the
Lord, Does Job fear God for nought? Hast thou
not put a hedge about him and his house and all
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no God that he has, on every side? Thou has blessed the
beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I work of his hands, and his possessions have
heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my increased in the land. But put forth thy hand now,
hand (Deuteronomy 32:39; RSV). and touch all that he has, and he will curse thee to
thy face. And the Lord said to Satan, Behold, all
David the king praised the Lord, saying: that he has is in your power; only upon himself do
not put forth your hand. So Satan went forth from
the presence of the Lord.
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and Now there was a day when his sons and
the glory, and the victory and the majesty; for all daughters were eating and drinking wine in their
that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine eldest brothers house; and there came a messenger
is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as to Job, and said, The oxen were plowing and the
head above all. Both riches and honour come of asses feeding beside them; and the Sabeans fell
thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand upon them, and slew the servants with the edge of
it is to make great and to give strength unto all the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.
(1 Chronicles 29:11, 12; KJV). While he was yet speaking, there came another,
and said, The fire of God fell from heaven and
Amos, the prophet, admonished: burned up the sheep and the servants and
consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell
you. While he was yet speaking, there came
Do two walk together unless they have made an
another, and said, The Chaldeans formed three
appointment? Does a lion roar in the forest when
companies, and made a raid upon the camels and
he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his
took them, and slew the servants with the edge of
den, if he has taken nothing? Does a bird fall into a
the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.
snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it?
While he was yet speaking, there came another,
Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it
and said, Your sons and daughters were eating
has taken nothing? Is a trumpet blown in a city
and drinking wine in their eldest brothers house;
and the people not afraid? Does evil befall a city
and behold, a great wind came across the
unless the Lord has done it? (Amos 3:3-6; RSV).
wilderness, and struck the four corners of the
house, and it fell upon the young people, and they
Jesus, our Lord, encouraged us, saying: are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.
Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved
his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not
And he said, Naked I came from my mothers
one of them will fall to the ground without your
womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave,
Fathers will. But even the hairs of your head are
and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name
all numbered (Matthew 10:29; RSV).
of the Lord.
In all this Job did not sin or charge God with
And Paul, the apostle, also said: wrong (Job 1:6-22; RSV).

And we know that all things work together for The Bible teaches that the Lord is tolerating
good to them that love God, to them who are called evil for a time for His own high and noble rea-
according to his purpose (Romans 8:28; KJV). sons. He has included in His master plan the
potential for both good and evil, and He has
III. HIS WISDOM AND OUR FREEDOM given us the freedom to obey Him or disobey
Although the Lord retains complete control, Him. There is no disparity between the truth of
certainly He does not cause everything that hap- the Lords absolute control and our freedom of
pens. This is clearly shown in the book of Job will. The place of freedom of will can be under-
where we are told that Satan first needed per- stood by recognizing that freedom is never total.
mission from the Lord before he could oppress It is always limited within certain boundaries.
Job. While the Lord was formulating the exact details
of His divine plans, provision for the expression
Now there was a day when the sons of God
came to present themselves before the Lord, and of freedom could have been made by reserving
Satan also came among them. The Lord said to certain options.
5
 Although I am not a computer expert, what I every detail is contained in the original univer-
have learned suggests that a computer may serve sal design.
as a good example. Most computer programs God has within His mind both the knowl-
have predetermined outcomes in the sense that edge of good and evil. (See Genesis 3:22.) But
whatever can happen is programmed within the being perfect He cannot sin. Although made in
system. But not every possibility becomes a real- the image of God, we, on the other hand, must
ity. There are such things as if-then commands. struggle with good and evil as between two
Hence the program is free to vary within speci- competing forces within our minds. Our success
fied limits; but no matter how it varies, the re- or failure in overcoming the temptation to com-
sults are predetermined. Some 3500 years ago, mit evil reveals to the Lord the quality of our
Moses told the descendants of Israel: spirit.

And if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,
being careful to do all his commandments which I and he pondereth all his goings (Proverbs 5:21;
command you this day, [then] the Lord your God KJV).
will set you high above all the nations of the
earth. . . . But if you will not obey the voice of the The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding
Lord your God or be careful to do all his the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3; KJV).
commandments and his statutes which I command
you this day, then all these curses shall come upon Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much
you and overtake you (Deuteronomy 28:1, 15; more the hearts of the children of men? (Proverbs
RSV). (Italics mine.) 15:11; KJV).

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes:

And after Solomon consecrated the temple but the Lord weigheth the spirits (Proverbs 16:2;
he built, the Lord appeared to him in the night KJV).
and said:
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold:
but the Lord trieth the hearts (Proverbs 17:3; KJV).
. . . I have heard your prayer, and have chosen
this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I Even a child is known by his doings, whether his
shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or work be pure, and whether it be right. The hearing
command the locusts to devour the land, or send ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even
pestilence among my people, if my people who are both of them (Proverbs 20:11, 12; KJV).
called by my name humble themselves, and pray
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, searching
then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their all his innermost parts (Proverbs 20:27; ASV).
sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open
and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but
this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated the Lord pondereth the hearts (Proverbs 21:2; KJV).
this house that my name may be there for ever; my
eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as I said to myself, For the sake of men God is testing
for you, if you walk before me as David your father them and causes them to see that in themselves
walked, doing according to all that I have they are but animals. (Ecclesiastes 3:18; MLB).
commanded you and keeping my statutes and my
ordinances, then I will establish your royal throne,
as I convenanted with David your father, saying, The Lord tolerates evil for a time to test us so
There shall not fail you a man to rule Israel.
