Seek Godly Wisdom

Lesson Text: Proverbs 4:10-15, 20-27

Related Scriptures: Deuteronomy 1 1:18-21; Job 28: 12-28; Psalm 1 :1-6; Proverbs 2:1-15; 6:12-19

 

TIME: about 950 B.C.                                          PLACE: Jerusalem

 

 GOLDEN TEXT: Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go keep her; for she is thy life" (Proverbs 4:13).

 

Introduction

Religion in early nineteenth-century America experienced a series of revivals that historians call the Second Great Awakening. Thousands professed conversion, missions expanded, colleges and seminaries multiplied, and many Social reforms were initiated. Temperance, antislavery, and women's rights movements convinced many that the kingdom of Christ would not be long in coming.

By the second half of the century, however, American churches and Christian schools were in turmoil. The Darwinian theory of evolution and destructive critical views of the Bible had become popular.

What had happened? Why had a believing generation been replaced by one of skeptics and unbelievers? One major reason Was that believers began to take the essentials of their faith for granted replacing rigorous Christian teaching with mere emotionalism. They failed to give the next generation valid reasons for believing biblical teaching.

Our lesson from Proverbs reminds us what a treasure God's wisdom is, both for us and for our children.

 

LESSON OUTLINE

1. Wisdom As The Basis of Stability—Prov. 4:10-15

2. Wisdom As The Source of Health—Prov. 4:20-27

 

Exposition: Verse by Verse

 Wisdom As The Basis of Stability Prov. 4:10

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

 

 A father's faithful teaching (Prov. 4:10-11).

The early chapters in the book of Proverbs consist of a series of exhortations given by a father (Solomon) to his son. They communicate the godly wisdom that will enable the son to navigate life. Thus, our text begins with the words "Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings" (vs. 10). The son is urged not only to listen but also to receive its guidance for his life.

Young people often wonder why the instructions of their elders matter. After all, times have changed. {Yet the experience of many years has taught parents lessons that children have not yet had an opportunity to learn. In addition, if the parents are godly, they are basing their lives on principles that will never change and are equally valid for every new generation.} Q1

Solomon pointed out the reward for heeding this teaching: "The years of thy life shall be many" (vs. 10). This does not guarantee a long life for every single godly person. But it does declare that wise living provides all the ingredients for a long life, full of healthy habits and faith in God. On average, those who live God's way will do better than if they did not.

Solomon expressed confidence in his instruction, saying, "l have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths" (vs. 11). {His teaching was not merely theoretical; he spoke of the "way" and "paths." Those terms indicate an approach to living. "The way of wisdom" is the way wise people live.}Q2

"Right paths" are, literally, "straight paths." This is in contrast to the crooked, deviant behavior of the wicked. The paths of wisdom are straightforward, open, and morally upright.

 

 The importance of the teaching (Prov. 4:12-13).

The picture of life as pathway is now expanded: "When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened.' "Straitened" is an old word that means narrowed or impeded. Following are honest path leads the wise person on broad and uncomplicated road. Having nothing to hide, he is not hampered by twists and turns.

{The wicked fool follows the twisting, narrow path full of distressing Circumstances. Always having some act, motive, or statement to Cover up, he makes life incredibly complicated for himself. He is pressured from all sides and must keep wriggling through narrow places to avoid being trapped.} Q3

Solomon said that the wise can run without stumbling (vs. 12). The godly person of wisdom is stable and strong. Neither missteps nor weariness cause him to stumble. Again, this is not a promise that difficult things will never happen to us if we are godly (cf. Job 1:8-12). However, when we live as God has commanded, we will avoid many unnecessary, self-inflicted pains.

The young learner is therefore counseled, "Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go keep her; for she is thy life" (Prov. 4:13). "Take fast hold" implies getting a firm grip and tenaciously maintaining it. This is intensified in the next command: "Let her not go." The "instruction" the son must grasp is the wisdom his father has taught him. This is not something we acquire once and then never have to think about again. We must continue to hold on to wisdom over time.

 Children who are fascinated by a new object often lose interest over time and may even discard it. We must never treat spiritual truth that way. It must not become commonplace (cf. Phil. 3:7-9; Rev. 3:11). Christ gave His life to impart it to us.

{So important is God's wisdom that Solomon said it is our life (Prov. 4:13). We never outgrow it. The simple yet profound truths that were so precious to us when we first received Christ continue to nourish us until we reach glory. Therefore, we must do our utmost to guard them and not let Satan distract us from them.}Q4

 

A Warning Concerning The Teaching (Prov. 4:14-15).

Continuing the image a pathway, Solomon warned, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men." To drift from the path of wisdom is to enter the way of the wicked, who practice their antisocial deeds at the expense of others. "Enter not" stresses the importance of not even taking the first step toward this way. To do so jeopardizes every step (cf. PS. 1:1).