But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes
that later He can bless us in a special way. For
and my commandments which I have set before example, Paul wrote about the evils he endured
you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, in his own life. Compared with other ministers
then I will pluck you up from the land which I have of Christ, Paul said he experienced:
given you; and this house, which I have consecrated
for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and will
make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples . . . far more imprisonments, with countless
(2 Chronicles 7:12-20; RSV; italics mine). beatings, and often near death. Five times I have
received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes
less one. Three times I have been beaten with rods;
The Lord does not cause all things to happen, once I was stoned. Three times I have been
but He has predetermined the outcome of every shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift
possibility. He has given us a degree of freedom, at sea; on frequent journeys in danger from rivers,
danger from robbers, danger from my own people,
but the future holds no surprises for the Lord. danger from false brethren; in toil and hardship,
Whatever we do, He knows the outcome because through many a sleepless night, in hunger and
6
 thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure . . . [you] have become slaves of righteousness. I
(2 Corinthians 11:23-27; RSV). am speaking in human terms, because of your
natural limitations. . . . But now that you have been
set free from sin and have become slaves of God,
Nevertheless, in the same letter Paul could the return you get is sanctification and its end,
also say: eternal life (Romans 6:18, 19, 22; RSV).

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature Perhaps, as Christians (being the body of
is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed
every day. For this slight momentary affliction is Christ), when we see Him face to face in His
preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond world, we will enter into true creativeness under
all comparison, because we look not to the things His leadership, designing and planning with
that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for
the things that are seen are transient, but the things Him new and greater things. But for now we are
that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; slaves of Godthat is, if we submit ourselves
RSV). to His leadership, when we conform to His will,
when we obey the universal design, when we
IV. HIS WISDOM AND OUR DUTY live by His wisdom. Wisdom, Solomon said, is
In the meantime, we have a duty to perform, our most important resource:
and wisdom plays a vital role. The Bible says
that, in various stages, the Lord used the original Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get
formless mass of matter to construct an orderly wisdom: and with all thy getting, get
understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote
universe containing life. The last species made thee: she shall bring thee honour, when thou dost
was man. Then we are told: embrace her (Proverbs 4:7, 8; KJV).

And on the seventh day God finished his work Solomon tells us that the universal design or
which he had done, and he rested on the seventh
day from all his work which he had done (Genesis divine blueprint of the world is of such intri-
2:2; RSV). cate and elegant beauty, and that it is of such
order and detailed organization, and, since it is
The Lord finished his initial work then, but a continuing dynamic force helping the Lord in
the universe was not finalized because when he His creative work, that wisdom is personified in
created mankind we were commissioned to con- the form of a Grand Ladya wonderful woman
tinue the process of creating growth and order. who is eager to serve us.

So God created man in his own image, in the image Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in
of God he created him; male and female he created the streets: She crieth in the chief places of
them. And God blessed them, and God said to concourse, in the openings of the gates; in the city
them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye
and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the
the sea and over the birds of the air and over every scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate
living thing that moves upon the earth Genesis knowledge? (KJV) Give heed to my reproof;
1:27, 28; RSV). behold, I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will
make my words known to you (RSV) (Proverbs
1:20-23).
We are created in Gods image to be assistant
creators working under His supervision. It is not Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth
that we are creative as He is creative. In the her voice. She standeth in the top of high places,
by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at
material realm, we are apprentice creators mak- the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in
ing what He has already designed. Paul wrote at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice
the Ephesian Christians, saying: is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand
wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding
heart (Proverbs 8:1-5; KJV).
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn
that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10; KJV). out her seven pillars; she hath killed her beasts;
she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished
Here we are not truly free. When Paul wrote her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth
upon the highest places of the city, whoso is simple,
the Christians in Rome, he told them what it let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth
meant to be children of God, saying: understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my
7
 bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. universe, He desires for all men, in like manner,
Forsake the foolish and live; and go in the way of
understanding (Proverbs 9:1-6, KJV).
to accept and to use His wisdom in their lives.
Walter Porter
CONCLUSION
FOOTNOTES
Our duty is to work together with the Lord 1
Isaac Newton, Mathematical Principles of Natural
according to His divine plans to continue creat- Philosophy, in Great Books of the Western World, vol. 34,
ing good in the world. We were created to be His Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 1952, pp. 369-371.
2
Albert Einstein, Ideas and Opinions, based on the speech
sons and daughters. We are called to be the Mein Welbilt, trans. Sonja Bargmann (New York: Bo-
princes and princesses of the universe, to rule nanza Books, 1964), p. 40.
with Him over all other things. This universe is 3
Lewis Thomas, The Lives of a Cell (New York: Viking
Press, 1974), p. 66.
a vast reservoir of matter and energy, most of 4
lbid, p. 12.
which is still in a primitive condition. Only by 5
Newton, Mathematical Principles, p. 370.
the Lords wisdom can these resources be di-
rected constructively and creatively. With His
wisdom, our collective potential is vast indeed.
Near the beginning the Lord said:
ILLUSTRATION
. . . this is only the beginning of what they will do; Naivete
and nothing they propose to do will now be
impossible for them (Genesis 11:6; RSV).
A small-town resident went to the big
Moreover, a comment made by Jesus (who city for the first time, to visit his brother.
was involved in the creation with God the Father As he sat in his brothers modern apartment
at the beginning) suggests that civilization is yet he heard a siren blow and bells begin to ring. He
in an embryonic state, for mankind is destined to was startled and asked, What is that?
spread throughout the entire universe before the Why, it is nothing, answered the brother.
end of the world. Jesus said: There is probably a fire somewhere and it is
being extinguished.
. . . and he will send out his angels with a loud Ah, thought the small-towner. So this is
trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from how fires are extinguished in the city.
the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other When he returned to his small town he said:
(Matthew 24:31; RSV).
Gentlemen, I have come back with a marvel-
ous new idea. We no longer have to worry
Apparently, civilization is to ultimately
about fires. We will buy a siren and bells and
spread from one end of heaven to the other.
when a fire breaks out, we will ring the bells
Great things certainly can have very small be-
and sound the siren and the fire will be extin-
ginnings. God commanded that mankind multi-
guished.
ply and subdue the earth (this material realm).
Everybody in town purchased a bell. Soon a
We must conclude, therefore, that progress is
fire broke out. Everybody ran out into the street
inevitable; but the rate of growth and our re-
and rang their bells, but it did not help, and the
wards from it depend much upon the extent to
property was completely destroyed.
which we choose to obey the Lords design plans.
The small-towner appealed to his brother.
Isaiah warned:
What have you done? Why did you mislead
Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord,
me? Why did you tell me that fires could be
who carry out a plan, but not mine. . . . (Isaiah extinguished with bells?
30:1; RSV). Foolish man, replied his brother, the bells
are not enough. With the bells you need equip-
To summarize: Just as God has used His ment, fire-hoses, chemicals, water and labor.
wisdom in the creation and maintenance of the The bells are only a call to action.
Copyright, 1983, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

8
 The Way
Of the Transgressor
Is Hard
Proverbs 13:15
A Textual Sermon by W. T. Hamilton
INTRODUCTION I. CAIN
A. The statement of our text, Proverbs 13:15, is A. He transgressed in a matter of how to wor-
one we would know to be true even if we ship God.
didnt read it in the Bible. 1. God made known His will to Cain and
1. It may be learned by experience. Abel (Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17).
2. It may be learned from the study of his- 2. Cain apparently reasoned as many do to-
tory. dayAs long as you are conscientious
3. It may also be learned by observation. and sincere it makes no difference what
4. It is a law; it is natural. you do in worship.
B. In fact, the reason sin is wrong is because of B. His transgression, just as every transgres-
its very nature. sion, had to be punished.
1. God did not arbitrarily make laws con- 1. One sin led to another, as is so often the
demning what He disliked and approving case (Genesis 4:6-8).
the things He enjoyed. Man may work that 2. God rebuked Cain (Genesis 4:10-12).
way, but God does not. C. Cains hardship is expressed in Genesis 4:13.
2. These things, which by their very nature 1. The sentence was executed (Genesis 4:14,
bring heartache and sorrow, God has called 16).
sin and forbidden us to partake, even 2. How hard is the way of the transgressor!
though they may bring momentary plea-
sure. II. ABRAHAM
3. The consequences are often slow in com- A. He sinned in presuming to help God.
ing (Ecclesiastes 8:11). 1. God promised Abraham that they would
C. Sin is abnormal. have a child (Genesis 15), but they got in a
1. Man is made so that he wants to do right. hurry and tried to take over and help God.
2. The way of the transgressor stands in 2. Sarah conceived the idea of Abraham hav-
the text opposite to good understand- ing a child by Hagar (Genesis 16).
ing. B. This, too, led to other sins.
D. In spite of the obvious truth of this text, many 1. Jealousy, envy, partiality, hatred, and child
go on in sin and bring upon themselves, and desertion took place (Genesis 21:9-14).
others, the hard way which follows. 2. Sin gets worse and worse (2 Timothy 3:13).
1. Like our view of death, we think the hard C. Imagine how difficult it was on Abraham
way is for the other fellow. when he sent his firstborn son into the wil-
2. We are aware of the foolishness of this derness, perhaps to die (Genesis 21:9-11, 14).
course, but maybe we can be impressed
anew by thinking of some examples which III. ISRAEL
God gives to demonstrate just how hard A. They sinned in unbelief (Hebrews 3:7-19).
the way of the transgressor really is. 1. They had seen Gods power. Think of the
E. Let us look at some who followed the way of advantages they had!
the transgressor and see how they suffered. 2. But they doubted His power.
(Notice Hebrews 2:1-3.) B. Their way was hard.