"Go not in the way of evil men" (Prov. 4) changes the perspective to one who may have already been seduced into the evil way. The verb "go" implies striding forward, as if this path could be followed. But this will lead only to corruption and death. Solomon urged his son to leave this road with all haste.

The next verse intensifies the warning: "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away" (vs. 15). "Avoid" is perhaps too mild; the verb implies rebelling or rejecting. "Pass not by it" means, simply, "do not travel on it." to "turn from it" is to redirect one's steps away, while to "pass away" is to avoid it while continuing on the road to wisdom. These commands argue against the way of evil in the strongest possible language.

Wisdom is the basis for a stable life. Youths should heed the godly instruction of parents and set their 33 feet on the path of life. At all costs they should shun seductive calls to follow the way of the wicked.

As young people follow God's ways, they will increasingly see and understand the world around them better as they grow in righteousness and wisdom (cf. vs. 18). In contrast, the wicked do not understand God's wisdom or the world around them, and they stumble through life (vs. 19). God created the world and knows the best way for us to live in it. Because of this, living how He has instructed us naturally leads to flourishing,

 

Wisdom As The Source of Health

 20 My son, attend to my incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

25 Let thine eyes look right on and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established.

27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

 

An Exhortation To Heed Instruction (Prov. 4:20-21

After elaborating on the ways of the wicked (vss. 16-19), Solomon began another discourse marked by the words "My son" (vs. 20). He again emphasized the effects of the way of wisdom. In his exhortation, Solomon referred to the body. {He urged his son, "Incline thine ear unto my sayings" (vs. 20). To incline is to stretch out; here it figuratively pictures a son stretching his ear in the direction of his father to catch every word. This is not intended literally; the son is urged to pay close attention to all that is being taught.

The exhortation also includes an appeal to the eyes: "Let them not depart from thine eyes" (vs. 21). Here the emphasis shifts from receiving instruction to retaining it. Vigilance is needed to keep wisdom from departing; one's eyes must figuratively be alert to this danger. The appeal to the eyes, however, may also be a more literal charge to repeatedly read the words of wisdom in the Scriptures.}Q5 To neglect this is to allow holy wisdom to slip away.

A third physical reference is to the them in the midst of thine heart." (vs. 21). Scripture rarely refers to the physical heart. This is an inclusive term that speaks of the entire inner person—mentally, emotionally, morally, and spiritually.

The ears and eyes are seen as gateways to the heart; once the father's teachings are thus received, the son is to keep them in his heart (vs. 21). They are to become so much a part of him that they influence his entire personality and behavior (cf. col. 3:16-17).

 

The Well-Being of The Wise (Prov. 4:22)

. Solomon wrote that these words of wisdom "are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." This provides us motivation. We are reminded again (cf. vs. 13) that godly wisdom provides the fullness of life that God intended for us. But "find" also reminds us that this fullness comes only to those who seek it.

{To those who find it, godly wisdom becomes "health to all their flesh" (vs. 22). We apply different remedies to the various ailments of body, mind, and spirit. These have their place, but sound teaching brings benefits that go far beyond the spiritual. Directly or indirectly, it brings health to the whole person (cf. Prov. 3:8; 167:24)} Q6

 

 The Importance of The Heart (Prov. 4:23).

The spiritual soundness of one's life depends on the condition of the heart. "Keep thy heart with all diligence," Solomon wrote, "for out of it are the issues of life." The inner self must be guarded to protect it not only from evil from without but, perhaps even more, from evil within. This is because in its fallen condition "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked' (Jer. 17:9).

Diligence is essential not only because of the heart's propensity for evil but also because of its power. "Out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23). {The heart refers to the whole inner being and is the spring of all of life, whether good or bad. Thoughts, motives, words, decisions, and actions all proceed from the heart. The whole direction of our lives hinges on control of our heart.}Q7

 

Applications In Daily Conduct (Prov. 4:24-27).

What does it look like to guard the heart? {First, Solomon wrote, "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee." Nothing reveals the content of the heart as quickly as one's words (cf. Matt. 12:34-37; Rom. 10:10). A "froward mouth" (Prov. 4:24) speaks of deceitful speech that twists the truth. "Perverse lips" bring forth corrupt and unprofitable talk.

We are counseled to put all evil words far away from us. The New Testament exhorts us to replace wicked words with those that edify (Eph. 4:29). Only divine strength will enable us to do that, though, since sins of speech are often the last to be conquered (cf. Jas3:2)}Q8.

As the mouth needs to be controlled, so do the eyes: "Let thine eyes look right on and let thine eyelids look straight before thee" (Prov. 4:25). {Life is full of potential distractions. Some may be wicked thoughts and goals; others may be merely useless interests that hinder godly intentions. But they all tempt us to go astray from the path of wisdom.