1
 1. They fell in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:17; 3. He set in motion a diabolical plan to de-
1 Corinthians 10:8), and were not per- stroy all Jews.
mitted to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:26- B. The harvest day came.
30). 1. His pride was crushed when he led
2. They were without homes or harvest. Mordecai through the streets (Esther 6:7-
3. They met oppositionserpents, tempta- 11).
tion to lust, idolatry, rebellion, discour- 2. His life was taken on the very gallows he
agement, etc. had prepared for another (Esther 7:9, 10).
C. Moses also sinned in unbelief. 3. The way of transgressors is hard! Just ask
1. God gave the command to speak to the Haman as he ascends the steps of the gal-
rock, but he smote it. lows.
2. Why? Numbers 20:12 says, Because ye
believed not in me, . . . VI. JUDAS
3. Consider Moses, as he tells of pleading A. He sinned in covetousness.
with God in Deuteronomy 3:23-26. 1. He had a unique opportunity since he was
an apostle.
IV. DAVID 2. But he turned out to be a traitor.
A. He sinned in lust. B. A little while after the sin was committed, he
1. Lust is progressive (James 1:15). became desperate.
2. Davids lust led him to adultery, then de- 1. He even tried to give the money back (Mat-
ceit, then murder. thew 27:3-5).
3. He tried to hide his sin (Numbers 32:23; 2. His remorse led him the wrong wayhe
Ecclesiastes 12:14). simply committed another sin.
B. His sin affected others too.. 3. Meet him on the way to the hanging tree
1. This is almost a universal consequence of and ask him about the way of transgres-
sin. sors!
a. Consider the consequence of Adams
sin (1 Corinthians 15:22). II. THE RICH MAN
VII.
b. Many times our sins hurt others worse A. He sinned by failing to hear Moses and the
than they hurt usperhaps because prophets (Luke 16:29-31).
they are more sensitive than we. 1. The Bible doesnt indicate he became rich
2. Just think of what Davids sin did to by dishonest means.
Bathsheba, Uriah, the army, etc. 2. It doesnt say he necessarily refused to
C. Davids way was hard as a transgressor. feed Lazarus.
1. Psalms 51:1-12 shows Davids hard way 3. But his sin was a failure to hear Moses and
as a transgressor. the prophets. (Luke 16:30, 31).
2. Psalms 6:6 says, I am weary with my B. Many today sin by failing to hear Christ and
groaning; every night . . . I water my couch the apostles (Luke 10:16).
with my tears. 1. They are not mean, selfish, or criminal.
3. The momentary pleasure is never worth They are neglectful of the most important
the lifetime of remorse that follows. things.
2. Ask the rich man about the way of such
V. HAMAN transgression!
A. He sinned in pride and prejudice.
1. He passed a law that everybody must bow CONCLUSION
down to him, which showed his pride A. There are no exceptions to this law (Galatians
(Esther 3:2). 6:6-10):
2. He hated all Jews when one Jew refused to B. The way of the transgressor is hard.
bow down to him, which showed his preju- C. But you do not have to travel that way. You
dice (Esther 3:5, 6). can travel the highway of holiness.

Copyright, 1982, 2004 by Truth for Today

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2
 Our Attitude Determines
Our Altitude
A Topical Sermon by M. F. McKnight
For as he thinketh within himself, so is he: . . . on her face. If you say, That man has a sour
(Proverbs 23:7). attitude, I can just see the corners of his mouth
The Talmud, the Jewish Commentary on the turned down and his pessimistic spirit.
Old Testament Scriptures, says that a human Our attitude is important in determining our
being must either climb up or climb down. Even altitude. Do you want a promotion in business?
though that statement was not inspired, it was It is the easiest thing in the world to get if you
written by some very wise men, and I agree with get your attitude right. Are you going to lead
it. A human being must either climb up or climb lost souls to Jesus? It is the easiest thing in the
down. One cannot remain level. One might think world if you have your attitude right. You can
he is staying level, but, if so, he is deteriorating do about whatever you want to do, if your atti-
and actually going down. tude is right.
This truth can be applied to the church. The Proverbs 4:23 says, Keep thy heart with all
church must either climb up or climb down. diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. The
Someone says, Oh, no, weve held our atten- King James Version says, Guard thy heart with
dance at two hundred now for twenty years. all diligence; . . . Look after it; watch after it.
Then, you are rotting in the pews. You have to The reason for this injunction is that the heart is
either climb up or climb down, one or the other. the source of all action and life. Jesus said, For
Proverbs 23:7 says, For as he thinketh within out of the heart comes forth evil thoughts, mur-
himself, so is he: . . . None of us have ever even ders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false wit-
touched the surface of this passage of Scripture. ness, railings (Matthew 15:19). We are to keep
Ones attitude determines his altitude. our hearts with all diligence so that our attitude
will be right. When our attitudes are right, our
I. THE TRUTH STATED lives will be right.
As we consider this truth, let us begin by No situation is hopeless. Only men who
defining the word attitude. In a high school class dont have the right attitude are hopeless. Breth-
the teacher asked the question Someone define ren say to me, Brother Mid, here is our situa-
the word vacuum. How would you put it in tion. It is almost hopeless. No, the problem isnt
words? This boy started trying to define vacuum, hopeless; the situation isnt hopeless; people are
and he couldnt find the right words. Finally he hopeless who dont have the right attitude.
said, Well, teacher, I dont know how to put it An idea which is not connected with action
into words, but I have it in my head. We have a will never get any bigger than the brain cell in
lot of people with a vacuum in their heads, and which it was hatched. It doesnt make any dif-
they need to have it filled with Scripture. It ought ference how good the idea is. If it isnt coupled
to be so filled with Scripture that some of it will with action, it will never be any bigger than the
leap over into their hearts. But it is about as dif- brain cell that contains it. It will die right there.
ficult to define attitude as it is to define vacuum. You will have to have the right attitude to move.
What is an attitude? We say, He has a good Nothing else will move you.
attitude, or He has a bad attitude. But what
are we talking about? I have gone to Mr. Webster II. THE TRUTH ILLUSTRATED
and found several definitions. He says attitude Enoch is mentioned in Genesis 5. His atti-
is the manner of acting, feeling, or thinking that tude was right. Genesis 5:22 says, And Enoch
shows ones disposition, opinion, etc. If you say, walked with God. . . . That is a real simple pas-
She has a good attitude, I can just see a smile sage, isnt it? But it tells us a whole lot about his
1
attitude. He didnt walk with the devil. He thy salvation. It is written of David that he was
didnt fight against God. He had a good men- a man after Gods own heart. As a matter of fact,
tal attitude. Hebrews 11:5 says, By faith Enoch I dont know anybody else in the whole Bible of
was translated that he should not see death: and whom it was said that he was a man after Gods
he was not found, because God translated him: own heart. His attitude determined his altitude.
. . . He didnt have to die. God just took him King Saul didnt have the right attitude. God
from this old earth to heaven. I only know of sent King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites.
two men in the Bible who didnt have to die. Saul spared the king and the best of the cattle,
Enoch had the right attitude. His attitude de- herds, and flocks. Old Samuel started out to meet
termined his altitude. him. When he met him, Saul said, I have per-
Genesis 6:9 says Noah was a just and hon- formed the commandment of Jehovah. Samuel
orable man who was perfect in his generation. said, I can hear cattle; I can hear sheep. You
He lived a righteous life before God. Consider werent supposed to bring them back. Saul an-
his attitude. Hebrews 11:7 says, By faith Noah, swered, Oh, the people did that. In other words,
being warned of God concerning things not Saul was saying, Dont get on to me, Preacher,
seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared the people wanted to offer those as a sacrifice to
an ark to the saving of his house; . . . His atti- God. Samuel said, Behold, to obey is better than
tude determined his altitude. sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams
Job was a multimillionaire. The Bible says, (1 Samuel 15:22). Samuel said to him, You are
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose muleheaded. You are stubborn. God is going to
name was Job; and that man was perfect and take the kingdom of Israel away from you.
upright, . . . He had the right attitude, the right Saul is going downhill. His attitude becomes
mental disposition, and God had blessed him! even worse later on in his life. He becomes mis-
He had three thousand camels, seven thousand erable and depressed. In 1 Samuel 28 the Philis-
sheep, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred tines have gathered at Shunem, ready for battle.
she-asses, and a great household. If he had paid King Saul has gotten his army together and is
income tax, he would have had twelve deduc- waiting at mount Gilboa. He looks across that
tions. He had seven sons and three daughters. valley at thousands of Philistine warriors who are
He was the greatest of all the men in the East. ready for battle. He becomes scared. He calls out
The word great in the Hebrew means wealthy. to God, and the heavens are brass. He goes to the
He was also a great man with God. He was per- priests, but doesnt get an answer. He goes to the
fect. He feared God and hated evil. We know soothsayers, the fortune-tellers, but doesnt get
about his trials and tribulations, but many of an answer. Finally, he goes to the witch of En-dor,
us stop before we get to the end of the book. and old Samuel comes back from the grave.
We find when we get down to the close of the Samuel said, Ill tell you what is going to hap-
book that he was richer than he was at the be- pen to you, King Saul. You are going to die to-
ginning. His attitude had determined its alti- morrow. Your attitude has been wrong. It has
tude financially and spiritually. He said, determined your altitude.
Though these skin worms destroy this body, The battle took place on mount Gilboa, not in
yet shall I see God. He also said, Even if he Shunem. That tells us that King Saul didnt take
slays me, I will trust him. My, what an atti- the battle to the Philistines. They brought the
tude he had! battle to him. First Samuel 31:8, one of the sad-
David purchased Araunahs threshing floor. dest verses, says, And . . . on the morrow, when
He said in 2 Samuel 24:24, . . . neither will I the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they
offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah my God found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount
which cost me nothing. Did you hear him, Gilboa. You talk about a Hollywood movie! If
brethren? Oh, so many of my brethren want a they were to depict this accurately, I dont think I
peanuts fair religion into heaven. They want a could sit through it. I know he wasnt a righteous
cheap and easy shortcut. David wrote, Create man! I know he was rebellious toward God! But I
in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right just believe he loved his boys as I love mine. The
spirit within me. . . . Restore unto me the joy of Philistines found King Saul dead. They cut off
2
Sauls head. They took his headless, naked body If we can change someones self-image, we
and fastened it to a temple wall in Bethshan. can change his performance. Here is a young
They sent his armour around their coast to pub- man trying to play ball, and he just makes a mess
lish the fact that Saul, their enemy, was dead. of it. If the coach can change his self-image, the
His attitude was terrible, and he goes out as a young man would change his performance.