To avoid those distractions, we need to keep our eyes focused on the straight path. It is essential to pursue a holy life with singleness of purpose (cf. Phil. 3:13-16). The writer to the Hebrews portrayed this as running a race without distraction, keeping our eyes on Him who has gone before (Heb. 12:1-2Q9

 Solomon next counseled his son, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established" (Prov. 4:26). While the eyes stay focused on the right path, the feet follow and walk in it. We are instructed to carefully consider our actions. Do they follow the path our eyes have focused on? The proof of sound planning lies in the practices that carry it out.

"Let all thy ways be established" (vs. 26) is a call to be steadfast in following the path of wisdom. Our behavior should consistently follow a singleness of purpose. It is also possible to take this statement as a promise: "And all your ways shall be established (steadfast)." The outcome of pondering carefully the path our feet take is a life of consistently doing God's will and glorifying Him.

{While Proverbs 4:26 states the proper use of the feet, verse 27 warns of their improper use. "Turn not to the right hand nor to the left," said Solomon; "remove thy foot from evil." The path of godly wisdom is well-defined, and deviation is therefore inexcusable. Danger may lie to either the right or the left, so both must be avoided. If our foot has already begun to stray, we must immediately turn from evil.) Q10

Let us recognize dangers on both sides of the straight path. Secularism is a hazard, but so is subjective mysticism. Loose morals are wrong, but so is legalism. Rejecting the deity of Christ is disastrous but so is rejecting His humanity. The straight path of wisdom can be followed only as we follow the teaching of the Word of God. —Robert

 

QUESTIONS

1 Why is it important for young people to heed their elders' instruction?

2. How do we know that wisdom in our passages is more than just theoretical knowledge?

3. Why does the life of the wicked become unduly complicated?

4 In what sense can the path of  wisdom be called our "life" (Prov4:13.

5 How are the ears and eyes involved  in receiving instruction?

6  In what way is godly wisdom conducive to good health?

7  What is the meaning of "heart" in . Scripture? Why is it essential to guard it?

8. What does our passage say concerning the use of the mouth?

9. What is the meaning of the eyes looking straight ahead (vs. 25)?

10. How does our text describe deviation from the right path? —Robert E. Waggoner

 

Preparing to Teach the Lesson

 It takes only one generation to change the course of a family or even a nation. In our lesson this week, we explore the power that God's Word has to change our communities as it is passed down through the generations.

 

TODAY'S AIM

Facts: to show that God's laws can bless each generation.

Principle: to affirm that we can know right from wrong if we stick to God's laws.

Application: to help believers pass down the truth of God's Word by living righteous lives.

 

INTRODUCING THE LESSON

Have you ever wondered how you developed your habits, or why you think the way you do? We are largely the products of our environments. Sometimes those environments can be bad, as when parents by their words or example teach their children to lie, cheat, and steal. Sometimes environments can be good, as when a parent changes the course of family history by following God. Can you identify with growing up in either of these situations? This week we see the power of God's Word as it is passed down from generation to generation.

 

 

DEVELOPING THE LESSON

1. Listen to the words of wisdom (Prov. 4:10-13).

Here Solomon is speaking to his son. Likewise, God deals with us as a father would with his Children. He gives us instructions to follow for Our guidance and for our good. He has also provided an instruction manual for us. The Bible, His Word, gives us His wisdom; so, we have no reason to go astray. (of course, the Bible is much, much more than just an instruction manual.) When we obey His laws and follow His directions, we will have a more fruitful life. Ask the class whether there are any among them who do not want to have a long and healthy life. Why can we be confident that God's way leads to blessing?

We are to listen to God and obey His Word. When we follow His Word, we will not stray from the straight and narrow path. We will not stumble because He leads us in His wisdom. People often look for fulfillment in life a d for guidance in all the wrong place. The Bible makes it clear that we must have His wisdom to be truly happy.

Help the students to see that the Word of God must direct every part of our lives. When His Word guides us, we will not be so prone to do what is wrong. We are to keep His Word in our hearts to prompt and guard us. We are called to not only learn His ways, but also to walk in them. Encourage the students to talk about those times when the Word showed them the truth, but they resisted it. What did they learn from those experiences? What specific steps can we take so that God's Word guides our every step?

 

2. Evil people behave without the instruction and wisdom of God (Prov. 4:14-15).

Here the implication is that the wicked either have not had good guidance or have rejected the guidance they received from God's Word. Consequently, we are not to follow their example. We are to go in the exact opposite direction, for they go the way of evil.

Help the class members to see that there are two sides to this instruction. First, we are not to follow the example of the wicked, no matter how popular or powerful they may be. Second, we are to run in the opposite direction, away from evil and toward that which is good. Point out that not only must we seek to avoid what is evil, we must also actively seek what is good (cf. Eph. 4:22-24). When our minds are filled with God's wisdom, He will nudge us in the right direction. Get your students to talk about times when they made the right decision to run away from evil.

God invites us toward a life full of wisdom and fulfillment. He knows what is best for us and lovingly directs us toward what He knows will bless us. He wisely guides us towards good things as He instructs us in His Word.

 

3. Stay close to God's instructions for life and health (Prov. 4:20-27).

 Here the emphasis is on keeping our focus on God's instructions. We invite destruction into our lives when we go our own ways. We must listen carefully to our heavenly Father. This is a good place to stress to the class that we listen to God largely by taking time to read His Word. If we do not read His Word, it will be hard to hear from Him.

A daily schedule for reading the Bible can be very helpful, as is coming up with a regular time. The Bible brings health and life to all those who read it. Positive change happens when the Word instructs our thinking. The Word makes us spiritually healthy and prepared to deal with the life's trials. If a doctor tells us to take a certain medicine for our health, we would do it. How much more do we need to listen to our heavenly Physician?

 There is more good instruction. In Proverbs 4:23 we are reminded to guard our heart, for it is the crucial center that controls all that we do. If our hearts are pure, our actions will follow. If our hearts are to be pure, we must listen carefully to God's instructions and follow them. Discuss with the class ways in which we can keep our hearts pure.

One step indicated here is to keep our speech pure and clean. God gives us breath to speak blessings, not curses. This is an area where we Christians fall so easily. In our walk with the Lord, we are to keep our focus on pleasing God and not get sidetracked. We are to walk with our goal in mind. That goal is to please God. Help the students see that an "up-and-down" faith is not the ideal. Rather, our walk should have a clear focus, based on God's Word. Discuss how we can make this happen.

 

ILLUSTRATING THE LESSON

God's wisdom gives life ang health to all who heed it. BENEFITS OF WISDOM LIFE 00 HEALTH

 

CONCLUDING THE LESSON

 Conclude the session by stressing that without the Word of God taking hold of our lives, we are not able to grow spiritually. We are like babies. Only when the Word takes control of our thoughts and actions do we become the adults that God wants us to be.

 

ANTICIPATING THE NEXT LESSON

Our next lesson, from Galatians urges us to hang onto the truth of the gospel and will conclude this unit on Biblical Thinking. —A Koshy MuthaLaLy

 

PRACTICAL POINTS

 1. Wisdom bears no fruit if a person does not receive it in humility (Prov. 4:10-13).

2. One way to prevent straying into sin is to simply avoid evil paths (vss. 14-15).

3. Like any discipline, growing in wisdom requires time and dedication (vss. 20-21).

4. Seeking wisdom is not merely academic; it often results in a life well lived (vss. 22-23).

5. Wisdom involves what we say and what we do (vs. 24).

6. Wise living is not incidental. It must be pursued (vss. 25-27). —Jason Ching

 

RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you seek out instruction? Why or why not (Prov. 4:10-13)?

2. How are you tempted to walk down evil paths? What can you do to resist temptations (vss. 14-15)?

3. God calls us to be wise, but is it sinful to be unwise? Why or why not? Why does it matter (vss. 20-21)?

4. When does one's use of language begin to be counted as "froward" and "perverse" (vs. 24)? How does this apply to jokes, sarcasm, satire, cynical comments, and so forth?

5. What is the difference between thinking of wisdom as an intellectual pursuit and thinking of it as a lifestyle? What is the difference between worldly and spiritual wisdom (cf. Jas. 3:1 5)? Do you actively and purposefully try to live wisely (Prov. 4:25-27)? —Jason Ching

 

ILLUSTRATED HIGH POINTS

Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go (Prov 4:13)

There are many things that we hold on to lightly—our phones, our keys, a pencil. We sometimes drop things like our keys or a hat, but it usually doesn't matter. But we should hold fast to wisdom like we were holding a rope while rock climbing. We refuse to let go! The stakes are too high to let our fingers slip.

 

 Enter not into the path of the wicked (vs. 14)

 A girl who had received Chri*was examined by a board of deacons. One deacon asked, "Were you a sinner before you invited Christ into your life?" The girl quickly answered, "Yes, sir." He then asked, "Are you still a sinner?" Her reply was that she felt she was an even greater sinner than before.

Somewhat surprised, the deacon asked, "Then what real change have you experienced?" She said, "l used to be a sinner running after sin, now that I am saved, I am a sinner running from sin."

 

Keep thy heart with all diligence (vs. 23)

A missionary in Africa explained how he protected his truck from theft. First, he kept it in a locked garage behind a locked gate.

Second, he secured the steering wheel with a steel rod. He locked the doors and activated the alarm.

Third, he had special lug nuts that made it more difficult to steal the wheels. We tend to guard what we deem valuable. The question is, how well do we guard our hearts from the wickedness of the world? —David A. Hamburg

​

​

​