failure. Do you remember the illustration Zig Ziglar
Demas, you remember, was an associate gave about his brother? His brother had sold
preacher with Paul. Paul was in prison as he $34,000 worth of cookware one year. Zig Ziglar
wrote his last personal letter. We call it 2 Timo- was head of that particular division. Zig said,
thy. He says in 4:10, For Demas forsook me, How much are you going to sell this year? His
having loved this present world, . . . What does brother would say, More than I did last year.
the phrase having loved this present world Zig would ask, How much did you sell last
mean to you? We say, Why, that rascal, he went year? His brother would say, Oh, I dont
on a Roman orgy, or He went to pot parties, know. Then Zig would ask, Well, how much
or He went on a two-week drunken binge. No, are you going to sell now? Zig just kept on try-
the book doesnt specifically mention any of ing to get him to be specific. For as he thinketh
these things. This phrase doesnt necessarily within himself, so is he: . . . His attitude deter-
mean getting drunk, smoking pot, or being im- mined his altitude. Zig couldnt get him to say.
moral. The Greek word translated world means About a week or so later he got a letter from his
this age. Demas loved this age, and he quit brother, saying, I am going to sell $100,000
the church! It could mean he just got busy mak- worth of cookware this year. Now he is being
ing money. Maybe he quit preaching and started specific, you see. He has a very definite, specific
selling insurance. He had more concern about goal. Zig sent him a telegram congratulating him
this age than the next age. His attitude deter- on winning the Salesman of the Year award. He
mined his altitude. hadnt sold anything yet, but Zig knew he
Why do we love Peter and John? Is it not would. Why? His brother didnt say, Ill sell
because their attitude was right? They were $100,000 worth unless I blow the motor in my
preaching about Jesus Christ. Then they were car, which he did. He didnt say, Ill sell
hauled into court. They were charged, Dont $100,000 worth unless I lose my voice and cant
preach or teach anymore in His name. But they make a presentation for twenty-two days,
went right out and started preaching and teach- which he did. He didnt say, Ill sell $100,000
ing again. So they were hauled back into jail. In worth unless we have a death in the family and
Acts 4:19 they said, Whether it is right in the I have to take out about a week for the funeral,
sight of God to hearken unto you rather than which he did. His brother said, Im going to do
unto God, judge ye: . . . What a wonderful atti- it. Zig just went ahead and congratulated him.
tude! I dont know whether I would have enough You have seen Jesse Owens on TV advertis-
courage to say that or not, but that is the atti- ing the American Express Card. Jesse Owens was
tude we should have. Because of that attitude, a little spindly black boy. Charlie Paddock came
we respect them. to his school. Charlie was known at that time as
Paul said at Romans 1:15, So, as much as in the fastest man in the world. Charlie Paddock
me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you said, You can do anything in the world you
also that are in Rome. Paul, how much are you want to do. Jesse Owens asked him, Do you
ready to put into it? He says, Everything I think I could ever make an athlete? He said,
have. He has the right attitude, the right men- Son, you can do anything in the world you want
tal disposition. He says, I am ready to preach to do. In 1936 Jesse Owens went to the Berlin
the gospel to you who are at Rome also. Olympics, just before the beginning of World
War II, and won four gold medals. Some of us
III. THE TRUTH APPLIED remember so well that Adolf Hitler would not
This truth can be applied in the physical give them to him because his face was black. But
realm as well as in the spiritual. Let us notice he set a running broad jump record in 1936 that
first its application in the physical realm. lasted for twenty years. Your attitude determines
3
your altitude. Now let us make a spiritual application of
Pole vaulter Bob Richards was making a this truth. Jesus would be the greatest example
speech to some teenagers. He was telling them, of this truth. Jesus came to seek and to save the
You need to set a goal. Your attitude determines lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus came to do the will of
your altitude. He didnt use those words, but His heavenly Father (John 5:30). Philippians 2:5
that is basically what he was saying. One little says, Have this mind in you, which was also in
Mexican boy came to him after his speech and Christ Jesus: . . . What was in His mind? He
said, Do you think I can make an athlete? He came to seek and save the lost. He came to do
said, Son, you can if you will believe you can the will of the heavenly Father.
and put forth the effort. That little Mexican What if Jesus had said, I cant save all of
boys name was Lee Trevino. He was caddying. mankind. There is no need of me dying for them.
He and his mother lived in a shack. He used to There will be many who will say no. Why should
tell his mother, I want to be a golf champion, I give Myself for people like them? Oh, no, no,
Mother. And I am going to build you a new no. He said, I came to seek and save the lost.
house. Later, he won $72,000. In a newspaper He is our greatest example of the truth that our
article, he said, I used to be a poor Mexican, attitude determines our altitude. Without the
but now I am a rich Spaniard. When you change right attitude we cannot win. With the right at-
someones self-image, you will change his per- titude, coupled with submission to the will of
formance. We say, Oh, we cant. We will never God, we cannot lose.
be able to do it. The problem is too big for us.
Then, we wonder why we dont grow like we CONCLUSION
should! When we change our attitude we will Take a long look at your attitude. Your at-
change our altitude. titude will determine your altitude. Your suc-
Hayes Jones, from 1960 to 1964, was the worlds cesses or failures in life will depend upon your
fastest 120 yard high hurdler. He won four gold attitude.
medals in the Olympics in 1964. But he had prac- Basic to the Christian life is the right attitude.
ticed. He had worked out three hours every day With the right attitude you can live the Chris-
for four years. Somebody said, You can do it. tian life. Without it you will always be pushed
He believed he could, and he did it. Our atti- around by the devil. Dont ever forget Proverbs
tude determines our altitude in the physical [Link] For as he thinketh within himself, so is
realm. We never rise higher than our thoughts. he.
Copyright, 1983, 2001 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

4
 The Neglected Garden
An Expository Sermon by George W. Bailey
I went by the field of the sluggard, and by the What excuses could this man offer? He could
vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it not say, Now God gave others a chance but He
was all grown over with thorns, the face thereof was didnt give me one. No, God has given every
covered with nettles, and the stone wall thereof was man a chance.
broken down. Then I beheld, and considered well: I It was this man who was to blame, not God.
saw, and received instruction (Proverbs 24:30-32). God hadnt suddenly blotted out the sun; the sky
Here was a man who had failed with his had not suddenly withheld its rain. Nettles and
garden. Something was wrong; something was thorns require sunlight and rain as well as do the
lacking. flowers.
When God made the earth, He pronounced it
I. THE WONDERFUL POTENTIAL good. In fact everything He had made was good.
He did not fail because he had no garden in It was very good. Yet God left the world unfin-
which to work. Every man has a potential garden ished in some respects. He finished His part but
spot. No man is empty-handed. All of us were He left an unfinished world. He left oil in the
born to be champions. We were engineered for ground. He didnt bring it out for us. He lets us
success. This man did not fail because of a lack of bring it out. He left electricity in the clouds. He
soil but because of a lack of toil. It was not a lack of left rivers unbridged, mountains untrailed, for-
fertility but a lack of utility. The fault was not with ests unfelled, cities unbuilt, laboratories un-
his soil but with his soul. It was the gardener and opened, and diamonds uncut. He left music un-
not the garden that was to blame. sung, dramas unplayed, and poetry unwritten.
In Exodus 3:5 God said to Moses. The place In fact, man himself is an unfinished product. He
whereon thou standest is holy ground. Any comes into the world, not as a full-grown man,
place where God and man meet is holy ground. but as a babe. He comes into the world as a raw
It might be in a desert as was true in this case. It material. We enter the world stripped of all
might even be out at sea or in some remote jungle knowledge of what the world can mean to us or
of the earth. what we, in turn, can mean to the world. But we
In Genesis 28:16, 17, Jacob was at a place that have minds, bodies, souls, and abilities to be
would later be known as Bethel, a place where developed and dedicated to the highest possible
God dwells. God let down His ladder. Jacob good. Paul said, As we have opportunity, let us
saw, as it were in a vision, angels ascending and work that which is good toward all men
descending. Any place man and God meet is a (Galatians 6:10). So God has given every man a
Bethel. Any place where God lets down His possibility and a responsibility.
ladder from heaven is a potential garden spot. This man did not fail because of environment
Jacob said, How dreadful is this place! this is or adverse circumstances. There are always ad-
none other than the house of God, and this is the verse circumstances. Nehemiah had adverse cir-
gate of heaven. cumstances. He faced the laughter (2:19) and the
This man did not fail with his garden be- mockery of the enemy (4:3). He faced craftiness
cause there was no possibility for good but be- from without (6:19) and subtlety from within
cause there was no preparation for good. There is (6:10). But despite the adverse circumstances, he
no hopeless situation, but people often grow succeeded. He began his work in prayer (1:4),
hopeless about a situation. But wherever there continued his work in prayer (4:4), and remained
is the possibility for evil, there is also the possi- prayerful when the work was all finished (13:31).
bility for good. Nehemiah persevered until he won the victory.
1
 II. THE SHAMEFUL NEGLECT not made to be idle. Idleburg is a bad little
The man in Proverbs failed with his garden place in which to dwell. God wants us to be busy.
because of neglect. Think of the gardens which We owe it to God and society to work. In Romans
have been neglected. There is the garden of a 8:12 Paul said, We are debtors. Paul said he
neighborhood. There are the gardens of the home, was a debtor (Romans 1:14). The highest reward
the church, and the school. There is the garden of a man can get from his work is not what comes
self, for each man is a garden spot. Neglect these, from it but what he becomes through it. The first
and nettles and thorns will cover the face thereof, question we ask concerning any piece of machin-
and the stone wall will be broken down. ery is this: Whats it for? If there is no reason
In Hebrews 2:3 the question is raised, How for its existence in terms of service and useful-
shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salva- ness, it has no place in the program of the world.
tion? In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul said to Timothy, But every mans duty is to be one of the worlds
Neglect not the gift that is within thee. workers. He doesnt want us to be negligent. He
The Bible puts great stress upon activity, doesnt want us to be slothful, idle, or drowsy,
action, and doing. At the age of 12 Jesus realized He wants us to be busily engaged in something
He was to be about His Fathers business (Luke that is productive.
2:49). Later on He said, We must work the Remember that we are unfinished products.
works of him that sent me (John 9:4). It is said of The man who thinks he is finished, is finished.
Jesus in Acts 10:38, . . . [He] went about doing The road to success is always under construc-
good. We are told in Matthew 24:46, Blessed is tion. When the other fellow sets a record, he has
that servant, whom his lord when he cometh no monopoly on it. He cant patent it, copyright
shall find so doing. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 it is it, or keep it for himself alone. But a man is doing
said, If any will not work, neither let him eat, his best only when he is trying to improve that
Colossians 3:23 says, Whatsoever ye do, work which he is doing. How busy are we? Are we
heartily, as unto the Lord. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, prone to be neglectful or slothful?
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with In Romans 12:11 Paul said, In diligence not
thy might. In 1 Timothy 6:18 we are told to be slothful; . . . In Matthew 25:26 the man who
rich in good works, ready to communicate and failed to make use of the talent he had was called
ready to distribute. In Galatians 5:6 mention is a wicked and slothful servant. The sluggard
made of a faith that works by love. Let us not be saith, There is a lion without: I shall be slain in
weary in well-doing, Paul said in Galatians 6:9. the streets, says Proverbs 22:13. Think of all the
Ephesians 4:28 says, Let him labor, working hale, healthy, hardy men who choose to loaf
with his hands the thing that is good, that he may instead of work. God wants men to be busy.
have whereof to give to him that hath need. The man in Proverbs failed with his garden
Over and over, stress is put upon activity. We because he was neglectful. He failed because he
must not be negligent. Yet how many people are was a slothful man. Chapter 2 of 2 Timothy
negligent! begins with sonship (v. 1) and ends with service
Flies never settle upon a boiling pot. The man (vv. 24-26). Sons are expected to render service.
who is afraid to roll up his sleeves is likely to lose Everything we do should make sense.
his shirt. The man with the push will eventually Here is the way Kipling expressed it:
overtake the man with the pull. In Proverbs 23:21
we are told, Drowsiness will clothe a man with Youve got to have the goods, my boy,
rags. Idleness is condemned in 2 Thessalonians If you would follow strong.
A bluff may work for a little while,
3:10, 11. Someone has said, An idle man is a But not for very long.
dead man that you cant bury. Yet many people A line of talk all of itself
are idle. They are not very busy. Will seldom see you through.
Youve got to have the goods, my boy,
Before man sinned he was to dress the gar- And nothing else will do.
den and keep it. He had a work to do. People
often think that if Adam had not sinned, we The fight is pretty stiff, my boy.
Id call it rather tough.
would not have had anything to do. But that is And all along the route are wrecks
not right. Man was made to be active. Man was Of those who tried to bluff.
2
 They could not back their line of talk Proverbs 6:10, 11 says, Yet a little sleep, a
To meet the final test.
Youve got to have the goods, my boy,
little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
And thats no idle jest. so shall thy poverty come. In Ecclesiastes 10:18 we
are told, By slothfulness the roof sinketh in.
We should endure for awhile, we should A sure way to fail is to be neglectful. The road
believe always, and we should never turn back. to defeat is paved with neglected duties and
Every garden spot counts. Think of Helen Keller, responsibilities.
whose garden spot was very limited. Others
have had lots that were very small. But think of CONCLUSION
all they accomplished in the little garden spots There are those who have been neglectful.
they had. They have neglected their families. They have
neglected their personal responsibilities. They
III. THE AWFUL RESULT have neglected their own souls.
The neglect resulted in a failure. A failure is Maybe you have been rather neglectful about
always a sad scene. Imagine how his garden your soul. The Bible says, Now is the acceptable
looked. His garden was all grown over with time; behold, now is the day of salvation
thorns, the face thereof was covered with nettles, (2 Corinthians 6:2).
and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Today if you want a job done, you can rent
What a sorry sight! But a human failure is the almost anything you need except the will to do it.
worst picture of all. Paul said, Each man shall bear his own burden
Business failures, soul failures, and soil fail- (Galatians 6:5). Others might help you, but they
ures often come as the result of neglect. Neglect cant obey the gospel for you. They cant come
a piece of machinery, and it will fall apart. Ne- back to the Lord for you. They cant worship for
glect a marriage, and it will crumble. Neglect a you. You cant serve God by proxy. Dont be
child, and he will become spoiled. Solomon said, negligent. Dont wait on somebody else. Shoul-
A child left to himself causeth shame to his der your own responsibility regardless of what
mother (Proverbs 29:15). someone else might or might not do.
Copyright, 1982, 2004 by Truth for Today
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED